The primary goal of this page is to share with you my book review policy.  If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding what is stated please contact me at michelle[at]galleysmith.com.

  • I like a wide spectrum of genres but, as is the case with most people, some are less enjoyable than others.  Please keep the following in mind:
    • Will Read: young adult, middle grade, dystopian, chick-lit, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction
    • I will not read: horror, gratuitous violence, erotica, religion, politics, self-help, trade & how-to, memoir, self-published books
    • Open to Inquiry/Pitch: graphic novel, historical fiction, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal

If I have not listed a particular genre and you have a title you’d like reviewed please inquire, as I enjoy finding new authors that pull me in.

  • I am happy to host book tours, author interviews, guest posts and giveaways.
  • I do not guarantee a positive review, however, reviews will be honest and constructive.  Recognizing that comments I make are subjective and may be influential I will clearly outline why I felt as I did.
  • I will not review a book in a series out of sequence. If you are pitching a book that falls in a series that I have yet to begin, I will request a copy of each of it’s predecessors so I am able to read and review effectively. I will be sure to post an individual review of all books read.  Please note, I’m currently in the midst of many series so please feel free to inquire about including yours as well.
  • I will do my best to read each book to completion.  However, in some cases a book is not a good fit with my particular preferences. If this is the case with a book you’ve submitted I will read as much as possible then post a small review outlining my preferences and why I personally found difficulty.
  • I love reading works by the same author.  I am always happy to review backlist books in preparation for new releases.
  • Timeliness of review posts are of great significance and is an issue I take seriously.  The following relate to my efforts to provide the best service:
    • I maintain a specific review schedule (privately) that outlines release dates, blog tours, and deadlines.
    • I do my best to post a review within the same month I receive a book.  But prefer to have more advance notice if possible.
    • I do my best to post reviews of books on or around its release date.
    • If you have a precise date a post needs to be made (one that coincides with a tour or release date) please advise and I’ll be sure to fit it in my schedule as best I can.
    • If a book is already published when I receive it, I add it to my “to be read” (TBR) list.  TBR books can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to read and review.
  • Publicity is a critical aspect of the review process.  I undertake the following steps to provide your submissions the most attention:
    • Cross posting reviews (though in many cases abridged versions) at Amazon, B&N, Borders, Library Thing and Good Reads.
    • Prompt about blog post of review via Twitter at @galleysmith.
    • Commenting on colleague reviews and cross posting link to my thoughts (where applicable) within other reviewers blogs.
    • Membership in book blog directories such as Book Bloggers Appreciation Week Directory, Here Be Reviews, Kidlitosphere Central, YA Book Blog Directory, The YA Blogoshpere, The Book Bloggers, and Book Blogs Ning.
  • I do not sell review copies but will include them as part of giveaways or donate them to non-profits and libraries unless you specifically request I do not.
  • I have an e-reader and will be happy to accept e-books.
[updated 03/09/11]
(thank you beatccr, bethfishreads, dreadlockgirl, myfriendamy, skrishna for inspiration that led to this thorough policy)