On Writing Book Reviews
So you just read a good book. Maybe it’s better than good. You read a book you love, and more than anything you want to share this book with the world so everyone can love it like you do.
Maybe you’ve heard how important book reviews are to book sellers. Because most of us can no longer leaf through a book at the local bookstore, we rely on others to clue us into new books. Sure, you think. I’ll write a book review for this book I love. Except you find yourself looking at a blank page with no idea what to do next.
Sound familiar? Then let me help you with a few ideas for simple, pain-free book reviews.
Start with the Stars...
Your review will do one of two things. One, it will reassure a person that the book is worth the money and time invested. Or two, it will warn a person not to waste time and money on this book. That’s your five and one star reviews.
But we also have three more stars. Let’s say four stars are meant to reassure but with a small ‘but…’ at the end. The book is worthwhile, but the formatting isn’t great. The book is worthwhile, but the middle was slow. The book is worthwhile, but some little thing didn’t quite do it for me. However, that thing isn’t a deal breaker, and you still recommend it.
Then two stars are the reverse. The book wasn’t worthwhile, but it did have something endearing. Maybe the characters were strong even though the plot was weak. Maybe the message of the book was okay but nothing like the book description.
Three stars are best reserved for those who don’t want to commit either way. This is when you realize this book is fine, but it’s just not for you. You don’t want to recommend it because it rubbed you the wrong way. However, you see the value in the book for someone who doesn’t quite see the world like you do.
In our all-or-nothing world, if you’re waffling between four and five, use five stars when possible. People are harsh, so don’t give them something to complain about unless it’s very much earned. Also, some sites respond differently to stars. On Amazon fives are good and fours are ‘eh’. On Goodreads, fives are ‘excellent’ and fours are ‘good’ and threes are ‘eh’. So, know your rating site when you choose your stars.
Then the Words
Let’s move to your audience. Write this as though you are describing a book to your best friend. You want to help this book find it’s ideal audience, which is either you or not you, so write to similar souls.
Yes, I’m saying to be yourself. All you can honestly give is your opinion, so go ahead and own who you are and what you like.
From here you have two main options, the first being more complex than the second. Option one: start your book review with a simple synopsis.
“This book is about…” You write one or two or more sentences giving an overview of the book. It’s about monsters under the bed. It’s about a romance between a barista and a pilot. It’s a book about discipleship or finances.
The one thing to avoid here is spoilers. This isn’t relevant to most non-fiction, but if you’re reviewing fiction, don’t give away the twists!! You can tell them to expect amazing twists, just don’t tell them what those twists are.
After this, simply explain what you like. This leads to Option Two: State only what you like/didn’t like. If the book description is accurate, the reader might not need more explanation of what the book is about, so simply explain why you chose the star rating you chose.
Some Prompts
Here are some places to start:
“I liked this book because…” Then talk about a favorite character. An amazing setting. An unpredictable plot. A wealth of new information or new way to see the subject.
“My favorite thing about this book is…” A writer’s voice? The description? The lack of description? The wisdom of the writing? The new ideas the writer presented?
“You should read this book because…” It explains something new. It can make you laugh. It can make you cry. It will explain the secrets of the universe in twelve chapters.
“I didn’t like this book because…” It was filled with typos. The author and I don’t see eye to eye on some important principles. However, you can temper this, especially if it’s a well-written book, with some good points. A bad book is different than a good book that isn’t right for you.
“My favorite scene/chapter was…” If you want to get a little more specific, go for it. But remember, NO SPOILERS.
Your review can be short. If you choose one of these prompts and stop there, you’ve done well. It’s better to write a short review than not to review, because in our selling market, reviews, especially the number of reviews, can make or break a book.
The Where
So where to post your review? If the book sells on Amazon, that’s always a good place. People who buy at other sites often read reviews on Amazon before buying elsewhere. Then there are other retailers like the Apple store or Barnes and Noble. A good rule of thumb is to review it where you bought it.
How about reader sites? Do you have a Goodreads account? Bookbub? Review there. Goodreads ratings (but not reviews) now appear on Amazon, so if you don’t want to review there but want to help, a Goodreads review boosts your favorite authors.
Social media sites are great places to review. Snag an image from Amazon or the author’s website and then include your review. On social media shorter is also better, so you can get away with a sentence or two without guilt.
If you love a book, help its author and leave a review. Be yourself. Be honest. Write to a reader like you, someone who might like what you like. It’s a little scary to put yourself out there, but very few people who read your reviews know you, and the exercise is invaluable to the authors.