review policy

ARC Reviews, The Plot & Paper Way

If you’ve landed here, welcome! I’m Kate—writing student, word nerd, and emerging freelance editor. I gravitate toward immersive, emotionally rich reads with atmosphere, heart, and a hint of magic or mystery. Some call it mood reading—I just call it reading in full color. (Orange is my favorite shade, but you’ll learn more about that later.)

Below you’ll find my review preferences, favorite genres, and how I partner with authors to share their stories honestly and thoughtfully.

📌 ARC Requests Must Include

To help me evaluate whether your book is a good fit, please include the following details in your request:

  • Genre & age category (MG, YA, Adult, etc.)

  • Word count (approximate is fine)

  • Release date

  • Content warnings (required — I cannot consider requests without them)

  • Format offered (PDF, ePub, print, etc.)

Requests missing this information will not be considered. This helps me respect my own time and ensures I can give your book the attention it deserves.

Genres I Accept

    • Middle Grade (fantasy, mystery, magical realism, spooky/light horror)

    • Young Adult (fantasy, coming-of-age, gothic/light dark academia)

    • Adult Fiction (thrillers, fantasy, speculative fiction, cozy horror, contemporary)

    • Romantasy or fantasy with romantic elements

    • Romance/Chick Lit (closed-door or moderately spicy, character-driven)

    • Dark Romance (case-by-case basis, must align with content policy boundaries)

    • Character-driven fiction with atmosphere, heart, or creep factor

Genres/Tropes I Do Not Review

  • Erotica or overly explicit content
  • Graphic sexual violence
  • Pregnancy-centered plots
  • Dubious consent
  • Extreme political/religious content
  • Books with problematic age gaps or hate speech

📌 Note: I review YA and MG reads with the same care as adult fiction, and I do not accept books with romanticized trauma or toxic dynamics presented as healthy.

For a full breakdown of content limits and sensitive topics I avoid, click here.

Review Timeline & Platform

I primarily review upcoming releases and prefer to receive ARCs at least 2–3 weeks in advance. I aim to post reviews within a week of the book’s release unless otherwise discussed.

Due to school and other commitments, I take on a limited number of ARCs at a time to ensure each one receives my full attention and care.

Reviews are posted to:

Review Format

I use two review styles depending on where the post appears and how deeply I want to dive into a book. My reader-focused reviews center on the emotional experience and are what you’ll typically find on Goodreads, StoryGraph, or Instagram. My craft-based reviews take a more editorial lens—analyzing what made the story work, what I learned from it, and why it stayed with me.

Reader-Focused Reviews

These are my standard reviews, used for Goodreads, StoryGraph, and shorter blog or social posts (like roundups and Instagram features). They’re designed to highlight the reader experience — honest, concise, and spoiler-free.

My reviews aim to be thoughtful, honest, and reader-focused. I highlight what worked for me, suggest who the book might be a great fit for, and share what didn’t fully land—with care and context. I don’t pick apart books; I respond to the experience of reading them.

Most of my reader reviews follow this format:

  • A short, spoiler-free intro or summary

  • What I Loved – Highlights, favorite characters, standout moments

  • What I Didn’t Love – What didn’t land for me (with context)

  • Rating & Spice Level – If applicable (see my rating system)

  • Would I Recommend It? – And to who

  • A final one-liner that captures the emotional impact or vibe

📍 These reviews typically appear on Goodreads, StoryGraph, NetGalley, and in blog or social roundups.

📌 If I DNF a book, I’ll let the author or publisher know privately rather than reviewing publicly.

Craft-Based Reviews

hese are my in-depth, editorial reviews, written for my blog when a book truly sticks with me. They blend my reader reaction with my editor’s perspective — focusing on what made the story work, what I learned from it, and why it resonated long after the final page.

Each one explores the craft behind the story: the structure, character arcs, pacing, and emotional beats that made it shine.

Most of my craft-based reviews include:

  • Introduction – Why I picked it up and where it fits in my reading life

  • My Thoughts – Emotional connection and overall impression

  • What Worked – Pacing, atmosphere, structure, character development

  • What Didn’t (or Could Be Stronger) – Gentle critique grounded in craft, not taste

  • Takeaways – Lessons or insights I’m carrying forward as a reader/writer

  • Recommendation + “If You Loved…” – Who the story is perfect for and comparable titles

  • From the Editor’s Desk – A final reflection tying emotional and editorial perspectives

📍 These appear as featured reviews on my blog. I occasionally share snippets or quotes on Instagram and discuss related craft insights on Threads.

Learn more about how I review and my overall philosophy.

Preferred Reading Format

Digital ARCs (PDF or ePub) are preferred for convenience, but I’m happy to receive physical copies when available.

Let’s Work Together

Interested in sending me an ARC? Please fill out the ARC Request Form with the genre, release date, and a short description of your book.

This helps me keep everything organized and ensures I don’t miss your message (sometimes DMs get lost in the void!).

I’ll review your request and get back to you within 1–2 business days.

Thank you for considering me, and trusting me with your story!

Kate