Kirkus ReviewsReviews of kirkusreviews.com

Thank you for SPREADING THE WORD for my book, Lizzy Has Fantastic Feet! Your emails, newsletters, and podcasts were distributed to thousands of recipients and friends.

The assistance and genuine interest of two Kirkus employees, Erica and Leah. I am not technically proficient using computers. These two remarkable women reached out to help me on a weekend! A weekend! This concern for my needs as a newbie author confirmed to me that having Kirkus review my books was a smart choice. Jim Scurti/“ ATTABOY “

Kirkus is what it claims to be. That is why true authors submit to them. We want that honest review and judgment. So I know it is a gamble of an investment to put it out there. Yet, if you are honest with yourself and believe that you have given your novel your heart and soul plus have looked back with a fresh set of eyes, you should submit. This may very well be the rocket fuel you need to go for your dreams. As for my experience, everything was done in a very timely manner. Amy, Ky, and Leah are wonderful to work with. Amy helped me get the ball rolling and always answered all of my questions. Ky did exceptional work for my book's cover art. Leah made sure all the details about my novel were accurate and was very polite. I highly recommend them.

The novel, The Awakening, joins the other nine novels by Bill Fernandez that Kirkus has reviewed. Half Native Hawaiian, Bill sets them in historic periods affecting Native Hawaiians and the heroes are all Native Hawaiian men. The reviewer captured the strong emotions revealed in the story as the islands are challenged by Western business interests and Christianity. All of the Kirkus Reviewers were sensitive to the issues and drama.

Excellent service. Prompt and professional. Kudos!

I requested a Kirkus review for my latest book and when it came back the information within it was incorrect. I emailed the info email and Dan responded. He was kind and considerate. He investigated the review and just this week got back to me apologizing for the below editorial standard review and offered me another one. I felt this matter was handled in such a kind and professional way. Thank you for hearing my query and understanding my dilemma and fixing it. My one suggestion, if I may, would be that Kirkus begin handing books to reviewers in their genre. I feel this is one thing that the other top reviewers have over Kirkus. I’m a mystery writer and would much prefer being critiqued by mystery readers and editors. It means that much more. But this is just a side note. I’m very thankful for the re-review. Thank you. 💕🙏🏻

I received a rare starred review, which was an honor. That star led to Kirkus further supporting my book in their year-end “best of” picks. The review was thoughtful, and very helpful to readers. The technical aspects of dealing with Kirkus were smooth. These folks are well-trusted for a reason.

Cogently written, about a book on life as a black American diplomat, the reviewer got what I was trying to say--"Although the author's diplomatic expertise...is on full display...its strength lies in its tone of vulnerability." Such choice words told me that the reviewer had understood me well. Their frankness showed that the reviewer had tucked into the work and rather than ooh and aah over the movie-like scenes from my dramatic life, which I hear a lot and though flattering can be said of most people's overseas experiences-- took a deep breath to give readers a piece of their mind. That's something I can run with.