How to Write a Book Review
1. Decide where you want to post your review.
Usually this will be the place you bought it (or, if you received a copy for free or bought it at the CoeWriting Shop, a place you could have bought it), such as:
You can search for the book you want to review on the website or, if you’re reviewing one of mine, you can choose the book from this page and then select the retailer link you want.
You can also post your review on a site dedicated to readers and reviews, such as Goodreads, or you can post it on your own website or blog if you have one.
You’re also not limited to posting your review in just one place. Lots of people post their reviews on both Amazon and Goodreads, or post shorter reviews on other sites and long, detailed reviews on their own blogs. It’s up to you.
2. Write your review.
Reviews help other readers decide whether a book is for them or not. Think about the reviews that you have found helpful in the past and consider how you can provide the same service to your fellow readers. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Be honest. Did you think the book was terrible? Say so, but say why. A misleading review is infinitely worse than an honest review. Some people won’t mind the fatal flaw mentioned in the one-star review and other readers might prefer it, so a poor review isn’t always a bad thing.
- Be decent. Even though honest, poor reviews are fine, trolling and abuse are not okay. Other people are people, too.
- Be specific. Say what you liked and why you liked it. Say what you didn’t like and why you didn’t like it.
- No spoilers. If you’re trying to say why you liked or disliked something but it may involve a spoiler, try to find a way to describe the situation in vague terms rather than giving details on the scene and characters. Or, if you have a blog, refer people to your website where you can elaborate in detail after giving readers ample spoiler warning.
- Be yourself. Some people write long reviews. Some people write short reviews. Some people are meticulously thorough and other people write a quick line stating how they felt after they read the book. Do whatever suits you best, because this is your book review, not anybody else’s.
As an added bonus, it’s always helpful to other readers to throw in a comparison that they might recognize. Do you know that readers who enjoyed a certain book or other author’s work would love this one? Say so. Do you think that fans of this movie or that TV show would really like to read this book? Then mention that.
Like I said before, your review is key in helping other readers decide if this book is for them or not. Be honest and be helpful.
3. Publish your review.
Post your review on one site or several. Share your review with friends, family members, and followers on social media.
Thanks for your review!
Reviews are critical for helping independent authors achieve the sales they need to keep producing the books you love to read. Your reviews enable us to keep on writing. Thanks!