How to Write a Nonfiction Book Review
Do you love to read nonfiction books? Why not try your hand at reviewing them?
What is a nonfiction book review?
A book review is a critical evaluation of a book. It isn’t just a summary, but gives commentary that will be uniquely yours as the writer of the review. The difference between a review of fiction versus nonfiction is that with the latter, the reviewer will evaluate the piece not so much on its entertainment value as on whether it fulfills its promise to solve a particular problem or deliver certain information.
Why write book reviews?
Reviews help books get noticed and gain credibility. Writers want to receive reviews to show readers that their book is widely-read and well-received.
Where are reviews posted?
These days, the answer is ‘lots of places.’ Many reviewers post book reviews on their own blogs. You can also post reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, library websites, or submit them to other people’s review blogs. If you really want to get serious, there are a lot of literary journals that accept freelance reviews.
How long should a review be?
That will depend largely on where you are planning to submit your review. Check for guidelines, and assume that you will write anywhere from 100 to 1500 words. Be succinct, but give enough to serve the purpose of the review.
Points to Consider:
●What if you really don’t like the book? Always write your reviews with integrity. If you honestly don’t like a book, write your review as if you are in a critique session with the author. Use positive words and avoid sarcasm.
●Take time to read reviews written by other readers, but keep in mind that many of them are not trained reviewers.
●Review the book that has been written, not the book you think the author should have written. It isn’t fair to criticize an author for failing to achieve something he or she never intended to achieve.
Nonfiction Book Review Template:
Opening statement: Include title and author.
What does the book promise to deliver to the reader? Another way to look at it is, what problem does this book promise to solve?
Does it accomplish what it sets out to accomplish?
If so, how?
If not, what could the author have done differently?
What makes this author uniquely qualified to write on this topic?
What is the tone of the book? Is it humorous and easy to relate to, or is it more dry and academic?
Overall impression: This is where you give your personal take on the book.
Suggested points to include:
Was the book written in a way that you as a reader could easily relate to?
What was your favorite part of the book?
Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
If you could change something, what would it be?
Are there photos or illustrations? If so, are they effective in enhancing the book’s message?
Would you recommend this book?
What type of reader would enjoy this book?
There are so many wonderful nonfiction books out there. Have a great time reading and reviewing!
Have you written any nonfiction book reviews?
Tweetables:
Want to write great nonfiction book reviews? It’s easier than you might think. New blog post. Click to Tweet!
How to write a nonfiction book review. It’s easier than you might think. New blog post. Click to Tweet!
Help nonfiction authors promote their books; write reviews! New blog post. Click to Tweet!
Help readers find great nonfiction books; write reviews! New blog post. Click to Tweet!
newest »
I know this seems like common sense to some people, but it's definitely not to me! Thank you for this article. I'm hoping to contribute more in my reviews and wasn't sure how to until I stumbled across this article.
Book review tips are usually centered around fiction - very rarely it is for non-fiction, and finding this one is a total gem! Very insightful!
Lesley, thanks for this article. I am planning developing my skills on content writing and books reviewing particularly on nonfiction books which is what I prefer reading.But as I browse the Internet, I see lots of reviews following different styles and rules. This really creates a confusion as I plan to write reviews as a professional.
Are there some professional samples of nonfiction reviews that could help me out?
Thank you.
Thank you so much for this article. This post was much needed! :-)
What's missing from the list is the author's bibliography, and whether the sources mentioned appear to be used accurately in the book. This is especially important when the book is on a controversial topic. It would be helpful, I think, if the potential buyer of the book could know what the reviewers have to say about this issue (apparently accurate use of sources).
