Writing Fiction Reviews

For any writer, readers’ opinions are very important. After all, it’s the readers who make us who we are, who push us to keep writing and help make us successful. Other readers also want to know what you have to say about the newest release, and some publication will pay for that opinion. So the money making potential coupled with how much of the author’s reputation you hold in your hands—if I read a bad book review I’m going to think twice before buying the book—writing book reviews is a compelling calling. Essentially you need to take into consideration these things:

1. Book info. Obviously you need the basic information: author, title, and the book’s place in a series if applicable. These can usually be given in the first couple of sentences in a led-in rather than just listed.
2. Tense. When referring to a book, always use present tense. The action in the book doesn’t stop happening because you can go back and read it over and over again.
3. An angle. This isn’t a synopsis of the book, it’s your opinion. Yeah, you’re going to have some pieces of the plot and things about the characters, but don’t give away too much and focus on your reactions and interpretation rather than what’s on the page.
4. Dangle the carrot. If the book is one that you’ve enjoyed reading then part of your goal in the book review (if you want to do it this way) is to entice others to read it too. This goes along with having an angle; you want to present information in such a way that peaks curiosity so that your readers just have to know what’s going on. On the other hand, if the book isn’t to your tastes, say that! Don’t feel obligated to write a glowing review about a book you didn’t enjoy. Don’t bash the book and author, either though—be constructive in your criticism.
5. Length and format. How long your review is will depend on your preference and/or publication guidelines. I like my reviews for novels to be about a page long, Times Roman, size 12, and single spaced. But this is not a standard by any means, and when coupled with your personalized format (see the previous blog entry to see mine) you can give your review a bit of style.
6. Genre. Writing reviews for books across the board is a good way to get your name out there, but at first I suggest focusing on one or two genres, and after you’re a recognized reader there, branch out. You have to establish creditability before extending your reach.

Compared with writing short stories or articles, book reviews are relatively easy to write because it’s basically your opinion. That’s not an excuse for poor writing because in terms of length and sentence power, you still have to be very precise and convincing, but that, after all, is the art of writing.