How to Get a Job Reviewing Books
If you have a passion for books, why not turn it into a part-time, full-time or retirement career? Here's how to get started.
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Instructions
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Make a list of what kinds of books you like to read, such as mysteries, romance, non-fiction or sci fi). Although paid reviewers often read a wide range of titles, the process is much more enjoyable if you're spending your time on topics that interest and excite you.
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Establish an online account with Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It's free to do this and will allow you to start posting reviews of books you have already read. This not only helps you to gradually establish an online following, but also build a portfolio.
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Establish a free blog account with Book Spoke, Gather and other Internet community forums that will let you post reviews.
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Design a website if you don't already have one. Include links to the websites where you have book reviews.
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Commit to a blog where you write an entry each week in which you chat about upcoming releases, favorite authors and even nostalgic references to books you read as a child or young adult. The purpose of this is to establish yourself as an expert and a true book lover. Invite feedback from readers.
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Seek out book reviewer opportunities on the Internet. This can be done by typing "book reviewer jobs" in your search engine or perusing online publications to see if they include book reviews as a part of their regular line-up.
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Study newspapers and magazines that carry book reviews. Query whether they are open to reviews from newcomers. Include sample reviews with your inquiry letter.
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Contact publishing houses, introduce yourself as a book reviewer and offer your services to review upcoming releases as part of their promotional plan.
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Expand your website to offer reviews for a modest price to new authors.
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Tips & Warnings
Reviews posted on Amazon and Barnes and Noble are not exclusive. This means you can post your reviews on other websites and community forums. A magazine or newspaper that is paying you, however, will preclude you from recycling the same text to other publications.
In conjunction with paid book reviews you do for new authors, consider expanding your services to podcast interviews. This will direct more traffic and more clients to your website See the "Writers in the Sky" link in the Resources section for examples.
In addition to traditional publishing houses, offer your review services to e-book publishers as well.
Short reviews (less than 600 words) have a better chance of being published by newspapers and magazines than longer ones.
If you don't like a book, provide constructive criticism and specifics rather than bluntly trashing it. Take into account who the writer's target audience is and whether you fit that demographic. A plot that an adult reviewer may think is giddy and superficial, for instance, may have its tween audience rolling in the aisles.
Unless you're writing for "The Book Spoiler" (see Resources), don't give away all the secrets in your review.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Christina Hamlett
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Comments
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clarkisaacs
Oct 23, 2008
Fairly simplistic, but then again who has sophisticated advice in a complex field. Book reviewing is difficult when you do not have enough books that you have read. Reading and writing are tools which must be used and critique of the writing is essential to determine if you are on track. -
clarkisaacs
Oct 23, 2008
Fairly simplistic, but then again who has sophisticated advice in a complex field. Book reviewing is difficult when you do not have enough books that you have read. Reading and writing are tools which must be used and critique of the writing is essential to determine if you are on track.
