6 Tried and tested tips to be a responsible book reviewer

It is a charm to be a book reviewer. I love to read books but reviewing them is even more charming. Every book has a different story and so is every review unique. You become the connection between a reader and the author. With this comes big responsibility and here I am discussing 6 tried and tested tips to be a responsible book reviewer.

Pick a book you would like to read

Be true to your reading. Always choose a book that interests you and not because your work burdens you. This helps you finish it in no time and you are ready to create that magic with your pen.

Responsible book reviewer prepares a journal

Prepare a book review journal and jot down characterisations as and when you find them. It’s important to review what you are experiencing and not what would look good as a review. Often when I sit to write the final review, at the back of my mind I start editing to write what will look good to the readers and authors. This is not correct. It is important to highlight good things but subtly telling about not so good things is equally required.

I am working on this. Currently, I skip revealing the bad points as every book is a compilation of hard work, research and sleepless nights.

Review the book and not your expectation

We often create stories in our head as soon as we see the book cover and from here expectations hinder the pace of the book. Enjoy the pace of the story as it unfolds. Every story has a different pace within the same genres. Every thriller will not read fast and every romance may not be slow-paced.

Learn to appreciate the author’s mind and understand his creativity. Analyse how’s the story moving ahead and if all the nodes are well-connected to bind the reader’s interest till the end.

There’s no particular format to review a book

As a new book reviewer, you may want to read others and try to review books their way but gradually you form your own way. The correct format is the one that has relevant points about the book, a little about the author, your opinion and why a reader should buy that book.

If possible you may interview the author and add it to your blog post. People love to listen to stories behind the actual scenario.

Create your own opinion

Don’t read other reviews before you start. Always start a book without any pre notions about the book or the author. If the author is new, don’t research much about him. First, read his work which makes his personality in your mind then check out more about him. Start your reading with a clear mind that helps you jot down your actual emotions.

Follow other book reviewers

You always learn from others. Like every book, every reviewer is different and conversing with other lets you learn different ways to review the same book. It’s amazing to know how a responsible book reviewer starts his research and publish a great piece.

Authors accept that book reviews increase their sales

Some time back I wrote a book review that helped the author get sales. Here’s the incidence in her own words

In so many years of blogging, I have realized that your work definitely shows positive results provided you don’t over expect them. Just concentrate on doing what comes to your naturally. Leave the rest on the cosmos.

Well, how are you becoming a responsible book reviewer?

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon Aug’21.