Review Policy

I’m currently accepting any review requests!

Please check below

General information

Any books that are similar to the given genres, I will most likely accept. I accept review copies from large publishers, eBook publishers, and from requesting authors. I am also happy to accept requests from independent publishers. If the book is a part of a series, then I don’t mind reading the previous books.

Formats I accept

• physical copy (ARC or hardcover or paperback)
• mobi/epub

Genres

I accept the following genres and concepts for review:

• Young adult literature (most genres), especially contemporary and fantasy
• Fairy tale/myth/ historical retellings
• Fantasy
• Contemporary
• Science Fiction
• Horror

I’m actually not a picky person when it comes to reading books. My way of choosing books is basically: if it sounds good, then I’ll try it out.

However, I am NOT accepting books in the following genres:

• Biographies/memoirs
• Erotica
• Non-fiction

Accepting Books

If I accept a book for review, that will most likely guarantee a review. (I will usually reply to your email when I accept the request) I will make every effort to read and review in a good time and with regard to release dates. I prefer to receive a book 3-4 months prior to when you would like the review posted if you want it reviewed by a specific time. Otherwise, I’ll read it within the month and have a review posted in the next.

I especially encourage writers of diverse fiction to feel more than free to contact me. I want to make a better effort to read books with PoC/disabled and LGBTQ+ protagonists, as well as books by other #OwnVoices authors.

Reviews

I will write a review for almost every book I finish. Many reviews will also be posted on Goodreads, though not all will be long and detailed. Depending on how I enjoyed the book, the tone of writing is ever changing but they are not meant to be objective literary critiques. Unless I find something to critique.

I write fair and honest reviews, but this does not mean I will always write positive reviews. My reviews are my opinion, and if I don’t enjoy a book then my review will reflect that. I will try to explain why the book in question did not work for me personally. By sending a review request to me, you are acknowledging that a review may be negative. I should note that any book I read, even if I think it’s one of the best things I’ve read, will most likely have something negative- but not like horribly negative. I might just point out certain things I didn’t like. (certain arc, characters, language maybe…) Of course, I’m no professional, just a person who likes to write.

Personally, I don’t like to put a book down as ‘DNF’, especially when it’s an ARC. Only in extreme cases will I ever put a book down as DNF and will state why I did not finish the book, what page I read up to, and if I plan on finishing the book

Star Rating:

I use the Goodreads star rating. Goodreads uses a 5 star rating system however I’ve tweaked the definitions slightly:

1 star – I hated it

2 stars – I didn’t like it – may have 1 redeeming quality (writing style, a certain character, etc).

3 stars – I enjoyed it.

4 stars – really liked it, it has at least a couple interesting qualities.

5 stars – I loved it! Maybe a new favourite! Only a few, if any, minor limitations noted.

All reviews are cross-posted to multiple websites, these include Goodreads, and Amazon, and this blog.

Are you open for anything else?

I’m more than happy to host author interviews, giveaways, and other promotional events, but sometimes may have to decline due to lack of time.

• author interviews: typically I only interview authors that I’m familiar with.
• giveaways: I will only post a giveaway of a book I have read or am anticipating to read!
• blog tours: Like with giveaways, I have to have interest in the book being promoted.

CONTACT

I can be contacted for reviews or questions at requests@zaheerahkhalik.com

On Goodreads, I review under the name Zaheerah
You can follow me on Twitter as @toldbyzaheerah

If you have followed my guidelines and you have NOT heard from me, I apologize but sometimes I don’t respond to every request. But I’m very honoured you want me to read your book. I’m not paid to blog or review books. I think anyone wishes they were, but I’m not. Just a girl who loves to talk about the books I’m passionate about.

THANK YOU!