There are advantages to becoming a book reviewer. Most book reviewers receive books to review before they are available to the public. While generally this is an unpaid job, you get to read your favorite subjects and keep the books. Authors or book stores will ask a reviewer to read and submit a review for a book newly released to help with sales.
With the evolution of ereaders, it’s much easier to download and start reading. You have to be able to volunteer time and effort to write the reviews, and be skilled in writing good grammar. Following the tips below will help you establish yourself as a good book reviewer.
Before you begin writing reviews, search the web for blogs that review books. Read reviews others have posted to get an idea on how to start. A review is a short description of the book/characters accompanied by your opinion of the story.
Make a list of genres you enjoy reading. Again search the web for sites requesting book reviewers. Bookmark these sites for when you are ready to apply.
Write notes on the book you are currently reading. Once you have finished reading, organize the notes into paragraphs, and then check for spelling and grammar. Read your review out loud to make sure it flows and makes sense.
Writing good reviews takes practice. When you apply for the position, some will require at least one sample of your reviews. Consider creating a blog to post your reviews and include your web link with the sample.
Setting up a blog is pretty easy. Blogger, Wordpress and Webs.com are very user friendly, and reading the ‘Help’ section will get you started. You can then invite friends and family to read your reviews. Word of mouth is the best way to get readers to your site. Also put key words/hash tags (search words/#tags) so people can easily find your blog. (ex...title of book, author's name, your name or name of your blog, #bookreview, #authors, #writers and etc...)
Be fair when reviewing books. The public will read your reviews and decide whether or not they want to purchase the book. Don’t give away spoilers and be objective. You can include in your review you found some writing errors, but mainly read for the content. Be sure to meet your deadlines on submitting your review.
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has set forth guidelines for book reviewers and bloggers.
FTC Guidelines 16 CFR Part 255 Don't let this hinder you from reviewing. Just be sure to place a disclaimer on your blog you have not received compensation for the review other than a free copy of the book.
Example...
In accordance with FTC guidelines for bloggers and endorsements, I would like to clarify that the books reviewed on (your blog site name and other sites you review for) are provided by the publisher/author free of charge. I am neither compensated for my reviews nor are my opinions influenced in any way by the avenues in which I obtain my materials.
Easy as that! And you can read the endorsement here:
www.ftc.gov/os/2009/01/P034520endorsementguides.pdf
Tell the world about the books you read and Happy reading!
How to Write a Book Report or Review
http://www.ehow.com/how_8191508_write-book-report-review.html
How to Set Up a Blog for Beginners
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-set-up-a-blog-for-beginners
Hash Tags, What Are They and Why Use Them?
http://www.natebal.com/2010/11/hashtags-what-are-they-and-why-use-them/
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