Review Policy

I’M CURRENTLY CLOSED TO REQUESTS. IF YOU’VE SENT AN EMAIL IN THE LAST MONTH I WILL TRY TO GET BACK TO YOU. I’VE BEEN ON HIATUS FOR A FEW MONTHS, AND IT’S STILL UP IN THE AIR WHETHER OR NOT I’M COMING BACK FULL TIME. IF I’VE AGREED TO READ AND REVIEW YOUR BOOK, THEN I WILL, BUT I’M NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING REQUESTS. Any acceptances will be on a very limited case by case basis, but I’m really not reviewing right now.

I’m an avid reader, so I’m always looking for new books to read. I want to read yours!

I’m more than happy to consider review requests from publishers as well as authors in exchange for an honest review. I can accept just about any format – physical is preferred. I also have a Kindle, so as long as the epub copy is compatible, I’m more than happy to accept those as well. I have accounts on both NetGalley and Edelweiss. I live in Maryland, which is something to consider when shipping physical copies, as shipping can be expensive.

Please email writingtheuniverseblog@gmail.com with any review requests. Please include a title and short synopsis or Goodreads page – somewhere I can view the information about your book. Please also provide any other pertinent info – if you want the book review and read by a certain date, I need to know. My monthly blogging schedule gets set at the beginning of each month. I only accept books written in English.

A little info about me:

I currently have over 840 followers on this blog, and average between 350-500 views a week – and well over 1500 views per month. Each month I garner more and more views, my stats are consistently rising.

I also promote the books I read/look interesting on Twitter (over 580 followers) and Instagram (over 270 followers) and occasionally my Personal Facebook page. I also post to Tumblr (112 followers) and every blog post I publish, posts to Bloglovin’ where I have 167 followers. I get comments on my blog and through my other social platforms, from people who have been convinced to buy a book due to my reviews.

When I love a book I tend to tweet about it a lot and urge everyone I know to read it. I link to Goodreads and often other retailers so people who visit my blog and read my posts, have easy access to where they can find the book. I’ve always loved reading and thoroughly enjoy being able to help promote books – upcoming or otherwise.
I mainly read YA Fantasy and Science Fiction and I love a good Rom Com.

How long will it take for me to review the book?

This can vary. Usually I try to get to books as soon as possible, but it depends on how packed my review schedule already is. If there is a time constraint, I’m more than happy to shift things around. Otherwise, it could take me 3-4 weeks to get to a book. I try to read upcoming releases by release date.

Where will the reviews be posted?

I post to here, as well as Goodreads. I do try and post to Amazon, but more often than not, my reviews aren’t posted. It’s something I’m currently trying to work out. I’m more than happy to post anywhere you’d like me to. All reviews get linked to Twitter, Tumblr and Bloglovin’. I also often post notifications to my Insta Stories, as well as my personal Facebook.

I also post monthly Haul and Wrap-Up post that feature the books I received and read that month. If there is a review posted for a book, it is linked in both posts.

What genres do I read?

I read most Young Adult and focus on Fantasy and Science Fiction/Dystopian. I enjoy New Adult and Contemporary novels on occasion. Other genres are up to my own discretion as I typically only read fiction. I’m not a fan on non-fiction, self-help, horror, crime, religion/spirituality, business, cooking/sports/travel. Any of these genres will almost 100% be declined or result in no review.

Elements that will convince me to read books over other genres:

Diverse cast of characters.

Strong writing and Plot.

Fleshed out world building.

Romance – I like a love interest.

Character Development – I want good character arcs, emotional weights and high stakes.

*Please Do Not send me working drafts of your novel, or unedited drafts – unless you are looking for a beta reader, or someone to provide feedback, versus a review.

If you are looking for a beta reader, or someone to provide critique, I am more than happy to oblige, but please specify that in your email.

My Rating Scale:

Every book has the potential to be a 3-star read – that’s my neutral and every book starts there. Then they have the chance to go up or down. I rate on a half star scale, and on any commercial site, I tend to round up. I very occasionally will rate something on a quarter scale – this isn’t often, and it’s usually a very picky reason that varies constantly.

1 star (⭐️) – this is reserved for books I DNF, that I just cannot get through. Whether the writing is poor, or poorly edited, the formatting doesn’t work, poorly developed characters or, unrealistic dialogue. I try not to DNF books, but it does occasionally happen. I still post my review of the book and give the reasons why it didn’t work for me.

2 stars (⭐️ ⭐️) – it’s also rare that I rate a book this low, but it tends to happen when the concept is good, but on some level the execution is missing. That might because the writing is poor, or poorly edited, the formatting doesn’t work, poorly developed characters or, unrealistic dialogue – all these things can impact the rating.

3 stars (⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️) – this is my neutral. This is for a book that is enjoyable, but I don’t have strong feelings one way or another. It might just not have been the book for me, but I can appreciate why others may love it. Again, this might be because the writing is poor, or poorly edited, the formatting doesn’t work, poorly developed characters or, unrealistic dialogue – all these things can impact the rating.

4 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) – this is for books that I thoroughly enjoyed or surprised me. They’re usually fairly strong in plot, characters, dialogue and world building. Any issues I may have are minor and forgivable – usually ranging in “I want more” or “the pacing was slightly off”. I will still be telling everyone to read the book and will be posting about it.

5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) – this means your book was excellent and I can’t stop thinking about it. The writing was strong, same with character development and world building. I will have absolutely loved the world and the plot, and my only complaint will be that I have to “wait for the next one”, or “I can’t believe I’ve finished, what am I supposed to do now?” I will be posting about this book, and telling everyone to read it.