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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.

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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

  • Women’s/Feminist Fiction and non-fiction

  • Contemporary Literary Fiction

  • Short Stories and Anthologies

  • Some YA

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I will not accept books in the below category:

  • Science Fiction/Fantasy

  • Self-help

  • Poetry

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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See samples of my review here and here and here

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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How to Request for a Review

If you would like me to review your book, please contact me via email at here and include:

  • The tile of the book

  • A synopsis

  • Genre of the book

  • Author links or social media profiles

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If you are publisher/author in the UK, please email me for my shipper’s address in the UK.

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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)

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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.

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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.

  • Make suggestions on how to improve the authenticity of characters or veracity of the story.

  • Provide in-depth criticism in a written report.

 

What I will not do:
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– Offer suggestions that change the story completely

– Post a review/feedback online

– Copy edit or proofread your story

 

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Pricing
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Please contact me for my rate card

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