Having your book reviewed by credible sources can help sales to bookstores and libraries. Timing is important here, because most reviewers need to see your book well before it has been published. Also, if you want to include the review (or an excerpt) on your book cover, you’ll need to have the review early in the production process. Both are good reasons to create advance review copies.

Here are some of the major players in the book review business:

• Booklist — Book reviews for public libraries and school libraries, from the American Library Association. Galleys should arrive at Booklist at least 15 weeks prior to publication.
• Foreword Reviews — Galleys must be received in the Foreword offices at least 2 months prior to the book’s firm publication date.
• Kirkus Reviews — Standard service takes about 8 weeks.
• Library Journal — Prefers to receive materials 3 to 4 months in advance of publication date.
• Publishers Weekly/BookLife — Allow 12 weeks or longer.

Now that you’ve sent your book out for reviews, it’s time to focus on blurbs.