When it comes to getting book reviews, indie authors have a variety of options, but two of the biggest names in the industry are Kirkus Reviews and City Book Review. Both offer professional book review services, but which one gives indie authors more bang for their buck?
If you’re an independent author looking for a credible, high-quality review that helps you gain visibility, reach readers, and maximize marketing impact, City Book Review stands out as the better choice. Let’s break down the cost, reach, credibility, and marketing benefits of each service—and why City Book Review is the smarter investment for indie authors.
Kirkus Reviews: Pros and Cons for Indie Authors
Kirkus is one of the most recognized names in the book review industry. Many traditional publishers and established authors use Kirkus to gain critical acclaim. However, for indie authors, the value of a Kirkus review is questionable, especially when considering the high cost and limited marketing benefits.
The Cost Factor
Kirkus charges:
- $425 for a standard review (7-9 weeks turnaround)
- $575 for an expedited review (4-6 weeks turnaround)
For indie authors working with a tight marketing budget, this is a steep price for a single review—especially since Kirkus does not guarantee a positive review. If you receive a negative review, you have to decide whether to publish it or discard it, with no refunds or do-overs.
Limited Reach and Marketing Support
- Reviews appear in the Kirkus website database, but not all reviews get featured in their magazine or newsletters.
- If you receive a positive review, you can’t use it freely—you must license excerpts for marketing use, which costs even more money.
- While Kirkus has credibility, its reviews are often overly critical or academic, which may not resonate with your target readers.
Summary of Kirkus for Indie Authors
✅ Established brand name with traditional publishing credibility
❌ High cost with no guarantee of a positive review
❌ No follow-up marketing or promotion
❌ You have to pay extra to use your own review in marketing
❌ Limited audience reach for indie books
City Book Review: A Better Alternative for Indie Authors
City Book Review operates several well-known book review sites, including:
These platforms cater specifically to indie and self-published authors, making City Book Review a more accessible and supportive option.
Affordable Pricing
Compared to Kirkus, City Book Review offers far more reasonable pricing for indie authors:
- $199 for a standard review (8-10 weeks turnaround)
- $349 for an expedited review (4-6 weeks turnaround)
This is significantly cheaper than Kirkus while still delivering a high-quality professional review. Authors can invest their extra savings into other crucial marketing efforts, such as advertising or book giveaways.
Greater Reach and Visibility
Unlike Kirkus, City Book Review provides wider exposure for indie authors, not only can you get more than one unique review, your reviews
- Reviews appear on the City Book Review websites (San Francisco, Manhattan, Seattle, and Portland).
- Reviews are promoted via social media and newsletters, increasing visibility among actual readers.
- Authors can use their reviews freely in marketing—no additional licensing fees.
This means your review isn’t just sitting in a database—it’s being actively shared and promoted, increasing its impact on book sales.
Supportive for Indie Authors
City Book Review understands the challenges indie authors face and provides:
- Constructive feedback rather than harsh academic criticism.
- Professional reviews that reflect real reader perspectives, making them more relatable.
- Add-on marketing services such as press releases, author interviews, and book promotion packages.
Instead of just delivering a review and leaving authors to fend for themselves (as Kirkus does), City Book Review helps authors market their books effectively.
Summary of City Book Review for Indie Authors
✅ More affordable pricing ($199-$349 vs. Kirkus’s $425-$575)
✅ Reviews are shared on multiple platforms, increasing exposure
✅ No extra licensing fees—authors can freely use their review in marketing
✅ More constructive and reader-friendly reviews
✅ Offers additional marketing services to help authors promote their books
Kirkus vs. City Book Review: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Kirkus Reviews | City Book Review |
---|---|---|
Cost | $425 – $575 | $150 – $299 |
Turnaround Time | 4-9 weeks | 4-10 weeks |
Guaranteed Positive Review? | No | No, but more constructive feedback |
Marketing Support | None | Social media promotion + additional services |
Review Reach | Kirkus website (limited exposure) | Multiple review sites + social media |
Licensing Fees? | Yes, to use the review in marketing | No, authors can use reviews freely |
Best For | Traditional publishing credibility | Indie authors looking for cost-effective marketing |
Final Recommendation: City Book Review Wins for Indie Authors
For indie authors, every marketing dollar counts. Spending over $400 on a single Kirkus review that may not even be seen by your target readers is not the best investment—especially when there are more effective and budget-friendly alternatives.
City Book Review provides the same level of professional reviewing at a fraction of the price while also offering additional marketing opportunities that indie authors can use to boost visibility and sales.
If you’re looking for an affordable, professional book review service with actual marketing impact, City Book Review is the clear winner.