The Children's Book Review's Submission Guidelines
The Children’s Book Review (TCBR) reviews published fiction and non-fiction literature for children and young adults, including e-books, audiobooks, and child/family-related products (both traditionally and self-published).
What is a Professional Book Review?
A book review is a professional evaluation of your finished or published work that goes beyond simple summary. Our experienced reviewers analyze key elements such as writing style, theme development, age appropriateness, and educational value. Each review provides thoughtful insights that help readers—whether parents, educators, librarians, or book buyers—understand what makes your book unique and valuable for young readers.
Looking for feedback on an unfinished manuscript? Check out our Full Story Services for developmental editing and critiques.
How Do We Evaluate Review Submissions?
Submissions are evaluated based on the following particulars: literary value, illustrative quality, and overall presentation and quality. Our editorial reviews and book lists are always positive because we only appraise those books and products with the most substantial potential impact on the reader.
Who Can Submit?
We welcome submissions from anyone; including publishers, authors, illustrators, publicists, and other industry professionals who want to increase their book’s visibility and reach in the children’s literature market.
What Are Your Options for Getting a Book Review?
Dedicated Reviews
Receive your guaranteed review within the selected timeframe.
| Feature | Standard | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $285* | $385* |
| Length Surcharges | Based on page count* | Based on page count* |
| Timeframe | 4-5 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Word Count | Minimum 200 words | Minimum 200 words |
| Publication | Guaranteed | Guaranteed |
| E-Newsletter Inclusion | Yes | Yes |
*Additional fees based on page count reflect the time required for our professional reviewers to thoroughly read and evaluate longer works:
- 51-100 pages: +$50
- 101-200 pages: +$75
- 201-300 pages: +$100
- 301-400 pages: +$125
- 401+ pages: +$150
Editorial Reviews
A non-refundable processing and consideration fee applies to all Editorial Review submissions. Due to high submission volume, we cannot guarantee your book will be selected for an editorial review. Rest assured that every single submission received passes through our hands for evaluation and you will be contacted if your book is selected.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing and Consideration Fee |
Digital Book: $4.99 Physical Book: $19.99 |
| Guaranteed Review | No |
| Word Count | Varies |
| Publication | Only if selected for editorial review |
| E-Newsletter Inclusion | Considered for inclusion if selected for editorial review |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get my book reviewed by TCBR?
We are a trusted source with a large following in the children’s literature community. Our experienced reviewers read your book from beginning to end, providing thoughtful, human-crafted reviews that carry weight with readers, educators, and industry professionals. In an era of AI-generated content, authentic, carefully considered reviews from real readers who understand children’s literature make a meaningful difference in how your book is perceived and valued in the market.
How long will my review be available?
Your review becomes evergreen content, remaining published on TCBR for the life of our site or until your book is no longer in print. This ensures long-term visibility for your work.
How can I use my review?
Your review is a versatile marketing tool that you can:
- Share across all your marketing platforms
- Use as social proof for your book
- Feature on your website and promotional materials
- Include in press kits and media outreach
What results can I expect from a review?
While results vary, authors often see:
- Increased book sales
- Higher website traffic
- Improved Amazon rankings
- Enhanced online discoverability through web searches
- Greater awareness of both the book and its creators
What are people saying about working with TCBR?
“The Children’s Book Review has reviewed each of my books with candor and perception, building my confidence as well as gently guiding me to write clearer and better. They may say it takes a village to grow a child. I think it takes a dedicated review to grow a writer.” — Carole P. Roman, Award-Winning Author
“If you’re a children’s book writer who wants to get your books in front of thousands of readers and get a ton of great reviews in the process, this is the one-stop-shop for it all.” —Brooke Hartman, Award-Wining Author
“We’ve had a wonderful partnership with The Children’s Book Review. The website is a great springboard for introducing new titles to a large audience concerned and interested in children’s literacy. The performance of our marketing campaigns with you have been outstanding. You have an engaging audience and it shows in the number of giveaway entries and social media. A great website!” —Angela Williams, Consumer Marketing, Dover Publications, Inc.
“Marketing a children’s book can often feel like an uphill battle but The Children’s Book Review makes reaching parents, grandparents and teachers so easy. The service and value is exceptional.” —Keri-Rae Barnum, Executive Director of New Shelves Books
How to Get Started with a Submission?
- Complete the online submission form below
- Receive response email within 3 business days
- Invoice will be included for review fee and any applicable surcharges
- Upon finalized payment, for digital submissions you’ll be provided with the form to submit:
- Book information
- Contact details
- Press materials
- Supporting documents
- Digital book upload link
- Instructions for including contact details and supporting materials with your book
- Submit your materials
- Digital formats: Upload through the provided secure link
- Physical copies: Mail to our review address after receiving submission instructions
- We accept most formats, including PDFs and finished books
- Select your preferred review option (Editorial or Dedicated)
Upon finalized payment, for physical submissions you’ll receive:
- Mailing address
What Happens After Submission?
For Dedicated Reviews
- Your submission is assigned to a professional reviewer who specializes in children’s literature
- The reviewer thoroughly reads and evaluates your book
- A thoughtful, detailed review is crafted within your selected timeframe
- The review is delivered to you for fact-checking
- Upon your approval, the review is:
- Published on our website
- Featured in our e-newsletter
- Made available for your marketing use
For Editorial Reviews
- Our editorial team considers all submissions for potential inclusion
- Due to high submission volume, we cannot guarantee review selection
- We will contact you only if your book is selected
- Selected books receive the same professional review process as our Dedicated Reviews
- Published reviews are featured on our website and may be included in our e-newsletter
Additional Resources
- The Art of Getting Your Children’s Book Reviewed
- Book Marketing Opportunities with TCBR
- Children’s Book Author Mentorship
- Check out our Full Story Services for developmental editing and critiques.
Note: These submission guidelines are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a solicitation of any work or materials. Submissions are made at the sender’s own risk of loss or damage. After evaluation, most submitted materials are donated to charities, schools, and libraries.
Ready to submit? Complete the form below to begin the process. Questions? Just ask, using the same form.