How to Become a Critic for Children's Books
A children's book critic, otherwise known as a book reviewer or literary critic can earn $20,000 to $70,000 a year. There is also the satisfaction of being able to critique children's literature and not only steer young people to good books but also inform educators and parents. However, you must have the correct education and experience in order to obtain employment and further your career. Book critics can make authors bestsellers and influence book award committees and book club choices.
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Instructions
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Understand the duties of being a book critic before you pursue a career. A book critic reads several books during the week, meets with editors and authors for interviews, analyzes trends in publishing and meets deadlines set by the newspaper or magazine. Book critics also write about other entertainment news that involves celebrity authors or their publishing houses.
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Get at least a bachelor's degrees in English, journalism, literature or other liberal arts fields. Art majors are useful if you are hope to critique picture books. Get training in literary history and criticism especially in the genre of children's literature. Learn, for novels, how to comment on plot, dialogue, characterization and author's consistency of style and voice. A reviewer of picture books will critique the artwork and appropriateness of text to graphics.
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Read across genres. Do not confine yourself to one genre or one discipline because being a well-informed reader can help you critique and fact check manuscripts about various subjects.
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Know the craft of writing in different genres such as poetry, essays, fiction and non-fiction. Understand first how to write before you are able to critique other authors' writing. Start your writing career by giving reviews for local book clubs, libraries and community publications such as newspapers and magazines. Read, analyze and respond to your audience's letters and comments about your work. Realize that their critique is a benchmark for what audiences think about the books that they read and how your opinion can influence people. Gather a portfolio of your work in a safe place and keep copies in a separate location such as an external hard drive or in your e-mail account.
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Keep looking for opportunities to further your career by using social media to connect with authors, publishers and other writers. Go to trade shows and writing conferences to meet with those who can hire you or recommend you to someone who can hire you. Read trade magazines and other publications about your chosen genre to keep up in your career.
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References
- Page Rank Studio: Book Critic, Career, Job, Salary, Work
- Business Know How: How To Become A Book Critic
- Dabbling Mom: Help! I Want To Become A Book Reviewer
- Book Lore Book Reviews: How to Become a Book Reviewer
- Saving Advice: Become a Book Reviewer-Ways to Save and Make Money
- National Book Critics Circle
Resources
- Photo Credit writing book image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
