Kirkus

Kirkus Reviews is one of the oldest and most important media organizations and review platforms in the world of publishing and books in the United States of America, and has an exceptional weight of reference that extends for nearly a century in guiding the choices of readers, bookstore owners, and distributors. The foundation was founded in New York City in 1933 by pioneering businesswoman and publisher Virginia Kirkus. The idea was launched with an innovative vision when the Foundation detected an urgent need among public libraries and buyersTo know the content and evaluation of books before they are officially released on the market to facilitate the smart purchasing process, it created a special service that reads the first trial copies of books and issues periodic critical bulletins about them. The organization has gone through multiple transitions and acquisitions throughout its history, and is currently settled under the name Kirkus Media, with its headquarters in New York while fully maintaining its professional independence and strict critical integrity.The institution is characterized by a unique and rigorous working method imposed by its editorial staff and an extensive network of professional critics and reviewers. Its famous magazine is published regularly twice a month to provide extensive book reviews weeks before their official publication date. The Foundation’s evaluations cover a huge spectrum of more than ten thousand book titles annually, including all literary and scientific styles and genres, most notably contemporary literary novels, mystery and thriller novels, and science fiction, in addition to children’s and young adult books, and a huge section.For non-fiction and non-fiction prose covering history, politics, biographies, economics, and self-development. The reviews are written in a systematic and concise manner of no more than a few hundred words, focusing on a summary of the plot and an objective artistic evaluation without the interference of personal opinions. The exceptional reviews culminate in awarding the book the famous Kirkus Star Medal, which is a medal that represents an instrument of quality and excellence in the global publication market.The Foundation's services were not limited only to major publishing houses and traditional authors, but it revolutionized and democratized the industry by launching a program dedicated to supporting and encouraging authors who publish their work independently, which allowed new creators to obtain high-level professional reviews that help them spread and reach audiences, film directors, and literary agents. As a culmination of its pioneering role in enriching the cultural movement, the Foundation launched a huge annual award that is considered among the most prestigious and has the highest financial value in the world.Major financial rewards are awarded to winners in the novel, non-fiction, and young readers’ literature categories. The institution continues to integrate its heritage with modern digital technologies by developing research platforms and smart applications and providing integrated editorial and marketing services, making it the most trusted voice and an indispensable knowledge bridge for the contemporary book industry and directing the international cultural scene.