Now you can pay for the privilege of a bad review

The folks at Kirkus Reviews have decided, presumably in the interest of making more money at the expense of self-published and print-on-demand suckers, that they will start a new section called “Discoveries” which allows publishers to pay for their books to be reviewed by the formerly esteemed publication:

Looking for Exposure? Need Credibility? Want to get Discovered?

Market your book or e-publication to the publishing world’s decision makers!

Since our inception in 1933, premium subscribers have turned to Kirkus to market books, purchase paperback and foreign rights, and option and buy film rights-all based on the trusted and independent voice of our reviews.

Now, for the first time in 71 years, Kirkus is offering a new review service-an opportunity for rights and acquisition agents to pick up your self-published, e-published and Print-On-Demand book.

Welcome to Kirkus Discoveries, from the publication that, for seven decades, has lent its brand’s credibility, integrity, and pedigree to nearly 5,000 books a year. Kirkus is now offering the same service to self-published, e-published and POD authors. Any publisher seeking greater exposure for a title can gain awareness through our network of influential readers and buyers.

Really, I’m kind of speechless about this. Lee Goldberg, who brought this link to my attention (after first making the rounds on DorothyL) is similarly perplexed by the whole thing.

Of course, wouldn’t it be funny if some folks paid for Kirkus to review their book and they got back the kind of review the publication’s known for–aka the cranky, grouchy kind? Serves everybody right, really…