Our Commitment to Unbiased Literary Critique
At The Indie Critic, our mission is simple but rigorous: to treat independent literature with the same seriousness and critical eye as traditional publishing
In an industry flooded with 'paid-for-5-star-reviews', we stand apart. We accept payment for our critics' time, not for their opinion. A payment to The Indie Critic guarantees a review, but it never guarantees a positive one. Our loyalty is to the reader and the integrity of the written word."
How We Review
1. Anonymous Assignment
"Books are assigned to critics blindly. The reviewer knows nothing about the author's background or marketing budget."
2. The Read-Through
Our critics read every word. We analyze pacing, character arcs, narrative structure, and market potential.
3. The Verdict
Every review concludes with a clear 'Verdict'—a distinct sentence summarizing whether the book is a 'Must-Read' or 'Skippable'
4. Editorial Oversight
Before publication, every review passes through our Senior Editor to ensure it meets our strict journalistic standards.
Why is there a reading fee?
"Traditional newspapers have salaried staff. As an independent publication, we charge a reading fee to compensate our professional critics for the hours they spend reading and analyzing your manuscript. This fee covers operational costs and ensures we can attract top-tier literary talent. It does not influence the outcome of the review."
Our Evaluation Criteria
We judge books based on specific literary merits
Plot & Pacing
Does the story hold the reader's attention?
Character Development
Are the characters three-dimensional?
Voice & Style
Is the writing unique and polished?
Production Quality:
Is the formatting and editing professional?