Review Policy

To make things easier, I’ve created this page to let you know how I do reviews and how my priority list works.

Reviews will feature a picture of the novel, either a cover image similar to that on Goodreads or a personal photo taken for my instagram: @coffee_stars_books I prefer to take my own photos, but I can only really do this with physical copies, and only when I have the time/imagination to set up these pictures.

Reviews will also include a brief synopsis [sometimes taken from Goodreads or sometimes my own, depending on how well I can sum up the novel in a succinct manner] and the reviews will often feature small quotations taken from the book I’m reviewing. All new reviews will also include a hyperlink to Goodreads, a link to the Waterstones UK and Amazon UK pages to buy the book, and some will also include suggested similar reads if I can think of something appropriate.

I operate on a ten star review system, with half stars also being rewarded.

If you would like to submit a book for me to review, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Here are some genres and other things I would prefer:

• Fantasy YA is my favourite genre, but I also read sci-fi, historical and contemporary YA too. I will also read fantasy, sci-fi, horror and historical books that are not YA but these will be considered on an individual basis. I can and will review non-fic books [YA or not] but again this will be considered on an individual basis.
• Physical copies are preferred over E-Books. Obviously, exceptions can be made, and I do spend a lot of time on Netgalley etc, but I also am currently working on a PhD where most of my research material is online, so I welcome a chance to take a break from screens!
• You can send me a book which hasn’t been recently published. I’ll happily accept ARCs or proofs, but I’m equally content reading older books.
• I’m mostly looking to work with traditionally published authors. I’m happy to look at self-published and indie press books, but I know a lot of bloggers who only focus on indie press books and so they know so much more about how to promote and review these books.
• I am going to write an honest review. I’ll try not to be too harsh, but the reviews I post will be my own opinions. That includes me flagging up things like problematic messages in novels, or things I thought didn’t work. Please don’t attempt to change my mind about these things. I’m happy to debate, but I’m an obstinate reviewer.
•  I will alternate between netgalley books and books I have bought for myself. I’m happy to schedule posts according to release dates. If I’m doing a Readathon, the books I’ve chosen for that will generally take priority, unless I have ARCs which are released in the same month, in which case I will focus on getting those read and reviewed. I’m happy to take part in blog tours, although I would prefer to read the book first to make sure that I’m the right person to be doing blog tour promotion for a book.
• Reviews, unboxings and posts to promote events/blog tours etc are posted as I write, although some may be scheduled if I have already uploaded a post for the day. Please be aware of this when considering promotional purposes. If you need a post published on a specific date, or around a deadline, please let me know in advance so I can figure something out.
• I am happy to review on goodreads, and I will often post pictures and blog links to instagram and twitter.
• If you send me a physical book, I will take photos for Bookstagram, and for my review. If you send me an e-book, I will try my best to also take photos.

Feel free to email me if you have any other queries. I’ll be happy to reply. You can reach me using the form on the contact page, or at the email address: coffeeandmissingstars@gmail.com I am also on Twitter at @kbeestonewrites and instagram @coffee_stars_books

 

If you would like to submit a subscription box for me to review, please consider the following:

• I love love love bookish merch, books and candles. These will be preferred. I’m also interested in coffee/tea, board games, and video games, and I very much enjoy snacking while I work, so I’m happy to review any boxes with this kind of content.
• Unboxings will be available under the ‘unboxings’ category. You can find this either by going to the category sub-menu on the left-hand side of a page.
• You can reach me using the form on the contact page, or at the email address: coffeeandmissingstars@gmail.com I am also on Twitter at @kbeestonewrites and instagram @coffee_stars_books