What is Kirkus Reviews and what is its primary function?

Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine. Its primary function is to review books, often previewing them before their official publication. Book review magazines provide critical assessments of new and upcoming books, helping readers and industry professionals decide which titles to read or acquire.

Who founded Kirkus Reviews and in what year?

Kirkus Reviews was founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The founder's name is often associated with the publication's identity, indicating a personal vision behind its establishment.

What is the name of the publisher of Kirkus Reviews, and where is it headquartered?

The publisher of Kirkus Reviews is Kirkus Media, which is headquartered in New York City, New York, in the U.S. A publisher is the company responsible for the production and distribution of a magazine or book.

What annual prize does Kirkus Reviews confer, and to whom is it awarded?

Kirkus Reviews confers the annual Kirkus Prize. This prize is awarded to authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature. Literary prizes are often established to recognize and promote excellence in writing across various genres.

How frequently is Kirkus Reviews published?

Kirkus Reviews is published semimonthly, meaning it is released twice a month. Semimonthly publication schedules allow for more frequent updates and coverage compared to monthly or quarterly publications.

Approximately how many book titles does Kirkus Reviews review each year?

Kirkus Reviews reviews over 10,000 titles per year. Reviewing a large volume of books indicates a significant scope and influence within the publishing industry.

What was Virginia Kirkus's initial role at Harper & Brothers?

Virginia Kirkus was hired by Harper & Brothers in 1926 to establish a children's book department. Establishing specialized departments within publishing houses is a common practice to focus on specific market segments or genres.

What led Virginia Kirkus to leave Harper & Brothers and establish her own service?

After the children's book department she established at Harper & Brothers was eliminated as an economic measure in 1932, Virginia Kirkus left and soon established her own book review service. Economic downturns can significantly impact the operations and staffing of companies, sometimes leading to the closure of departments or the departure of key personnel.

How did the volume of books reviewed by Kirkus's service change from its early days to nearly 80 years later?

Initially, Kirkus's service arranged to review about 20 books in advance of their publication. Almost 80 years later, the service was receiving hundreds of books weekly and reviewing approximately 100. This shows a significant growth in the scale of operations, reflecting increased demand and capacity.

Trace the evolution of the title of the publication from its inception to its current name.

The publication was initially titled *Bulletin* by Kirkus' Bookshop Service from 1933 to 1954. It then became *Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service* starting with the January 1, 1955 issue. This was successively shortened to *Virginia Kirkus' Service* with the December 15, 1964 issue, then *Kirkus Service* in 1967, before finally adopting its current title, *Kirkus Reviews*, with the January 1, 1969 issue. A publication's title can change over time to reflect its evolving identity, scope, or branding.

What role did Anne Larsen play at Kirkus Reviews, and what changes did she implement?

Anne Larsen was brought on as fiction editor in 1985 and soon became editor, serving as the editorial head until 2006. During her tenure, she modified the review format and style to improve readability, concision, accuracy, and impact. Editorial leadership is crucial for shaping a publication's voice, style, and overall quality.

When was Kirkus Reviews first sold, and to whom?

Kirkus Reviews was sold in 1970 to *The New York Review of Books*. Acquisitions by other media companies can signal shifts in market strategy or ownership structure.

Following the acquisition by *The New York Review of Books*, who subsequently acquired Kirkus Reviews?

After being sold by *The New York Review of Books*, Kirkus Reviews was acquired by Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins, who also served as the publication's editors. This indicates a period of ownership by individuals closely involved in the publication's editorial content.

Who acquired Kirkus Reviews from Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins?

Magazine consultant James B. Kobak acquired Kirkus Reviews from Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins in 1985. The acquisition by a magazine consultant suggests a focus on business management and industry expertise.

In 1993, who purchased Kirkus Reviews from James B. Kobak?

David LeBreton bought Kirkus Reviews from James B. Kobak in 1993. Ownership changes can reflect market dynamics and the business strategies of different individuals or companies.

Which company, and its parent company, acquired Kirkus Reviews from David LeBreton in 1999?

BPI Communications, which was owned by the Dutch publisher VNU, bought Kirkus Reviews from David LeBreton in 1999. This acquisition by a larger media conglomerate indicates a consolidation trend within the publishing industry.

What significant announcement was made by the company owning Kirkus Reviews at the end of 2009?

At the end of 2009, the company announced the end of operations for Kirkus Reviews. Such announcements often precede a sale or a significant restructuring of the business.

Who purchased Kirkus Reviews in February 2010, and what was the company renamed?

Businessman Herbert Simon purchased Kirkus Reviews on February 10, 2010. The company was thereafter renamed Kirkus Media, and Marc Winkelman was made publisher. The purchase by an individual investor can lead to a revitalization or rebranding of a publication.

What is the policy of Kirkus Reviews regarding payment for its traditional reviews?

Kirkus Reviews maintains a traditional program of reviewing that does not require payment for reviews. This practice suggests a commitment to editorial independence, where reviews are not influenced by payment from authors or publishers.

What is the Indie program offered by Kirkus Reviews, and what are its key features?

The Indie program allows book authors to purchase reviews. However, authors cannot modify or influence these reviews, and they can choose whether or not to publish them on the Kirkus website. Paid review services for independent authors are common, providing a way for self-published or less traditionally published authors to gain visibility.

Under what conditions might an Indie program review purchased from Kirkus Reviews also be published in the magazine or email newsletter?

If an Indie program review is published on the Kirkus website, it may also be published in the magazine or email newsletter based on Kirkus's editor discretion. This indicates that while the review is purchased, its broader publication is still subject to editorial judgment.

When did Kirkus Reviews launch the Kirkus Prize?

Kirkus Reviews started the Kirkus Prize in 2014. The establishment of a prize often signifies a commitment to supporting and recognizing literary talent.

What is the annual prize amount for the Kirkus Prize, and for which categories are these prizes awarded?

The Kirkus Prize bestows $50,000 prizes annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature. Significant monetary awards can attract high-caliber submissions and enhance the prestige of the prize.

What does the logo image of Kirkus Reviews depict?

The logo image of Kirkus Reviews shows the publication's name, "Kirkus Reviews," in a stylized font. A logo is a visual symbol that represents a brand or organization.

What does the cover image of the November 15, 2024 issue of Kirkus Reviews show?

The cover image displays the cover of the November 15, 2024 issue of Kirkus Reviews. Magazine covers are designed to attract attention and convey the content or theme of the issue.

What is the ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) for Kirkus Reviews?

The ISSN for Kirkus Reviews is 1948-7428. The ISSN is a unique identifier for serial publications, similar to how an ISBN identifies books.

What is the official website address for Kirkus Reviews?

The official website address for Kirkus Reviews is kirkusreviews.com. A website serves as the primary online presence for a publication, offering information and access to its content.

What was the original title of the publication from 1933 to 1954?

From 1933 to 1954, the publication was initially titled *Bulletin* by Kirkus' Bookshop Service. Early titles can sometimes be simpler or more descriptive of the initial service offered.

When did the publication's title change to *Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service*?

The title changed to *Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service* starting with the January 1, 1955 issue. Title changes can reflect evolving branding or a desire to associate the publication more directly with its founder.

What was the title of the publication in 1967?

In 1967, the publication's title was *Kirkus Service*. This was a step in the evolution of the title towards its current form.

When did the publication officially become known as *Kirkus Reviews*?

The publication attained its current title, *Kirkus Reviews*, with the January 1, 1969 issue. Adopting the current title signifies a more established and recognized brand identity.

What was the purpose of Virginia Kirkus establishing a children's book department at Harper & Brothers?

Virginia Kirkus was hired to establish a children's book department at Harper & Brothers, indicating a focus on developing and promoting literature for young readers within the publishing house. This initiative highlights an early recognition of the importance and market potential of children's literature.

What event in 1932 led to changes for Virginia Kirkus at Harper & Brothers?

In 1932, the children's book department that Virginia Kirkus had established at Harper & Brothers was eliminated as an economic measure. Economic downturns often force companies to make difficult decisions, including staff reductions or departmental closures.

How did the number of books Kirkus reviewed change from its inception to the period around 2008?

Initially, Kirkus's service reviewed about 20 books in advance of publication. By 2008, the service was receiving hundreds of books weekly and reviewing approximately 100. This demonstrates a significant scaling up of the review operation over nearly 80 years.

What was the relationship between Kirkus Reviews and *The New York Review of Books* in terms of ownership?

Kirkus Reviews was sold to *The New York Review of Books* in 1970. This acquisition represented a significant transition in the ownership of Kirkus Reviews.

What was the outcome of the acquisition of Kirkus Reviews by BPI Communications in 1999?

In 1999, BPI Communications, owned by Dutch publisher VNU, acquired Kirkus Reviews. This move integrated Kirkus Reviews into a larger international media conglomerate.

What was the significance of the February 10, 2010 purchase of Kirkus Reviews?

The purchase of Kirkus Reviews on February 10, 2010, by businessman Herbert Simon marked a new chapter for the publication, leading to its renaming as Kirkus Media and the appointment of Marc Winkelman as publisher. This event signaled a revival or continuation of the publication after a period of uncertainty.

What is the distinction between Kirkus Reviews' traditional reviewing program and its Indie program?

Kirkus Reviews' traditional program does not require payment for reviews, implying editorial independence. In contrast, the Indie program allows authors to purchase reviews, though they cannot influence the content. This distinction highlights different service models within the book reviewing industry, catering to different author needs and expectations.

What does the phrase "semimonthly" mean in the context of Kirkus Reviews' publication schedule?

Semimonthly means that Kirkus Reviews is published twice each month. Understanding publication frequency is important for tracking when new reviews and content become available.

What categories of literature are recognized by the Kirkus Prize?

The Kirkus Prize recognizes authors in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature. Recognizing these broad categories ensures that a wide range of literary works are considered for the award.

What is the role of the Kirkus Prize in the literary world?

The Kirkus Prize, with its substantial annual awards, serves to recognize and promote excellence in fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature, thereby supporting authors and their work. Literary prizes often play a vital role in shaping literary discourse and bringing attention to deserving authors and books.

What does the "short description" at the beginning of the article state about Kirkus Reviews?

The short description at the beginning of the article states that Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine. This provides a concise, high-level summary of the publication's identity.

What does the "hatnote" at the beginning of the article clarify?

The hatnote clarifies that "Kirkus" redirects to this article, but also notes that "Kirkus" can refer to a surname, directing readers to a separate page for information on the surname. Hatnotes are navigational aids used on Wikipedia to help users find the most relevant article or to distinguish between similarly named topics.

What is the purpose of the "infobox" in the article?

The infobox provides a structured summary of key factual details about Kirkus Reviews, such as its title, logo, editor, categories, frequency, first issue date, company, country, location, language, website, and ISSN. Infoboxes are standard elements in Wikipedia articles that offer a quick overview of essential information in a tabular format.

What does the reference to "Virginia Kirkus (1933 – July 1962)" in the infobox signify?

This entry indicates that Virginia Kirkus was the editor of the publication from its founding in 1933 until her passing in July 1962. This highlights the long tenure of the founder as the publication's editor, suggesting a significant personal influence on its early development.

What does the "Categories" field in the infobox specify for Kirkus Reviews?

The "Categories" field in the infobox specifies that Kirkus Reviews falls under "Book reviews." This classification helps to understand the publication's primary subject matter and industry placement.

What does the "First issue" entry in the infobox indicate?

The "First issue" entry in the infobox indicates that the publication began in January 1933, which was 92 years prior to the current context of the data. Knowing the first issue date establishes the publication's historical longevity.

What does the "Based in" field in the infobox tell us about Kirkus Reviews?

The "Based in" field indicates that Kirkus Reviews is based in New York City, New York, U.S. This provides information about the publication's geographical operational center.

What is the significance of the "External text" links found in the references section?

The "External text" links in the references section provide direct access to the original sources, such as news articles or websites, that support the information presented in the Wikipedia article. These links are crucial for verifying the accuracy and provenance of the facts stated in the article.

What does the "Online archive" link at Wikimedia Commons suggest about Kirkus Reviews?

The link to an online archive at Wikimedia Commons suggests that visual media related to Kirkus Reviews, such as logos or covers, are available for public access and use. Wikimedia Commons is a repository for freely usable media files, often linked from Wikipedia articles.

Kirkus Reviews Wiki: Kirkus Reviews: The Literary Compass

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What is Kirkus Reviews?

A Pillar of Literary Judgement

Kirkus Reviews is a distinguished American book review magazine, established in 1933 by the pioneering Virginia Kirkus. It serves as a critical voice in the literary landscape, providing pre-publication reviews that significantly influence the publishing industry and inform readers. Headquartered in New York City, Kirkus Media has maintained its role as a vital arbiter of literary merit for nearly a century.

A Legacy of Timely Reviews

Published semimonthly, Kirkus Reviews meticulously previews thousands of books annually, offering insightful critiques before their official release. This commitment to timely and comprehensive coverage has made it an indispensable resource for authors, publishers, librarians, and avid readers alike, shaping literary discourse and discovery.

Key Information

Kirkus Reviews


Illustrative representation of a magazine cover
Editor	Virginia Kirkus (1933 – July 1962)
Categories	Book reviews
Frequency	Semimonthly
First issue	January 1933[4]
Company	Kirkus Media, LLC (from 2010)
Country	United States
Based in	New York City, New York, U.S.
Language	English
Website	kirkusreviews.com
ISSN	1948-7428

A Century of Literary Influence

Founding Vision

The genesis of Kirkus Reviews lies with Virginia Kirkus, who, after establishing Harper & Brothers' children's book department, founded her own review service in 1933 when the department was eliminated. Initially operating as the Bulletin, her service provided advance reviews of approximately 20 books. This early venture laid the groundwork for a publication that would grow to review hundreds of books weekly.

Evolution of a Name

Over its extensive history, the publication underwent several name changes, reflecting its growth and evolving identity. It began as Bulletin (1933–1954), then became Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service (1955–1964), followed by Virginia Kirkus' Service (1964–1967), Kirkus Service (1967–1968), and finally adopted its current title, Kirkus Reviews, with the January 1, 1969, issue.^[5]

The publication has seen various ownership structures throughout its existence:

1970: Sold to The New York Review of Books.
Post-1970: Acquired by Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins, who also served as editors.
1985: Purchased by magazine consultant James B. Kobak.
1993: David LeBreton acquired the publication from Kobak.
1999: BPI Communications (owned by VNU) bought Kirkus.
2010: Purchased by businessman Herbert Simon, leading to the formation of Kirkus Media, LLC.

Editorial Evolution

Anne Larsen's tenure as fiction editor and later editorial head from 1985 to 2006 was instrumental in refining the review format. Her contributions focused on enhancing readability, concision, accuracy, and overall impact, shaping the critical voice that Kirkus Reviews is known for today.

The Art of Reviewing

Editorial Integrity

Kirkus Reviews maintains a commitment to its traditional editorial program, which does not require payment for reviews. This ensures that the critiques published are based on merit and literary quality, preserving the publication's esteemed reputation for objective assessment.

The Indie Program

In addition to its editorial reviews, Kirkus offers an Indie program. This service allows authors to purchase reviews, with the understanding that Kirkus editors retain discretion over publication and content. Authors can choose whether to publish these reviews on the Kirkus website, and selected reviews may also appear in the magazine or newsletter, subject to editorial judgment.^[10]^[11]^[12]

The Kirkus Prize

Recognizing Literary Excellence

Since 2014, Kirkus Reviews has bestowed the prestigious Kirkus Prize. This annual award celebrates outstanding literary achievements, granting substantial prizes to authors across fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature categories. The prize aims to highlight exceptional talent and contribute significantly to the literary community.

The Kirkus Prize is one of the most significant literary awards, offering substantial financial recognition:

Annual Awards: Presented to authors in three categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers' Literature.
Prize Value: Each category winner receives a $50,000 award, making it a highly coveted recognition.^[13]
Impact: The prize aims to elevate authors and their works, fostering greater visibility and appreciation within the literary world.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kirkus Reviews Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional literary or publishing advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding literary criticism, publishing, or copyright. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Kirkus Reviews: The Literary Compass

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What is Kirkus Reviews? ℹ️

✒️ A Pillar of Literary Judgement

🗓️ A Legacy of Timely Reviews

Key Information 📊

Kirkus Reviews

A Century of Literary Influence ⏳

🌟 Founding Vision

🏷️ Evolution of a Name

✍️ Editorial Evolution

The Art of Reviewing ✍️

🧐 Editorial Integrity

💰 The Indie Program

The Kirkus Prize 🏆

🏅 Recognizing Literary Excellence

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Kirkus Reviews?

A Pillar of Literary Judgement

A Legacy of Timely Reviews

Key Information

A Century of Literary Influence

Founding Vision

Evolution of a Name

Editorial Evolution

The Art of Reviewing

Editorial Integrity

The Indie Program

The Kirkus Prize

Recognizing Literary Excellence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice