Elevate your upcoming book release with a Foreword Review.

We dedicate each magazine issue of Foreword to the discovery and curation of notable books coming from independent presses. Our goal is to provide this information in advance of, or as close as possible to, the book’s publication date.

This trade “process” is in place so librarians and booksellers have titles on their shelves when consumers hear about them.

Foreword Magazine Editorial Calendar

The editorial calendar lists the genres we’re planning to feature in each issue, but please note that we cover all genres in the general review section, each and every issue.

Please note our editorial submission deadlines for a Foreword review to ensure your book is considered for your target issue – we want to make sure you're able to take advantage of the perfect opportunity to reach our engaged audience.

How to Apply for a Foreword Review:

  • To provide our reviewers and editors ample time, we need to receive titles at least four and a half months in advance, so sending your titles sooner is always better—once you have completed manuscripts or advance reading copies (ARCs) ready for reviewers, send them our way. PDF files are preferred, and can be sent to our book review editor at ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

  • Hard copies may be sent to: Book Review Editor, Foreword Reviews, 12935 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suite 380, Traverse City, MI 49684

  • With your book submission, include a detailed sell sheet with publication date, title, subtitle, title description, ISBN, author name and biography, publisher, price, page count, binding, and an indication of how you plan to distribute.

  • Make sure to to be mindful of our editorial submission deadlines (see our editorial calendar below) to give your book the best chance of receiving a Foreword Review. Late submissions will not be considered.

That's it, it's free to apply!

Please note that we get thousands of submissions, and are only able to select 100 titles for each issue.

If your book isn’t selected for a Foreword review, or if you’ve already published your book, we recommend getting a Clarion Review or running a magazine or digital promotion to feature your book to our audience.

*To learn more about why professional editorial reviews are essential for your book’s success, see #2 in our FAQ section below.

FAQs

What makes a Foreword review so valuable for my book?

A Foreword review offers critical advantages for independent authors by providing unparalleled credibility and visibility in the publishing industry.

Our highly respected reviews connect your book with over 30,000 industry professionals subscribed to our magazine, including librarians and booksellers, helping your title stand out in a crowded marketplace.

By offering nuanced, thoughtful critique, we provide instant legitimacy to your book and significantly increase its chances of library acquisitions and reader interest.

Why are professional editorial reviews important for my book?

A professional editorial review provides critical credibility and visibility for your book, offering objective feedback and powerful marketing materials. As one of the most respected review publications among librarians and booksellers, Foreword Magazine offers a trusted platform for forthcoming indie titles.

Also, with recent book ban challenges, librarians now require 1-2 professional reviews for book acquisitions, making these reviews essential for catching the attention of booksellers, librarians, and readers.

Professional reviews help independent authors stand out in a crowded marketplace by lending authority and increasing discoverability through respected industry channels.

What types of books does Foreword cover?

Foreword provides comprehensive coverage of upcoming independent and university press titles across all genres. Our editorial approach combines a structured methodology with all-encompassing review coverage, focusing on forthcoming titles from independent and university presses.

Through our carefully curated Editorial Calendar, we highlight specific genres while ensuring our general review section captures a wide variety of books. This approach allows us to showcase innovative and diverse titles from small publishers, offering a platform that goes beyond the offerings of major commercial publishing houses.

How far in advance should I submit my book for a Foreword review?

Submit your book at least four and a half months before its publication date. Once you have completed manuscripts or advance reading copies (ARCs) ready for reviewers, send them our way.

PDF files are preferred, and can be sent to our book review editor at ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

Hard copies may be sent to:
Book Review Editor
Foreword Reviews
12935 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suite 380
Traverse City, MI 49684

We look forward to seeing your book!

What information should I include with my book submission for a Foreword review?

Include a detailed tip sheet with: publication date, title, subtitle, title description, ISBN, author name and biography, publisher, price, page count, binding, and distribution plans.

Can I submit digital copies of my book?

Yes, PDF files are preferred and can be sent to ebooks+magazine@forewordreviews.com

How do I know which issue to submit my book for?

Submit your book for the issue that corresponds to its month of publication, regardless of the issue's listed features.

What is the readership of Foreword Magazine?

Foreword’s magazine has a readership of more than 30,000 librarians and book professionals.

70% of readers share their print copies with colleagues, and 50% save their copies longer than three months.

85% of our readers report ordering books as a result of seeing an ad or review in the magazine.

What options do I have if my book isn't selected for a Foreword review, given the competitive nature of the selection process?

With over 1,000 submissions per issue and only 100 review spots available, our Foreword review selection is highly competitive.

For authors seeking professional recognition, Clarion Reviews provides a valuable pathway to industry visibility. Our fee-for-review service offers objective 400-word reviews, distribution to major book industry partners, and meaningful marketing insights.

Authors can further amplify their book's reach through our carefully curated magazine advertising options, designed to connect books with engaged readers and industry professionals.