About Bookshelfie
Welcome to Bookshelfie, the Self-Pub Hub! Founded by Adam Rowan, Bookshelfie aims to support self-published authors by providing a platform where their books can be easily reviewed and discovered by readers—completely free of charge. Born from Adam’s dissatisfaction with existing self-publishing platforms and a desire to uplift independent voices, Bookshelfie ensures a more author-friendly alternative to larger, corporate sites.
Features of Bookshelfie:
- Free platform for self-published authors to showcase their work and opportunity to get free book reviews.
- Strict moderation to filter out low-quality, AI slop books.
- Open to all genres of fiction and non-fiction. Proud to review and promote exclusively indie authors' books.
- Supports independent voices and promotes diverse literature from diverse voices.
At Book-shelfie, we review both fiction and non-fiction books using a 5-star rating scale, with scores given in 0.5 star increments for precise evaluation. Here’s what our ratings typically represent
5 stars – An outstanding book that delivers excellence across writing quality, research/storytelling, and general brilliance. For fiction, this means exceptional storytelling and prose. For non-fiction, this means comprehensive research, clear presentation, and valuable insights. These rare gems are must-reads.
4-4.5 stars – Highly accomplished books with compelling strengths and only minor weaknesses. In fiction, this might mean great characters with slight pacing issues. In non-fiction, this could be thorough analysis with occasional dense sections or lack of evidence. Still strongly recommended.
3-3.5 stars – Competent books that provide solid content while having some noticeable flaws. For fiction, perhaps good plot but underdeveloped characters. For non-fiction, good information but possibly lacking depth in key areas. Worth reading for interested readers.
2-2.5 stars – Problematic books where the weaknesses overshadow the strengths. In fiction, this might be poor writing despite an interesting premise. In non-fiction, perhaps outdated research or poorly supported arguments. May still appeal to certain audiences.
5 stars – An outstanding book that delivers excellence across writing quality, research/storytelling, and impact. For fiction, this means exceptional storytelling and prose. For non-fiction, this means comprehensive research, clear presentation, and valuable insights. These rare gems are must-reads.
4-4.5 stars – Highly accomplished books with compelling strengths and only minor weaknesses. In fiction, this might mean great characters with slight pacing issues. In non-fiction, this could be thorough analysis with occasional dense sections. Strongly recommended.
3-3.5 stars – Competent books that provide solid content while having some noticeable flaws. For fiction, perhaps good plot but underdeveloped characters. For non-fiction, good information but possibly lacking depth in key areas. Worth reading for interested readers.
2-2.5 stars – Problematic books where the weaknesses overshadow the strengths. In fiction, this might be poor writing despite an interesting premise. In non-fiction, perhaps outdated research or poorly supported arguments. May still appeal to certain audiences.
1-1.5 stars – Seriously flawed books with major issues throughout. This could mean plot holes and poor writing in fiction, or factual errors and confused arguments in non-fiction. Hard to recommend to any reader.
0-0.5 stars – Books with critical failures that make them virtually unreadable, regardless of genre. These scores are reserved for the most problematic cases.
At Bookshelfie, we aim to highlight the strengths of each book rather than dwelling on shortcomings. While we seldom publish negative reviews, we always provide constructive feedback—even in our most glowing ones.
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