Membership

Criticism has never been a more vital and necessary force than it is today. Working critics can join the NBCC to share resources and help us celebrate the art and craft of book criticism. Learn more about NBCC membership.

The freelancer’s spreadsheet, long a members-only resource that lists editor contacts and pitching guidelines for more than 80 publications that cover books, is now public. You can find the spreadsheet here.

If you’re interested in supporting the NBCC but are not a working book critic, consider making a donation!

Current Membership Benefits

  1. Membership Directory

    Find and communicate with NBCC members.

    Michael O’Donnell
    published a review on February 10, 2023

    Profile picture of Michael O’Donnell

    Farooz Rather
    published a review on May 2, 2023

    Profile picture of Farooz Rather

    Heather Hewett
    published a review on January 1, 1970

    Profile picture of Heather Hewett

    Hannah Joyner
    published a review on February 15, 2022

    Profile picture of Hannah Joyner

    Dan Kubis
    published a review on August 23, 2023

    Profile picture of Dan Kubis

  2. Happy Hours and Events

    During happy hours and events, NBCC members connect with other members across the country passionate about criticism and the literary world.
    Freelancer’s Guide

  3. Resources for Book Critics

    NBCC members gain access to our book publicist contact list and a member Slack chatroom. Their news and reviews are also circulated in Critical Notes, our weekly newsletter sent to more than 3,000 book critics and industry members.
    A wall of books in orderly shelves, with a small writing desk in front

  4. Serve on Prize Committees

    NBCC members can serve as judges for the Barrios Prize, for the best book in translation published in a given year, and the Leonard Prize, for the best debut.
    a stack of books, the finalists for the NBCC prizes in 2022

  5. Unlock Subscription Discounts

    NBCC members receive discounts for a variety of literary publications.

    See Discounts

    Subscription Discounts

  6. NBCC Newsletter

    Explore NBCC history with scans of newsletters dating back to 1975, including awards deliberations and messages from past board members.
    NBCC Newsletter

Agni

$20 for a 1-year subscription (regular price $23)
$38 for a 2-year subscription (regular price $43)
$53 for a 3-year subscription (regular price $59)

The Common

15% discount on any subscription

Kenyon Review

$10 off any subscription
$25 for a 1-year subscription (regular price $35)
$50 for a 2-year subscription (regular price $60)
$75 for a 3-year subscription (regular price $85)

Poetry

50% off a one-year subscription to Poetry magazine.

A Public Space

20% off anything, including subscriptions.

Tin House

20% off books.

Bookforum

1 year/5 issues for $15.00 in the US (regular price $18)

Harper’s

12 issues for $10.50. Subscribe now and save 87% off the cover price. Plus, you’ll get access to the harpers.org archive of every issue since 1850. Special offer valid only for members of the National Book Critics Circle.

New England Review

$29 for a 1-year subscription
$55 for a 2-year subscription

Ploughshares

30% off subscriptions

Poets & Writers

6 issues for $12 (down from $14.95).

Publishers Weekly

$130 off Print + Digital Subscription or $125 off Online + Digital Library

Virginia Quarterly Review

20% off anything in their store, including subscriptions.