A 7-step guide to writing book reviews that get published
Writing a compelling book review is a skill that allows readers to share their thoughts, connect with fellow book enthusiasts, and even influence potential readers. If you’re looking to write better book reviews, this post is for you.
Keep reading to find the best book review tips that helped me and other writers go from poorly written snippets to acclaimed reviews placed in the back of books.
1. Start With A Strong Hook
Your opening sentence should quickly grab the reader’s attention. There are many ways to do this such as asking a thought-provoking question, a striking quote from the book, or a personal anecdote that relates to the story.
Play with the genre you’re reviewing too, for example, if you're writing about a thriller story, you might start with a question like ‘What happens when secrets from the past resurface in the most unexpected ways?’. This not only piques your curiosity but also sets the tone for your book review.
Another effective technique is sharing a personal connection to the book. For example, Journey To The Center of The Earth is one of the first books I’ve read, so if I were to review it I’d probably write something like ‘This story reminded me of my childhood dreams, filled with fantasy creatures and the possibility of living my wildest dreams’. A strong hook pulls readers into your review and keeps them engaged.
2. Provide a Balanced Summary
A good book review offers just enough information about the plot to set the stage without giving away too much. Focus on the main characters, the setting, and the central conflict, but avoid revealing major spoilers. For example: ‘In this gripping mystery, a detective grapples with a chilling case that unravels both a small town’s secrets and his own troubled past.’
This kind of summary gives potential readers a sense of what to expect while leaving plenty of room for discovery. If you need to discuss plot twists, consider including a spoiler warning or leaving those details for a deeper discussion later.
Consider this a major book review tip, I cannot stress enough how important this is. The amount of book reviews that spoiled the entire story for me over the past few years is astronomical!
3. Discuss What Worked (or Didn’t)
Writing book reviews is perfect for sharing your opinion on what you consider worked and what did not, in essence, the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the book and your experience, you might be drawn to start with what stood out to you. Was the protagonist relatable? Did the dialogue feel authentic? Was the pacing consistent throughout the story?
Sometimes, I dislike a book so much I cannot help but begin with all the aspects that fall short. This might include a rushed ending, poor character development, a copycat story, etc. Constructive criticism adds depth to your review and helps readers form a balanced perspective.
There are no rules for how to write a book review. Despite what you’re reading in this post, the tips for effective book reviews are just that, tips. What I mean by this is don’t forget to add your own touch, your personality, and what you truly felt while reading the book, whether it's good or bad.
4. Analyze Key Themes
If you’re looking to write a good, analytical, and well-thought-out book review, you must delve into the key themes the story focuses on. For instance, a fantasy novel might explore themes of courage and self-discovery, while a historical fiction piece might highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Take time to reflect on how these themes are woven into the narrative. Were they subtle or overt? Did they resonate with you personally? Connecting themes to real-world issues can make your review even more engaging.
Personally, I like to connect books with past experiences or real-life thoughts I have on specific topics. I feel this allows me to write more intimately and conveys a deeper meaning, signifying how books are not mere stories, but worlds that collide with our souls.
5. Compare It to Similar Works
Drawing comparisons to similar books or authors provides valuable context for readers. I love doing this with books and movies since it gives even more context for people who might be interested in reading the piece I’m reviewing. For example, if you’re reviewing a dystopian novel, you might mention how it stacks up against classics like 1984 or The Handmaid’s Tale.
These comparisons are key to setting the tone and ‘categorizing’ each book. For example, if I were to review Divergent, I could say something like ‘If you loved The Hunger Games’ take on survival and rebellion against an authoritarian government, this new book series is perfect for you’.
If the author has written other books, consider comparing their latest work to previous titles as well. Is this new book a departure from their usual style, or does it build on familiar themes? These comparisons help readers determine whether the book aligns with their tastes.
6. Consider the Target Audience
A key aspect of an effective book review is identifying who would enjoy the book. Is it best suited for young adult readers, fans of historical fiction, or those who love fast-paced thrillers? Mentioning the target audience helps potential readers decide if the book aligns with their preferences. For example, ‘While the intricate world-building will delight fantasy enthusiasts, readers new to the genre might find the detailed descriptions overwhelming.’
This approach makes your review more relatable and helpful and aids in positioning yourself as a trustworthy book reviewer.
7. Keep It Authentic and Engaging
As I mentioned before, the best book reviews reflect your unique voice and perspective. The best book reviews reflect your unique voice and perspective. Whether you loved or hated the book, be authentic in your opinions. Avoid generic statements like ‘It was good’ or ‘I didn’t like it’ without explaining why. Instead, dive into specifics and share your personal reactions.
To give you an example, I loved Wuthering Heights. The relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine is by far one of the most complicated, toxic, and deeply emotional I’ve ever read. I hated their relationship because it was so addictive and filled with grief and pain, I found myself relating to it, in levels I did not know I could relate to. And the famous phrase ‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same’, before reading the book I thought it was the definition of romance, and after I finished the story I realized how wrong and cruel people are using it.
See how many things I’m describing and merging with my personal experiences. No matter if you find the book incredible or the worst thing you’ve ever read, the key to writing book reviews is making them engaging and authentic.