James Nicoll Reviews

Home > How to Commission a Review

How to Commission a Review

  1. You can buy a review for a book for $1001 or by supporting my Patreon: see its page for specific details. I am very open to various media of payment; PayPal is usually easiest. (See the PayPal button in the sidebar.)
  2. Authors may not buy reviews of their own books; nor may their family members, publishers or agents. This is for two reasons: Yog’s Law and also the possibility that a confused minority might expect if they pay me to read their book they are then entitled to a positive review.
    Authors may point out to me that their qualifying books are now out (or back in print) and while I cannot promise to read said books, there will not be a charge if I do.
  3. I have the right to decline any book; this is not to be taken as a negative comment on the author or book.
  4. Generally, I am not willing to review any book where I would not then allow the author right of reply. I think writers commenting on reviews can go south pretty precipitously but I leave it to their judgement.

NOTE: I reserve the right to break my own rules — except for #2 because, wow, can authors buying reviews go horribly wrong fast.

1: Unless the book in question is The Number of the Beast, in which case the price is $1,000.


If you do not wish to commission a review, but would like to suggest a book for my consideration, you can do that here.