Why is a book review so important?

According to the Bowker Industry Statistics Report of 2009, more than a half a million new titles were projected to be printed in 2008. Even subtracting the print-on-demand and short run titles, there were still 285,394 new books printed, more than 150,000 from the year before. If it feels like we’re throwing a lot of big numbers around, imagine a modest 300,000 books traveling through the mail during a single year and arriving at the doors of book review organizations like ForeWord Reviews. That’s 958 books a day, Monday through Saturday.

Currently, our print version of ForeWord reviews about 100 every two months. And that’s not because there are only 100 good books that come through the office every fifty-two days, but because we have limitations like prepublication dates and the amount of pages that we can afford to print. Too many good books leave us without a review, and with so many books out there, a book without a review is very much like a carriage without the horse.

A good book may be the vehicle for transforming a life, an economy, a nation at war, but without the engine of endorsement, it might as well be living in the garage.

Why wasn’t my book selected for a review in the print magazine?

Because it arrived too late: The print edition of ForeWord Reviews only accepts pre-publication titles. Books must arrive to the offices at least four months ahead of their publication date.

Because it didn’t fit in the mix: ForeWord was founded to help librarians, booksellers, and readers discover the best new books from independent publishers; with that in mind, the editors attempt to provide their print audience with a well-rounded selection.

Because we ran out of room. Space limitations in the print magazine have restricted ForeWord to reviewing only 100 titles every issue.

Because it didn’t meet our standards: ForeWord’s editors look at all facets of a book before approving it for review. Approved books are relevant and unique, authors are qualified to write on the topic, and the books are attractively packaged and appropriate to a trade readership. Only titles from independent presses only are covered in the print version.

Do I have to pay for a review in the print edition of ForeWord?

No. ForeWord will continue to cover the costs of the print edition reviews.

Why do digital reviews cost $99?

Review opportunities in newspapers and magazines are shrinking daily; with half a million books are being published every year, someone has to sort them.

What we offer at ForeWord is a curated archive of good books. The archive is fully searchable online according to subject, author, title, and key words. To accomplish this, editors must be paid, reviewers must be paid. Shipping must be paid. Web sites must be maintained and IT salaries paid. Rent must be paid. Internet service must be paid. You get the picture.

Why would I pay for a review?

Our policy of reviewing only good books means a ForeWord review is a great review. We believe $99 is a very small price for what a good review represents: promotional copy, a back cover endorsement, and review distribution from a name-brand source.

How can I submit my book for review?

For ForeWord Reviews in print: follow the submission guidelines. Good books not selected for review in the print magazine will automatically be considered for a digital review.

For ForeWord Reviews digital: If you have not already submitted a copy of your book for print review, send a book plus an information sheet to:

ForeWord Magazine, digital
129 1/2 East Front Street
Traverse City MI 49684

All publishers and all publication dates are eligible for ForeWord Reviews digital. Titles that qualify for a digital review will be posted online. An RSS feed and email option are available for publishers to keep track of title approval.

Titles for digital review will be held in ForeWord’s offices for two weeks after the approval date. Publishers who order reviews after this time period will need to send another copy to the offices. Whenever possible, we will work towards a digital solution to the exchange.

How can I use my ForeWord review?

As soon as your review has been cleared by our editors, we will send you a copy for fact-checking. One approved, we will upload the review to our Web site. The Web site has email and RSS feeds by subject to keep librarians, booksellers, and general readers up to date. Once a month, we will also upload the reviews to our licensed database partners, Baker & Taylor’s Title Source III, Ingram’s iPage, Bowker’s Books in Print, Thompson Gale, and Ebsco. This brings your book to the fingertips of the major book buyers – everyone from Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, your local independent bookstore, and to public and school libraries who need a review to accompany their purchase orders.

Who qualifies for a review at ForeWord?

The print edition of ForeWord Reviews only covers prepublication titles of independent presses. All titles must have 13-digit ISBN numbers.

ForeWord’s digital reviews includes all publishers and has no restrictions on publication dates. All titles must have 13-digit ISBN numbers.