FREE Children’s Picture Book Reviews
- At July 20, 2019
- By Aviva Gittle
- In Gittle List, Indie Authors, Reviews
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For 5 years (2013-2017), Aviva Gittle Publishing hosted a book competition exclusively for self-published children’s picture books. Now, Aviva offers free book reviews.
What’s the catch?
The catch is that only 10-15% of books receive a review. To learn more, read this article: 6 Reasons Your Kid’s Book Won’t Get a Review.
Why so few reviews?
Aviva will only post reviews for books that she can honestly give at least 4 stars.
How will I know if you read my book?
After two weeks, if you don’t see a review, ask me. If you want to hear honest feedback, let me know. Otherwise I’ll just confirm that I read the book, but did not leave a review.
What do you charge for?
Although I often do this for free, if you want a detailed assessment of your book, I charge $49 USD. I only accept payment through PayPal.
Are you a professional reviewer?
No. I’m a fellow self-published children’s picture book author who has read hundreds of self-published children’s picture books. I’m also your target market: A grandmother who likes to buy print books for her two grandsons, presently 5 and 7 years old.
Okay, how do I get this free review?
I ONLY read self-published children’s picture books up to 1500 words. You must provide me with a free copy of the book. An electronic version is preferred, but some authors want me to review a physical copy of the book.
What electronic versions do you accept?
The PDF proof for the print version, a mobi or ePub file, a link to download the book for free from Amazon (you have to give me at least a day’s warning of the promotion), or gift the book to me through Amazon. Send to AvivaGittle@gmail.com.
Is one way better than another?
If I download your book during a free promotion or you gift it to me, it will show up as a “verified purchase.” If you send me the book any other way, I have to put this disclosure at the end of the review: “I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.”
I want you to review the print version. Where do I send it?
Aviva Gittle Publishing
330 Rayford Road #177
Spring, TX 77386
Can I send more than one book?
No. Please pick your best book or the one you really need more reviews for. However, if I do leave a review for your first book, you can ask me to review a second book.
What’s in it for you?
Posting reviews for you gives Aviva Gittle Publishing content for its various social media sites. This is called “cross-marketing.” I ask you to SHARE posts and RT tweets. This gives us both exposure. It’s a win-win.
But, it’s also a way for me to give back to a community that has been very generous to me. Especially when I first started out in 2013 knowing absolutely nothing about self-publishing.
Are we review swapping?
No. I think review swapping is a bad idea. If you don’t like my book, you either have to lie and post a good review or be put in the uncomfortable position of having to tell me you didn’t like my book. Offering free reviews allows me to be honest.
What books won’t you review?
I only read self-published children’s picture books up to 1500 words. That’s it. No other genres. I’m a slow reader and very few big people’s books hold my attention.
Anything else?
Yes. Please share this post on Facebook and Twitter.
Questions? Email Aviva at AvivaGittle@gmail.com.
Christina Francine
Dear Aviva,
I am a “late bloomer” too and interested in having you review my picture book, Special Memory. It’s release date is Sept. 15, 2019. I’ve worked with a publisher called Waldorf Publishing. They’ve produced the book but I’ve covered the cost to have the book created. Does this fall under “self-published”? Please excuse my naivety, as I said, this process is new to me. I can send you either a PDF version as my release date grows closer or a hard copy, which I would need to know how to “gift” through Amazon. I also could send a copy through regular mail.
I am still learning and don’t fully understand how to use the “gifting” to a reviewer through Amazon. Would you explain how I would do this?
Thank you for helping fellow picture book authors.
Sincerely,
Christina
Aviva Gittle
Hi, Christina! I emailed you a response. In general, if you still own the rights to your book, you are self-published. When I talk about gifting, I’m referring to the eBook version of your story. A PDF version is fine. Email it to AvivaGittle@gmail.com.