Book Reviews and how to write them... #amreading #ourAuthorGang

So you have read a really good book, and you have decided you are going to leave a review on Amazon. 

You go to the book's page on Amazon and suddenly you think...

“I can't do this! I don’t know what to write.” 

Maybe the book in question has a lot of reviews, and some of those reviews seem like mini-essays, but in the words of Douglas Adams... 

Don't Panic!

I am going to share some tips with you on how to write a brilliant book review.

How do you write a review?

A review does not have to be long — you really don't have to write an essay unless you want to. A simple…

“I loved it!”

 ... Will do!

But if you fancy penning something a little longer, then here are my top tips for writing a fabulous book review.

*All review examples are from a fictitious book and author.*

Let's begin...

Tip 1

In the opening paragraph, it is nice to start with a mini-blurb of the book you are going to review ~ but please no spoilers. Why ruin the book for everyone else?

An example of a mini-blurb.

“There is something very suspicious about the death of a renowned British Scientist. Can Joan Dragon solve the mystery in time to save the world?”

If you don't feel confident writing a mini-blurb, skip this tip and go on to the next one!

Tip 2

Write about your initial response to the book. Make sure you include the full title of the book you are reviewing and the name of the author:

“The Joan Dragon Mystery by J. Bloggs is one of the most compelling stories that I have ever read...”

Tip 3

If there is something that didn't quite work for you in the book, then by all means say it. But please write it constructively.

“The book starts off quite slowly, but it picked up the pace after chapter 5. Stick with it!”

Tip 4

If you had something negative to say about the book, it is nice to say something positive as well. Mention the characters, the plot — anything you really liked.

“Joan's inner turmoil at discovering the truth was very emotive and real in the telling. Joan is a very likeable character and one that was well rounded. I wouldn't be surprised if I saw her walking down the street, she was that well drawn. John on the other hand, was the epitome of evil. He really made my skin crawl. He was the perfect antagonist to go against our brave heroine..."

Tip 5

Would you recommend the book?

Here is an example:

“I loved this book. I Highly Recommend.”

 If you really want to include spoilers in your review then please state "Spoiler Alert!" at the beginning of your review. 

But what if I really hated the book?

Then leaving a review is a matter of choice. What you must not do is use the review to attack the author personally. Nor should you refer to another author who you like better.

If I have been given an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) of a book will Amazon

 still publish my review?

Yes, they will, as long as you have spent $50 in their store.  But you must disclose where the copy of the book you are reviewing came from. For example...

*I received an ARC of this book via the author/publisher for review consideration.*

So there we have it, my top tips for writing a book review!

Do you have any top tips that work for you?