In the Media

🎧 Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) Podcast (December 2025) – Listen

🎧 Get Your Book Seen and Sold podcast – Listen

🎧 Now Appalachia – Listen

What Authors Are Saying

“Every week different publishers get in touch to say that their reviews aren’t increasing sales. Or their scattershot approach to obtaining ‘as many reviews as possible’ isn’t working. After 30 years as a publisher I am happier to hand them Walters’ book than to walk them through understanding the strategy of how to better leverage reviews towards the perpetual goal of sales.” – Joe Biel, author of A People’s Guide to Publishing,  CEO of Microcosm, Publishers Weekly fastest growing publisher 2022-2024

“In an age where the book review is increasingly rare, Walters’ tome is a comprehensive look at book reviews, literary criticism, and the ecosystem that gives life to a book. The Truth About Book Reviews lays it all on the line, and, like a looking glass, reveals indispensable facts and strategies for both the writer and the critic.” – Michael J. Seidlinger, author of On Submission

“A Review Bible for authors! Very informative, very direct. I’m certain this book will help many indie (and other) authors to find more reviews.” – Jaka Tomc, author of Stop This Game and 720 Heartbeats

“Joe Walters, the seasoned editor-in-chief of Independent Book Review, delivers a refreshingly practical and comprehensive guide in The Truth About Book Reviews. Tailored for the ambitious indie author, this book is far more than a how-to, it’s a boots-on-the-ground playbook grounded in real industry experience.” – Jerry Roth, author of Ghost from a Yard Sale and Bottom Feeders

“This is a book for every author to purchase and place in a handy spot on the bookcase. There’s so much valuable information in this work… Walters’ conversational tone throughout the book made what I consider unpleasant marketing tasks seem less daunting. I look forward to incorporating many of the excellent recommendations and strategies I learned about book reviews into practice. ” – Gerri Almand, author of The Reluctant RV Wife

“Joe Walters knows his stuff, and he shares his wealth of valuable knowledge in a well-organized, comprehensive guide that will benefit all writers at any stage of their career. Its clear, accessible prose is written in a style that makes the reader feel – rightly – like they have a friend in the publishing business. Even though I’ve already published 10 books, the resources, advice, and links provided have upped my game to the next level, and I plan to re-read this one every time I get into my publishing countdown on future books.” – Gary Corbin, author of the Valorie Dawes Thriller series

“Joe Walters comes at this topic with so much grounded knowledge that each spot-on section is a Rosetta Stone for the newbie to indie. Not sure why he gave it away, but I’m thankful.” – Rick Maloy, author of Replacement Children

“This book is an incredible resource for independent and small press authors! It shows you step by step how to make contact with reviewers, what type of reviews you should be pursuing, and a manageable timeline for the process. This can be overwhelming and confusing, but Walters has organized this book beautifully, ensuring you can follow his advice without it ever feeling daunting.” – Kate Kort, author of Glass

“This is an incredibly useful book! Nowadays it can feel nearly impossible to get recognition for your work. The world has never been more connected and yet creatives have never seemed more invisible. I’d advise any author (big or small) read this book and take its lessons into consideration as they gear up for a release or continue to promote their published book. Joe’s writing is approachable and clearly coming from a place of expertise.” – Steven Grier Williams, author of the Prose Edda series

Read more reviews of The Truth About Book Reviews on Goodreads!