How To Write Quality Book Reviews

By Author: Alexis Kreamalmeyer author
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Reviewing Books
Write reviews

If you think reviewing someone's creative work is easy, then think twice. It's quite the reverse! Albeit fun, writing a review is a big responsibility. Readers depend on reviews to select which novel that is right for them, and authors rely on reviews to strenghten their standing in the book world, as well as of course to sell books. A novel with tons of four and five star reviews will pull in much more attention than one either lacking book reviews or getting unfavourable book reviews. Good book reviews will be the foundation in the author's credibility and the path to better and more publicity. Often they can persuade readers to purchase the novel much more often than paid advertising can as reviews tend to be given freely and lacking prejudice, and, consequently, bring much added power.

A properly written book review can be as well received as a well-written book. Take into account, providing you are commenting on someone's masterpiece, comments that can ...
... well cover the novel's editing, it will help to suggest a book review from a comprehensible and exact manner, liberated from grammatical errors. Beyond all, the review should signify significance to the reader; past all he or she is seeking for a novel and worthwhile read and can often look somewhere else if the reviews fail terribly of expectations.

Two factors to keep in mind when writing your book review:
a. A book review will two items; it describes and appraises the novel. It can be not a full description of the novel.
b. It can be always better to review a genre you could share with and will enjoy reading rather than something alien to you. Beginning with "this isn't really my thing, but..." is pretty negative, and struggling through something you are not comfortable with, isn't worth the endeavor.

The rules of reviewing - Are there any guidelines!
There isn't a right or incorrect manner to write a review. Reviews are a personal thing. Each is the view of that individual reviewer, and as such written from an limited standpoint. There's, however, a few elements which I recommend, and you may wish to consider, before you start writing.

Read the book from cover to cover (sounds ridiculous but a fast browse through just won't cut the mustard -you need to acquire a proper sense for the novel). Providing the book you've chosen to review seems not to be as absorbing and appealing as you thought it should, consider yourself committed, and see it through to the end in any case. Find a grasp of its contents. Make notes as needed - it will save time wading through the book a another time for the details. Alternatively, if a specific bit is fascinating, or there's something you would enjoy quoting, note that point in the book.

Take into account the plot. Did you like the plot? Did the book produce a plot! Did the it go the way you thought it should reach, and if so, was it executed correctly and did it all make any sense? What is too quick or too long, fast paced or too slow? What is it conclusive?

Give thought to the characters. Were they well-developed? Are they weak or powerful? Were they likeable? Did you have a favourite character? Were the characters connected to the story? (Not as surprising as it sounds. Some characters have a habit of creeping into stories and have no relevance at all)

From whose point of ?

Did you love the novel?

Did you loathe the novel?

Was the story properly edited?

Was the novel suitable to its target audience?

Is the novel trying to convey a message?

could you read further from this author?

Assuming you have done all of the above, it is time to write it all down forming your first novel review. This is the imaginitive part; the spot where you could share your own writing abilities. Don't of course become too creative, the reader is in the market for a rather honest assessment, but one or two interesting observations can add to the review.

Writing the Book Review}
These things are not set in rock; they're merely methods.

The introductions: the novel title, the author, the genre and where the novel can be purchased. Tell the reader the cost of the book in its various publications. (I.e. eBook, Hardback, Paperback). Write a short foreword, one sentence will do, to capture the readers attention.

Put together your review mindful and engaging. Always remember, someone's status is on the line.

It isn't necessary to present a long, comprehensive summary. The author will have already done this at the point of sale. Describe the inside briefly, without giving away the ending, and, as a general rule of thumb, don't go past the midpoint of the book with your description. And, hard and fast rule number one - never give away the ending. Providing the novel is part of a series, it could be worthwhile to mention this too, even providing you have not read any others.

Tell the reader what you think of the style of writing, the plot and the characters. Tell the reader how much or how little you liked the book and why. Incorporate any other points you feel are valid and should help the reader to decide whether or not he or she should like to read this story.

Give a pithy review of your thoughts. Include your vision of the age scope/type of reader you believe it could be best suited to.

Rate the novel. This is typically, but not usually, on a one to five star basis.
What if I do not enjoy the novel?

Providing your opinions are unfavourable - be sincere and say so. But do so in a proficient manner. Sincerely try not to offend, and never ‘get personal'. You're empowered, state your opinions clearly, fairly, and try and ‘be nice' as the turn of phrase goes. This is not a podium to offer insults. Remember the author will, most likely, have put in everything he or she has into writing this story - it will be possibly their ‘baby' and they want everyone else to feel the same means about it as they see it. Years of creative work may well be behind the publication and it's worth appreciating this fact. Besides, we authors are a rare species and can usually tend to favor towards the sensitive. Try not to be completely negative, but do not forget you have a responsibility to your readers.

Take into account: Always be honest, impartial, and agreeable. By giving the author a review, you are giving the author a gift. Your review could make someone very happy, but it can also destory their day, so pick your words carefully. And who knows; once you start to post a few reviews, you may possibly even get some reviews in return for your stories.

Some final words before you strike that ‘Publish' button:
Edit like mad!! Check your spelling (use spellcheck, but bear in mind it is not infallible) and check your grammar. Leave for a while before seeking through again. Make sure you're satisfied with it, and then hit that publish button.

All done!
Congratulations! You've now added ‘book reviews' to your growing list of abilities - an added string to your recognizable bow! You're ready to proudly distribute with all your contacts, fans and followers from book-spot.com.

For myself, I've always found book reviewing a really worthwhile experience and one I highly recommend, and I hope you'll enjoy reviewing books as much as I do. Have fun with it, and I you wish bucket-loads of luck writing book reviews!

A children's author, blogger and story reviewer (mainly, but not exclusively) of children's books.
I can be found in the following places:
Book-Spot.com: Amelia E. Curzon author

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