What is Reader Views?

Reader Views is a professional book review and author promotion service dedicated to independent authors and small presses. Since 2005 the organization has offered reviews, interviews, publicity options, and a respected literary awards program.

Does Reader Views offer a book awards program?

Yes. The Reader Views Literary Awards program recognizes excellence in independent publishing across many genres and provides authors and small presses with recognition, credibility, and promotional opportunities.

Who does Reader Views work with?

Reader Views works with independent authors, self-published writers, hybrid publishers, and small presses seeking professional book reviews and increased visibility for their titles.

Reviews

Awards | Books | Reading | Reviews
2025 Award-Winning Children’s Books – Reader Views Literary Awards
May 15, 2026May 15, 2026
Each year, the Reader Views Literary Awards recognize outstanding independent authors and small presses whose work rises above the competition. These books are selected through a rigorous editorial review process by our team of professional reviewers — not algorithms, not sales numbers. Just careful, thoughtful reading.
Below are the 2025 award winners in our children’s categories, from picture books for toddlers through middle grade fiction and non-fiction. Every book on this list is independently published or from a small press, and every one has earned its place here.
Read More 2025 Award-Winning Children’s Books – Reader Views Literary Awards
Books | Reading | Reviews
Supporting Indie Authors Should Be a Goal
January 5, 2025
Supporting indie authors matters—find out how you can help amplify their voices and enrich the literary landscape.
Read More Supporting Indie Authors Should Be a Goal
Author News | Author Platform | Editorial | Reading | Reviews
Beyond the Reader: Why Reviews Are a Game-Changer for Authors
December 8, 2024
Beyond guiding readers, reviews build credibility, offer growth insights, and boost visibility, making them essential for an author’s success.
Read More Beyond the Reader: Why Reviews Are a Game-Changer for Authors
Author News | Books | Editorial | Guest Writer | Reviews
What Happens When a Reviewer Says Yes
August 12, 2024
Today Carolyn Howard-Johnson shares insights on the editorial review process for books, drawing from her upcoming second edition of “How To Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically.” She explains the importance of editorial reviews and outlines the steps authors should follow to secure these valuable assessments for their work.
Read More What Happens When a Reviewer Says Yes
Author News | Books | Editorial | Guest Writer | Reviews
Five Stages of Processing a Negative Critique
July 29, 2024
Today, Janet McCreery shares her relatable and constructive approach to handling harsh feedback. Her framework guides authors from initial emotional reactions through to constructive analysis, turning potentially disheartening experiences into opportunities for growth.
Read More Five Stages of Processing a Negative Critique
Author News | Author Platform | Books | Editorial | Marketing | Reviews
Social Media Marketing for Independent Authors
May 13, 2024
Independent authors have unique opportunities to reach readers far and wide through social media. These platforms allow writers to amplify their voices and foster a personal connection with their audience, transforming followers into a devoted readership. Engaging directly with readers through thoughtfully shared content, authors can create a community invested in their literary success.
Read More Social Media Marketing for Independent Authors
Author News | Books | Editorial | Guest Writer | Reviews
Getting Valuable Book Reviews
May 5, 2024September 11, 2026
Today, Yvonne Blackwood offers her insights and experiences in a candid revelation of what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to harnessing the power of book reviews.
Read More Getting Valuable Book Reviews
Author News | Author Platform | Books | Editorial | Marketing Tips | Reviews
Engaging with Book Bloggers and Influencers as an Indie Author
June 26, 2023
As an independent author, or any author for that matter, it’s easy to get lost in the vast landscape of the literary world. The writing part of your job is only half the battle; the other half is getting your book into the hands of readers. But how? One effective way to increase your reach and impact is by building relationships with book bloggers and influencers. Let’s take a look.
Read More Engaging with Book Bloggers and Influencers as an Indie Author
Author News | Author Platform | Books | Editorial | Reviews
The DO’s and DON’Ts of Submitting to Book Reviewers
December 12, 2022August 19, 2026
Book reviews are a great tool to encourage people to buy your book. The best way to get reviews is to roll up your sleeves and look for reviewers online that look professional and reliable. But before you send your books in, you must make sure you follow their guidelines. Yes, this means you must visit their website and find out everything you can about them. What genre they prefer, submission guidelines… etc.; and read a few reviews to see if they sound professional.
Read More The DO’s and DON’Ts of Submitting to Book Reviewers
Author News | Awards | Editorial | Marketing | Reviews
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS: The 2022-2023 Literary Awards Program
May 2, 2022
Today, we’re excited to share with you that the 2022-2023 Reader Views Literary Awards program is OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
Read More OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS: The 2022-2023 Literary Awards Program