Indies Today
An affordable review service that bundles social media promotion with the editorial review — useful for authors who want multiple marketing assets from one purchase.
indiestoday.comQuick Stats
| Founded | 2010s |
| Review type | Editorial (professional reviewers) |
| Turnaround | 3-5 weeks |
| Price range | $99 - $199 |
| Word count | 300-500 words |
| Audience | General readers, social media followers |
| Accepts self-pub | Yes |
| Accepts ARC/digital | Yes |
| Social promotion | Included in review packages |
Best Use Case
Indies Today is a reasonable choice for budget-conscious indie authors who want a professional review and social media visibility without paying for them separately. At $99-$199, the combined editorial review plus social promotion is competitive with services that charge more for just the review.
It's not the right tool for authors targeting agents or library buyers. The brand recognition in the book trade is minimal. But for authors building a consumer marketing presence on social media, the combined package has practical value.
Pricing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $99 | Editorial review + basic social promotion |
| Premium | $149 - $199 | Review + enhanced social promotion + additional features |
Check their current site for exact tier descriptions, as packages evolve.
What You Get
A 300-500 word editorial review published on the Indies Today website, plus social media promotion of your book to their follower base across platforms. The review is archived online and quotable in your marketing materials.
The social promotion typically includes posts on their social accounts featuring your book and review. The reach depends on their current follower counts, which are modest by large-platform standards but genuine — real followers, not bots.
Voice and Style
Indies Today reviews are written for indie book enthusiasts — accessible, enthusiastic, and focused on reader experience rather than literary criticism. The reviews are positive in orientation without being sycophantic; they do call out weaknesses, particularly in pacing or structure, when they're significant.
The writing quality is professional and consistent. Reviews are formatted for online consumption: clear paragraphs, specific character and plot references, and a clear verdict for readers deciding whether to buy.
Analysis based on publicly available sample reviews.
The Honest Take
Indies Today's main pitch is the bundled social promotion, but the actual reach of that promotion is difficult to measure. Social media post visibility is algorithm-dependent, and a single post from a review service account rarely generates significant organic reach unless their following is actively engaged.
At $99-$199, you're paying a reasonable rate for the editorial review alone, and the social promotion is a bonus rather than a selling point. Compare it to US Review of Books ($150, no social) or City Book Review ($199, no social) — the price-to-review-quality ratio is in the same range.
No trade weight, no library reach, no agent credibility. Purely a consumer-tier marketing asset at a budget price.
Pros
- $99 entry price is among the lowest for professional editorial reviews
- Social media promotion included in all packages
- 3-5 week turnaround is fast
- Reviews well-written for consumer audiences
- Focused on indie publishing community
Cons
- Social reach is modest and difficult to measure
- No trade recognition with agents or librarians
- Brand recognition is limited in book trade circles
- Reviews tend positive — less useful for critical feedback
- Consumer-only audience
Compare Indies Today
If you're comparing budget options, City Book Review charges $199 and covers 9 regional publications — worth the extra $100 if editorial reach matters more than social promotion.