How to Write Book Reviews
Things to Consider When Reading and Reviewing Books
Many publications, from magazines to newspapers, whether print or online, are looking for book reviews. Before trying to fill an editor's need for reviews, reviewers should consider what books they want to review, the appropriate audience for these books, and the best way to write and submit the book review.
Choosing Books to Review
A book reviewer has the power to persuade readers to buy a book. Reviewers should consider what sort of books they want to review and why. In Will Allison’s article “Review This: Critics Roundtable,” reviewer Andrea Hoag says that “in the current publishing climate where the ‘marquee players’ get the lion’s share of publicity, it’s become really important to me to carve out a niche spreading the news about lesser-known authors or quirky debut novels that deserve greater attention” (2007 Writer’s Market, Writer’s Digest Books, 2006).
C. Hope Clark, author of the ebook Get Paid To Write Book Reviews, suggests that book reviewers ask themselves, “Has this book been reviewed frequently? Is this book already a bestseller? What unique message does this book deliver? Does this book match the readership of the publication? Do you believe in this book? Do you have the voice to present this book creatively? Does this book have an impact?”
How to Submit Book Reviews
Study the periodical’s guidelines and back issues to get an idea of what sort of book reviews they publish. Write book reviews similar to those already published. Pay attention to length; some publications want short, quick reviews while others publish reviews over a thousand words. Note the information given about the book (just the title and author, or title, author, publisher, date, price, hardcover/softcover).
Query the editor before submitting the book review to ensure that the book hasn’t already been reviewed for that publication. Clark recommends including in the query any expertise in the topic area of the book, other writing experience, professional and educational credits, and a list of other publications who have published your reviews. Reviewers who have no publishing credits yet should rely on the first three points.
Targeting the Book Review for the Audience
There are many markets for book reviews, but some periodicals print only reviews of books about specific topics. For example, Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine wants reviews of “creative nonfiction and fiction on any form of motherhood.” Muse: A Quarterly Journal of The Lit is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and looks for reviews of books by Ohio writers. Christian Fiction Online Magazine publishes reviews of Christian novels.
Literary magazines usually review only literary fiction or books or poetry, while newspapers look for bestsellers or award-winners. Writers’ magazines want book reviews of writing-related books, while publications specializing in other topics (horses, cats, gardening, etc) look for reviews on those topics. Consider what audience the book may appeal to, and look for a publication targeting that audience.
Writing the Book Review
Once a reviewer has read the book and studied possible markets for a review, it’s time to write the book review. Some writers follow a format, such as four components to include in the book review or six steps for writing book reviews. It may be helpful to consider these ideas, but don’t get stuck in one way of doing reviews.
A book review is not book report or a summary of the book. Reviewers should talk about why they loved—or hated—the book; readers of reviews want an honest opinion of the book. Give them a reason to buy the book—after all, that's why a book reviewer reviews books.
Related Article: Why Write Book Reviews: What a Writer Gains By Reviewing Books
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