Writing Reviews That Stand Out
How do you make sure your book review stands out from the crowd?
Both readers and authors/publishers appreciate a quality book review. You don't just want to be rehashing the synopsis of the book. You want to put your own twist on it and make your review different from all the other book bloggers out there.
Ways To Write More Creative Book Reviews
I'm lucky enough to know some truly awesome book bloggers, and they each have their own unique why of reviewing the books they've read. Here's a few examples to give you some ideas of the different types of book reviews you can do:
1. Reactions as you read the book
Judith from Chain Interaction is an excellent example of this method of reviewing and it makes for entertaining reading. It's a real blow by blow of her thoughts as she progresses through the book. You get a real taste for all the highs and the lows.
2. Video reviews
This is my preferred method of reviewing. I film my reviews for my YouTube channel and then share them here on my blog and on my other social media platforms.
I want my reviews to be as honest as possible, and I don't want to think too much about what I want to say about the book I've read. I want to share my raw feelings about it. For me, video is a great way to do this. I don't prepare a script before filming. I just jump in front of the camera and press record.
I also think this method of reviewing allows followers to get to know me better.
3. Make a list post
Make a review more interesting by turning it into a list post like this one about why you should read Rick Riordan books. Instead of large blocks of text, break it up into a topic related list.
- Reasons to read [insert name of book]
- Favourite characters from [insert name of book]
- Favourite quotes from [insert name of book]
- Places I want to visit now I've read [insert name of book]
You get the idea. Put a new twist on the format of your review.
4. Share your reading journey
Get personal and share your journey with the book from the moment you picked it out to your feelings once you'd finished reading it.
Did you pick it up based on a recommendation, or was it solely based on the cover design? Had you heard of it before? or was it an impulse buy?
Did your feelings about the book/characters change of the course of the book? On finishing, was it a book that stayed with you? Was it thought provoking? What impact did it have on you?
You might also like: Book Reviews: The What, Why, and How [Webinar]
What review formats have you tired? What types of book reviews do you enjoy reading?
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