How to get Editorial Reviews: An Affordable Path for Indie Authors

Why Editorial Reviews Matter

Editorial reviews are a powerful way to build credibility, attract readers, and strengthen your book marketing. They’re professional, third-party reviews written by experienced readers who know how to highlight your book’s strengths and story appeal. Unlike customer reviews, editorial reviews can be quoted across your website, Amazon A+ content, media kits, and promotional materials, giving your book instant authority.

At Stacks Publishing, we connect indie authors with vetted, professional reviewers through our Editorial Reviews program, part of the Substack Bookstore ecosystem.

What Is an Editorial Review?

An editorial review is a professional reader’s written assessment of your book, designed for marketing and promotional use. Unlike beta or ARC reviews, editorial reviews focus on your book’s style, tone, and market appeal rather than feedback for editing.

Authors use editorial reviews to:

  • Add credibility to Amazon and Goodreads listings

  • Provide quotable praise for book covers and websites

  • Support press releases and social media promotions

  • Build trust with readers, reviewers, and booksellers

An editorial review is not a star rating or casual comment; it’s a crafted endorsement written to help you position your book effectively in a crowded market.

How to Get Editorial Reviews

There are many editorial review services available online at different price points, from automated review portals to high-end literary journals. Some offer exposure but no guarantee of coverage, while others may charge large fees for uncertain results.

At Stacks Publishing, every reviewer in our Editorial Reviews program is vetted, briefed, and paid: meaning you’re guaranteed a professional-quality review suitable for your promotional use.

Each reviewer has proven experience reading and assessing indie and traditionally published titles. You’ll receive a written review of 200–400 words, formatted for use across Amazon A+ content, author websites, and Substack campaigns.

Why Choose Stacks Publishing’s Editorial Reviews?

Our service stands out because we combine professionalism with reach. Through our Substack Bookstore network, your book gains visibility across a community of engaged readers, reviewers, and authors.

Here’s what sets our editorial review service apart:

  • Guaranteed delivery of one full written review

  • Reviewers are real people — not bots or bulk readers

  • Each reviewer is matched to your genre and tone

  • Reviews are written for marketing use, not internal feedback

  • Optional add-ons available for cross-promotion on Substack and social media

Many authors use our editorial reviews as cornerstone assets in their marketing campaigns: from Amazon listings to media coverage and influencer outreach.

How to Prepare for an Editorial Review

To get the most out of your editorial review:

  • Submit a professionally formatted manuscript or final PDF

  • Provide your synopsis, genre, and key marketing hook

  • Allow six weeks for review turnaround

  • Reviewers will return a marketing-ready blurb you can use immediately

You’ll retain full rights to quote and reproduce the review across your author platforms, as long as you credit Stacks Publishing or The Substack Bookstore.

Get an Editorial Review with Stacks Publishing

Our Editorial Reviews program helps indie authors gain professional, credible reviews without the guesswork. With each campaign, you’ll receive:

  • One guaranteed, paid-for editorial review

  • Optional promotional placement in the Substack Bookstore, for an additional fee

  • Visibility across our network of 17,000+ engaged readers

  • Fast turnaround and professional presentation

You’ve invested time and care into your book: now give it the professional polish it deserves.

Ready to Get Your Editorial Review?

Submit your book through Stacks Publishing’s Editorial Reviews Substack and secure your guaranteed professional review today.

Let our reviewers help you showcase your story’s strengths and elevate your book marketing with confidence.