Simple Book Reviews

It’s no secret that authors love book reviews, and finding a new 5-star reviews, especially on Amazon and Goodreads, always makes their day. The problem can often be encouraging people to write those reviews for us. As authors know, it’s a scary thing to put your words out there for everyone to see.

But honestly, it’s not difficult. I’ve received reviews that are as basic as “Good read.” to reviews that are several paragraphs long. I like both.

So for those of you who want to support your favorite authors by writing reviews, here’s a simple format to follow:

Read the Book!

I liked this book because …

I would recommend this book to …

Rate the Book

Let me break that down a little more.

Read the Book! … Sounds obvious, I know, but you’d be surprised how many people write reviews for books they never read.

I liked (loved!) this book because …

Consider plot, characters, setting, prose, story pace, message, relevance, your emotional response, character arc, or any other reason that comes to you. It’s all valid.

I would recommend this book to …

Who is this book’s target market? Teens? Fantasy readers? Women’s fiction … romance … historical … family drama … etc.

Rate the book … Keep in mind that ratings on different book review sites mean slightly different things.

Amazon

5* – I love It

4* – I like it

3* – It’s okay

2* – I don’t like it

1* – I hate it

Goodreads

5* – It was amazing!

4* – Really liked it

3* – Liked it

2* – It was okay

1* – Did not like it

Other tips & possible inclusions:

Add story summary. One to two sentences summarizing the book’s hook, not the entire story. In my opinion, this isn’t necessary as the reader can look at the story description. ***Do Not Give Spoilers!***

Improvements. What you didn’t like about the book. What could be improved.

Include Impact. A moment in the story that really made an impact on you

Characters you’d like to learn more about

Use words authors love (favorite words used in Chain of Mercy reviews): page-turning, gripping, unforgettable, mesmerizing, Wow!, exceptional, authentic, well-written, captivating, heart-warming, could not put down, powerful, must-read.

Be honest

Do Not Give Spoilers! I know I said this above, but it’s worth repeating. The (typical) reader wants to be surprised by plot twists and the ending.

Have you ever written book reviews? What additional tips would you give for writing reviews?