Book Review Policy for Authors

Book Review Policy & Request Guidelines

Last updated: September 2026

Review Request Update

Thank you for your interest in having your book considered for review.

I am currently taking a temporary pause from accepting new review requests while I catch up on existing reading and review commitments. Reviews already accepted will continue as planned.

New requests received during this pause may not receive an individual response. I plan to review submissions again in January 2027.

Thank you for your understanding and for supporting thoughtful, independent book reviews.

book review policy page banner for Gina Rae Mitchell book blog featuring guidelines, submissions, and what to expect

Thank you for your interest in having your book featured on GinaRaeMitchell.com. I'm always excited to discover new stories-especially from indie authors-and I'm honored you're considering me as part of your book's journey.

I champion indie authors and stories worth discovering-while staying honest, reader-focused, and true to my own reading experience.

What I Review

I read across a wide range of genres, with a strong focus on:

  • Cozy mysteries
  • Historical fiction
  • Contemporary fiction
  • Select fantasy and speculative fiction
  • Children's and middle grade books

I do not review: erotica, extreme horror, or books with excessive graphic violence.

Due to volume, I may occasionally pause or limit certain genres.

Review Format & Platforms

If accepted, your book may be featured in one or more of the following ways:

  • Full review on my blog
  • Feature in a roundup or Friday Finds post
  • Reviews posted to Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub (when available)

I also frequently resurface past reviews in future posts and newsletters, giving your book extended visibility over time.

Reading Format

I read primarily using the Kindle app.

Preferred formats: ePub or gifted Kindle copy

PDFs may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: .mobi files are no longer supported.

Important Notes Before Requesting

  • My review queue is often booked in advance
  • Acceptance does not guarantee a review
  • If a book is not a good fit, I will let you know
  • I do not guarantee a timeline unless part of a scheduled tour

A review provides exposure-but does not guarantee sales.

My Rating Approach

I use a weighted evaluation system to guide my ratings while keeping the focus on thoughtful, reader-centered reviews.

👉 Read my full rating system here.

If I feel a book would fall into a low rating range (1-2 stars), I will typically reach out before posting a public review.

How to Request a Review

Please note: New review requests are currently paused. The information below will remain available when submissions reopen.

Please email your request and include the following:

  • Book title and author name
  • Genre
  • Publication date
  • Approximate length (pages or word count)
  • Content or trigger warnings
  • Blurb or summary
  • Amazon or Goodreads link
  • Author page link (Amazon or Goodreads preferred)
  • Confirmation that you have read and agree to this policy

Requests missing this information may not receive a response.

Before You Submit

If you haven't already, I recommend browsing a few of my recent reviews to ensure we're a good fit:

Browse my reviews

Final Thoughts

I value respectful, professional relationships with authors and love engaging in the comments when posts go live.

If we work together, I hope it becomes an ongoing connection-not just a one-time feature.

You can also visit my Work With Me page or read more about how I choose books to review.


If you'd like to support the blog, you can do so here:

Ko-fi

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