Be a voice that counts in literature
We are gathering critical readers from all over the world to read our authors’ books before publication and write honest critiques that help readers choose, and help authors see their book through other eyes.
- 5
- levels, from junior critic to master critic
- 24
- genres to choose from
- Any country
- as long as you read Arabic or English fluently
Honest criticism makes both the book and the reader
For readers
One critique from a reader who knows what they are reading is worth more than dozens of quick ratings. Deep, reasoned reviews are what readers trust.
For authors
A precise note from an experienced reader, before or after publication, is the most valuable thing a writer can hear, even when it is not praise.
For you
Read what you love before anyone else, build a reputation as a critic worth listening to, and rise through the club’s levels by the quality of what you write.
Four steps from application to your first book
- 01
Apply
Tell us about yourself: where you are, your education, how much you read, what you read last and which genres you love.
- 02
Read the test chapter
Choose a genre and we give you a chapter from it. Write a critique of 250 to 800 words. There is no single right answer; we want to see how you read.
- 03
The editors assess it
Zart editors read your critique and score it on six criteria: understanding, reasoned judgement, evidence, language, fairness and originality of voice.
- 04
Start at a level
We email you the decision and you start at the level you have earned. Books open for review in your favourite genres then come to you.
Critics rise by the quality of their reviews and by keeping to deadlines. When a level comes with a paid membership, that is stated clearly.
From junior critic to master critic
- 1Junior critic
The start: carefully chosen books, and notes from the editors on your first reviews.
- 2Critic
Regular reviews in your favourite genres, and higher priority in choosing books.
- 3Seasoned critic
Your reviews are shown on the books’ pages, and more books reach you before publication.
- 4Expert critic
You are consulted on books before they are published, and invited to the club’s meetings and sessions.
- 5Master critic
The club’s highest level: a reference voice whose reviews are featured, and who helps assess new critics.
Each author decides what their critics receive
When an author opens a book for review, they choose what they offer its critics, shown with the book before you pick it:
- A free digital copy
- A printed copy
- A payment
- Recognition: your review featured on the book’s page
- Your name in the book itself
- Or nothing: a voluntary review for those who love the book
Conditions
- You are 18 or older, from any country in the world.
- You read Arabic or English fluently: Zart publishes in both languages.
- You read at least 12 books a year.
- You pass the test chapter with a critique you wrote yourself.
- You accept the club charter below.
We do not require a particular degree or publishing experience. We ask about your education and experience to understand you, not to rule you out.
Membership commitments
- Write your review within three to four weeks of receiving the book.
- Review most of the books you accept: at least eight in ten.
- Read the whole book before you judge it.
- Never share the pre-publication copies you receive.
Honesty before praise
Honesty
Write what you actually see in the book. We never ask for praise, and never reward it.
Disclosure
When you publish your review anywhere, say that you received the book or reward from Zart.
Originality
Your review is your own writing: nothing copied, and no text written for you by AI.
Conflicts of interest
Do not review a book by a relative, friend or colleague, and disclose any connection with the author.
Respect
Criticise the text, not the person, in language worthy of both reader and writer.
Consequences
Breaking the charter, by copying, machine-written reviews or judging an unread book, ends the membership.
What we collect, and why
- We collect only what we need to assess your application and contact you: name, email, mobile, country and city, education, reading habits and your critique.
- We never ask for an ID document, or about religion, affiliation or political views.
- We share your data with no one. Authors see only your display name and your review, when it is published.
- Marketing messages are your choice alone, and agreeing to them is separate from applying.
- You can ask to see or correct your data, or delete your account, at any time.
Your review: its rights and where it goes
- Write 250 to 1,200 words, warn before any spoilers, and rate the book out of five stars with your reasons.
- Your review is yours. You give Zart the right to publish it on the book’s page and quote it in marketing under your display name, without changing its meaning. We only ever correct spelling.
- Post it on your own accounts whenever you like, disclosing where the book came from. A review that earns a payment is never posted on stores that forbid it, such as Amazon.
- Payments are made through Zart once the review is approved and published, within 30 days, to the account in your profile.
- Authors never contact you directly or see your details, and cannot delete or edit your review. Any objection goes through Zart’s editors.
- If you leave the club, your published reviews stay, and you can ask for your name to be removed from them.
Questions
Is it free to join?
Yes. Applying and the basic membership are free. A paid membership may offer extra benefits later, and that will be stated clearly.
Do I have to be a professional critic?
No. We are looking for serious readers who can give reasons for their views. The test chapter decides, not titles.
I live outside Saudi Arabia. Can I apply?
Yes, from any country, as long as you read Arabic or English fluently.
Should I be frank about a book I did not like?
That is exactly what we want. An honest, reasoned review, positive or negative, is what raises your level.
How long until I hear back?
Usually within two weeks. You get an email with the decision, and can follow your application from your account.
Where are my reviews published?
On the books’ pages on the Zart website. You may also post them on your own accounts, disclosing where the book came from.
How many books will I get?
You choose from the books on offer in your favourite genres, with no monthly minimum. You can decline any book before accepting it without affecting your level.
Can I pause my membership?
Yes, from your account, and you come back at the same level whenever you like. You can delete your account at any time.
If I am not accepted, can I try again?
Yes, after 90 days, with a new test chapter.
Ready to start?
The application takes about 20 minutes, most of it reading the test chapter and writing about it. Your answers are saved in your browser as you go.