Request A Review

Allison’s Book Bag is a dedicated to reviewing books for young people. This includes picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, and young adult books.

I consider book review requests from authors, editors, and publishers. I do not accept requests for self-published books. There are plenty of other bloggers who will, some of whom you might find at: Book Blogs. Although I do accept requests for small press books, my preference is for those that will interest boys, describe a different region or culture, or deal with social issues. Last, I welcome the opportunity to read a debut or young author.

There are some types of books I will not read. While it is natural that young adult novels may contain mature content, I try to avoid books with excessive profanity, gratuitous violence, explicit sex, or an anti-religion message. I will review a nonfiction book, but only if I have some knowledge of the topic. Anthologies of short stories are acceptable. I do not normally review collections of essays or poems.

In requesting a review, it is understood that you will provide a review copy in print form. I do not accept requests for e-books.

You may contact me at any time with a request. However, with the exception of tours, I follow a review schedule. Requested reviews will be posted in February, May, and August. This schedule will allow me to read a balance of books that are my choice and books that others have asked me to read.

My typical routine is to post extra features at the start of the week, biographical teasers mid-week and follow-up with a review on Saturday. If you need this schedule changed for a book tour, please contact me about alternative days. However, please respect that I keep Sundays free for church and family.

In all of my reviews, I include a short plot summary that is normally free of spoilers. I also discuss what I did and didn’t like. Based on my reaction to the book, I will recommend readers to either:

* buy the book
* borrow the book
* leave the book on the shelf

To help with promotion of a book, I cross-post a copy of my review at various other communities including Book Blogs, Facebook, Good Reads, JacketFlap, and Networked Blogs. As part of my review, I will also post a Buy at Amazon link for the convenience of readers.

I am always happy to consider author interviews, guest blogs, and virtual book tours. When I interview authors with multiple books, I might provide a round-up that includes several of their books. Giveaways have mixed reviews at my blog, meaning I only offer them if requested. Because WordPress strips some of the needed code, I do not to participate in blog hops.

Please also note that with interviews, I prefer to use email. Should an author desire a telephone interview, I will need permission to record the call. In either format, the author should also understand that I will edit for clarity, may rearrange or drop questions, but otherwise will post the interview as it is received. If you want tight control over the exact wording of your answers, you should request an e-mail rather than a phone interview.

To contact me, email me at ahunter_nfATyahooDOTcom. In the subject, type Allison’s Book Bag or Book Review Request so that it is not filtered as spam.

I look forward to hearing from you!