Review Policy

LAST UPDATED: June 4, 2024

Hello! Interested in having me review a book? I am currently OPEN to review requests, but please read my review policy before contacting me to ensure we are a good fit. I reside in the USA.

What Books Are You Willing to Consider?

I mainly review adult and YA fantasy, horror, and historical fiction, especially those featuring diverse characters and intersecting identities, but I am open to reviewing most books as long as they suit my tastes. I am very open to books with diverse/OwnVoices, LGBTQ+, 

YA Fiction

• Fantasy, especially those featuring faeries
• Fairy tale retellings and stories inspired by myths and folklore, especially those that feature witches
• Historical fiction with a magical twist
• Horror

Favorite books: 

Fantasy

• High or low fantasy, particularly those that are non-Western inspired
• Magic realism with complex world-building and magic systems
• Historical fantasy
• Fairy tale retellings, stories inspired by myths and folklore, especially those that feature witches
• Dark fantasy
• Cozy fantasy

Favorite books: The Hobbit, The Faithful and The Fallen Series,

Horror

• Gothic stories
• Creature, monster horror
• Horror based on folklore or myths, especially those including witches

Favorite books:

I do not accept the following:

• Body horror
• Erotic fiction or those with a lot of spice
• Romance
• Nonfiction
• Most self-published or small/indie presses (sometimes I will make an exception)

Although I may occasionally review a book outside of these genres, I do not want to receive requests or copies of books outside those stated. Please do not send me unsolicited review copies.

What Formats Do You Accept?

• Physical copies- proofs or hardback/paperback finished copies
• Digital copies*- I have a Kindle and can accept .mobi and PDF files.

*My preference is physical copies. I have an easier time reading and reviewing physical copies and they photograph better for Instagram.

What Do You Need in a Review Request to Decide Whether You Will Accept a Book or Not?

Please include the following information in your initial contact with me:

• Book title and author
• Summary
• Release date
• Publisher
• Page count
• Other relevant information such as why you think my blog would be a good fit for your book
• A time frame for when you expect the review to be posted, if you have one. I may not be able or willing to meet a preferred deadline. Please see below.
  
  

What Is Your Review Process?

Please understand that sending me a book for review does not guarantee I will read and review it immediately. I have an evergrowing stack of books to read, as well as a full-time job and hobbies outside of reading. I try my very best to read and review in a timely manner, but sometimes life gets in the way. Due to this, any ARCs I receive may be reviewed after publication. I am also a mood reader, meaning I read the books I want to read when I want to read them - otherwise, I find I get no enjoyment from the books I'm reading. This means I may not be able to review by your preferred deadline. Not reviewing every book right before publication also keeps my blog fresh compared to other blogs and allows me to highlight the book once talk has died down, thus renewing interest.

Each of my reviews includes the following:

• Book cover, title, and author
• If it's part of a series
• Publisher
• Publication date
• Genre classification
• Page count
• Format & source
• Star review
• Publisher blurb about the book
• My thoughts on the characters, world-building, narration, premise/plot, and pacing.
• #ad: affiliate link to Amazon and Bookshop.org
• Instagram post with photo styled by yours truly with the publisher tagged if possible. I will tag authors in 4 and 5 star reviews.

I do not include major spoilers in my reviews unless it's in reference to previous books in the series.

To get a better idea of my review process, I encourage you to read through my previous reviews.

What Is Your Rating System?

I rate books out of 5 and use whole star ratings, meaning 3 stars is an average rating. Below is what the stars mean to me:

• 1 star: I did not like it. I either didn't like the story, the characters, the writing style, or something else. I most likely DNFed the book and do not recommend this book.
• 2 stars: It was just okay. I may have liked a few things, but something was off or problematic about the book. There were likely some moments I enjoyed, but overall it was lacking. I do not tend to recommend these books.
• 3 stars: It was good! I didn't love it but I didn't dislike it either. Something may have bothered me here or there, but overall the story, characters, and world-building were good. I recommend these books; they just aren't my favorite.
• 4 stars: I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend others read it as well. The only reason it isn't a 5 is because it's lacking something. I usually have a hard time describing what exactly is lacking, as it's more of a feeling than anything else.
• 5 stars: I'm obsessed. It isn't often I hand out a 5, but when I do, it's because the book was absolutely breathtaking with memorable characters, distinct voices, fantastic world-building, and a fast-paced, and engaging plot. I highly recommend these books and often will read them more than once. These are the books I stay up at night thinking about, sometimes pulling an all-nighter while reading.

What If You Don't Enjoy My Book?

I take great pride in being honest and truthful. Being authentic has always been an important aspect of blogging and book reviews, so I cannot guarantee my reviews will be positive, but they will always be honest and fair. If you are not okay with a potential negative review, I am not the reviewer for you. By sending me a review request, you acknowledge that my review may be negative, yet fair.

If I read a book with problematic content, such as ableism, racism, homophobia, etc, I will include this information in my review.

I reserve the right to not review every book I receive. If, for whatever reason, I DNF a book, I will email you immediately.

What Should You Do If You Disagree With My Review Or Rating?

Nothing...You should do nothing. Outside of correcting spelling or grammatical errors, my reviews will remain the same. I will not tolerate vitriol or attacks from an author who did not like my review. Should this happen, I will immediately inform other bloggers of my experience. No one wants that.

Where Do You Post Your Reviews?

• Goodreads and Amazon (I am currently exploring other review options)
• Instagram: I will share book mail, book stacks, reading updates, and more. When my review is complete, I will post a photo styled by yours truly with the publisher tagged if possible, a short review excerpt, and star review. I will only tag authors for books rated 4 stars or above.
  
  

Are You Open to Other Content? If So, What Content?

Yes! I am open to the following:

• Hosting giveaways
• Participating in blog tours
• Review literary-themed subscription boxes
• Review literary-themed items such as clothing, teas*, candles, body products, etc.
• Guest blogging
• Exclusive cover reviews

*While I am open to reviewing literary-inspired food, it must be prepared in a commercial kitchen and arrive in a sealed container. Items, whether food or otherwise, cannot contain the following allergens: Goji berries, Jell-o brand tapioca pudding, or Land-o-Lakes Whipped Butter Cream.

How Can I Contact You?

You can contact me by email at plotsandpotions[at]outlook[dot]com.

I try to reply to emails as soon as possible, but please give me a few days. Remember, I have a full-time job outside of blogging as well as friends, family, and other hobbies (including another blog!). 

I will not respond to emails from those who have not read my review policy.