The function of a book reviewer has become increasingly demanding at a time when algorithm-driven recommendations and internet shopping have taken center stage. On the other hand in this era, while people are losing their reading habits and the industry is degrading, book reviewers are doing a noble work. Stepping into the world of literary criticism can be challenging but it certainly is rewarding. But you’re in luck, if you are wondering how to become a book reviewer then you are in the right place. In this blog, we will discuss the ins and outs of book reviewing and outline a roadmap of ways to become a book reviewer.
Why Become a Book Reviewer?
Being a book reviewer is not just a mere profession, it should be a passion. It can be a hobby or a part-time job as well. Becoming a book reviewer would not only satisfy your thirst for reading books but it would give you some perks and benefit the society and yourself. Here are some benefits of becoming a book reviewer that you might haven’t thought of.
Personal Passion for Reading
When you already have a passion for books, why not utilize it by becoming a book critic? Through the exploration of diverse genres and narratives, this journey enables you to strengthen your connection with literature. If you can change reading from a solo pursuit to a meaningful activity, you will be able to get even more satisfaction from the books that attract you.
Contributing to the Literary Community
Becoming a book reviewer means you are contributing to the literary community and playing a vital role. Your insights become a valuable part of discussions, helping fellow readers discover noteworthy books. This way you are taking a part in the revolution of literature worldwide. In addition to being enjoyable, your critical evaluations help writers reach a larger audience and support their careers.
Opportunities for Free Books and Advanced Copies
Getting free books and advance copies is one of the lucrative aspects of becoming a book reviewer. Participating in this procedure will allow you to expand your library without breaking the bank, in addition to giving you access to new releases before the general public.
Building a Platform of Your Own
Being a book reviewer gives you the scope to create a platform where your opinions and recommendations hold an influence. This way you get to create your audience base. This platform is your space to express your unique voice and perspective on books candidly. You can help people discover books that align with their preferences and tastes and perhaps save someone’s time by making them aware of a bad book.
Skills and Qualities of a Good Book Reviewer
Having a knack for reading books is a must for becoming a book critic, which you may already have. But to be a successful book reviewer you should develop some skills as you embark on the journey of book reviewing.
Strong Reading Comprehension:
Developing a keen ability to grasp the understanding of a write-up is crucial. A good book reviewer excels in understanding and deciphering the author's intentions and providing a thorough assessment of the work.
Analytical and Critical Thinking:
It is essential to be able to examine themes, characters, and plot details. A competent book reviewer examines the story's underlying levels critically, going beyond the obvious conclusions.
Effective Communication Skills:
It is crucial to express ideas clearly. A good book reviewer can communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely, making their evaluations both perceptive and understandable to a wide range of readers.
Honesty and Integrity:
Maintaining honesty and integrity in assessment is a must. A proficient book reviewer shouldn’t be sold for money, nor should their personal bias get in the way of their work. Even if a writer is famous, if s/he writes a book not up to their mark, a good reviewer should be bold enough to express their thoughts.
There is no scope for laziness if one wants to become a book reviewer. Consistency in reviewing and reliability in meeting deadlines are key attributes. You might have to read a book twice and make a timely delivery of your review, keeping up with the readers, authors, and publishers. While doing so, you must keep up with your standards and maintain the reliability you aim for.
Steps to Become a Book Reviewer
Read lots of books and lots of reviews. Read a wide variety of books and keep consistency. Try different genres, styles & writers, but keep a specialty. Set a reading goal if you need to. Always remember, to be a good book critic, you need to read a lot first.
Get a degree in Literature:
Having a degree in literature isn’t a must but it will always help. It will help you to understand theoretical perspectives of literature and also help you to get your portfolio more attention. Also, in your degree, you will get proper training on reviews and get help from experts and literature enthusiasts.
You should have a blog or website of your own. This website should be solely focused on books and reviews. Post on social media as well and make your presence known there. Engage with the literary community as well. Publish your reviews to your social media as well. Keep all of your reviews in one place and make a portion or portfolio of your best reviews.
Reach Out to Publishers and Authors:
First, you should write reviews for yourself, and write reviews for free as well. When you have a grasp of book reviewing, start reaching out to publishers & authors. Send your portfolio to them. Once they are open to discussion, create a professional and engaging pitch for them and pitch to them in person. Make them understand that their genre suits your taste.
Always be courteous and respectful in your communication. Remember, once you have made a reputation in the industry, the authors and publishers will reach out to you.
Maintain Standard & Structure:
Always try to elevate the standard of your reviews. Try to maintain quality over quantity, don’t give half-hearten reviews just for the sake of meeting deadlines. Develop a structure and style of your own. Include a summary without spoilers. Provide constructive criticism when necessary. If someone has written a good book, don’t hold back to praise them.
Follow the guidelines of the platform on which you are writing reviews, for example: Kirkus, Reedsy have their guidelines.
Join Review Platforms:
Make your presence known in existing review platforms. Interact with other reviewers. If you are a beginner try joining Goodreads, NetGalley, LibraryThing. Follow the top reviewers on popular platforms and read their reviews regularly.
Be Professional:
Always consider book reviewing a serious job. You need to be consistent and reliable in this journey of becoming a book reviewer. It always helps to set a review schedule. Google search engine and social media platform algorithms always provide better reach to those who maintain consistency. Also, meeting deadlines is a must for all sorts of jobs, that includes book reviewing as well.
Building Relationships in the Literary Community:
It is crucial to build and maintain relationships with the literary community to become a successful book reviewer. Try to participate in book-related events and discussions whenever you can. Promote and collaborate with other book reviewers and bloggers, and never feel shy to uphold a good review. Attend book launches and author events, and invite your book enthusiast friends and followers into these events as well.
Become a Specialist:
Don’t be a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. If you love the thriller genre, then try to stick with it. It is not like you cannot review another genre ever. It would be wise to maintain a few genres and make your audience base that way. So, when the time comes you can be the king of that specific niche.
Stay Honest & Deal with Negative Feedback:
Always stick to your principles and keep your integrity. This will help you in the long run to thrive in the industry. Never get carried away with negative feedback. Remember, you are criticizing people’s lifelong work, their livelihood, someone’s heroes, and someone’s rivals. So it is obvious that you may get negative feedback often, even if that is biased. Just make sure not to make biased reviews yourself. Implement the negative feedback that needs to be taken into consideration and ignore the rest.
Being successful as a reviewer can be a long process. Success comes to those who do hard work and are patient. Just keep reading and maintain honesty and consistency and fate will do the rest. If you follow the above mentioned tips and ways to become a book reviewer thoroughly, you will succeed.
