Tips For Writing Book Reviews On The Internet

Posted by Redmond Kaniel on June 10, 2010

The Internet has changed publishing, making it possible for more people to write published book reviews for the large audience of web surfers looking for perspective before they purchase a book. With more visibility for book reviewers comes the opportunity for them to make money doing what they love to do. Even seasoned book reviewers can always improve their skills. Here are some basic tips for writing a good book review, whether for print or for the Internet. There is no perfect format for writing book reviews, but there are some tried and true methods you can use to structure your work with quality. You want people to read your review and you want to make money at your craft, so whether you review romances, self-help books or classic literature, here are some guidelines.

Asking questions before you start reading the book you will be reviewing will make your job easier. Think about what type of audience you are writing your review for. The title is one of the main features, which intrigues people about a book. What does the title suggest or set up for the reader? Don’t skip the introduction. Often you learn crucial points about the book in the preface or introduction. You might also find inconsistencies between the intro and the main text. Peruse the Table of Contents as a reference for key points or transitions in the book.

Ask yourself some questions while reading the book. Consider if the book fits a particular genre or if it is hard to classify. What is the point of view or are there any points of views? Is the style informal or formal? What concepts are implied or stated clearly? What things are not stated in the text? How accurate are the details in the book and does it matter? Perhaps you want to compare the book to others like it.

Remember you are writing for an Internet audience with shorter attention spans than readers of specialty magazines. Make your first line one which will reel the reader in. Think about what type of information will be valuable or useful for your reader, rather than spending too much time on personal opinions. You don’t even have to necessarily give a thumbs up or down. Your description will probably illuminate the subject without too much editorial. Finish your review with a summary. You do not want to introduce new information at the end.

The more you work to refine your book reviewing skills, the more money you can make. The Internet provides a viable venue for people who love books and love writing about them. Book reviewing is an art, which takes time to refine, but the most basic tips will have you writing reviews worth raving about.

Redmond Kaniel is a consultant on writing book summaries, consulting with Shvoong Summaries and Short Reviews. Go to make money online review information at Shvoong.