Requesting a Review for Your Romance Novel: A List of Where to Find Reviewers

I think it's time for another "list of where to find them," don't you?  The post, pre-made ebook romance covers: a list of where to find them, continues to be very popular and I love it that additions to that list continue to be suggested.  I also appreciated a comment that said,  "Nice list! It's great to see everyone helping each other out."  Yes it is, don't you think?

So, in that same spirit, this list is for finding reviewers for your romance story.  Of course, it could also be for finding reviews of your next romance to read.  Writers are also readers, so it just depends on which hat we're wearing.  However, with the idea for reviews in mind, I'm linking to the page that gives instructions on how to submit your story and request a review.   Some you may have heard of, others maybe not.  I also wouldn't be surprised if I missed the obvious ones, so please, please feel free to suggest your favorite romance review sites...that review for free and accept self-published/independent work.

The reviewers are the ones who read and (hopefully!) love your story and get the word out.  But a few words of caution...they might not love your story.  They also might not review your story at all.  The reasons why not, however, might not be personal.  It could be that they have a huge backlog or, possibly (if, for instance you are a self-published author) they still have restrictions on who can submit.  So, at the risk of stating the obvious, read the instructions. 

And, on your side of the decision making process, you might be -- and probably should be -- choosy about which reviewers you pick.  Read the reviews!  Are they notoriously tough?  You might want to reconsider.  By the way, I admit to being quite chicken myself and I have submitted to very few reviewers! 

But, nevertheless, here's a list even a chicken might explore.  If you're just looking for a good read (hmm, how did Goodreads come up with their name?) and need some recommendations, then the list will work for that too! 

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First, a place for articles that provide some additional information and lists on the topic of getting reviews:

How to Get Your Book Reviewed Online - from Wow! Women on Writing

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Romance Review sites (Note: numbered, but in no particular order, and these are review sites that review for FREE):

1. FICA Fare - A fan-fusion of reviews, recommendations and graphics
2. The Romance Reviews (TRR)
3. Romantic Book Affairs
4. Risque Reviews
5. Dear Author
6. Talk Supe
7. Sizzling Hot Books
8. Coffee Time Romance
9. Love Romance Passion
10. Once Upon A Romance
11. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
12. Romancing the Book
13. All About Romance Novels
14. Romance Junkies
15. Reading Romances
16. Smexy Books
17. InD'Tale - News and Reviews for the Self-published with a romantic flair.
18. Cocktails and Books

Making it all about you...promotion!

 To start March off on an optimistic note, I thought I'd point out a couple of links I've recently run across about self-publishing and promotion.  What I particularly love is the variety of ideas.  Since even thinking of promoting myself can give me hives, it's reassuring to know there are lots of different methods to choose from.  You might even find you're already doing something right...and no one even told you what to do!  That's always a nice thing to find out.

The key is to find a few things you're comfortable with doing and not to feel like you have to do all of them.

pre-made ebook romance covers: a list of where to find them

Updated 4/2/2022

How about relaxing with a cup of coffee and your favorite romance.  Your favorite romance cover, that is.  Dream a little for your story!

So, (years ago) I compiled a list of designers who offer pre-made covers (most in the under $50 range) and I moved this "research" to a blog post.  I had a great time browsing the covers and I hope you do too!  Oh, and most, if not all, of these designers will work with you for the customized look, if that is the route you want to take now or later.  

Note: I do apologize in advance if the links get out of date before I've had a chance to update this page.

Please keep in mind these are only suggestions for you to follow up on and make your own decision.  I have not been paid to recommend anyone.  Also note that some vendors/publishers require the cover to be a different size (i.e. larger) than what some designers provide.  



 Cheeky Covers - Ebook covers at cheeky prices -- Carrie Spencer has done many of my covers. This one is for my paranormal romance Ghost of a Promise. 

Amazing, right?  I can't imagine why you'd want to look further now, but I'll keep the list below intact!

 Sheri L. McGathy Pre-made Covers - gorgeous! Many historical and fantasy covers, as well as others.

RomanceNovelCovers.com by cover model Jimmy Thomas.  You need to do a login registration for this one. 

 Amanda C. Davis Premade Book Covers - most at $35. 

 Fantasia Frog Designs

 Book Graphics - both fiction and non-fiction so not all romance. 

http://ebookindiecovers.com/pre-made-covers-fiction/premade-ebook-covers-romance/ 

  TellTale Books - classy and romantic!  These beautiful covers are a new favorite!

 Pre-Made Covers - Karri Klawiter

The Book Cover Designer - a large selection and range of prices from many different designers

AM Design Studios - very nice! Many with a fantasy element.


Or also of interest, try:

Period Images - awesome book cover stock and images

Novelstock.com

Digital Fantasy Backgrounds

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So that's it, for now.  Feel free to leave a comment if there is a pre-made cover designer (for mostly romances) you'd like to add.

Pulling Up Stakes and Do-Overs

Okay, so I tried it. Yes, that self-publishing idea. My first novel is no longer posted on my blog and linked to Amazon for purchase at an outrageous price. Now I've pulled up stakes and packed my bags for a new trip.

Yep, I'm relieved. And while it would be nice of me to share what worked and didn't work for the benefit of others considering such a venture, I don't really want to backtrack. You can find the disadvantages all over the place. All I can say, is most of them are true. (Practically speaking, it comes down to the price of the book and availability of the book. Don't even think about good books or bad books. That's all I'll say about self-publishing and you can draw your own conclusions. :))

In thinking of the now, I simply know I can get some enjoyment back for my first "baby." It is a good book. It didn't fail; it didn't have a chance. But now I can tweek with some revisions. I can maybe add some of what I envision gives background to sequels I have in mind.

So, if there is a silver lining, I do have an opportunity to change what would be irreversible in a traditionally published manuscript. I have a do-over.

And, by the way, I'm also dropping my pen name, Melissa Bryant. (I'll leave that name to a porn star that holds the .com) Yep, I hadn't researched that very well. *sigh* I want a do-over. Or maybe the ordinariness of my real name "Melissa Johnson" isn't such a liability after all.

So, there are lots of things we do as writers that take thought and pre-planning. Are we equipped for the ins and outs of marketing and promotion? Not always. Do we get ahead of ourselves? All the time. Are they mistakes? Some are. Are they irreversible? Only in the minds of that mysterious "they."

Any Do-Overs you'd like? Any new routes planned?