One of the most common questions I get asked is how to get started writing book reviews. I absolutely love that a big part of my job is getting to read stories and help readers find the best of them. And it’s definitely something I recommend to writers looking to stay involved in their genre while they work on publishing their own work. So here are five simple steps to get started:
1- Decide Where You’re Going To Publish
Step number one sounds super simple but it’s more difficult than you may think. Are you going to write on contract with a magazine, literary journal or other publication? If so, you’ll need to search these companies out. This is the best way to start getting paid right away, if that’s important to you, but you may have a difficult time getting your foot in the door.
Alternatively, you can publish your reviews on your own blog, like I do. You’ll need to decide on a website host, pick a domain name, and design your website appearance. This will cost some more upfront, depending on how professional you’d like to present yourself. If you’re at a loss of how to get started, I highly recommend using Squarespace. They have professional looking website templates that are easy for anyone to use, even if you’re not familiar with website coding. They also offer excellent 24/7 customer service to help with any issues you may have.
2- Find Books To review
Once you learn where you want to publish, the next step is to figure out what to publish. Do you want to only read books in a certain genre? Only self published novel? Only new releases?
And then you have to actually get your hands on the books. Of course, you could buy books at your favorite bookstore and write reviews, but those expenses will add up quickly. And your local library most likely won’t have new releases. Luckily for you, there are websites designed to connect reviewers with new books.
Netgalley is the most popular one reviewers use. It’s used by both traditional and independent presses to promote their books to reviewers and other professionals in the industry. You can look for books that interest you and if the publisher selects you, you’ll be sent a free digital galley with the expectation that you’ll write an honest review and submit it on their website and others.
I also recommend Discovery by Reedsy as they’re always looking for new reviewers for launches. Discovery works a bit differently than many other review sites. Any book you see on their website can only be reviewed by one professional and it will be promote to their website on launch day. The majority of books launched on Discovery as self published.
3- Promote Yourself On Social Media
Before you publish your first book review, you’ll want to build an audience so you have people to read your reviews. It’s definitely smart to get involved on Instagram and Twitter, where there are active reading and writing communities.
On Instagram, it’s a great idea to check out the #bookstagram hashtag. Take a look at what the most successful accounts on that hashtag are doing and decide which methods will work best for you.
On Twitter, the #amreading and #writingcommunity hashtags are a great place to start. Twitter will be more focused on content and less on the aesthetics, like Instagram. But you’re more limited by character counts, so get creative.
Whatever mediums you go forward with, it’s important that you find a content and voice that feels authentic to you, rather than just trying to copy other creators. You’ll also want to reach out to fellow creators and start making friends on your platforms.
4- Build Relationships With Writers & Publishers
Leading up to the launch of your first review, make sure that you’re familiar with the writer and publisher. Check them out on your social media platforms, make sure you’re following them and ready to tag and help promote them with your review.
Double check any requests or requirements the publisher or review site may have. They may have specific rules about spoilers, what dates you can post, or how you evaluate a novel.
It’s essential that you build positive relationships with writers and publishers, as you’ll depend on them to get more books to read. If they’re happy with your work, they’ll likely reach out to you to work with them again.
5- Get To Work
Is your first book review live? Congratulations! You’re a professional book reviewer.
My biggest recommendation for starting out is not to expect book reviewing to become a full time job or even a huge source of income. Get started because you love reading and sharing books with readers. Keep that goal in site and you’ll always have fun!
We’re at the very end of 2021 and it’s been an important year for me. I’m raising a toddler, working on a few new book projects, advancing my career, and thinking hard about what I want in the future.