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.
DO NOT SEND ANY DONATIONS OR PURCHASE ANY AUTHOR PROMOTION, INCLUDING VIDEO REVIEWS, UNTIL YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY REQUESTED A REVIEW, AND THE REQUEST WAS APPROVED.
When providing any information, check for typos and spelling errors before sending.
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.
UPDATE: As of December 1, 2024, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews will no longer accept review requests for books that have already been published. (See HERE for more details).
Book Sizes: Amy's Bookshelf Reviews reads and reviews short stories and novellas (word count does not matter). Amy's Bookshelf Reviews reads children's picture books and Graphic Novels. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews reads and review novels, nonfiction books, Epic Novels, educational textbooks, and basically, as long as the book is one of the accepted genres, any size, any word count. Heck, if you want a review on a flash fiction story for your website, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews will do that, too.
Due to health conditions, I have limited where I will post reviews as a default. Special requests for posting, will require a $5 donation per post.
The "NO FLY ZONE" of Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. If anyone misrepresents themselves or lie about anything (I'm not talking about errors or mistakes), that person's name will be banned. I also do not accept requests from unscrupulous authors, author representatives, or publishers.
BOOK TITLE FORMATS
Unless otherwise specified or agreed upon, the digital format of the book must be received within 5 business days of the initial response from Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. (Books for the VIP-IMMEDIATE BOOKSHELF is within 3 business 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:
$0 (US) Reading and reviewing a print, digital or audiobook is free.
$0 (US) Release Date Review: (Request made at least 2 month's prior to the release date.)
As of January 1, 2024, $0 Release Date Promotion "This Month's Release" (see details on Author Promotions)
$0 Book's Released in the current month will be put on the home page.
$10 Release Date Promotion "Today's Release (see details on Author Promotions)
$0 (US) REQUEST REPOSTING OF REVIEW (see Amy's Library for more details)
$TBD Amazon.com verified purchase review. (Digital book price plus at least $1 donation. Print Price, shipping, plus at least $1 donation.) [Donations can also be made by purchasing Amazon Gift Cards] No charge for the review. (This is for ANY review option that wants a verified purchase review, as donations for bookshelf positions are separate).
$0 (US) REQUEST END OF VIP-LEGACY BOOKSHELF (see Amy's Library for more details)
$30 (US) REQUEST TOP OF VIP-LEGACY BOOKSHELF (see Amy's Library for more details)
$0 (US) REQUEST END OF STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF (see Amy's Library for more details)
$30 (US) REQUEST TOP OF STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF (see Amy's Library for more details)
$100 (US) REQUEST END OF VIP-IMMEDIATE (see Amy's Library for more details)
$TBD (US) SPECIAL REVIEW REQUESTS (see Amy's Library for more details)
AUDIOBOOK REQUESTS
$TBD (US) REQUEST END OF AUDIOBOOK BOOKSHELF (Audible) [requires redemption code, or donation for the price of the audiobook.]
$11 (US) REQUEST END OF AUDIOBOOK BOOKSHELF (Scribd)
EXPRESS RELEASE DATE REVIEWS (see Amy's Library for more details)
$50 (US) Express Priority: 15 posting days- 28 posting days before release
$75 (US) Express Preferred: 6 days to 14 days before release
$100 (US) Express Immediate: 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 posting dates before release
Where the reviews are posted:
The following places for Amy's Bookshelf Reviews to post a review has a required $5 donation.
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 are the titles on the Release Date Bookshelf and 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.
Request a review by using EMAIL. Send an email to amysbookshelfreviews@gmail.com . In the subject line, type in the request type. In the body of the email, give a pitch about your book. If possible, attach the Request Spreadsheet, filled out, to your email. If you don't have it, it will be sent to you when you receive a response.
The email you send asking for a request, please make sure the font is at least 12 pts, but not bigger than 14 pts. Smaller text and very large text is hard for me to read. Thank you.
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
Put "Legacy Author" in the email 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 or VIP-PRIORITY. See Amy’s Library for more details.
STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF
New-to-this site requests (authors or author representatives) will go to the end of the STANDARD NEW AUTHOR BOOKSHELF.
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 or VIP-PRIORITY. See Amy’s Library for more details.
As of December 1, 2024, no other requests for this bookshelf will be accepted. The titles that are still on this list as of that date, will be read and reviewed, and then once the last title on the shelf is reviewed, the bookshelf will be deleted.
REPOSTING REVIEWS:
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
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)
As of September 11, 2024, all books that are on the bookshelves, will not be cycled, but be read, reviewed, and posted in order. There is will be no consecutive review fee.
AUTHOR'S BOOKSTORES
If any author's book is only available for sale on their own "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)
Put in the subject line "Express Release Date Review"
Provide the 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.
The email you send asking for a request, please make sure the font is at least 12 pts, but not bigger than 14 pts. Smaller text and very large text is hard for me to read. Also, do not send me information in all caps or all lowercase letters. Please use proper case. Thank you.
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: (For ALL review requests)
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 (Primary Genre, and sub-genres).
Step 2: Read the email that is sent back to you. (If you send an email wanting a review without the spreadsheet attached, I will send you back an email with the spreadsheet to be filled out. Once the spreadsheet is filled out and emailed, only then will the review request be approved or denied.) 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 the appropriate bookshelf, 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)
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 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.
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.
As of September 11, 2024, Amy's Bookshelf Reviews will no longer review multi-author anthologies. If an author has an anthology or collection of their own work, then that book title will be reviewed, if it meets the new requirements.
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
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