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)
