Book Reviews 101: 10 Ways to Review a Book

 I know how intimidating it can be to write a book review--even when you're elbow deep in the industry.

The first time I volunteered to review a book for a friend was Kerri Cuevas' Deadly Kisses. Kerri and I had rubbed shoulders and exchanged laughs over our efforts with three separate Choose Your Own Adventure bloghops. I didn't want to get this wrong. And yet, when I stared at that blank text box on Amazon, I totally froze.

What?!?

I mean, I've written my whole life. How hard should it have been to say a few nice words about a book I really liked for a friend I totally adored?

Book reviews are book food. If you love a book and want it to succeed (or to see more books from the author) YOU BETTER get out there and leave them a review. Reviews boost visibility in Amazon's store. Which means they boost sales. Which means the author is motivated to put out more content.

But wait, that book already has thirty reviews. Why does it need another one?

People are lemmings, or sheep. I hate to say it, but it's true. They say, "Ooh, everyone is reading this book--see, it has two hundred reviews. I bet it's awesome."

A book cannot have too many reviews. 

But you really didn't like something about this book. Boo hoo. I bet there were a TON of things you did like, and good vibes always come back around. Say what you can that's positive and reward the author who put their blood, sweat, and tears into it. Don't be an author killer.

Now to the 

All of these ideas can be used separately for a simple review or a few combined for a longer one. When I review a book, I usually include one to three of these aspects.

1. THE SHORT REVIEW: If you're not confident writing a long review, don't. One sentence is sufficient. "I love this book." "I can't wait for the sequel." etc.

2. THE COVER: Did it get you? Were you intrigued by it? What questions did it have you asking?

3. THE EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: What did this book make you feel? 

4. THE HOOK: When or how did this book grab you? The end of the first chapter? The first page? The first line?

5. SETTING: How was the story world? Realistic? Beautiful? Uninspired? Strange? A place you'd like to visit? Somewhere you're glad you'll never live?

6. THE CHARACTERS: Was there a character you absolutely loved or hated? Tell us about it. (This can comprise an entire review with multiple characters.)

7. PLOT: Book reviews aren't book reports. You don't need to rehash the plot. In fact, please don't. Only summarize when you need it to expound upon a point you want to make. Was there a twist in the story that took your breath away? What was your favorite scene? Did the story move too fast, too slow? Any glaring plot holes? Did you like the way it ended?

8. ORIGINALITY: What makes this book stand out from others? 

9. STYLE: What is the author's writing style? Poetic? Filled with imagery? Abrupt? Gritty? Comical? 

10. RECOMMENDATION: Do you recommend this book, and if so, to whom? (Age and genre preference.) 

  

 And there you have it, ten approaches to writing a book review. Go, read, share the love!

Welcome to our IWSG buddies! Huge thanks to our hosts, Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

The optional question this month is: What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

I'm going to skip the question but I'd love to hear what everyone has to say.

Do you leave book reviews? What techniques have you discovered to make it easy? 

Pull Back the Curtain, It's Reveal Time!

I feel like there's a lot of this lately, but what can I say?

There's nothing better than a REBOOT! So here we go. REBOOT away!

We just hit our ONE YEAR anniversary of the professional staged reading of IMMORTAL the Musical. It was epic. A rush. Such a HUGE endeavor.

And I thought life would be smooth sailing afterwards.

At any rate, we've spent the last YEAR editing music, video, rerecording, creating a business plan, setting up social media platforms, getting on Spotify (et all streaming sites), building a recording studio, recording podcasts, sharing hundreds of videos via social media, editing the NOVEL, hiring a marketing specialist... 

And finally, REDOING THE WEBPAGE! This will be its third rebirth. Want to see the evolution?

2003 Webpage

In 2011

From 2023

And now. Are you ready for this? 

SQUEEEE!!! There is actual video playing in the background. You scroll and find cool things like a timeline, characters, faces, song clips, story...

Whew! 

Check it out, eh? Give me your feedback. We're still refining and could use all the thoughts.

And while I'm losing my mind (getting messages from podcast hosts, small producers, and fans), we must march on. Working hard every day. Recording more content. Writing more words. Finding the movers and shakers who will take us all the way, at least walk with us for part of the journey.

Now the magic question: How long do you think it took to build this new webpage?

Answer in the comments and let's see who gets it right. (The answer is likely to shock you.)

And now for IWSG. Thank you to our awesome hosts Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!

The question for this month is: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

To NO ONE'S surprise, I'm listening the IMMORTAL the Musical soundtrack nonstop in my head (and sometimes out loud). Gee, could it be because I'm redrafting the novel? 😂

Actually, I usually listen to cinematic music without lyrics, like Two Steps From Hell, or the occasional rock song that really carries the mood for the chapter or book I'm working on. That is, when I listen to music. My husband tells me it's not normal to ALWAYS have a soundtrack playing in your head. I don't know that I believe him since I've been listening my whole life. (Which sometimes makes external music overwhelming.)

How about you? What soundtracks carry you through the day? How long do you think it took to revamp our webpage? And do you have some feedback for us on the new site?

Back in the Writing Saddle...and IWSG

Just when you think your life has changed...

Surprise! Haha! Try again. Back to the same old formula that brought you joy and misery in the same felled swoop.

We're working on a musical. All my time should be in a theater, editing music, designing sets and costumes and blocking and lighting...but no. 

Want to know where I'm at?

CREATING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS.

And even more shocking...

WRITING A BOOK.

Let's be fair, the first draft of this book was completed in 2005, but writers grow, and whew! Did you say passive voice? So I'm REWRITING the entire book while doing all the social media stuff and homeschooling my last two kiddoes.

It's not much. 

Oh yeah, and working with a marketing specialist for the first time and completely restructuring our efforts. Nothing, really. All good here.

The awesome co-hosts for IWSG this month are PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!

Question - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

Haha! It has been three or four years since I launched a book, but it won't be the last time (obviously). We are in the middle of launching our MUSICAL (Immortal the Musical) and it's like launching a book times 850%. (Plus there's a book version that will come out one day.) Things that overlap: sharing snippets, interviews in your targeted readership (aka viewership), creating content (written, visual, video) that's easy to share, comment on, interact with. Building a direct mailing list is another aim, incentivized by contest, giveaways, etc. Then ads pushing content you've had proven engagement with...

I wonder at the effectiveness of blogtours these days. It feels like the climate has shifted to podcasts, TikTok/Instragram Reels, quirky graphics, and reposting rave reviews. A friend of mine started an Instagram series of "writer problems" in video where she has quirky issues we all face, and she's done quite well since her books are romcoms. The point is, she's built an audience there. Converting them to purchasing a book is an easy sale.

When prepping a launch, you really have to analyze your strengths, where your community of readers hangs out, and how to make those ends meet. You're not selling a book. Not really. You're selling you. The book will speak for itself in the aftermath.

What unexpected twist has your life taken recently? Book launch ideas? Tasted any really amazing cheeses?

Livin' on Love...and Hate

I hate waiting.

Do you hate waiting?

I'd rather drive the long way around -- even if it takes the same amount of time rather than sitting in traffic.

I'd rather be cleaning my house than sitting around until an appointment (and I don't like cleaning).

I'd rather run around the block fifteen times that sit in front of my computer for that one anticipated email.

Is there an elegant way to wait?

Or maybe like this?

Or this?

And yet that is so much of life -- especially lately. Too many things are out of our control, so how do you develop patience?

Me? I read books. Or write my books. Or play piano. Or build a puzzle. Legos. Balance Cheetos on my nose... (but only the Simply ones).

There are no easy paths to patience. It's only in practicing it that we gain it.

So this is me. Waiting. The next big thing is coming but who knows when or how. Not holding my breath.

Maybe I'll start a soccer club while waiting. (I wish that was a joke.)

And let's be clear, this isn't passive waiting. This is working my rear end off while hoping for the intended outcome.

The awesome co-hosts for IWSG this month are J Lenni Dorner, Victoria Marie Lees, and Sandra Cox!

Question - Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

I major cringe when I read most of my old old works. If it was only a decade ago, it's usually okay to "Hey, that was a really inspired turn of a phrase." If it was six months ago, I usually like what I wrote. It's funny how time changes your perspective, but my goal is to always be learning more, so it doesn't matter how much I like something I've written, I will have new thoughts to apply.

What about you. How do you feel about old projects you've completed? Are you waiting on something? How do you keep yourself busy while waiting?