If you’ve found your way to my blog, it’s probably because you enjoy the reviews I share. I thought I’d give a little insight into how I prepare and write them.
My process does change slightly depending on the type of book, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, biography, or even a graphic novel. But here is a simple step-by-step guide to how I usually approach reviewing.
1. Pick Your Book
This may sound obvious, but it all starts here. Are you choosing something from your TBR, a new ARC, or a book club read? Decide what you are going to read first.
2. Take Notes as You Read
I like to keep a small notebook with me to jot down quick thoughts as I go. These are not in-depth, just short reactions like “too many characters to track” or “really gripping opening.”
If I am reading an ARC, I might also note any spelling or formatting issues, but not always. It depends on how I am reading.
3. Rate as You Go
Sometimes I like to rate the book as I read. A story might start as a solid 5 star, then drop to a 4 if it slows down. It might fall to a 3 if the plot feels lost, then rise again if the ending pulls everything together.
This helps me assess the book as a whole rather than judging it only on the ending.
It can also help to talk about the book with others while you are reading. It often shapes your overall opinion.
4. Build Your Review Structure
Before I start writing, I set up a base structure of questions I want to answer. I adjust these depending on the genre, but this is my general template:
Introduction
- Title
- Author
- Genre
- Publication Date
Summary
- Brief plot overview
- Main characters
- Setting
Analysis
- What did I like most about the book?
- What did I dislike?
- Did it meet my expectations? Why or why not?
Themes
- What themes were explored?
- Were they conveyed effectively?
Characters
- Who was my favourite character and why?
- Were the characters believable and well developed?
Writing Style
- How would I describe the author’s writing style?
- Were there any memorable quotes or passages?
Recommendation
- Who would I recommend this book to?
- Overall rating out of 5 stars
Conclusion
- Final thoughts
- Would I read more from this author?
5. Start Writing
This is often the hardest part. Just start. Do not aim for perfection straight away. Focus on getting your thoughts down and answering your questions. You can refine it later.
6. Edit Your Review
Now it is time to tidy everything up. Read it back, refine your points, and cut anything that feels too long or repetitive.
If you have spent too long talking about one character, try condensing it into a few strong sentences. Keep it clear but let your personality come through.
7. Share Your Review
There are lots of places to share your thoughts:
- Your own blog
- Retail sites like Amazon or Waterstones
- Platforms like Goodreads, Fable, or StoryGraph
Or all of them if you like.
8. Embrace Different Opinions
Not everyone will agree with your review, and that is completely fine. Books are subjective and that is part of what makes them special.
Do not let negative comments discourage you. For every person who disagrees, there will be someone who appreciates your perspective.
Final Thoughts
Do not let reviewing become a chore. It should be something you enjoy, not something that feels like a job.
Start small, take your time, and grow naturally. And if reviewing is not for you, that is okay too. There is just as much joy in reading other people’s thoughts as there is in writing your own.
Leave a Reply