5 Tips To Write Great Book Reviews

Inside every one of us there's a critic. We love to give opinions about many things. And writing book reviews is another chance to share our thoughts and feelings about a piece of writing that impacts our lives.

We've all read book reviews. Many times, we buy a book based on reviews others have written about it. And maybe you have even written book reviews.

Do you want your book reviews to carry massive impact? How would you like people to read your book reviews and say to themself: "Wow, I've got to have that book!"

If you follow these 5 tips to writing great book reviews, your opinion will count - to many others who will read (or not read) the books you review.

Writing Great Book Reviews - Be Passionate

Insipid, weak, limp reviews get audiences into the same stupor - and they won't care about what you say. Be energetic, passionate, emphatic. Use powerful headlines, words that stir up strong emotions or deep feelings in the mind of a reader.

Think about the headlines in tabloid newspapers - those should be the ones you model for writing book reviews. After all, if your headline doesn't grab a reader's attention, they won't see the rest of your review anyway!

Writing Great Book Reviews - Be Interesting

No one reads book reviews as a chore. They do it for relaxation and entertainment. Be interesting in your book reviews. No matter whether you are praising or trashing the writer and the writing, make sure you are providing value to your reader - the person looking at your book reviews.

Weave little stories into the sections you are reviewing, crack a few jokes at the expense of the author or characters in the book, point out topical issues or controversial subjects the book touches on - and get the reader involved to the extent that they are curious to know more... and they can only do that by buying the book!

Writing Great Book Reviews - Be Honest

Don't even think about writing book reviews without first reading the book. You may get a way a few times - but when you get caught out, you lose all credibility instantly.

Stick to facts and don't run off with your interpretations or assumptions of what the author might have meant. If you have any doubts, it's best to contact the author, explain you're writing book reviews, and want to clear up something. The approach may even end up giving you a chance for a detailed interview - and that's another form of doing a book review.

Writing Great Book Reviews - Be Detailed

Don't just gloss over the whole book very superficially and expect your book reviews to get a flood of readers to bookstores. It's far better to delve deep into one section of a book and review it in detail than skim over more sections without giving a reader details critical to them in making a buying decision.

List out pros and cons. Explain what you liked most about the book. Show how you think a potential buyer would benefit from owning or reading the book.

Writing Great Book Reviews - Be Consultative

Too many reviewers hesitate about making a recommendation. Don't be scared to go out on a limb. HIstory is rife with examples of critics who condemned something that went on to be a best seller.

Sure, it may make you appear silly when you rubbish something the rest of the world is raving about. But if you don't offer a consultative recommendation, most people will ignore you anyway.

People read book reviews because they want to know if buying the book and reading it will be worth their time. They look to you for a 'Yes' or 'No' answer. Give it to them. Your book reviews will soon be in demand!

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