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Book Review Writing

Book Review Examples

Cathy A.

Book Review Examples to Help You Get Started

Book Review Examples

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How to Write a Book Review - A Step By Step Guide

A Complete Book Review Format Guide For Students

Are you in desperate need of some assistance to up your book review writing game? 

We know that penning down a review can come off as a tricky challenge, but do not worry!

To help you write book reviews that carry the essence of the book and engage readers, we have collected a handful of book review examples in this blog. 

The included examples will enable you to understand different writing styles and approaches taken toward book review writing . So, you can use your words effectively to craft the perfect book review.

Let’s kickstart things off!

Arrow Down

  • 1. Good Book Review Examples for Students
  • 2. Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books
  • 3. Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

Good Book Review Examples for Students

You might be a professional writer, or you may not have any experience in writing book reviews. Rest assured, we’ll show you how to write perfect book reviews with the help of a sample template and great examples.

See this template to know what you should include in your book review: 

Book Review Template

Here is a good book review example for 4th-grade students:

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Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Reading reviews written by others can help you get a feel and flavor of good book reviews. Learning how to write a perfect book review can help students to:

  • Critically analyze a text
  • Give a personal opinion on the text
  • Improve analyzing and critical thinking skills 

Here are some interesting book review examples suitable for middle school students. 

Book Review Example for Middle School Students

Book Review Example for Kids

Book Review of Any Book in 300 Words

Science Book Review Example

Book Review Examples For High School Students

Below, you can also find some good book review examples for high school students. These real-life examples can help you get a clear understanding of the standard book review format that you should follow.

Book Review Example for High School Students

Book Review Examples for Class 9

Book Review Example for Grade 10

Book Review Examples for College Students

As a college student, you are required to demonstrate that you have examined the book from different angles. The points you raise in your book review need to be supported with clear facts and evidence.

The following are some interesting critical book review examples for college students to learn how to write a perfect review. 

Book Review Example for Class 12

Short Book Review for Students

Conclusion of Book Review Example

Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books

Fiction book reviews follow the same basic formula as writing book reviews of any other genre. For your help, we have compiled exciting examples of fiction book reviews that you can get valuable assistance from. 

Short Book Review Example for Fiction Books

Book Review of Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert is a work of fiction and falls into fantasy and young adult fiction genres. The novel revolves around fantastical fairy tales, and magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Here is an example of a comprehensive review of the book Hazel Wood:

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Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

For reviewing a non-fiction book, you are required to describe the book and summarize major points of interest. You should evaluate the author’s contribution to a subject that you may know very little about.

Here is a great non-fiction book review example to help you come up with a critical perspective on a text. 

Non-Fiction Book Review Example

Hopefully, with the help of the above examples, you get a better idea of how to write a perfect book review.

To wrap it up,

Writing a great book review is a tricky task, no matter if you are a high school, college, or university student. Book review writing might seem like a simple task, but it requires excellent analyzing and critical thinking skills.

But, not everyone can crack this task easily. They might need additional help from expert book review writers. That’s why our professional ' write my book report ' service offers book review writing help whenever you need it. 

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Cathy A.

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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How to Write a Book Review

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How to Write a Book Review (A Tutorial With Examples)

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Finished a book? Great! Now, prepare to write a book review to persuade others to read that book. Reviews contribute to the reader’s decision to pick a new book about 50%. You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can lead fellow book lovers toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will help you excel at your assigned tasks, contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community, and turn your passion into a professional pursuit. Today,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

Table of Contents

What is a Book Review?

A book review critically evaluates a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book. Aside from regular reviews, you might have to write a book review as an assignment at your school because it benefits students in multiple ways. Such as:

  • Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes,  writing style , and characters.
  • Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism.
  • Book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.
  • Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information.

Sample And Example of A Book Review

We have shared a great example of a book review below for you to review the structure and the content.

The Kite Runner  -By Khalid Houssini

“For you a thousand times over.” I can’t even explain the emotions this line holds.

This is one of the books that will always be in your mind. It will make you cry, laugh, scared, and emotional, and take you to the true spirit of Afghanistan. This book shares the story of two little boys and two friends living under the same roof: Amir and Hassan. Khalid Hossini blends the beauty of Afghanistan with the serenity of childhood friendships to reveal the truth of reality.

It’s a story of betrayal and redemption with a touch of culture, history, politics, and war crimes in Afghanistan. It shows how once the richest of Afghanistan became the secondary citizens of the United States. This book will reveal the realities of life and give you hope that redemption can be teh way to make things right.

It shows the simplicity of humans, the cruelty of humans, the pain of exiling the country you were born into, the struggle to fit into a new country, the pain of broken hopes, and the constant lingering of the memories and warmth we once used to experience. If you are looking for a book to make you cry, this is the one. The dialogue, the emotions, the pain, and the beauty this book holds are a treasure to me. I recommend this book to everyone who wants a fine piece of literature.

Does Book Review Matters?

Yes, absolutely. To clarify the importance of book reviews, we are sharing a survey to determine what factors contribute to the reader’s decision to pick a book on a scale of 1 to 10. Let’s take a look at the responses.

How to Write a Book Review- Step-by-Step

So, you see the example of a short book review above that tells all the book’s features without spoiling the story and what to include in a book review. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review. Check out these five straightforward steps for composing the best format of book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before reviewing the book, let’s step back and plan your approach. Knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

Many students ask how do I start a book review, so, first things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or intrigues you. Pay attention to:

  • The characters and their development
  • The plot and its intricacies
  • Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss Read great book review examples to have an idea how they compile ideas.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “How to write a book review,” we’re focusing on creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its title and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the  book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

For those asking how to write a thesis for a book review, now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review. Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review, making readers eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights.

Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a book section without revealing major plot twists or spoilers. You aim to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

  • In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
  • In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through a pattern of book review, including planning, introductions, and body paragraphs, with finesse. Now, it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “How to write a Book Review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. Follow the book review outline to stay on track. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example,  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve crafted your book review from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of rating the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate a Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

  • A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
  • A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
  • A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

  • Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
  • Be fair: Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
  • Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up The Book Review

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

8 Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook them with an Intriguing Introduction.

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Are you feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples, or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you quickly navigate the world of book reviews.

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book review writing, and let it shine in its light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance and barricade how to write a good book report process.

In this section of “How to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake:  Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example:  “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid:  Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake:  Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example:  “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid:  Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake:  Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example:  “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid:  While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake:  Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example:  “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid:  Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake:  Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example:  “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid:  Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake:  Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example:  “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid:  Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake:  Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it leads to potential readers’ confusion.

Example:  “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid:  Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices. These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

How To Write A Book Review Right Now!

Today, you have learned how to write a book review. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the  finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So, seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

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Professional Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

professional book review example

You’re ready to promote your next book. You want people to know about it! But sometimes knowing about it isn’t enough. You have to convince them to buy it too.

To help them decide if they want to buy, most people look for product reviews. This is especially true for books.

To leave reviews, people need to have bought the book…but readers will only buy the book once they see reviews…

How does one break out of this vicious circle?

Meet your new friend: the professional book review.

So, let’s get into what professional book reviews are, where you can get them, and how to use them to promote your book .

We’ll also cover other top tips to get reviews for your book.

What Is a Professional Book Review?

A professional book review is given by a professional (editor or publisher, etc.) who subjectively reviews books and explains their experience while reading them. The aim is to summarize the book’s story or message and critique how it was executed.

Most importantly, they’ll sometimes suggest whether readers should read the book or not. Not all readers will listen to the last part, but it sure leaves an impact.

Different Types of Book Reviews: Professional Vs Customers

You definitely want professional book reviews, but that doesn’t mean customer reviews don’t hold importance too. Customer reviews give your book credibility since it’s reviewed by the general public.

Like it or not, those mixed reviews show readers that you didn’t ask your friends and family to review your book. Let’s face it, only having 5-star reviews is quite suspicious.

So, let’s look into the differences between those 2 types of reviews your book can get.

Professional Review:

  • These are from verifiable sources and weigh more in integrity.
  • The criticisms can actually help you improve for your next book. The critiques may hurt but there may be some truth to it that you can use to better your writing .
  • This route could cost money as quite a few review sites are paid services.
  • There won’t be a high volume of these reviews.
  • It won’t impact how your book ranks on Amazon (more on this later).

Customer Review:

  • It doesn’t carry as much weight as it is not coming from a professional.
  • The criticisms can sometimes be confusing and unhelpful to you as an author.
  • You can get these reviews for free.
  • You can get tons of these reviews.
  • It impacts how your book ranks (more reviews mean a higher ranking).

Both types of reviews are necessary for your book. However the professional book review drives in more customer purchases.

Before The Professional Book Review

You want to make sure your book is of the highest quality before you publish it. And you want to be flowing through the promotion of your book, not scrambling about getting stuff ready.

So, let’s make sure you’re ready for the critics and the public. Here are some items to tick off before hitting submit:

Polish your content

People close to us may be scared of hurting our feelings if they point out mistakes. We need to correct these but ultimately, we need a professional’s opinion to really catch everything.

Make sure you have editors to help you adjust what is not working in your book and spot any grammar or spelling issues.

How awful would it be to have a critic bash your grammar in a review?

Set up your author pages on sites where your book will be sold, for example, Amazon. This will include adding information about you, your books, and where people can find you.

Including your Author website and Facebook links on these pages is vital. If you don’t do it now, then you’ll be doing this admin while you really should be focusing on boosting the positive reviews.

Build anticipation

Make sure your social media platforms are ready to promote your book.

You want to seamlessly integrate the book’s reviews into book trailers , teasers , and other social media posts.

Need some guidance on setting up an epic Facebook page for Authors? We’ve done an extensive post on it. Check it out !

Considerations For a Professional Book Review

There are a few things to consider before sending your book for a professional book review.

This may dissuade you from getting one, but it should help you brace yourself for the process as a whole. It’s best not to have surprises when launching your book if you can avoid them.

A professional book review is, in most cases, a paid service. You’ll need to factor this into your book promotion budget . This will affect who you will approach and how many reviewers you’ll have.

A professional book review does not mean a positive review. It’ll only be one person’s opinion, but it could still hurt to see your work criticized.

Hoping for the best and expecting an honest review is a good mental stance to take.

Advantages of Professional Book Reviews

A professional book review is so beneficial to your authorship. The benefits provide opportunities for your book promotion and author brand .  

Here’s how you can use a professional book review to your advantage.

Put it on your book cover

Those quoted short statements in italics on the front and back of books look really nice, don’t they?

Well, that’s exactly how you can use your professional book review.

Some reviews can be quite long, but you can just pull out a striking line from the review and place it on your book cover .

The professional book review extraction sums up your book in a one-liner. It will add more appeal on top of the beautiful description you’ve already written.

Add it to your author website

A professional book review will make your author website stand out. You can add it to the book’s web page or even better, on the homepage for new readers to discover.

Readers will see the review and it will solidify that your books are worth reading.

Use it on social media

A professional book review will make for an awesome post that you can pin on your Twitter feed or your Facebook Author page.

Upkeeping your social media takes some effort, so having the credibility of a professional book review can help with post ideas and getting new followers.

New followers could mean new readers!

Send it in press releases for book launch

You send out a press release to get people talking about your book. Having a professional book review to attach to that can nudge magazines, journalists, podcasters, and bloggers to write about the upcoming book. This is a great way to strengthen your Book Launch .

Use it to Promote

You want your book to stand out when you’re promoting it. Adding the review to your marketing material like book teasers, for example, makes it easier.

It also goes a long way with booksellers and libraries to see that a professional rates your book. They’ll be more willing to stock your book on their shelves!

Get more reviews

When other professionals see that you have some reputable reviews, they’ll be more willing to do a review themselves. This doesn’t just help with the current book on offer. No, no, no my author friend. This can help you with future books too!

You can use these reviews as a selling point for the next time you’re requesting a professional book review. It’s the gift that will keep on giving!

Include it on Amazon and Goodreads

professional book review example

Reviews will push readers in the right direction: buy the book!

When you include these positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads it’s like shoving the readers in front of a sign that says, “This book is worth your time. Buy, Buy, Buy!”

And the example above shows that in spades.

Amazon is a huge deal for Authors, so we’ll shine a spotlight on how to use it for reviews later in this blog.

Improve your writing

Everything eventually comes down to self-improvement, doesn’t it?

A positive review will give you confidence. And it says that you know what you’re doing. And since they love it, you’re going to do more of it!

But a negative review can really sting. Thankfully, you can sometimes throw these opinions away. Because some services let you decide whether to use them or not! Phew!

That negative Nelly may just not like your writing style or the storyline. But that is just their opinion. Tons of readers will feel differently.

Approach negative reviews in a constructive way. See what can be learned and chuck the other parts in the mental bin. No need to dwell on what you can’t change.

Professional Book Review Services

Now, let’s look at who you can ask.

There are a lot of options for you to pick from. So, you’ll need to do extensive research to know that you’re picking the right ones for you.

Here are just a few professional book review services:

This first service is actually free! NetGalley is one of the professional book review services that helps publishers and authors promote ARCs (Advanced Reader Copy) to professionals. They make the ARCs available to their community so they can be reviewed. This site helps professionals recommend books to their audiences.

Now we are going into the paid professional book review services. BookSirens is similar to NetGalley in that ARCs are distributed. But here, the books have to be approved first before reaching the reviewer pool.

It’s a fair trade since the readers are also vetted to ensure there will be quality reviews. These reviews can be then posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

  • Kirkus Reviews

This publisher is a well-known professional book review service. Kirkus Reviews are regarded highly since their reviews are on Amazon especially. This service matches your book to a professional reviewer who is an expert in the topic and genre.

  • Artisan Book Reviews

Artisan Book Reviews aim to provide authors’ books with as much exposure as possible with their engaging reviews. They share their reviews and the link to purchase the book with their online connections, eager-to-read newsletter subscribers, and social media followers. 

With their extensive online coverage, ABR is great for authors trying to build their reader base as they also provide customized book marketing services .

  • US Review of Books

Here’s another one to add to the quality professional book review services list. The US Review of Books also makes use of experienced professionals for their reviews. A key thing to note for Us Book reviews is that they promote their reviews on their monthly newsletter which also serves as extra coverage for your book!

There are tons and tons to pick from besides the professional book review services listed above. And as mentioned, research is dearly needed to pick the service that you’re most comfortable with.

Weirdly enough, you’ll probably have to check out reviews for each of the sites! Another point in favor of reviews 😊.

Top Tip 1#: Remember to read up on the turnover period, costs, and promotion strategies for each of the professional book review services.

Want To Give Your Readers An Engaging Online Experience?

Get an author website that showcases your books, grows your list, and attracts publishers and promoters.

How To Get Amazon Reviews for Your Book

Amazon is the world’s largest book retailer. Therefore, leaving your stamp on it as an author is important.

So, we thought we’d discuss both professional and customer reviews in this section. We want you to have all the tools needed to promote your book.

Follow community guidelines

Firstly, let’s make sure you’re following the rules.

Amazon checks each review that is posted against its policies and guidelines. So, it could take up to 72 hours to review. Sometimes even longer!

So, make sure that the professional book reviews follow their guidelines .

Here’s the gist of the guidelines:

  • Don’t pay someone to leave you a positive review. This could get your account banned. You are allowed to pay for professional book services but it’s for honest reviews
  • Don’t ask friends and family to leave reviews. Amazon will identify the relationship and remove the review.
  • Don’t swap reviews with other authors. Amazon will identify and remove the review.

Know how ranking works

Amazon ranks books based on the number of purchases and reviews the book gets.  So, once you launch your book, you must have everything planned so you keep momentum and get ranking!

If you don’t maintain steady reviews, then your book will drop in ranking or not rank at all.

The more reviews you get the more visibility your book receives.

Verified and Unverified Reviews

There are 2 types of reviews on Amazon: Verified and unverified.

A review is considered Verified when Amazon can see that the review is by someone who has purchased the product from Amazon and didn’t receive a deep discount.

A review is Unverified when Amazon can’t confirm that the product was purchased on Amazon or that the person paid a price available to most Amazon shoppers.

A verified review has more weight compared to an unverified one in a similar way to a professional book review having more weight than a customer review.

So, ask that reviewers purchase the book before leaving their review on Amazon, if possible.

How to get more reviews on Amazon

How you get reviews on Amazon can impact your book’s sales. Here’s some tips on how to get reviews on Amazon:

Target the right audience

See what other books your readers have bought and target the reviewers in the review section of those books.

If made available, you can use their contact details and let them know that your book is similar in topic or genre to a book they’ve reviewed and that they should totally check yours out!

Put together a launch team

Put together a launch team . This team is made up of people who have agreed to read your book before its launch, and they’ll review it after the book has gone live! Your launch team can consist of:

  • Keen followers from social media.
  • Your existing email list of contacts.
  • Experts you’ve liaised with.
  • Your client base (in the case of nonfiction authors).
  • Other authors and writers you’ve built relationships with.

Relaunch your book

You can add a chapter, release a new edition, or update the book cover . This essentially relaunches your book on Amazon.

This way you give your book another opportunity to receive reviews and rank!

Editorial reviews on Amazon

professional book review example

An editorial review on Amazon is a critique of a book written by a professional. You should use these professional book reviews in your editorial reviews section for your book.

You can do this by logging into your account on Amazon. Then navigate to your book, go to the Editorial Reviews tab, and add your stellar reviews!

Top Tip 2#: When adding the reviews, be sure to credit the professionals that the reviews belong to and refrain from adding any links or promotional text. It should basically look similar to the example above!

Amazon Top Reviewers

Amazon ranks its Top Reviewers. And some of them have their contact details on their profiles.

See which of them have reviewed books in your genre and send them an email.

Note that even though they are reviewers, some of them may not be too keen on reviewing just because you’ve requested politely.

So try and build a relationship with these reviewers first to increase the likelihood of a review and give yourself an author connection for future books.

How To Get Reviews for Your Book

Now that we’ve discussed professional book reviews, we thought we’d get into how to get the other types of book reviews that can help you promote your book.

Ask book bloggers

You can ask book bloggers ! See what interests each blogger and approach the ones that will understand your book’s topics and genre.

You can also use blog tours to build relationships with book bloggers, making it easy to ask them for a book review.

Use your email list

You can use the email list you have for your newsletter to ask readers to review your book. These people are already engaged with you and your world, all they need now is a reminder to keep supporting you!

You can even provide an ARC for them to read and then review when the book is published. Just be sure to ask who is interested and mention the purpose of you sharing the ARC.

Send a follow-up email on the publication date for them to review and you’re good to go!

From your readers

At the end of your book, you can ask the readers to share their honest opinions of the book. Have some links to Amazon, Goodreads, and wherever else they can post reviews. 

You have to convey that the reviews are important to you! You as an author need to show the readers that you’re human too!

Let them know that you’re eager to read their reviews. This will have them more likely to review. People would love to be noticed by the author who wrote the book they have read.

Also, don’t feel shy to use social media to request people to post a review. You can express your appreciation for the support given so far and ask that people share their reviews of the book on Amazon or Goodreads.

Ask other authors

You can build relationships with authors by joining Facebook or Goodreads groups and other web forums. Ask these author friends to review your book!

And note that this will not be in exchange for a review of their book. This is just authors supporting authors!

From the experts

This may take some effort but can be super cool if you can get it done. Find experts in your book’s themes, topics, and genres to review your book. For example, if you wrote a fiction book in the medical field, you could ask a medical professional!

If you already have an idea of who might be interested, then pop them a respectful email!

Emailing Tips For Book Reviews

You should have a list put together of who you’d like to email. But what should be in the emails? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Provide the ARC in the email to make it easy for them to get started with reading your book
  • Send a cover letter with your submission 
  • Mention the deadline but don’t be pushy. They are doing you a favor at the end of the day.
  • Share a direct link to the Amazon review page to make it easy for them to review
  • After initial contact, don’t follow up too soon . They don’t owe you the review so give them sufficient time to think it over.
  • Sell your book in a way that will entice them to read it (compare it to something they’ve already reviewed, for example)
  • Let them know where their review could be displayed . For example, the front cover of the book , Amazon’s Editorial Reviews section, etc.
  • Don’t mention the type of review they should give…other than an honest one !
  • Be friendly and respectful .
  • Remember to express gratitude . Be thankful for any assistance they provide!

Top Tip 3#: Add useful participants to a spreadsheet for your next book launch! Keeping these contact details is a time saver and helps with planning for the next book promotion. Your spreadsheet should have: Name, email address, social media handles, books reviewed (yours and others), interests, date the emails were sent, and any other helpful notes.

The Verdict

Book reviews are so important for your book’s promotion. Putting effort into getting the reviews rolling will really help with the book’s success.

And with the tips and suggestions we’ve shared, we’re sure you will be rocking those professional book reviews soon! They won’t just help with your book; they’ll help with your author brand too.

If you’re looking to take your author brand to the next level, then consider getting yourself an author website. If you already have one, then we can elevate it! We’d be happy to assist you with our website design services .

We pride ourselves in matching an author’s website to their brand. Need proof? We have some reviews of our own!

“…dedicated group with technical brilliance and artistic flair.” – James Maxwell Million Book Selling Fantasy Author.

“Their expertise shows in both the quality of the website design and the details of the interactivity users experience.” – Melissa McPhail Best Selling Fantasy Author.

“To say they did a good job, is the understatement of the century.” – Daniel Gibbs Military Science Fiction Author.

professional book review example

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The Write Practice

How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

If you've ever loved (or hated) a book, you may have been tempted to review it. Here's a complete guide to how to write a book review, so you can share your literary adventures with other readers more often! 

How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

You finally reach the last page of a book that kept you up all night and close it with the afterglow of satisfaction and a tinge of regret that it’s over. If you enjoyed the book enough to stay up reading it way past your bedtime, consider writing a review. It is one of the best gifts you can give an author.

Regardless of how much you know about how to write a book review, the author will appreciate hearing how their words touched you.

But as you face the five shaded stars and empty box, a blank mind strikes. What do I say? I mean, is this a book really deserving of five stars? How did it compare to Dostoevsky or Angelou or Dickens?

Maybe there’s an easier way to write a book review.

Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide .

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

Once you’ve decided to give a review, you are faced with the task of deciding how many stars to give a book.

When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of trying to compare a book to ALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME. (Sorry for the all caps, but that’s how it felt, like a James Earl Jones voice was asking me where to put this book in the queue of all books.)

Other readers find themselves comparing new titles to their favorite books. It's a natural comparison. But is it fair?

This is honestly why I didn’t give reviews of books for a long time. How can I compare a modern romance or historical fiction war novel with Dostoevsky? I can’t, and I shouldn’t.

I realized my mistake one day as I was watching (of all things) a dog show. In the final round, they trotted out dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I thought, “How can a Yorkshire Terrier compete with a Basset Hound?” As if he'd read my mind, the announcer explained that each is judged by the standards for its breed.

This was my “Aha!” moment. I have to take a book on its own terms. The question is not, “How does this book compare to all books I’ve read?” but “How well did this book deliver what it promised for the intended audience?”

A review is going to reflect my personal experience with the book, but I can help potential readers by taking a minute to consider what the author intended. Let me explain what I mean. 

How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise

A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things indicate the genre, tone, and likely the major themes.

If a book cover includes a lip-locked couple in flowing linen on a beach, and I open to the first page to read about a pimpled vampire in a trench coat speaking like Mr. Knightly about his plan for revenge on the entire human race, there’s been a breach of contract before I even get to page two. These are the books we put down immediately (unless a mixed-message beachy cover combined with an Austen vampire story is your thing).

But what if the cover, blurb, and first pages are cohesive and perk our interest enough to keep reading? Then we have to think about what the book has promised us, which revolves around one key idea: What is the core story question and how well is it resolved?

Sometimes genre expectations help us answer this question: a romance will end with a couple who finds their way, a murder mystery ends with a solved case, a thriller’s protagonist beats the clock and saves the country or planet.

The stories we love most do those expected things in a fresh or surprising way with characters we root for from the first page. Even (and especially!) when a book doesn’t fit neatly in a genre category, we need to consider what the book promises on those first pages and decide how well it succeeds on the terms it sets for itself.

When I Don’t Know What to Write

About a month ago, I realized I was overthinking how to write a book review. Here at the Write Practice we have a longstanding tradition of giving critiques using the Oreo method : point out something that was a strength, then something we wondered about or that confused us, followed by another positive.

We can use this same structure to write a simple review when we finish books. Consider this book review format: 

[Book Title] by [book author] is about ___[plot summary in a sentence—no spoilers!]___. I chose this book based on ________. I really enjoyed ________. I wondered how ___________. Anyone who likes ____ will love this book.

Following this basic template can help you write an honest review about most any book, and it will give the author or publisher good information about what worked (and possibly what didn’t). You might write about the characters, the conflict, the setting, or anything else that captured you and kept you reading.

As an added bonus, you will be a stronger reader when you are able to express why you enjoyed parts of a book (just like when you critique!). After you complete a few, you’ll find it gets easier, and you won’t need the template anymore.

What if I Didn’t Like It?

Like professional book reviewers, you will have to make the call about when to leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I usually don’t review it. Why? If I don’t like a book after a couple chapters, I put it down. I don’t review anything that I haven’t read the entire book.

Also, it may be that I’m not the target audience. The book might be well-written and well-reviewed with a great cover, and it just doesn’t capture me. Or maybe it's a book that just isn't hitting me right now for reasons that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my own reading life and needs. Every book is not meant for every reader.

If a book kept me reading all the way to the end and I didn’t like the ending? I would probably still review it, since there had to be enough good things going on to keep me reading to the end. I might mention in my review that the ending was less satisfying than I hoped, but I would still end with a positive.

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

As writers, we know how difficult it is to put down the words day after day. We are typically voracious readers. Let’s send some love back out to our fellow writers this week and review the most recent title we enjoyed.

What was the last book you read or reviewed? Do you ever find it hard to review a book? Share in the comments .

Now it's your turn. Think of the last book you read. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a review of it based on the template above. When you're done, share your review in the Pro Practice Workshop . For bonus points, post it on the book's page on Amazon and Goodreads, too!

Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers! What new reads will you discover in the comments?

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Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

title with red X and blue checkmark

23 Comments

Azure Darkness Yugi

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin is about a girl that shows no emotion befriending a ice dragon.

I chose this book based on the cover that had a little girl riding a ice dragon, and wondered what is about.

I really enjoyed the interaction the little girl had with the dragon.

I wondered how how the girl’s bond with the dragon.

Anyone who likes a coming of age story set in a fantasy will love this book.

Sue

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

Christine

A interesting, at times perplexing, subject! And one on my mind lately,as I’ve agreed to do a few. I do enjoy giving reviews and am delighted when I can say, “This was a great book!” Or even, “I enjoyed this book.” It gets perplexing when I agree to review a book — and simply don’t like it. Then what to say? I hate to disappoint the writer but I’ve promised to give my honest opinion.

I’ve found some books mediocre and yet I see a dozen other reviewers saying “A great story!” Tastes do vary. But when there are obvious flaws I tend to skip all the best-friend-and-cousin reviewers and find the first person who says, “This writer has a problem with…” Usually there’ll be a number of reviewers who spot the same problems I do.

I like upbeat main characters, but not aggressive, belligerent, and/or self-centered ones. I like to meet in a story the kind of people I’d like to meet in real life— not people I’d avoid if possible. I recently read a book where the main character came across as insipid and the story only mildly interesting. Other reviewers said it was great and I know for this specific audience — readers who want a certain slant to a story — it was quite suitable. So I tried to cut the book some slack. Everyone has their limit as to how much blood and gore, smooching and snuggling, they are willing to read about.

Once I agreed to review a book and would have tossed it after the first chapter — for several reasons. A lot of “writer inserting facts for reader’s benefit”; teach/preach paragraphs; excess of description; attitudes of MCs. Once it’s live on seller’s sites like Amazon, what can you say? The one thing good it had going for it was the story line or theme. With a pro editor’s help it could have been a great story.

As for a review, one book I read lately was “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady” by Parnell Hall. It’s one of those “Stayed up half the night to finish it” books; I think anyone who likes a compelling cozy mystery would probably like it. Downside: I didn’t care for the “Puzzle Lady.” She’s a lush, hangs out at the bar getting sloshed. The upside: her sensible niece has a starring role —trying to keep her aunt on the straight-and-narrow and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end.

Christine, Thanks for sharing your insight! It sounds like you are approached often to review new books. It does make it tricky if it’s a request, especially outside your own preferences. Thanks for chiming in about your process, as I’m sure others will appreciate the perspective too. I’ll have to take a look at the Puzzle Lady– I do enjoy cozy mysteries. Sue

Here’s another cozy mystery book review in case you’re interested. I’m not approached by writers that often, but there are the Story Cartel, Book Bub and Goodreads, all sites where authors ask for review volunteers.

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

The detective Reed Ferguson is a fan of Humphry Bogart, movie memorabilia of that era, and fancies himself a bit of a Sam Slade. Though not your super-sleuth, rather inept at times, he’s a likeable character. Told in first person, the story has a Philip Marlowe tone to it, but much tamer. Dialogue and story line are well done, the story well plotted and believable. I’d gladly read more stories about this particular gumshoe.

Beth Schmelzer

If you like cozy mystery books, I’ll send you a list later, Sue. Love them too and I’ve met many authors who write in this genre. Back on topic– you inspire me again to add some reviews to my Blog. I have been reading and writing many middle grade mysteries for a project! My latest favorite: “The World’s Greatest Detective” by Caroline Carson (who I hope to meet tomorrow in Arlington, VA!) My 12 year old grandson borrowed it and finished it before I could. “It’s the best mystery I ever read, Grandma! You’ ll never guess the ending with unpredictable twists!” What better review could we read. The target audience and I both highly recommend this 2017 mystery.

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

Kelly Hansen

Not wanting to sound life an idiot, but willing to risk it here among friends: What exactly is a cozy mystery?

Glad you asked! It’s a subgenre of mystery. The best examples of cozy mysteries are those by Agatha Christie. They usually avoid profanity, excessive gore/ violence, and sex. They focus more on the puzzle, sleuth, and their smaller world. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sue.

Daniel McDonald

Wonderful article. The first I have read by you. It especially gets those of us who don’t feel we have the formula down for review writing to be introduced to a form we can build upon with experience. You’ve kept it simple but you have given us the main ingredients needed for a good review. I printed this one off to look at the next few times I write reviews. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Dave Diss

I haven’t gone into all this. It’s a matter of time, Joe. I gad about all over the place, not knowing where I am or where I’m going. Within weeks, I’ll be 87. I’ve books of my own that I’d like to see reviewed. Even sorting them out, however, even finding where any of them are, would be a time burden. You see the fix?

Hi Dave, You aren’t alone in feeling the press of time for getting your stories out into the world. May I gently offer this: start with finding and sorting one. If you can’t find it, write it anew. You’ve probably grown in time and perspective since you wrote the first draft, which will make for a stronger story. Good luck. I’m cheering you on!

TerriblyTerrific

This is an article for me, because I am happy to receive a rating. I haven’t sold many books. But, at least some thinks that it was worth the time to read. That was refreshing. And, I think I wrote two reviews, so far. It was on Amazon.com. Thank you.

You’re welcome!

John Grumps Hamshare

Hi, Sue. Thanks for the helpful advice. I did a review on Amazon for the first of a 7-part thriller titled ‘Mosh Pit (The Rose Garden Incident)’ by Michael Hiebert. [Here it is.]

“5.0 out of 5 stars Advance copy review. By A fellow author on September 18, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I Recommend This Book Strongly

I enjoyed reading this first part of the thriller. The author’s opening chapter/prologue was fast paced, and set me in the middle of the inciting incident along with two of the main characters. After that thrilling opening, I felt the ensuing chapters moved at a more leisurely pace, and was about to grade them as less praiseworthy when I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson on YouTube about building three dimensional characters and realised Michael Hiebert had done exactly that by introducing the reader to the minutiae of other characters who had parts to play in the development of the story. So, instead of cardboard cutouts of bland stock characters, the author shows us real people with real concerns that the reader can relate to.and actually care about. I look forward to reading the rest of this intriguing thriller, and highly recommend it to all lovers of well-written, and well-crafted thrillers.”

I also reviewed Part 2 of the series, but that review is too long to post here.

Footnote: The author, Michael Hiebert, was so pleased with my reviews, he recently asked me to beta-read a short story collection he plans to publish in November.

Great review, John! I like how you shared a bit of your process as a reader too, in recognizing what the writer was doing with their characterization. Thanks!

John Hamshare

Thank you, Sue.

Five out of five stars When I picked up a copy of “The Girl with All the Gifts,” by M R Carey, at the used book store, I somehow had it in my head that it was a YA dystopian novel along the lines of “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” While I would definitely say that I was not right about that, I wouldn’t say that I was completely wrong. I was, however, completely unprepared for a zombie novel–which is a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m glad I did. Think “The Walking Dead” meets (why do I want to say ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night”?) “Peter Pan.” I really enjoyed seeing things from, the main character, Melanie’s point of view. Her limited knowledge of her own situation was intriguing, to say the least (and probably why I thought of “The Curious Incident”). I was a bit disappointed when the POV changed to another character’s, but, as the novel progressed, I found myself sympathizing with nearly all the characters–with one exception, and I’ll leave that for you to ponder when you read it. I wondered how much of the science was real, but not enough for me to research it myself. Although, based on other reviews, I guess most of the science about the fungus is real. I also wondered about the fate of the remaining ‘lost boys’ of the cities. If you liked…. well, I don’t know. I’m not typically a fan of things zombie, so I don’t have a comparison, but the book was somewhat similar to “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” in that the main character goes through a hellluva time and comes out the other side with a plan for her future.

RAW

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a true story about how one man found meaning in life when his doctors gave him a death sentence. Morrie was a college professor who passed on his new found wisdom in the last year of his life to a favorite student, the author, who chronicled his professor’s perspectives on death and dying.

I chose this book because of its philosophical topic, and because it is so well written that the words just jump off the page.

Knowing we are all mortal beings, I especially liked the insights, the tidbits of wisdom imparted by the dying man. Death is a subject that few, if any of us, ever talk about seriously with friends and family. The subject of death is verboten. We deny its existence. And, if we are religious, we pretend we will not really die, but we deceive ourselves and think we will live on in some afterlife existence for all eternity. But the professor, Morrie, learns some valuable life lessons from his impending death, and Mitch Albom was gracious enough to capture them in this short but eminently readable book.

I really liked the book because it is timeless. This true story will impart serious life lessons for all future generations, and will help us gain perspectives on our lives and the relationships with those we love the most.

R. Allan Worrell

Cathy Ryan

Sue, I’ve been meaning to come back since this was first posted to tell you thanks for a great article. I seldom review books for alllllll the reasons you listed. This is a perfect tool and I’ll surely use it. Cathy

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    How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise. A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things …