US Review of Books vs. Indie Reader: Two Independent Review Platforms Compared
US Review of Books and Indie Reader are two independent review services competing for indie author business. They're similar in price range but offer different value propositions.
US Review prioritizes speed and print distribution. Indie Reader prioritizes competitive awards and recognition. The choice depends on what matters more to your marketing strategy.
Price Comparison: The Numbers
Feature |
US Review of Books |
Indie Reader |
City Book Review |
Standard Review |
$150-$200 |
$85-$120 |
$199 |
Award Entry |
No |
Yes (included) |
No |
Standard Turnaround |
4-6 weeks |
6-8 weeks |
6-8 weeks |
Review Length |
300-400 words |
250-350 words |
350+ words |
Print Distribution |
Yes (magazine) |
No |
No |
Win Potential |
No |
Yes |
No |
Indie Reader is cheaper ($85-$120) because the review is slightly shorter. But it includes automatic entry into their annual awards program, which is valuable if your book has a chance of winning.
What US Review of Books Actually Delivers
Professional reviews, 300-400 words, published on their website and in their quarterly print magazine. Fast turnaround (4-6 weeks). National reach. Print magazine distribution adds tangible credibility.
The main value is speed and print credibility. If you need a review quickly and want print magazine visibility, US Review is strong.
The concerns
No award opportunity. Single publication outlet. If your book has award potential, Indie Reader's included awards program is more valuable.
What Indie Reader Actually Delivers
Professional reviews, 250-350 words, published on their website. Every review submission is automatically entered into their annual Indie Book Awards competition. Winning categories award you badge and marketing material for use.
The main value is the award opportunity. Even if you don't win, being a finalist or honoree gives you a credential. Indie Reader reviews are cheaper because the review itself is slightly shorter, but the award component adds value.
The concerns
Slower than US Review (6-8 weeks vs 4-6). Shorter reviews (250-350 vs 300-400). Single publication outlet. No guarantee of award recognition.
What City Book Review Actually Delivers
Professional reviews, 350+ words, published across 9 regional outlets. Reasonable turnaround (6-8 weeks). No awards, but multi-outlet distribution compensates.
Better review length and distribution than both services, at a reasonable price ($199).
The concerns
No award opportunity. Slower than US Review. But multi-outlet distribution is a distinct advantage over both services.
Distribution Comparison
Distribution |
US Review of Books |
Indie Reader |
City Book Review |
Print Distribution |
Yes |
No |
No |
Award Recognition |
No |
Yes |
No |
Multi-Outlet |
No |
No |
Yes (9 outlets) |
Review Length |
300-400 words |
250-350 words |
350+ words |
Speed to Publication |
Fastest (4-6 weeks) |
6-8 weeks |
6-8 weeks |
When US Review of Books Makes More Sense
- You need the fastest turnaround (4-6 weeks).
- Print magazine visibility is valuable for your marketing.
- You don't care about awards and want quick publication.
- You want the longest reviews (300-400 words) for marketing material.
When Indie Reader Makes More Sense
- Your book has award potential (compelling story, strong writing, unique angle).
- Award badge and recognition matter for your marketing.
- You want the lowest price ($85-$120) among these three.
- You're willing to wait slightly longer for the award opportunity.
When City Book Review Makes More Sense
- Multi-outlet publication (9 vs 1) is more valuable than speed or awards.
- You want the longest reviews (350+ words) for marketing material.
- You want professional quality with reasonable turnaround.
- You may qualify for the editorial review option program.
- Geographic diversity (9 cities) reaches more audiences than single outlets.
The Strategic Question
These three services offer different value props. US Review prioritizes speed and print credibility. Indie Reader prioritizes award recognition. City Book Review prioritizes multi-outlet distribution.
Choose US Review if you need fast publication. Choose Indie Reader if you think your book could win recognition. Choose City Book Review if you want the broadest distribution for your budget.
The Bottom Line
|
US Review of Books wins on speed and print credibility. Indie Reader wins on award opportunity and value. City Book Review wins on multi-outlet distribution. The choice depends on your priority: speed, awards, or distribution. |