To Kirkus Review or not to Kirkus Review, indie author?
Something people generally don't know is that famously critical Kirkus Reviews are not free. No, not even cheap. For $425.oo you wait 7-8 weeks and may well be lambasted. Some of the reviews I read on the site made my tummy clench and my toes curl in anticipated and sympathetic pain.
However. I was feeling the bind of the “indie” writer–there's a critical feedback vacuum. Many contests are still not open to Indie books and those that are, many are more marketing/popularity contests than actual measures of the excellence of the book. Seven books into it, with many positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and loyal and active fans, I still felt marginalized by not being in bookstores or eligible for more serious awards. Into this dearth of critical review, I decided to pitch my bucks and my hopes. by purchasing a Kirkus Review for Unsound, my most recent book, a literary suspense.
Kirkus Reviews are still widely regarded in a positive light even in this age of scandal regarding paid reviews, and librarians and bookstores regularly peruse their lists for the “best” books to order.
I chose Unsound because I honestly think it's my best writing so far; while any one of the Lei Crime Series books is currently outselling it, I know its a truly original book that people have a hard time walking away from and that only improves upon multiple readings. So I sent off my naked little Word manuscript, stripped of pretty formatting and its beautiful cover, and hoped for the best.
Right after I sent in the manuscript the self-doubt began. Why do I still need the stamp of approval of “the publishing establishment?” What did I hope to gain by throwing away $425.oo that wouldn't necessarily have anything to do with boosting sales? I kicked myself around the block and back for being such a needy, insecure writer that I still craved the approval of elite Book People instead of just loving the success I have with READERS.
Readers are gold. Readers are where it's at. And readers are who I'm writing for.
Thankfully, in the end, I got what I paid for. Critical validation. Kirkus Review of Unsound here.
The review of Unsound was just really really wonderful. The reader “got” what I was trying to do in the book, calling it “a strong, savvy dissection of how two people’s lives are intertwined by violence, psychology and grief.” And my fragile writer's ego could live for years on the praise contained in the review: “Author Neal (Twisted Vine, 2013, etc.) has written multiple thrillers, and her experience shows in her careful, detailed handling of the characters and their circumstances. Neal is a powerful writer, and her prose is often effortless and elegant.”
So, yeah, I might have done better in increasing sales by spending $425.oo on some other kind of promotion–but have the “establishment” recognize the potential in my writing was worth a lot more to me.
Not only that, I've now chosen to price my Unsound print books at 12.99, set the “discount” at 50%, and allow returnability on the book, hopefully setting it up for being carried by bookstores–a risk I haven't been willing to take on any of the other titles. That could change, though, if this experiment goes well.
What do you think, author friends? Would you roll the dice on a Kirkus Review? And readers, do you look to Kirkus for recommendations? Do you have any reservations about their policy of paid reviews?
I hear you about writing in a vacuum and I’m traditionally published! Paying money for an honest critique is worth every penny if it validates your writing and makes you feel secure in continuing to share your gift. But know your work would still be awesome even if they hated it. Readers and book sales mean far more to me than a professional reviewer’s opinions. Awards and professional recognition is nice, but I’m more thrilled when a kid from Hana emails me that he liked my books and wants to know what happens next.
I basically feel the same way about my readers and their support. I think I still needed the pat on the head from “the establishment.” Glad it went well! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience, Toby. I, too, have struggled with the “do I go with a Kirkus Review or not” dilemma for much the same reasons you mentioned. Maybe I’ll get brave one day and actually do it. Great review for you and super pleased that it accomplished what you were aiming for.
Shannon, the cool thing I forgot to mention is that if it’s a bad review, you don’t have to “publish” it and people won’t be able to see it. However, then you threw away 425 for a whole lotta feeling bummed! Thanks for commenting!
Kirkus is a thing unto themselves. I must have just crossed into double-digits (age not sales) when I first thumbed through an issue. I’m so glad you had the gumption to check your best against the best. What a terrific diagnostic for your career! Even if it had not ended with a ribbon and a bow, even if you had decided not to publish the results, that level of feedback is invaluable. I have no doubt that you will use it well.
With book #7, you’ve established your “long tail” in such a short timeframe, but with each if your books you continue to grow as an author. You have a knack for creating compelling characters that is evident from book #1. That’s what is most important to your readers and fans. But you didn’t satisfy yourself with capitalizing monetarily on your initial success like so many new authors who happen to hit it right. You kept on growing. You kept on reinvesting time and resources to make each book somehow better than the earlier ones. You are building a legacy that will eventually reach beyond all if us into the future.
Book #7 = Kirkus Review. Yep, yet another move you did enviably well.
Now I have to get caught up on your reading list!
Lori, what an incredibly supportive comment! Thanks so very much for a relationship that feels real and growing as we fan each other’s flames. I have a need to truly write well in addition to quickly and improving is not an option! It’s been a risky and wild ride and it’s not over yet. Join me on the roller-coaster!
Toby, I have felt the way you have. My work needed some attention from “legit” reviews. I did put my novel into the PW Select and got a good review (though they select only around 25 from their listing that you pay for). I entered into Chanticleer Book Reviews lit contest, a new review site with good bones and honest system of reviewing (some, I understand review for Kirkus). Kirkus is a big step with its price but I may take the chance with my next novel. Historical novels take longer to get out. After this new one, I have another in the wings, waiting for an final editor. I really admire you and the way you have struck out. Love your characters and your attention to the writing craft as well as the marketing side. You go!
Janet, I think you should definitely do this when you are financially able. I know your books will hold up and it’s really nice to have those “bragging rights.”
I read the full review! The person writing the review sounds just like you, as if you were speaking. It had the same unfettered articulate cadence that you seem to evoke! Loved the review Toby, and I am glad you went for it! It was worth the dough, and now you know, and have bragging rights, AND an added skip to your step! Huzzah! Happy happy!
xoxo ~jak
Thank you dear Jak! Much aloha!
Toby,
It’s time to move to the next level. There is no reason for you to work for little or no money. Get in the bookstores and make people forget all of the big name authors and their ghost writers.
Thank you John! Awesome, i’m going for it!
Truth be told, I’ve never heard of Kirkus Reviews before, but I also tend to exist in a little world of my own. I have a few favorite authors (yes, of which you are now one) and I will generally pick up anything one of them has written. Otherwise… If a friend SWEARS that I just HAVE to read something, then I’ll try it, but I’m happy re-reading favorite books many times – so I’m not the type to look for review sites to peruse for new works.
That said, I am SO happy for you that you got that kind of validation! I know how it is, living in the vacuum of our own minds sometimes and needing feedback that is more “official” – and impartial – than we would get from friends (or fans, in your case). Frankly, I think it makes perfect sense that you needed to get the review, and I am incredibly pleased (though not at all surprised) that it came back so strongly positive. 🙂 You ROCK!
Thanks Shalora, I feel like we’re sharing a journey through your comments. I always appreciate how you share from the heart and you are a damn fine writer yourself! Hope the adjustment to the new job is going better!
That is good to hear – I do tend to wonder how I come off, especially since I found your blog so randomly (I was googling something else entirely) and suddenly just started up with my long-winded comments out of nowhere. 🙂 If I ever actually get to where I could afford a vacation in Hawaii, or if you ever come to the Portland area (Oregon, not Maine), I’d love to connect in person…
And I must say, that is quite a compliment, coming from you! Writing is one of those things that has always come to me as naturally as breathing, and I had an English teacher in high school once tell me that I should think about becoming an author. It was a hope of mine, years ago, but I somehow lost the ability to find the stories. From what I’ve heard, I’m assuming it’s at least partly connected to a history of trauma, so I have hopes that I will be able to reconnect with that piece now that I’m finally starting to process and heal some of this stuff.
The new job is going better, overall. Definitely getting more confident with the handling of the bus itself, and student management is a little more natural now that I’m getting to know the kids a bit more personally. Still working on getting enough sleep and keeping meals organized through the week and other tiny little details like that. 😉
Wow, well done! Unless I start getting more revenues from writing, I would never consider throwing away $425 for a potential slating. For a full-time writer, I suppose it can be a good investment, but for the part-time hobbyist, I doubt it’ll make much difference.
Very true! More will be revealed about the review’s “value.” THanks for the honest assessment, I agree.