Although nerve-wracking, every
writer loves to get reviews. Good reviews help to promote a book, they let a
writer know the book is being read and a well written review also helps a
writer hone her craft. Writing reviews is also a great way to get your own
writing voice known.
How do you review a book? Beyond
listing the obvious such as book title, author name, genre, and the overall
topic of the book, a well-written review should be a critical and honest look
at the work. Book reviews are opinions, the reviewer’s, not fact; however a
reviewer needs to be fair and logical. Although it may seem unnecessary to say,
the reviewer should have read the book in its entirety and not base the review
on book jackets or other opinions.
Reviewing fiction is only slightly
different from non-fiction. Avoid spoilers if at all possible, but do give the
basic premise of the story and include how realistic or sympathetic the
characters are. Were you able to identify with the story or characters? Did the
story encourage you to turn each page? Did the author manage to convey a
message? Did you like the work and why? Include the audience you think the book
would appeal to. Would you want to read more by this author?
A non-fiction book should be based
on reality, or at least alleged reality. What is this book about? Does the
writer have expertise in the subject or do they write as if they know the
topic? How organized is the information laid out? Is the content worthwhile for
its intended audience? Was the text written in an engaging way and were there
pictures or diagrams to aid understanding?
If you did not like the book you
read, by all means say so. While it is always welcome to receive five and four
star reviews, most writers appreciate honesty. (If the writer or publisher
provided the book for review, it is generally for a positive response). Book reviews,
even bad ones, should never be a collection of insults; rather the review
should be a critical but positive look at the book. For example, instead of
saying the book was horrible and bored me to tears, it would be much better and
valuable for the author to state WHY the book did not achieve its potential. Always
look for the positive without lying.
If the book was supplied to you for
free (from the author, publisher or publicist) in return for a review, never
plan on giving a rave review just because — but if your honest evaluation of
the book is not good, let the publisher/author know and ask them whether they
want to review posted or not. Ironically one of the best reviews I ever
received was only a two-star because the reviewer didn’t care for my writing
style which was “too much like” another renowned and bestselling author! It may
look impressive for potential readers to see multiple four and five star
reviews but they often want to find out what was appealing and what was
overrated before investing time and money into a book.
Writing book reviews may can be
lucrative fodder for a blog or acceptable submissions for a periodical, but you
should never allow it to get in the way of your own writing. Places to post
your book reviews include online retailers (often you will need to purchase the
book from them), review blogs and even sent directly to the publisher/author
for their use in promotion. Another place to submit reviews you’ve written is
The Potpourri Parlor (http://bit.ly/1znc2D8).
Writing
Exercise: Choose a favorite author and
work(s). Make a list of what you like about that author’s writing; in the next
column make a list of what you don’t like and suggest what could be done to
improve the book. What target-audience do you think would like the same things
you listed? Write a “fan letter” to the author (this does not have to be
mailed!) and say why you want to read more by the author. Look for reviews about
this author’s books on any online retailer – do you agree or disagree with the
reviews?
Writing
prompt: Make a list of books/genres you’ve
read in the past two or three years. Without referring back to the book(s),
list what is most memorable to you and why you liked or didn’t like each book.
Challenge
Assignment: Choose any as-yet-unread
book. Read it and write a thorough review; rate it with one-to-five stars (five
stars being the best). Make sure that your review is complete, fair and informative.
If your review is for three, four or five stars, submit it via email to the
Potpourri Parlor for possible inclusion on the site. Be sure to include your
name as reviewer, whether the book was provided in exchange for a review, and
buy links for the book you’ve reviewed. (send the review to ChelleCordero@gmail.com with the
phrase LBW review in the subject line)
