
Review Policy
Thank you for your interest in contacting me for a book review. I am glad you found me, and I look forward to working with you.
I have been reviewing books consistently for over 5 years and have been able to build a growing audience whom I engage with on books discussions and literary themes. In addition, I write thoughtful, critical, and honest reviews on my blog and social media platforms which has a growing audience of over 5k on Instagram. I have published slightly over 100 book reviews. If I love your book, I might consider proposing it as a book club read. I currently run a book club with a membership of 400+ readers.
I have a bias for literature from the African continent and diaspora including Caribbean literature, literature by women and generally people of colour. I will accept books that fall under the below genres:
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Historical Fiction and non-fiction
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Women’s/Feminist Fiction and non-fiction
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Contemporary Literary Fiction
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Short Stories and Anthologies
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Some YA
I will not accept books in the below category:
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Science Fiction/Fantasy
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Self-help
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Poetry
If your genre isn’t mentioned here, feel free to contact me anyway. If the story sounds interesting, I might read and review it.
What Formats do I accept?
I prefer physical books that I will accept in Hardback or paper back. I can also accept limited e-books (please contact me before hand if you’d like me to review a book in e-format)
How are my reviews structured?
All reviews I post here are my honest opinions, thoughts, and views on a book. I am in no way compensated for the reviews I share here. However, if you would like to engage me on marketing campaigns or to increase visibility of a book or literary festival/event, please contact me on email here and I will share my rate card.
I give balanced reviews of all the books I read, whether complimentary or purchased copies and remain as respectful as possible in my critique, even in instances where I did not enjoy the book.
In the event that I do not enjoy a book, I may not review and only chose to share a synopsis and image of the book. I retain discretion on which reviews I share on my platforms.
See samples of my review here and here and here
Where do you share your reviews?
I will share a short version review on my Instagram page (see samples here) and longer review versions will be available on my blog and goodreads. I usually begin by sharing the synopsis of the book and then share my own thoughts on the book. I will always include if I would recommend the book to other readers and why.
My reviews will usually cover plot, POV, characterization, writing style and my emotional response to the book as a reader.
Any complimentary copies for review will be highlighted as such.
How Long does it take you to review a book?
I will always try to review a book as soon as possible after receiving it, however, my standard timeframe is 3 to 7 weeks upon receipt. Note that I do not solely read review books, I also have my own reading and will try to slot in a review copy in a timely fashion. I will send a confirmation email once a review is published.
How to Request for a Review
If you would like me to review your book, please contact me via email at here and include:
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The tile of the book
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A synopsis
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Genre of the book
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Author links or social media profiles
If you are publisher/author in the UK, please email me for my shipper’s address in the UK.
From any other part of the world, please send review copies at;
Muthoni Muiruri
P.O Box 25298-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
GPO 00100
My ratings
I rate books out of 5.
5 – An exceptional book that I will probably talk about for the rest of my life and recommend it to as many readers as possible.
4 - A Really Good Book. I Highly Recommend. Maybe one or two things I didn’t quite like, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
3 - A Good Book. I enjoyed the book but may have not been moved emotionally by it and feel it could use some improvements, more research, better tie of plot – but a good book and story still. I recommend it.
Usually, 3 is my average rating for books. If I feel a book would rate under 3, I might not finish reading it and as a general rule, I do not review books I DNF’d (Did Not Finish)
If this checks out, please reach out to me. I will respond to enquiries within 48 hrs.
Beta Reading
Here’s the thing: While your work may be perfect technically, it may not offer a compelling story, or a riveting read. As a beta reader I can read and provide written feedback on your unpublished manuscript from the point of view of a reader.....
I can help you see your story from another set of eyes and the feedback will allow you to fix any remaining issues with the manuscript.
Beta reading does not however replace editing and whilst I may make comments on structure and grammar, I will not edit the work. I will however, based on agreed upon feedback deliverables, provide a report addressing:
What I will do:
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Offer constructive feedback on characterization, story arcs, dialogue, pacing, and plot and/ or any inconsistencies.
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Make suggestions on how to improve the authenticity of characters or veracity of the story.
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Provide in-depth criticism in a written report.
What I will not do:
– Offer suggestions that change the story completely
– Post a review/feedback online
– Copy edit or proofread your story
Pricing
Please contact me for my rate card