Pacific Book Review
A West Coast editorial review service with press release distribution baked in — useful for authors who want retail platform visibility alongside the review itself.
pacificbookreview.comQuick Stats
| Founded | Mid-2000s |
| Review type | Editorial (professional reviewers) |
| Turnaround | 4-6 weeks standard |
| Price range | $150 - $350 |
| Word count | 300-500 words |
| Audience | General readers; retail platform buyers (BN.com, Google Books, Apple Books) |
| Accepts self-pub | Yes |
| Accepts ARC/digital | Yes |
| Press release | Included in higher tiers |
Best Use Case
Pacific Book Review works best for authors who want an editorial review plus press release distribution to retail platforms in one package. The BN.com, Google Books, and Apple Books distribution is a concrete differentiator — it puts your book's visibility in front of shoppers on platforms beyond Amazon.
If you're already covered on distribution and just need a review, you can get a comparable editorial review for less elsewhere. The bundle value is the main argument for Pacific.
Pricing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Review | $150 | Editorial review, website publication |
| Premium / Distribution | $250 - $350 | Review + press release + BN.com/Google/Apple distribution |
Exact tier pricing varies by package; check their site for current options.
What You Get
A 300-500 word editorial review published on the Pacific Book Review website. Higher tiers include a press release distributed to Barnes & Noble's website (BN.com), Google Books, and Apple Books editorial feeds, which can surface your book to shoppers browsing those platforms.
You receive the review text for use in marketing. The website publication is archived and indexed, contributing to your book's search presence.
Voice and Style
Pacific Book Review leans toward a West Coast literary sensibility in its review writing: accessible, enthusiastic about indie publishing, and less inclined toward the bluntness of Kirkus or the formality of Foreword. Reviews read like an informed recommendation rather than a critical assessment.
The writing is competent and quotable. Expect summary-heavy reviews with a positive bias — critical reviews do appear, but Pacific isn't known for brutal assessments.
Analysis based on publicly available sample reviews.
The Honest Take
Pacific Book Review is a serviceable mid-tier review service that doesn't overstate its importance. The press release and retail platform distribution is the strongest part of the value proposition; the review itself is competent but not distinguished.
The brand doesn't carry weight with agents or library buyers, and the consumer audience is modest. You're essentially paying for review + press release as a bundle, and whether that's worth $250-$350 depends on how much the retail platform push matters for your specific title.
For authors who want to maximize presence across all major retail platforms, the bundle approach makes sense. For authors who just need a review quote, cheaper options exist.
Pros
- Press release distribution to BN.com, Google Books, and Apple Books
- $150 entry tier is competitive
- West Coast editorial perspective (useful for certain regional books)
- Professional writing quality suitable for press kits
- Review archived and indexed online
Cons
- Brand recognition is limited in book trade circles
- Reviews tend to be positive-biased, which can reduce credibility
- Retail distribution value depends on your book's retail strategy
- No trade distribution to libraries or booksellers
- Consumer audience size is modest