Do you want to write book reviews, but you're never sure what to include? Join the club. I can write a novel, no problem, but jotting down a few words for a review can sometimes feel harder.
So I thought I'd write a few notes to help…
❤️ There's no need to write the book description/blurb in the review. The readers want to know what you think of the book. They can read the description at the top of the retailer's page.
❤️ Don't feel you have to write a long review. Tell the potential reader why you enjoyed the book. Things you might want to mention in your review:
- Who was your favourite character, and why?
- Did the characters feel real to you?
- Did you like the setting?
- Did the story keep you guessing?
- What was your favourite part of the book, and why?
- Were certain types of scene written particularly well? For example emotional scenes, love scenes, creepy scenes, fight scenes?
- Did the story pull you in at the beginning of the book?
- Did the book make you laugh or cry?
- Did the story grip you and keep you turning the pages?
- What was one thing you particularly liked about the book?
- What kind of reader would you recommend the book to? For example, younger readers, older readers, fans of drama/mystery/humor?
- Are there any books or series you would compare it to?
You absolutely don't need to include all of these! A couple is plenty.
❤️ An easy thing to include is your favourite line or quote. Top tip: use the highlight function on your e-reader to mark your favourite parts for later.
❤️ Please don't give spoilers in reviews. A good rule of thumb is to never tell more than what happens in the first three chapters of the book. Spoilers ruin the potential reading experience…and nobody wants that!
❤️ If you're choosing to use a half-star when you write your review, please round-up on the actual star value when you post it.
❤️ Avoid using an author's first name in a review. If you feel you need to mention the author, use “the author” or the author's last name only. Using a first name in a review is a trigger to Amazon you may be friends with the author (and therefore unable to write an unbiased review), which may lead to your review being removed.
❤️ Some reviewers have had issues with being banned from reviewing on Amazon because of the connection between Goodreads and Amazon (Amazon owns Goodreads, so data is shared between them). It's best if you can use a different email for each of those profiles.
❤️ If you struggle to enjoy a book, please take a moment to contact the author you're working with before posting your review. Authors expect readers to write honest reviews, but if there's an actual problem with the book, sometimes it can either be fixed or the issue cleared up before the release date, thereby preventing a “bad review” from having to be posted.
❤️ If you're reading an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) and reviewing on Amazon, always insert a disclaimer at the end of your review to say this. “I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own” or “I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.” Avoid using the word “exchange” – Amazon doesn’t like that one.
❤️ If you choose to purchase the book, you don't need to use any disclaimer because it will be considered “verified.”
❤️ Please don't include spoilers! (Putting this one twice because it's important). Let other readers enjoy the story unfold in the same way you did.
Most of all, know that authors appreciate the time you take to read and review! YOU make a difference!
Finally, I'll leave you with a few more helpful hints…
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