Discover the Best Indie Books!
Bringing Independent Books to Readers, One Story at a Time
Reader Views is an editorial book review service for independent authors and small presses, offering professional reviews, author interviews, a literary awards program, and promotional services since 2005. Based in Austin, Texas.
For readers, authors, and independent presses.
why we CHAMPION INDIE AUTHORS
We believe great stories shouldn’t be limited by traditional publishing gatekeepers. Independent authors bring fresh perspectives, bold creativity, and diverse storytelling to the literary world, yet often struggle to find the recognition and resources they deserve.
At Reader Views, we provide the visibility and credibility that helps these authors succeed. Every book we feature, every interview we share, and every award we present is part of a larger mission: to strengthen literary diversity, empower creative small businesses, and keep a vibrant reading culture alive for generations to come.
WHAT AUTHORS ARE SAYING…
Real feedback from authors we’ve worked with.
Useful Reviews and Easy-to-Follow Guidance
Reader Views offers independent and small press authors easy to understand instructions for entering their awards and review programs. Their reviews are thorough and useful.
Professional Reviews That Build Visibility
Reader Views has provided a fantastic professional review of my book. By publishing to Goodreads, Reader Views has added an element of sophistication that can help future readers discover my book.
A Process Built on Openness and Trust
I love the openness and integrity of your literary awards process. The review that enabled us to earn our award is shown to us in its entirety along with the identity of the reviewer.
Quality Reviews That Expand Reach
Reader Views’ commitment to excellence exceeded my expectations. Their quality reviews and feedback have helped my book, At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride, reach a larger and more diverse audience. Thank you, Reader Views!
A Valuable Resource for Writers at Any Stage
Reader Views is an outstanding resource for any author, new or seasoned, to measure how you are doing and learning how to improve your writing skills.
Trusted Support for Indie Authors
If you are an Indie author seeking an independent and thorough review of your book by an organisation respected within the industry, as well as the opportunity to significantly increase exposure beyond your local connections, the Reader Views Literary Awards program is an excellent place to achieve such goals.
Helping Indie Authors Get Noticed
The Reader Views Literary Awards program merits 5 stars. Well run and providing a review for each entrant, the contest is an excellent channel through which Indie authors can gain needed recognition to further their careers.
Clear Communication and Meaningful Feedback
Reader Views’ transparency in exposing their evaluation criteria, compelling long-form review, and overall quality of communication far exceeded my expectations. I’m sincerely grateful for both the Reviewer’s Choice Award and the incredible value I received throughout the process.
author showcase
Every week we curate the best in indie publishing featuring
new releases, author spotlights, fresh reviews, and the voices behind the books.
RECENT READS and RECOMMENDATIONS
Select a cover to read our review and learn more.
THE AUTHORS BEHIND THE STORIES
Featured Author Interviews of the Week
ON THE BLOG…
Guest Writer of the Week
BARRY FINLAY
Barry Finlay is a fiction and non-fiction author. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, and, in his previous life, he had an extensive career in financial management. He retired in 2004 after thirty-two years with the Canadian federal government.
In 2009, Barry got off the couch and climbed Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, Chris. The experience of climbing Africa’s highest mountain at age 60 with one of his sons and discovering the satisfaction of reaching a goal and giving others the opportunity to achieve theirs, was a non-fiction book waiting to be written. It led to the inspirational Kilimanjaro and Beyond: A Life-Changing Journey. His second book was a travel memoir called I Guess We Missed The Boat.
In 2014, Barry started working on the five-book Marcie Kane Thriller Collection, which he finished in 2020. He returned to where he started in 2023 by writing the nonfiction Just Keep Climbing featuring the stories of eight very inspirational people, and in 2024, he released the fourth book in The Jake Scott Mystery Series.
Barry has received multiple literary awards, and has been featured in the Authors Show book, “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for philanthropy. Barry lives in Ottawa, Canada with his wife Evelyn.
Learn more about Barry Finlay and his work at http://www.barry-finlay.com/.
Helping Indie Authors Succeed
Get Noticed. Get Reviewed. Get Celebrated.
Explore ways to gain visibility, connect with readers, and showcase your book through our exclusive services for indie authors.
Get professional book reviews, author interviews, and promotional opportunities tailored for indie authors.
Enter the prestigious Reader Views Literary Awards to gain recognition and credibility for your book.
Want your book listed in our Author Showcase? Learn how to submit and increase your exposure.