Salwa Emerson asked Keith Yocum:

Hi Keith-- I was just reading a thread you were on re the value of a paid review. I've just completed Book One of an illustrated middle-school series (in the vein of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.) Even though my true calling is in poetry and essays, I set about to create quality "product" for reluctant readers who love soccer. I believe I've done this, and I'd love to get your thoughts on the ROI of a Kirkus Review..?

Keith Yocum Salwa,
just digging into GR after a long absence. I find Kirkus Reviews helpful; they parcel them out to their normal reviewers so you're getting an honest review. You have the choice to keep the review "private" or "public," so if it's a bad review only you and the reviewer know it. I've done four Kirkus Reviews and received one "bad" review, which I found very helpful. Whether these reviews drive the needle on sales, there is great debate about that and I can't answer that one...

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