Tips for Becoming a Book Reviewer

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How do I review books?

Tips for Becoming a Book Reviewer

Anyone who loves to read and write needs to look at book reviewing. Few publishers pay for book reviews, though there are magazines and newspapers that may offer payment. In lieu of payment you receive free books. Many of these books are in ARC (advanced reader copy) format and arrive months before they're sold in stores.

Finding Reviewer Openings

A simple online query using “book reviewer wanted” is all it takes. There are dozens of sites actively seeking book reviewers. Just make sure that you follow through and complete the review as promised.

Goodreads.com is a great source for reviewers looking to get started. Authors regularly post review requests there. Create an account and respond to author requests. It doesn't take long before books arrive in your mailbox.

Create reviews of products you buy from Amazon.com. If your reviews get enough votes, Amazon may invite you to become a Vine reviewer. With the Vine program, you receive books, food, electronics, and other household items free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Always be Honest

The key to book reviewing is honesty. If you read a book that is lousy and create a glowing review to make an author or publisher happy, you're not helping anyone. If a book is horrible, be honest while remaining a positive spin. Don't simply state the book was a waste of money, explain what about the book bothered you – weak characters, too slowly paced, lack of cohesion, poor grammar, etc.

As you gain a following, more publishers and authors send you books. Eventually, you receive so many that you can't fit them all in and end up choosing which books do make it to your reading pile.

Book reviewing doesn't often pay, but the free books more than make up for it. If you're an avid reader, you'll save hundreds when you're no longer buying books from stores and websites.

   

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