Many book aficionados write reviews. That’s great. However, if you are interested in writing reviews for publication or payment, you might consider how to formally write a review.

In my own search for guidance, I came across this site that actually offers templates to escort you through the process. And another site that has more book review templates in case you need guidance to get started is https://bookriot.com/book-review-templates/

But whether you write reviews for Amazon, blogs, magazines or newsletters/ezines, consider getting the formula right. Become known for your reviews and you might wind up as a paid reviewer, or as a minimum have a blog with advertisers knocking on your door.

The University of North Carolina has a great post on this at its Writing Center. Basically, a reviewer gives the reader a concise summary, offers a critical assessment (good and bad), and ends the review with a suggestion as to whether the audience would enjoy the book.

Dru’s Book Musings is a fine example of prolific reviewing. She leans toward the cozy mystery but isn’t limited by such, and, oh boy, can she cover ground. Not only does she review, but she allows writers to do A Day in the Life posts with first person pieces by their protagonists. I did one once for Carolina Slade. She has a decent amount of traffic on her site, offers regular giveaways, and appears at conferences. In other words, authors know her.

Or you can do reviews awash with humor or sarcasm or dark slaps, creating a “voice” for yourself. Some of NPR’s reviews are done in that vein, such as “Christian Grey Began His Fictional Career as a Vampire.”

You can become known for book reviews, but like all forms of writing, you have to be a honed writer, diligent, and consistent. It takes time, but you can find a way to take your enjoyment of reading to the book review level. It takes practice, hard work, and a knack for querying – like all writing. But there are still magazines out there that take reviews . . . and pay for them, depending on the genre and reputation of the reviewer.

Or just do reviews on your own, on your blog and on social media. Build up your following and let authors know you are there for them. You can even use the same review for Goodreads, Kobo, Google, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon, to increase your reach and bragging rights. Then as your reputation grows warn the postal person, because free books will flood your living room!

FINAL NOTE: Of course, if you need practice, you are welcome to do so with a Carolina Slade, Edisto Island Mystery, or Craven County Mystery.

BIO: C. Hope Clark writes reviews for every book she reads, posting them on Goodreads, Amazon, and her social media. She is founder of FundsforWriters.com and author of 16 mysteries, several award-winning. She’s a big advocate for reviews, and fifteen of her sixteen releases have book reviews in the three figures, with the newest release Badge of Edisto on its way in kind. She expects that one to hit three figures by year’s end. www.chopeclark.com / www.fundsforwriters.com