Writing Book Reviews

A Book Review is not a retelling or synopsis of the story. The author has already told the story. He does not want or need a reviewer to do it again. The book review should include what type of book it is, a brief description of the story, its purpose, and an analysis. It is a reaction paper. What was the author's goal and how well did he succeed?

When I sit down to write a book review, there are several questions I keep in mind. I rarely answer all of them in a single book review but they give me a framework to build upon.

What type of book it is? Mystery? Suspense? Si-fi?

Who was the main character?

What was the story about?

Were the characters believable? Did they have depth or were they one dimensional?

Did you like the book? Did it fulfill your expectations?

Would you recommend the book?

Who would you not recommend the book to?

While you need to tell the readers what the book was about, a book review does not retell the story. Nothing is more frustrating than to read a review that gives away the ending or for that matter, tells the whole story.

Stick to genres that you normally read. If you normally read romance or suspense and look at fantasy with suspicion, don't pick up a fantasy to review. Its not fair to the author or the readers of fantasy fiction.

Evaluate the book, not the author. If you are reviewing the latest book released by your favorite author and the book is not up to par with past books, be honest. You're not doing the author any favors by gushing over a mediocre book. When led to believe the book is phenomenal and its not, the disappointment is keen. Some readers will hesitate before picking up another book written by that author.

Many local newspapers publish reviews in the Sunday addition of the paper. Magazines post reviews related to their topic, and there are a multitude of websites that publish reviews.

Most newspapers will give you the book to review, but rarely pay for the review. It's a foot in the door and a way to get your hands on books not yet released. Many book reviewers got their start that way. Magazines are harder. Without a track record, getting that first break is nearly impossible. Your best bet is a magazine that's just starting up.

There are a countless number of websites that publish reviews. It's a great way to start and to get exposure. I started out by writing reviews for the local paper and have published countless reviews on Amazon.com and Writing.com.

I have recently started posting reviews on Associated Content. I like Associated Content even though it pays little. I can post the reviews I want and leave them on there as long as I want. I like writing reviews and I want them read. Between Associated Content and The Weekend Reader, I think I suceed.

Check out the sites listed below. They will give you an idea of what is needed and how to publish your reviews.

Best Book Reviewed
Celebrate Authors
Romance Review
Writing.com
Amazon

When I first built my home page, I started posting reviews on it instead of writing reviews for the local paper. Today I have The Weekend Reader just devoted to reviews. There are advantages to that. I only have so much time to read. Instead of reading a book an editor told me to read, I can read what I want. As a consequence, most of my book reviews are positive. If the book doesn't catch my interest in the first chapter, I quit reading it. I can't write a review on a book I haven't read.

My favorite books get a lens of their own. The SquidLit template is specifically designed for book reviews and is easy to use. Next time you write a book review, consider building a SquidLit page. You'll be glad you did.

There is a need for well written book reviews. If Writing Book Reviews interests you, start by talking to your local newspaper. If they don't have a book review section, they may be willing to start one. Post reviews on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Writing.com. Many magazines accept book reviews from independent writers. If you have a favorite type of book, become an expert in that genre. If you love to read and want to write book reviews, don't let anyone stop you. There's a market out there ... cultivate it.