What is a Book Review?
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? On Writing
Questions to address
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?
An Author's Viewpoint
On Writing
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Writing is an art. Reading what famous authors have to say on the subject will help you get some perspective.
Things to Keep in Mind
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.
Where to Publish your Review
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.
Popular Book Review Websites
Best Book Reviewed
Celebrate Authors
Romance Review
Writing.com
Amazon
Book Reviews By LizzyJean
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FaeFever
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Faefever is the third book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. In Darkfever MacKayla Lane is pulled from a world isolated from the harsh realities of life. Her sister died a brutal death in a foreign city 4,000 miles from home. Dublin's Garda calle...
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Peril In Paradise
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Mallie Monroe was a free spirit. Once she graduated from college, she bought an ancient Airliner trailer, a rusty old pickup and hit the road with her tea cup poodle, King Kong, as her only companion. Her family called her Mixed up Mally and in her...
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The Weekend Reader
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.
Books Worth Reading
Get Started
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. Join Squidoo and post your own reviews! 
You can make it for charity or for yourself.
Are you a reader or a writer or both?
AndyPo wrote...
Excellent lens. I have written many reviews, but rarely book reviews, despite being an avid reader.
Posted July 02, 2009
jimmy-foo wrote...
I am just starting out in Squidoo and you are right! Writing a review is harder than it seems at first. Thanks for the great article. I look forward to using some of your tips in the future.
Posted June 21, 2009
marsha32 wrote...
Still putting in book reviews and hope that as I do more I am getting better at writing them.
Posted April 05, 2009
infobouqet wrote...
Thanks for the great advice. Writing is an art form as I am learning and you already have.
Am in the midst of writing a book review now and you are so right, it's challenging to write a book review the right way. Love that you can make money doing it.
Posted April 04, 2009
lou16 wrote...
I love your wobbly pile of books! A great lens and I definately have to agree writing book reviews is definately not as easy as you expect it to be!
Posted January 27, 2009
About the Author
Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen, aka Lizzy Jean, has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 3,690 lenses, favorited 454, and has created 165 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Mallard Duck". See all my lenses
by ElizabethJeanAllen
I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.
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