This page is intended to inform authors about Amy's Bookshelf Reviews Rules and Policies and how to request a review.
As a self-employed, disabled person, I recently created Essence Enterprises as one business with all my other services under that as subsidiaries. Nothing will change, except if you make a donation or payment, instead of being Amy's Bookshelf Reviews, it will say Essence Enterprises.
Starting January 1, 2023 there are changes made to the Rules, Genres accepted and Not accepted, and how official requests are made. The change is that there is no form to fill out anymore. All requests are done via email, after all the information on this page has been read.
DO NOT SEND ANY DONATIONS OR PURCHASE ANY AUTHOR PROMOTION, INCLUDING VIDEO REVIEWS, UNTIL YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY REQUESTED A REVIEW.
When providing any information, check for typos and spelling errors before sending. If there is an incorrect email address, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews cannot respond.
ALL REVIEWS ARE FREE. RATINGS CAN NOT BE BOUGHT. I DO HAVE OTHER OPTIONS, BUT THE REVIEWS ARE FREE, AND EACH BOOK WILL BE READ.
The "NO FLY ZONE" of Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. If anyone misrepresents themselves or lie about anything (I'm not talking about errors), that person's name will be banned.
BOOK TITLE FORMATS
Unless otherwise specified or agreed upon, the digital format of the book must be received within 5 days of the initial response from Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. (Books for the VIP-IMMEDIATE BOOKSHELF is within 3 days of the request).
Note, if mailing a print copy, request the address, and also send a digital format as well. Make sure you request to send a print copy ahead of time, and even if you have the print address from another time, confirm the new address. I have moved, so make sure you have the correct address to send it to. (Print copies are accepted, autographs preferred).
Digital formats Accepted:
Where the reviews are posted:
TikTok and YouTube are video reviews, part of author promotions.
All the websites listed above, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews has accounts and tags the author, representative, and publisher when applicable.
All books to be reviewed are listed on AMY'S LIBRARY page. Authors can use this page to keep track of the position of their titles. There is only one reader and reviewer associated with this website. All titles on the BOOKSHELVES have the author’s last name in parentheses and the genre of the books.
The only exception is the titles on the Release Date Calendar.
The Spreadsheet:
A MUST READ
Release Date Review Request: A request for the book to be read and the review posted on its release date (must be eligible).
New Author Request: For an author who has never made a request for a review on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. "New Author" does not necessarily mean 'debut author.'
Legacy Author: Once an author has had a book reviewed and the review posted, and made a second request.
Legacy Friend: An author’s representative, publisher, editor, agent, publicist, etc.
Express Release Date Request: A request for a book to be read and reviewed, and the review posted on its release date, by making a donation because it the request is under the limit of an advanced request.
Posting Days: These are the dates that I post reviews. Monday through Friday, mostly in the morning but that time can vary. Excluded days will only have a review posted if it is a Release Date Review Request.
Release Date Request: A request for a review to be posted on the book's release date. The request must be at least 2 months prior to the release date. If not, the author has the option to donate for an Express Release Date Request.
Review Posting Sites: A review posting site, is where a review is posted directly to the site, such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, Kobo, Goodreads, and Instagram (review posted along with book cover).
Review Sharing Sites: A review sharing site is where the review, once posted on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews’ blog, can be shared on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
RELEASE DATE REVIEWS
In order to qualify for the RELEASE DATE REVIEW, the release date needs to be at least 2 MONTHS prior to its release. The title will be to the RELEASE DATE REVIEW CALENDAR.
AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS always read and review the titles ahead of the release date, so if you are looking for an "early" release review, AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS can provide you with a copy of the review before it is posted on its intended release date. If you choose to have an early review, AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS only provides it to you, AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS does not post it anywhere until the book is actually released. It is for your promotional use only.
Option: If your review will be posted on its release date, you have the option (for only $10) to have a post run at 9:00 AM EST on its release date about the book and its release. It will be run on my other blog, The official Blog of Amy Shannon which is now on https://essenceenterpriseus.com/amy-shannons-blog (Don't make any donation or payment until your request has been approved.)
Send an email with the words "Release Date Review" in the subject line.
REQUEST END OF VIP-LEGACY BOOKSHELF
$0 (US)
Use EMAIL. Send an email to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com and put "Legacy Author" in the subject line. If you have an updated copy of the spreadsheet, you can send the information with the initial request. Your title will go to the end of the VIP- LEGACY BOOKSHELF, unless you wish to donate a specific amount to either move toward the top of the bookshelf, or to go to another bookshelf, such as VIP-IMMEDIATE, VIP-PREFERRED, VIP-PRIORITY. (Authors can donate a lump sum to always have a position on one of those bookshelves.) See Amy’s Library for more details.
STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF
$0 (US)
New-to-this site requests (authors or author representatives) will go to the end of the STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF.
Use EMAIL. Send an email to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com and put "New Author" in the subject line. Your title will go to the end of the STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF, unless you wish to donate a specific amount to either move toward the top of the bookshelf, or to go to another bookshelf, such as VIP-IMMEDIATE, VIP-PREFERRED, VIP-PRIORITY. (Authors can donate a lump sum to always have a position on one of those bookshelves.) See Amy’s Library for more details.
REPOSTING REVIEWS:
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Use EMAIL. Send an email to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com and put "Repost Review" in the subject line. Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will repost reviews if, the title has changed, or the cover has changed, or the book is being re-released.
If the story has changed or has been dramatically updated, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will gladly reread the story, and update the previous review, if necessary. If the story is being rereleased, has been updated, and has a new “buy link,” Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will gladly reread the book, and post the new review.
AUDIOBOOK REQUESTS
Use EMAIL. Send an email to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com and put "Audiobook" in the subject line. If the book is being released in an audiobook, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews would like to listen to the book and write a review to reflect not just the story but the audiobook itself. (Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will need a redemption code or a donation made in order to purchase the audiobook if it is listed on Audible.com) (Amy's Bookshelf Reviews can't post reviews without purchase on audible.com). If the audiobook is on Scribd.com, the cost is $11.00. If the book is listed on Spotify, the app only allows for a rating, not a review. In case of the reviews being posted, it would be on the Amy's Bookshelf Reviews website, and the link to it on Spotify would be shared on Facebook with the review posted there as well. The review on Amy's Bookshelf Reviews website would be shared on Twitter.
BOOK SERIES REQUESTS
If the author has multiple books in a series, and the request is for one of the books that are not the first book, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews NOW REQUIRES that all books that came before it (whether they can be read as standalone or not) be given so the books can be read in order. If there are more than two books before the request for this book to be read, the donation amount for the number of days is doubled. If there are more than 5 books that need to be read before this title, the donation is tripled.
CONSECUTIVE REVIEWS (NOT FOR RELEASE DATE REQUESTS OR EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REQUESTS)
$10 (US) per title after the first title.
(Request via email as you would for either Legacy or Standard Author Requests)
Consecutive reviews are when an author has requested reviews for more than one of their titles. Instead of when the title is read and reviewed, the others go to the bottom of the list, this allows all titles to have the reviews posted consecutively. (Authors will get individual emails for each book and its review).
If an author wants a consecutive review, email Amy's Bookshelf Reviews and you will get a PayPal Invoice sent to you by Essence Enterprises.
AUTHOR'S BOOKSTORES
If any author's book is only available for sale on their bookstore or website, I will still review the book. It is not considered out of print, as it is being sold.
EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REVIEWS (For both NEW and LEGACY AUTHORS.)
This information is for releases that are under the allotted amount of time for release date review request) (Fees listed below are “donations” and DO NOT buy a review but put the title on the release review calendar) Digital copies of an Express Release Date Review need to be sent via email within 24 hours of Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews’ response. (If you choose one of these options, email Amy's Bookshelf Reviews and you will get a PayPal Invoice sent to you by Essence Enterprises. The cost plus an invoicing fee)
To get the EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REVIEW, please follow these steps or it is possible the request would be denied.
1. Email amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com
2. In the subject line "Express Release Date Review"
3. In the body of the email, type in this information, and DO NOT add or attach anything to the email. Penname of Author, Book Title, Book Genre, Release date, and where the book will/is listed to be bought. (If the author has an updated request spreadsheet, they may attach it to the initial email request.
The author will get an email back, so read it carefully, as it will contain instructions as to what the next step for the author will be, the author will be given a spreadsheet for a request form, and the author will be sent a PayPal Invoice sent to you by Essence Enterprises.
CONTACT AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS
If you just need to make contact, have a special request or have some questions about anything, use the Contact Me form on the Home page.
How to make a request with a request spreadsheet: (Release Date Reviews, Legacy Authors, Legacy Friends, or Standard New Authors)
Step 1: Download and fill out a Request Spreadsheet at the bottom of this page (Unless you have the latest copy, use the one you have) and email it to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com
In the body of the email, send a one-line pitch about the book. When providing genre information, please be specific.
Step 2: Read the email that is sent back to you. (if you didn't send a spreadsheet, you will receive one at this time. This email confirms receipt of the request provides information, a copy of the spreadsheet, if not already received, and how to send the book title’s information.
Step 3: Inform Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews if you uploaded or have attached documents (cover, digital book). If you have or want to donate, make a note of that as well. If you are interested in author promotions, put that in your return email.
Step 4: Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will put your book title on one of the bookshelves, on Amy’s Library page, depending on the request. If it’s a release date review, it will be put on the Release Date Review Calendar.
Step 5: You can keep track of the status of your title on Amy’s Library Page.
Step 6: Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will send you an email about when and where the book has been posted, along with any other information.
Step 7: You can share the posts, and if you have given social media information, your accounts have been tagged whenever possible.
HOW TO MAKE A REQUEST WITHOUT USING THE REQUEST SPREADSHEET: (Note: The spreadsheet information gets added to my spreadsheets database, so I save all information about the authors, in case they become legacy authors, and it keeps track of what books I’ve read from particular authors) Digital book copies are deleted after being read, and so are book covers. Print copies have a place on my actual bookshelves.)
Step 1: Email amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.comIn the subject, write “Text Request” In the body of the email, send a one-line pitch about the book. When providing genre information, please be specific. (If you do not want to fill out the spreadsheet for a request, you can request a text version of the sheet (and it will require a $10 donation so Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews can fill in a spreadsheet on your behalf, based on the information provided.) If you don’t want to fill in any information, for a $20 donation, you provide the book title, author’s penname, author’s website, or social media, and Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will find the rest of the information and fill in the spreadsheet on your behalf).
Step 2: Read the email that is sent back to you. This email confirms receipt of request and provides information,, and how to send the book title’s information.
Step 3: Inform Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews if you uploaded or have attached documents (cover, digital book). If you have or want to donate, make a note of that as well. If you are interested in author promotions, put that in your return email.
Step 4: Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will put your book title on one of the bookshelves, on Amy’s Library page, depending on the request. If it’s a release date review, it will be put on the Release Date Review Calendar.
Step 5: You can keep track of the status of your title on Amy’s Library Page.
Step 6: Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will send you an email of when and where the book has been posted, along with any other information.
Step 7: You can share the posts, and if you have given social media information, your accounts have been tagged whenever possible.
NOTE: Most requests (except for Immediate or Express Release date reviews) require the information (once the request is accepted) to be sent within 5 days (the two mentioned is 3 days), and if the information is not received within those time frames (unless there are specific circumstances), the request will have to start over.
Any author can send an email to ask questions, any questions as it pertains to the website, policies, or general writing and promotion questions.
Email me at amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com and tell me a few sentences about your book, and I'll let you know if its accepted.
$0 (US)
THE AFTER SHOW WITH McKENSIE STEWART & AMY SHANNON PODCAST (past or future guests) (On Amy's Library is a List of upcoming guests on the podcast)
The After Show Platforms
STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF
$0 (US)
REPOSTING REVIEWS:
$0 (US)
Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will repost reviews if:
Any requests for reposts can be made by emailing Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews directly.
REVIEW REFRESH
Authors can select a review "refresh," where if I've reviewed your work between the years of 2014 and 2018, I will read your book again, and "refresh" the review. Many of the reviews I wrote back then are short and to the point, but since 2019, I've been creating reviews with specific purposes, and details, and a few personal touches, as well as the recommended text at the end of each review. If you want a review refresh, for a small donation of $20, I will go through your book again, and refresh the original review, this also puts the updated review on my new website.
REVIEW COPY:
If the authors want their reviews from the old site, copied to the new site, for a donation of $10 (per book title), I will move it. It not only moves it to the new site, but it goes live again and can be a reminder of your work, for all of my subscribers (and yours once you share).
AUDIOBOOK REQUESTS
If the book is being released in an audiobook, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews would like to listen to the book and write a review to reflect not just the story but the audiobook itself. (Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews will need a redemption code or a donation made in order to purchase the audiobook) Amy's Bookshelf Reviews can't post reviews without purchase on audible.com) There are other sites that have audiobooks, and I may need a donation to purchase and follow the rules of that particular site.
BOOK SERIES REQUESTS
If the author has multiple books in a series, and the request is for one of the books that are not the first book, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews NOW REQUIRES that all books that came before it (whether they can be read as standalone or not) be given so the books can be read in order. If there are more than two books before the request for this book to be read, the donation amount for the number of days is doubled. If there are more than 5 books that need to be read before this title, the donation is tripled.
CONSECUTIVE REVIEWS (NOT FOR RELEASE DATE REQUESTS OR EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REQUESTS)
AUTHOR'S BOOKSTORES
EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REVIEWS (For both NEW and LEGACY AUTHORS.)
(releases that are under the allotted amount of time for release date review request) (Fees listed below are “donations” and DO NOT buy a review but put the title on the release review calendar) Digital copies of an Express Release Date Review need to be sent via email within 24 hours of Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews’ response. (If you choose one of these options, email Amy's Bookshelf Reviews and you will get a PayPal Invoice sent to you by Essence Enterprises.)
Instructions:
To get the EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REVIEW, please follow these steps or it is possible the request would be denied.
1. Email (do NOT fill out any forms below) amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com
2. In the subject line "Express Release Date Review"
3. In the body of the email, type in this information, and DO NOT add or attach anything to the email. Penname of Author, Book Title, Book Genre, Release date, and where the book will/is listed to be bought.
• The author will get an email back, so read it carefully, as it will contain instructions as to what the next step for the author will be, and you will be sent an PayPal Invoice sent to you by Essence Enterprises.
EVERY AUTHOR OR REPRESENTATIVE WILL NOW ALL RECEIVE UPDATED SPREADSHEETS TO FILL OUT BEFORE THE TITLE GOES ON THE BOOKSHELF.
CONTACT AMY’S BOOKSHELF REVIEWS
If you just need to make contact, have a special request or have some questions about anything, use the Contact Me form on the Home page.
In order for Amy's Bookshelf Reviews to read anthologies or multi-authored books, information about all of the contributors to the book. So, when you are filling out the spreadsheet, create a new "tab" for each author, and their information. If you only have their names and the titles of their contribution, that is fine. Websites, email, or social media would be great.
Download the Request spreadsheet at the bottom of the page.
Upload PDF file HERE
Upload Cover HERE.
If you wish to make a donation, for any purpose, or even move to a specific bookshelf, add it to the email body, and you will get instructions on how to do so (or you can download the donation policy document at the top of the page).
If you are requesting a review, you do not need to fill out another Amy's Bookshelf Reviews spreadsheet, as this is a two-in-one. This is for both new authors, and release date reviews. All requests must download the spreadsheet, read the instructions, and fill out both the Request Tab and the Author Name Tab. You will be required to send a digital copy of the book, even if sending a print book in the mail.
Email directly to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com
ABSR Request for a Review Form (xlsx)
DownloadThere are donations and there are purchases, none of which are required to just get a review.
NEW BOOK PROMOTIONS: (Go to the Author’s Promotion page for more details)
Authors can use Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews to aid in promoting their book or brand.
Video options, blog tour and social media promotions are just some of the promotions Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews offers. Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews utilizes blogs, social media, including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for promotions as well as posting or creating “unique” review promotions.
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The After Show with McKensie Stewart & Amy Shannon podcast's purpose is to help authors promote their work.