Reviewing Tips

Message 29 of 50

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When we review a book we have read, we are giving our opinion of the book.

Check for other reviews of the book before writing yours. Read the excerpts and blurbs.

Which character or characters made an impression on you? Why? Was it the vivid descriptions? Were the characters believable? Memorable?

Were you entertained by the book? Did the author hold your attention throughout?

Let the review come from your own interpretation of the book. Which emotions did the writing evoke?

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posted by platform5

Be honest, yet considerate in the wording of your review.

Share your ideas and tips here.

A review is not the same as a critique.

posted by platform5
over 2 years ago

all well and good for reviews posted some places, but at others, you have to be a real miser with the words, they only allow very short reviews.

posted by tootall1121
8 months ago

Right. Some of the blurbs are really short too, but they all help. Actually, we don't need all of the things on my list, just pick a couple and or add your own. Amazon now requires us to wait 48 hours after our first purchase to post a review. I had been giving reviews on Amazon for a few years but that doesn't count now!

posted by platform5
8 months ago

I like to get short opinions from readers and dislike having the story retold even though some writers put the word "spoiler" in their title. I want to know if you liked or disliked the book and why.

posted by MarilynBB
8 months ago

I have read a few reviews which told too much of the story, even from professional reviewers. Same for the jackets on DVDs and Videos.

posted by platform5
8 months ago

Not only reviews tell too much of a story. Google and others ppost way too much of a book. Once the publisher or author have given permission to "search inside this book" they go overboard. All the other booksellers online can then copy it for their seeling site. A few well-chosen pages and the introduction or foreword would be great, but one site had 113 pages of my 192 page book posted.

posted by platform5
5 months ago