how to make a book review website

10 Steps To Start Your Book Review Blog (in 2024)

Starting a book blog takes a lot of work, but it’s ultimately worth it. Reviewing books is fun as a hobby, but it will also feel much more meaningful when you share your insights and experiences with the world. But how do you even approach creating a book review blog? Here are ten actionable steps that will help you set it up quickly and effortlessly!

10 Steps To Start a Book Review Blog:

1. get inspiration from other bookish bloggers, 2. define your goals and prepare for the long haul.

Before you begin your book blogging journey, set specific, measurable goals. Think about the reasons you want to start a blog: do you want to do it for fun, as a creative escape, or do you want to monetize your blog and turn it into a side hustle? Maybe you want both? Figuring out your goals before you get started will help keep you on track as you build your blog and publish your first articles. It’ll help guide you through the process and bring decisions that are in tune with your goals and purpose. Finally, your pre-defined goals will help you determine where you are on your journey and help you adjust along the way.

Here are a few questions to consider:

Answers to these questions will help you stay on track and don’t give up when the going gets tough.

3. Establish Your Favorite Content Format

4. read, write, sleep, repeat.

Creating content for a book review blog takes more time and effort than most other blogging niches do. There’s a simple reason for that – you need to spend a long time reading the book first. Sure, bloggers of all niches do research before writing too, but it’s not typically several hundred pages long. The point is – preparing and writing each book review article takes a long time and a lot of effort, so it’s a good idea to have some content prepared in advance when you launch your blog. As a book blogger, your content will probably contain book reviews, but also discussions, book tags, interviews with authors, and much more. Figure out what you want your schedule to be like, how often you want to publish, and if you want to make a repeating post-type rotation. Try to prepare at least three weeks’ worth of content to avoid feeling burnt out once you launch your blog. Chances are you’ll have a lot of work setting up your website , so you might not have enough time to create content when your blog goes live.

5. Set Up Your Blog

Platform (cms):.

First things first, figure out which platform, otherwise known as the CMS (content management system) you want to use for your blog. The platform will keep your blog running, provide you with statistics, and give you control over your content. Two of the most common platforms that freelance writers and bloggers use today are WordPress and Blogger . I use WordPress because it’s a free, open-source system that powers as much as 30% of the web. Your blog will require a bit of hands-on work to set up the CMS. Luckily, most web hosting services also provide a simple way to import CMS.

Web Design:

Web hosting:, 6. find your (domain) name.

Picking a name for your blog is a huge step, which can also be surprisingly hard. Your blog’s name should also appear in its domain name (the address of your site). So, your next step is to register a domain name. The internet is huge, and a huge number of websites already exist. That means that you may come across a problem – your desired domain name may already be taken. That’s why you should come prepared, and try out a couple of options. If it doesn’t work out, you may get in touch with the current owner of your preferred domain name and buy it from them. You may get a domain name directly from Siteground , or use a specialized service like GoDaddy or Google Domains .

7. Introduce Yourself

8. set up your review policy.

At one point, as your blog grows, you’re likely to get requests. Your audience, publishers, and even book authors themselves may get in touch with you requesting books to discuss next. To help your future self out, decide what is and what isn’t worth your time and effort. It’s worthwhile to set up a review policy in advance. Your review policy can include anything you feel is relevant. For example, think about what kinds of posts you will consider, what genres you want to cover, and whether you want to post negative reviews too. Then, figure out if you only want to post on your blog , or other websites too like Goodreads or Amazon. If publishers offer you the book in exchange for a review, which formats do you accept – print only, or PDFs too?

9. Organize Your Archives

When I find an interesting book review blog, I always want to browse through the books they reviewed, interested to see what the author says about my favorite titles. That’s why I, and other book review readers, always appreciate an easy-to-access blog post archive.

10. Be Social and Get in Touch With Other Bloggers

Once you’re all set up and start publishing content on your new book review website, it’s time to help spread the word. The particular way you choose to advertise your blog doesn’t matter much – the goal is simply to help your blog reach the people who would love to read content like yours. You can market your blog by interacting with other book bloggers (leaving meaningful comments on their content or following each other on social media). Another way to advertise your blog is through social media, and I especially recommend posting your reviews on Goodreads with a link leading to your site.

Closing words

Rafal reyzer.

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

How to start a book blog in 10 steps

• Lena Sernoff
• 16 min read

In the last decade, the book industry has reinvented itself. Books have become much more accessible to a broader public, especially in their newer digital formats. This shift is also visible in how traditional book clubs have naturally evolved into book blogs.

If you’re an avid reader, creating a blog will give you the perfect platform to apply your passion for literature by writing book reviews, sharing novel recommendations, and most importantly, connecting with the online bookish community.

We know you’re pretty booked , which is why we’ve broken down how to start a book blog into just 10 easy steps. From how to make a website , choosing a website template and blog name to learning which types of book blog posts to write, here’s what you need to do to be ready to publish .

What is a book blog?

A book blog is a website or online journal where someone writes about books. This can include anything from book reviews and recommendations to author interviews, book-related news and discussions about literature. Book blogs can be written by anyone, from professional book reviewers and literary critics to bookworms who are simply passionate about reading and want to share their thoughts and opinions with others.

Book blogs are a great way to discover new books, get recommendations from other readers and learn more about literature. They can also be a lot of fun to read, as book bloggers often have a unique voice and style.

Why should you start a book blog?

Here are some reasons why you should start a book blog:

To share your love of reading with others. If you're a passionate reader, starting a book blog is a great way to share your love of books with others. You can write about your favorite books, authors and genres, and share your thoughts and opinions on what you're reading.

To connect with other book lovers. Starting a book blog is a great way to connect with other book lovers from all over the world. You can comment on other blogs, participate in online book clubs and make new friends who share your passion for reading.

To improve your writing skills. Blogging is a great way to improve your writing skills. You'll learn how to write concisely and clearly, and you'll also learn how to express your thoughts and ideas in a way that is engaging and interesting to read.

To promote authors and books. If you're a fan of a particular author or book, you can use your blog to promote them. You can write reviews, interview authors and share news about upcoming releases.

To make money. While most book bloggers don't make a lot of money, there are a few ways to monetize a book blog. You can sell advertising space, partner with authors and publishers on sponsored posts or write and sell eBooks.

Of course, the most important reason to start a book blog is because you enjoy it. If you're passionate about reading and writing, then starting a book blog is a great way to share your love of books with others and make new friends.

Ready to start a book blog? Do it with Wix .

Select a blogging platform

Pick a blog name and secure your domain

Design your book blog

Choose your type of book blog

Brainstorm ideas and write your first blog posts

Optimize your book blog for SEO

Promote your blog

Make money blogging

Immerse into the book blog community

01. Select a blogging platform

The first step in starting a blog , or any type of website , is choosing where you want to host and publish your content. There are several blogging platforms to choose from depending on your blogging goals and needs. Some important factors to consider when making this choice are storage space, page security, uptime, and customer support.

In addition to top-level service in the above areas, Wix’s blogging platform offers professional web design features, opportunities to monetize your blog, rich website analytics and many built-in marketing tools to help you reach more readers. You can get access to all these tools at no cost and upgrade your free plan whenever you’d want.

Reliable, scalable and free web hosting means you can rest assured your book blog is always live and accessible - allowing you to focus on what really matters, growing your site. With Wix this means 99.9% uptime, enterprise-grade reliability and automatic setup. It's there when you build your blog and as you scale.

Website security is also important to consider when choosing a blogging platform. Keep your content, and your users information safe from cyber security threats. With a Wix site your blog is protected by around the clock monitoring and built-in security features.

Don't forget to consider website performance when choosing where to build your book blog. How fast your content loads can have a direct impact on your user's experience on your blog. Poor page and load speeds, might cause readers to bounce. Keep them on the page instead with a platform that prioritizes performance.

02. Pick a blog name and secure your domain

Just like we often judge a book by its cover, visitors might be quick to judge your blog by its name. This is why you should be intentional when choosing the name for your book blog.

To help you choose the best one, we’ve come up with these efficient strategies to come up with blog name ideas . If you plan to mainly cover one book genre or stick to a single author, you can include related words in your blog name.

Use a blog name generator

Experiment with blog naming formulas

Adapt a popular saying or come up with puns

Try an alliteration

Use your own name or nickname

Simplify with abbreviations

If you’d like some inspiration before you start brainstorming here are some creative book blog name ideas:

Treat Yo’ Shelf

Been There Read That

Check Your Shelf

I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie

Reading is a Novel Idea

Where My Prose At?

Do It by the Book

After you’ve finalized your choice, go ahead and secure your blog’s domain name . This should be similar to the name of your blog so users can easily find you and recognize you online.

You might also want to consider using a .blog domain extension , to make sure your blog stands out.

03. Design your book blog

Now that we’ve chosen your blogging platform and domain name, the next step in starting a book blog is designing your site. The easiest way to begin is with one of our professionally designed blog website templates . They all come with built-in capabilities and are fully customizable. Still not sure which one to pick? Take a look at these blog examples for further inspiration.

When you’re customizing your template, consider creating a logo to elevate and personalize your site. Having a blog logo can make you more memorable, edgy and easily recognizable. Just remember to match your logo to the design and overall tone of the blog.

Next, choose which pages to include. On top of your blogging section, we recommend you include the following pages:

Let readers get to know you and your taste in books. This section is a good place to mention your genre of expertise, your favorite books of all time and let your personality show with some interesting facts and information about yourself.

Review Policy

State what your policy is about reviewing books. You might have opportunities to review advanced reading copies (ARCs), so it would be helpful for publishers and book reviewing professionals to know the following:

Are you currently accepting new review copies?

Which genres do you cover and which platform do you typically use to promote books and showcase your reviews?

What types of posts will you write?

What book formats do you accept? Just physical ones or also PDFs and digital copies?

What do you do if you do not like the book? Will you decline a review?

Do you have a book rating system? If so, how does it work?

What is the best way to contact you and which information should be provided?

Contact Page

Help authors, publishers and readers easily contact you with inquiries, questions or collaboration opportunities by adding a contact page to your blog. Using a free form builder , you can effortlessly create a contact form to make sure people are sending all the necessary information.

04. Choose your type of book blog

Before you start collecting books and writing your first blog post, first consider which type of book blog you wish to run. Your book blog can specialize in either a niche or genre or even be known for specific types of content.

At the end of the day, you should think about what your goals are for blogging and which kind of audience you’d like to reach. If you’re passionate about a specific genre that you think has a strong fan base community, you can tailor your blog around it. Of course, you can keep your blog more general, but in case you were interested, here are types of book blogs on the web:

Book reviews

Book recommendations

How to write a book

Book critiques

Book discussion blogs

General book blog

On the other hand, if you want to write for a more specific audience, you can choose a literary genre to focus on and break into that niche reading community:

Action and adventure

Suspense and thrillers

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)

Biography and autobiography

Religion and spirituality

Poetry blog

05. Get books

Writing a book blog without books would be like cooking without food. So how can you feed your shelf ? When you first start a book blog, you can utilize the books you’ve read in the past or currently own. Over time, you’ll want to scale your book reading efforts - so make yourself rich with book resources, get free ARCs and consider joining book networks.

We’ve done some in-depth research for you and recommend these outlets and platforms for getting your hands on as many books as possible, whether it’s free copies or through book networks.

Public libraries

NetGalley (See their ARC book review program)

Little Free Library

BookishFirst

Penguin Teen

Edelweiss by Above the Treeline

Fierce Reads

Penguin Random House

Harper Collins

Virtual reading subscription platforms such as Scribd , Audible , Kindle Unlimited , BookBub , Bookmate , Manybooks .

BookCrossing

Nook by Barnes and Nobles

Bibliomania

Paperback Swap

Book stores and thrift shops

Garage sales

Swap books with friends and family

06. Brainstorm ideas and write your first blog posts

One of the most important parts of starting a successful book review blog is creating quality content. Think of your blog posts as the central part of your blog, the factor that will draw readers in and keep them coming back. The simplest way to begin producing blog posts is by following these 4 steps:

Select your book blog content

Come up with a book rating and review system

Write your first few blog posts

Create an editorial calendar

Your blog posts' topics can be as creative and unique as you’d like. But sometimes, it’s easier to start where others have seen success and follow some of the blog posts' formats that are popular on book blogs. Here are some engaging blog ideas to write about:

Book reviews: Write a review or critique of a book you just finished. Share your opinion on what you liked about it or didn’t.

Themed “top X” lists and rankings: Create a list of top 10 or top 20 books that fall into a genre or category. This can also be in the form of book suggestions to readers.

Discussion posts: Spur up a discussion about a book that you’d like to analyze with your bookish community. This can even be discussing a controversial novel or a specific scene in a book.

Interviews with authors: Interview authors of a book you just finished. You can ask them about their inspiration for the book or even about character development.

Book tags: Answer questions about your favorite books, authors, and characters and then tag other people to write blog posts and answer those questions as well. You can also look up other book tags and respond to them.

Guest posts: Feature other book bloggers or writers on your blog. It can be nice for readers to hear new voices from time to time. You can even use this type of blog post to allow young writers to showcase their work.

Monthly wrap-ups: Summarize and rate all the books you read that month.

Roundups of new publications and TBR lists: TBR stands for “to be read.” Make a list of the books that just came out and are now on your must read list.

Essays, guides and opinion pieces: Share your opinion in the form of an essay. You can compare two books, analyze a book vs. the movie or even write an author review. Another approach you can take is providing reading tips, how to pick which books to read or even teaching people how to write books if that is something you’ve done (see how to start a teacher blog ).

Genre and industry news: Keep your readers updated on the latest literature news and gossip. Did a book just get announced it will be made into a movie? Is an author writing a new sequel to their first successful book? Let your readers know.

Personal reading challenges: Participate in book challenges that are happening in your community. You can add memes as well and get others to take on the same challenge. This is a great way to build community.

Character roundups: A roundup post consists of a collection of characters, authors, or even quotes. Your posts list several of the characters that ultimately can contribute something to your readers. For example, you can do a roundup of the strongest female book characters.

To be a trustworthy book reviewer that shows authority, it’s important that you have a clear method and system in place for how you rate books. There are several ways and scales to use and you have the freedom to create your own, just make sure to show consistency and transparency.

Some things to consider when rating a book are writing style, plot, world building, and characters. All of these can be factors to your end review and be aware not to leak any spoilers. Here is an example of how Liam Reads includes his book rating system as part of his review policy page on his Wix website.

If you’re working with a book review platform such as NetGalley, they have a rating system of their own, so make sure to always check rating guidelines with the platform you’re working with.

Now comes the fun part, learning how to write a blog post . This crafting process can be broken down into three main steps:

Do keyword research: If you want your blog post to rank in search engines, try to target certain phrases in your article, ideally keywords that are often being searched for. You can use sites like Google Keyword Planner , Answer The Public or Ahrefs for help to find highly searched keywords.

Come up with a blog post title: Write blog titles that will hook your readers. Small word choices can make a difference on whether someone clicks in your post.

Write valuable clear content: Try to have an introduction and use headers and subheaders to break up the body of the post. You can even start with an outline to make it easier to map out your ideas. Keep in mind that there are best practices to follow regarding how long a blog post should be . Lastly, don’t forget to add images with alt text, write your SEO titles, edit and then hit publish.

Before you start promoting your blog to a large audience, we recommend already having at least 3-5 blog posts published and living on your website. This will create a better reader experience and best show your expertise.

To ensure your writing process is enjoyable and you never feel pressed on time to publish articles, plan out the rest of your month’s posting schedule with an editorial calendar.

In section number 6, we brainstormed dozens of blog topics. Now you just plan out when you’d like to publish each type of article in a spreadsheet. You can even add your TBR books to your schedule.

The bookish community has certain days dedicated to specific articles and memes. For instance, there is “Top Ten Tuesday,” “Waiting on Wednesday,” and “Thrifty Thursday.” These types of themes can help you post the most relevant articles on their matching days. See this detailed book blog meme directory for more subjects for each day of the week.

Lastly, keep in mind that Tuesday is the day most books are published which can be a neat day to post reviews on your blog.

07. Optimize your blog for SEO

In order to attract heavy traffic to your book blog, you should aim to show up on search engines through search engine optimization (SEO). Besides writing keyword optimized blog posts, there are a few more SEO tips for bloggers to know about.

Wix SEO has several built-in features and an SEO Guide to ensure your blog ranks. But, in a nutshell, aim to follow these best practices:

Optimize your website content and metadata descriptions with relevant keywords in strategic placements—including the page title, description and URL.

Write-SEO friendly alt text on all the images on your blog and within blog posts.

Use internal and external linking from other related articles.

Get backlinks to your blog from other trustworthy sources. This will show authority to search engines and likely improve your ranking.

08. Promote your blog

A good author wouldn't publish a book and not tell anyone, and neither should you. You’ve crafted a masterpiece website and now it's time to promote your blog. Here are the best ways to do so:

Share on social media

When literature lovers are not reading a book or consuming book blog content, they are likely engaging with the literature community on social media. This is why you should open a social media account under the same blog name and join book groups.

We also ecommend you have an Instagram marketing strategy, as the book fans have a large community on the platform with accounts known as “Bookstagrams.” There you can share your blog content and book reviews.

Make sure to add your website's URL on your Instagram bio and feel free to mention which book you're currently reading using the abbreviation CR, followed by the book title. Here are some Wix user’s beautiful Bookstagram’s to look at as examples:

Eva’s Book Corner

Somer Reads

Create a blog newsletter

Make an effort to get subscribers and use an email marketing tool to send out newsletters, promotions and distribute your content. This will invite readers to come back to your blog for more and sustain a loyal fan base.

According to Dor Cohen ,Content Distribution Specialist at Wix.com ,

"When designing newsletter layouts, prioritize mobile-responsiveness, accessibility standards, and a clean, visually appealing format that drives engagement. Balance text and visuals effectively, use proper headings and white space for scannability, and ensure your calls-to-action are aligned with your messaging."

Join book clubs

Whether they are virtual or in-person book clubs, meeting and engaging with other book lovers can help grow your network. Over time, people in your book club will get to know that you're a blogger and likely show interest in coming to your website, reading your content and recommending your blog to others.

Write for other blogs

Collaborate with other lit bloggers and offer to write a guest blog post that will be published on their site. In your signature, include your name and add a backlink to your blog so people can come to follow you. Overall, writing on other blogs will get you in front of new relevant audiences.

Invest in paid ads

Dabble with paid marketing and advertising to reach people who do not currently follow your social channels or blog. You can try social media advertising, banner ads, search ads or even YouTube video promos.

Participate in book tags and discussion sites

An excellent way to reach new people is to go to them instead of waiting for them to come to you. Therefore you should read other book blogs, respond to their book tags and engage with the fans and readers on those blogs. If you can show how insightful you are with your comments and engagement, people might be curious to come to your blog and learn more about you.

Host a book blogging event

Have you ever been to a book reading aloud that took place in a bookstore or library? You too can host a unique event that will bring book lovers together. There, you can mention your blog and encourage event registration to sign up for your blog newsletter and later send them emails.

09. Make money blogging and monetize your blog

When we wrote the title “How to Start a Book Blog,” we added “and Earn Money” for a reason. We’ve seen many users monetize their blog which we believe has made their blogging process even more rewarding at times.

If you’re looking to turn your passion project into an additional source of income, consider trying one of these ways to make money blogging:

Join an affiliate marketing program. Amazon Associates can be a great place to start since there are a lot of books sold there.

Advertise within your blog with a Google AdSense integration.

Offer paid subscriptions.

Write sponsored content.

Sell books, e-books and merchandise on your online store .

Provide consulting services.

Sell an online course and use Wix Video to produce your content. Consider teaching others how to start a book blog, since by then you’ll be an expert.

Write freelance book content for publishers and magazines.

Start a podcast .

10. Immerse into the book blogging community

It takes a village to raise a child and a lit community to bring book blogs to life. This is why to make the most of your book blog, you should highly engage with bibliophiles.

After you start your book blog, attempt to make a weekly effort to read other book blogs, not just to get inspiration but also to show support and connect with other like minded writers. Lastly, follow publishers and authors on social media and join their mailing lists so you stay in the know about upcoming releases and hot industry news.

Remember that ultimately, blogging is a beautiful journey, so try to take as many readers on that journey with you.

Examples of successful book blogs

Elle katherine white.

Author Elle Katherine White uses her book blog to showcase and sell her self written books - The Heartstone Saga collection.

The Written Witengier

This book blog by self confessed book nerd Marie who uses her blog to review her favorite reads with the occasional books on the art of writing.

Book Devotee Blog

Explore book reviews with this well-established blog. Keep up to date with recent book and literature news as well.

What should a book blog include?

Your book blog should include a variety of content that is relevant to your target audience. Some of the things you may want to include are:

Book reviews: Write reviews of the books that you have read. Be honest and share your thoughts and opinions on the books.

Book recommendations: Recommend books to your readers based on their interests.

Author interviews: Interview authors and share the interviews on your blog.

Book-related news: Share news and updates about the book world, such as upcoming book releases, literary awards and author events.

Book club discussion guides: Create and share discussion guides for popular books.

Book-related DIYs: Share DIY projects and crafts related to books, such as how to make a book cover or how to decorate a bookshelf.

Book-themed humor: Share book-themed memes, cartoons and other humorous content.

In addition to these core topics, you may also want to include other content on your book blog, such as:

Personal stories and essays: This is where you share your own personal stories and essays related to books. This is a great way to connect with your readers on a personal level and to share your passion for books.

Book-related photography: This is where you share your own book-related photography. This is a great way to visually engage your readers and to share your love of books in a creative way.

Bookish lifestyle content: This is where you share content about your bookish lifestyle, such as what you're currently reading, your favorite bookish accessories and your bookish travel experiences. This is a great way to give your readers a glimpse into your life as a book lover.

It’s always a good idea to create a blog post checklist to make sure you’ve covered everything before publishing. You can also explore blogging for beginners to jumpstart your blog.

Other types of blogs to consider starting

How to start a finance blog

How to start a real estate blog

How to start a gaming blog

How to start a health blog

How to start a teaching blog

How to start a music blog

How to start a tech blog

How to start a mom blog

How to start a sports blog

How to start a beauty blog

How to start a lifestyle blog

How to start a book blog FAQ

Is it worth starting a book blog.

Whether or not it's worth starting a book blog depends on your goals. If you're looking to make a lot of money quickly, then a book blog may not be the best option for you. However, if you're passionate about reading and you're willing to put in the time and effort to build a successful blog, then it can be a great way to share your love of books with others and even make a living.

Is it better to start a blog or write a book?

How often should you post on a book blog, do book bloggers get free books, related posts.

How to choose a blog name [+ 80 blog name ideas to inspire you]

How to start a blog in 10 steps: a beginners guide

How to monetize a blog in 2024 in 7 effective steps

Was this article helpful?

How to create a WordPress book review website

If you want to share your book reviews with the world, you can use a WordPress book review plugin to collect all your reviews in one spot and make it easy for your visitors to find reviews for certain books. You can list all your reviews in one convenient table and let visitors search by title, filter by author or genre, and more.

With the right WordPress book review plugin, you can set up a flexible system that meets your needs without any complications. You won't need to write any code or have any special technical knowledge, but you can still create a review site that's customized for you and avoid the "one size fits all" approach of some WordPress review plugins.

Below, you'll learn step-by-step how to start using Posts Table Pro as a WordPress book review plugin to create a review site that looks something like this:

You'll also be able to control exactly what information displays in your book review list. So if you want to add a review summary, list the book's ISBN, or anything else, you'll be able to easily set that up.

Why Posts Table Pro is the best WordPress book review plugin

Posts Table Pro is an easy-to-use WordPress plugin that lets you take any content on your site and display it in a customizable table.

For this implementation, that "content" is your book reviews. You can publish your reviews using the normal WordPress editor. Then, you can collect all of your reviews in one spot and add helpful filters and search options.

The benefits of using Posts Table Pro as a WordPress book review plugin are:

• Control You can choose exactly what to include in your book review list. Want to list a star rating? Does Amazon buy link? Thumbs up/down rating system? Publishing date? ISBN? You can add anything you want.
• Ease of use Your visitors can easily find the reviews they're interested in with filters and search boxes.
• Flexibility You can create different lists for different books. For example, you could have one collection of science fiction reviews and another collection of fantasy reviews.

You can also use Posts Table Pro with all WordPress themes, which lets you keep using your favorite review website theme. And because you can control exactly what information to include, you can also write other reviews, like video games or product reviews.

Below, we'll show you a real example of Posts Table Pro in action and then we'll take you through how to set it up as a WordPress book review plugin.

Case study: Science Fiction Book Reviews

Science Fiction Book Reviews is a real-life book review website that's published over 500 book reviews for books from over 140 different science fiction authors.

That's a lot of books -- so Science Fiction Book Reviews needs a user-friendly way to help visitors find reviews of books they're interested in.

To create an easy-to-browse archive of all those reviews, Jim, the man behind the website, uses Posts Table Pro to create an easy-to-browse list of all his book reviews:

If users want to filter out reviews for books from a specific author, they can use the drop-down to select that author. And the great thing is that visitors can filter by author without reloading the page , which creates a really convenient experience for them:

If users want to see the full review, they can click through to the review's page. This also improves SEO and gives each review a chance to rank in Google.

Want to set up your own WordPress book review plugin like Science Fiction Book Reviews? Here's how to do it...

How to use Posts Table Pro as a WordPress book review plugin

Below, you'll learn how to set up Posts Table Pro as a WordPress book review plugin to duplicate the setup that you saw in the Science Fiction Book Reviews case study above.

1. Create a book review custom post type

To house your book reviews, you have two options:

• You can write them as regular blog posts.
• You can create a custom post type.

While the first method works, it's not great if you still want to post non-review blog posts because everything is mixed together.

With a custom post type, you can create a separate type of post for just your book reviews.

You can create a new blog post when you want to blog, and a new book review post when you want to write a book review. You'll also be able to add extra information fields to your book reviews to collect important details, like your star rating for a book and the Amazon purchase link.

Don't worry - it's pretty easy to set up using a plugin called Easy Post Types and Fields .

We have a detailed tutorial on how to use Easy Post Types and Fields to create custom post types , so you can check that out if you want more details. But here's the fast version…

• Install and activate the free Easy Post Types and Fields plugin from WordPress.org.
• Go to Post Type → Manage in your WordPress dashboard.
• Click Add New.
• Enter the singular and plural post type names. E.g. "Book Review" and "Book Reviews" and click Next .
• Select the type of information you wish to display and click Create.

And that's it! You just created a book review post type. You should see it as a new option in your WordPress dashboard sidebar.

2. Add custom fields and taxonomies

Custom taxonomies and custom fields let you store extra information about a review:

• Custom Taxonomies These are like blog categories or tags, but tailored to your reviews. For example, "Book Author" or "Genre".
• Custom Fields These let you store extra information about a review. For example, the star rating you give it, a book's ISBN, or the Amazon purchase link.

You can add both with Easy Post Types and Fields plugin. Again, you can consult our detailed custom post types tutorial if you want to see the process in more detail .

To add custom fields, go to Post Type → Manage in your WordPress dashboard. For the post type you want to add the custom field to, click on the Custom Fields button.

Click on Add New to add a new custom field to that post type and enter the Name, Slug and select the field type (text or visual editor).

Make sure to click Add custom field button when you're finished.

To create custom taxonomies, go to Post Type → Manage. Click on the taxonomies button for the respective post type you wish to customize. Click on the Add New button.

Enter the singular and plural names and the slug for your new taxonomy. For example, here's a custom taxonomy for the book's author:

If you want, you can create additional taxonomies, like for a book's genre.

3. Write some reviews

Now, you can visit Book Reviews → Add New to write your first book review:

• Add the book/review title at the top.
• Write your review in the main text editor.
• Select the Book Author and Genre on the side.
• Add the book cover image as the Featured Image .
• Enter your star rating in the Star Rating box. You can use the ⭐ emoji.
• Add the Amazon Purchase Link as a link in the text editor.
• Fill out any other fields (like the ISBN)

To add additional book reviews, you just need to repeat the process as needed.

If you enabled comments in the first step, visitors will be able to leave a comment on your full review. Some other ways to enhance your individual review page are:

• Use a social media plugin to add share buttons.
• Install a rich snippets/schema markup plugin to get Google-rich snippets.

4. Display your reviews with Posts Table Pro

Once you've added a few book reviews, you're ready to set up the Posts Table Pro WordPress book review plugin to list your book reviews for visitors.

To get started, install and activate the Posts Table Pro plugin on your WordPress site.

Upon installing the Post Table Pro plugin, a setup wizard will automatically guide you through the process of creating your first table. Additionally, you can create new tables at any time by navigating to the "Post Tables" section of your WordPress admin and selecting "Add New." Here are the steps to create a table using this plugin:

• To create a table using the Post Table Pro plugin, start by giving your table a name and selecting the post type you wish to display. If you do not yet have a content type, you can create one using the free Easy Post Types and Fields plugin.
• Next, select the books or pages you would like to include in the table. The available options will vary based on the post type you selected in the previous step. For instance, if you chose a post with custom taxonomy, the relevant taxonomies will be listed for you to select.
• Customize your table to suit your preferences. You can determine which columns to display and in what order. For example, to add the cover image, book title, author, genre, purchase link and rating, simply choose the column type from the dropdown menu and click "Add". You can then reorder them by dragging and dropping the sort icon or column heading.
• Add filters to your table to help users narrow down their selections. The filters appear as dropdowns above the table, and you can add as many as you like for example, book author and genre. It is important to note that available filter options will vary depending on the post type selected on the first page.
• Enable lazy loading to improve the table's performance, even when containing hundreds or thousands of items.
• Choose how to sort the table. You can set the default sorting option and the sort direction.
• Finally, the wizard will confirm that you have finished creating your table and provide instructions for inserting it onto your site. To display the table on your WordPress site, you can either use the 'Post Table' block in the Gutenberg editor or copy the shortcode from the table builder and paste it anywhere on your site. This gives you the flexibility to place the table on any page regardless of its content.

And once you publish your page, you should see your full book review list:

Visitors can browse and filter the list. Then, they can click through to the book review to read your thoughts.

Congrats! You just set up your own WordPress book review plugin.

If you wanted to, you can also create another stripped-down table to add as a sidebar widget. Learn more about using shortcode parameters to achieve this .

Create your own WordPress book review plugin today

With Posts Table Pro , you can create your own WordPress book review plugin that lets you create a unique book review experience.

You can choose exactly what information to include in your book review list, and your visitors will be able to easily browse your entire catalog of reviews.

Best of all, you can achieve this level of customization with easy-to-use plugins -- no technical knowledge required. So even if you're just a casual book review blogger, you can set this up!

To set up your own WordPress book review website, purchase Posts Table Pro and get started today:

And if you want to sell books on your own ecommerce WordPress website, you can use WooCommerce and WooCommerce Product Table to list books for sale and create your own book store, as well.

In this article

• Why Posts Table Pro?
• Plugin case study
• Full tutorial
• Where to get the plugin

Hi, At first glance, I like what I see very much. I will go home and try it asap. One question, please: is it possible to have the star rating in different shapes? I mean maybe dancing stars, maybe something else? Thank you so much :)

Hi, Ileana. Yes, this is possible, just as I had replied to the message that you sent us from our Support Center .

For those who might be asking the same, the star rating that you give are added or achieved by adding/creating a custom field. This can be either a "plain text" type (in which case you can choose which emojis or symbols to use for your ratings) or an "image" type (in which case you can choose which star rating image or images to use).

I hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

Please share your thoughts... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send me new blog posts and tutorials by email.

How to Start a Profitable Book Blog (as told by a Book Blog)

Starting a book blog is one of the best side gigs you can have. With blogs, you work at your own pace, learn profitable career skills, can make money and even sell them!

That being said, blogs do require some initial effort to get off the ground. Your first 1,000 monthly visitors will be the hardest, but it gets easier after that.

Blogs are long term projects, and this guide contains step-by-step instructions to help insure your book blog will be fast, flexible when it comes to design and features, and also get good support from specialists when you’ll have technical issues.

The last 3 sections of this blog cover important subjects such as how to generate traffic , finding subjects and books to write about and also how to monetize your new blog.   Blogging can require a lot of time, and those 3 sections will help you not waste yours by writing articles people won’t get a chance to read.

Starting and setting up your book review blog

Choose your domain name.

The first step to any blog or site is to find an available name and domain (.com, .co, .net etc.) that can also provide a unique identity.

To see whether a domain name is available, you can check it out on Namecheap.com .

When choosing a domain name, you have to balance 4 things:

How specific a domain name is. As an example, dailystoicism.com is a blog about stoicism (duh). In search results related to stoicism, their domain name is a competitive advantage that draws more clicks because it seems like an authority on the subject.

How general a domain name is. General and vague domain names are great if you don’t want to be boxed into niche, and want to write about a wider variety of topics.

Lifehack.com is a great example of a more generalist domain name. At first glance, it gives the impression of a site that help you find shortcuts in life, but it’s also compatible with self-help articles, book suggestions, do-it-yourself tips etc.

How catchy you want your domain name to be. Some domain names are simply more brandable than others. FourHourWorkWeek.com is a very catchy name for a site. It has a good cadence, rolls nicely off the tongue and has that irresistible value proposition of working less but making the same.

WaitButWhy.com is another catchy name, that can turn your attention on a dime and do a double take.

Whether the social media handles are available or not. This one is always a great bonus, but ultimately domain name is more important than the social media handles. If you’ve found an amazing domain name, but no social media handles, take it nonetheless.

In terms of cost, a domain costs around $10-$12 per year. Namecheap is usually pretty aggressive in its discounts so you’re likely get prices as low as $8-9 per first year. 

It will cost you around $14, so a bit more than Namecheap, but it will also reduce the amount of work and time you need to set up a website.

If you do decide on Namecheap, this guide has an optional section to help you integrate Namecheap with the hosting company for free.

Choosing a host

Hosting providers are the real workhorses for running the technical side of your site. They’re the ones that contain (“host”) the files and information of your website in a dedicated datacenter or server. Once there, they are accessible to be displayed on the Internet.

A good host is incredibly important in running a blog , for multiple reasons:

• Good hosts ensure will keep your site up 100% of the time.
• They offer technologies to make your site more secure and harder to hack (https vs http).
• They have solid data centers and servers across the world to maximize site speed.
• They have fast and responsive support to help you if you have technical problems.

The hosting company that I suggest is the one this blog uses: SiteGround.

The reason I like them is because they have a solid technical infrastructure to run a website, but most importantly, their support is amazing.

As a solo blogger that isn’t technically oriented, I’ve heavily relied on SiteGround’s support team over the years to properly set up services such as Cloudflare, custom email servers, DNS records, security certificates, etc.

Knowing there’s a dedicated support team you can live chat with 24/7 in case of issues is a huge source of confidence and comfort. You know that even if you mess up your site pretty badly, you’ll still be able to recover it and fix any issues.

If you’ve decided on buying the domain name on SiteGround, the process of setting up is very straightforward.

• Go to SiteGround’s Web Hosting page .

The Start Up plan should be more than enough for what you need, at least in the first few months, maybe even a year.

• Register your domain with SiteGround

• Fill in your details and choose data center

The next step requires you complete the payment details. After doing so, scroll down the page at the Purchase Information section and change the data center your site will be hosted on to the one closest to your target audience.

Slower site loading="lazy" speeds often translate into lower traffic since many people are impatient and would rather press the “Back” button instead of waiting a bit more for a page to load.

• Extra Services (not required)

These extra services are nice to haves, but not necessary. I myself use neither.

You have now registered your site, but it’s now empty. The only thing left for you to do now is to add a WordPress installation and figure out how you want your site to look.

Creating site and installing WordPress

• After you’ve processed payment, your account should now be created. To continue building your site just press “Proceed to Customer Area”

• Next, click on “Set Up Site”.

In the next menu, choose “ Start a New Website ” and click on WordPress. WooCommerce is a plugin designed for eCommerce stores, so it’s not something you really need right now. Plus, you can install it at any time once you’ve finished setting up your site.

• Next, create your WordPress admin account. You’ll use it later a bit later on.

You’ll be prompted again if you would like to install SiteGround’s site scanner functionality. I don’t personally believe it to be necessary so my suggestion is to just press finish.

(OPTIONAL) Point your nameservers from Namecheap (or other registrar) to SiteGround

! If you’ve registered your domain name through SiteGround, skip this step. If you’ve registered it through Namecheap or another registrar, follow the instructions!

If you haven’t registered your domain name with SiteGround, you will have to point your name servers away from the registrar and unto your host.

This basically tells the Internet that all of the files and information that make up your site are hosted on SiteGround’s server, and that’s where the Internet should go to display the information on your site.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to change your name servers.

In the next screen after setting up your WordPress account, you will be given two name server addresses.

• Copy these, and then login to your Namecheap account.

Go back to your Namecheap.com account, navigate to Domain List, select your Site and click the “Manage” button on the right side of the domain name.

Then scroll down to the “Name Server” section and simply copy the Name Server addresses you have in your SiteGround dashboard.

After you’ve completed this step, continue with the setup process as described below.

Securing your site with an SSL certificate

Next, you’ll need to install an SSL certificate on your site. This basically means your site will be configured to appear as https:// yoursite.com instead of http:// yoursite.com.

This is important, because browsers will often block http websites behind a “Warning, site not secure” pop-up. This can be devastating to your traffic since most people refuse to go any further.

Fortunately, this doesn’t cost anything, is completely free and takes only a few seconds to set-up permanently.

• After you’ve created your site, press the “Manage Site” button .

• On your SiteGround Dashboard, simply navigate to the “Security” tab on the left hand menu, expand it, and choose “SSL Manager” and on the “Select SSL” choose the “Let’s Encrypt” option. 

After you’ve selected “Let’s Encrypt”, simply click the “GET” button below your domain name and wait for the certificate to be installed.

The SSL certificate is only valid for 3 months. However, it will renew itself automatically so it’s something you don’t ever have to worry about again.

• Next, click on HTTPS Enforce on the right hand menu, and activate “HTTPS Enforce” for your domain.

 This will redirect all traffic going to insecure http links over to the secure https versions.

Congrats! Your site setup is complete and now is the time to customize its appearance!

Customizing your WordPress

Your site is now live, but empty. If you want to see how it look, simply go to yoursite.com and check it out.

It will probably be something like this:

Currently, you are running the default WordPress theme, which is most likely Twenty Twenty or Twenty Nineteen.

Themes are essentially different “skins” for a website that can be turned on or off whenever you want, at the click of a button.  The best part is that there are thousands of themes , and most are free .

• To install a new theme, first go to yoursite.com/wp-admin

 To do so, simply navigate to yoursite.com/wp-admin , which will take you to a login screen. There, you will have to introduce the WordPress login details you filled out at step 7.

• Choose whether to skip or follow the WordPress tutorial offered by SiteGround.

WordPress is pretty easy to learn, plus there will be a few links attached below to help figure out what each options does so it’s safe to press “Exit” and continue with this guide.

• To install a new theme, go to Appearance -> Themes -> Add New

To test them out, all you have to do is go to your WordPress dashboard ( yoursite.com/wp-admin ), log in, then go to Appearance -> Themes -> Add New.

You’ll then be taken to the “Featured” themes screen, which contains curated lists of themes.  Right next to the “Featured” tab is the tab for “Popular” themes.

My personal recommendation is to settle on a theme from the “Popular” list. The themes in this section are popular because they are exceptionally good, are very customizable, are lightweight and receive constant updates.

Just to give you an idea, Hestia theme is 12 years old and still receives constant updates, improvements and adaptations to the newest technologies available.

This blog uses a theme called Lovecraft . Back when I first started this blog I knew very little about WordPress. Instead of looking for a beautiful and flexible theme, I chose the one that I thought looked the most pleasing to the eye.

It’s been more than 5 years since then, and I wish I could turn back time and pick a different theme.  While this theme has served this blog well, it does have some severe limitations in terms of customization.

For instance, I cannot change the font for this blog or the size without plugins or code . I also cannot adjust the width of the content box without code .

Why don’t I change the theme? Mostly because this blog now has a fair bit of technical debt and code changes in the background. If I were to change themes, I’m afraid it would impact my SEO and how much traffic I receive from Google.

So which theme would I use today if I could? In all honesty it would be either one of the following:

• Hello Elementor

At first glance, they all look the same. However, these themes are extremely powerful and customizable. If you’re the tinkering type, it’s easily possible to make 1 Neve site completely unrecognizable from another Neve site.

If you’re not the tinkering type, I still suggest you install one of these themes and work with their standard, out-of-the-box settings.

You may not want to design your site right now, but as the years will pass you’ll see that there will come a time when you will want to modify a font size here, add a clickable button there, adjust the position of an element, add a header image etc.

Ultimately, themes such as these offer you a very strong foundation for a long-term book blog that will last you years or decades.

And as promised, below are a few guides that can help you learn the ins and outs of WordPress.

• What is the WordPress Dashboard? (Quick Guide)
• What Is the WordPress Admin Dashboard?

How to write blog posts, setting up pages

After you’ve decided on a theme (maybe even customized it a bit), you can start adding pages and posts.

Posts are the regular articles you write to gain traffic. Pages are navigational posts that are fixed to your menus and offer visitors useful information (About Me / Contact Us / Privacy Policy).

• To write your information pages, just go to the WordPress Dashboard -> Pages -> Add New.

Once you’ve finished writing the pages, you’ll need to add them to your navigation menu.

• Go to Appearance -> Menus and choose which pages to appear in the navigation menu.

Once you’re done, press “Save Menu” and refresh your site. You should now see the updated navigational menu.

• To write blog articles, simply go to Posts in the dashboard and start writing!

How to generate traffic

Social media traffic is great, but it’s not self-sustaining.

So you’ve setup your brand new book review blog and you now want to start writing, build traffic and gain a readership. How exactly do you do that?

If you’ve never blogged before or have 0 experience with generating traffic for websites, then chances your first instinct is to write a few articles, share them with friends, acquaintances, specialized places such as forums and groups, popular media sources etc.

This kind of traffic can be classified as “Social” traffic. There’s nothing wrong with it, except that Social traffic disappears in a few days and almost never comes back – even for the wildly viral popular articles.

Focus on search traffic

What you really want is constant, sustainable traffic for which you have to do (almost) nothing to maintain.

As an example of this, here are the stats for an article on this blog and how much traffic it has generated over the years.

In the case of this article (as with all of the other article on this blog) the vast majority of traffic has been generated by Google search.

The only work I did for the article was to 1) write it 2) get a few links from some bloggers and 3) do a rewrite when it started to slide in the rankings. Total work? 30-40 hours in 2 years.

The advantage of Google search traffic is that once you reach the top of a page for a certain keyword, you’re likely to stay there for a very long time with near 0 effort. This is guaranteed to bring you traffic day in and day out.

How to rank in the first page of Google is the main subject of SEO. It is a gigantic topic so there’s no point in trying to cover it in depth-here.

So how long does it take to generate meaningful SEO traffic?

In the case of this blog, it took ~42 months to reach 10,000 monthly sessions . After that however, things accelerated rapidly and 9 months later it reached 50,000 monthly sessions .

Will it also take you this long? Probably not. In my case, I wasted at least 2 ½ years by not doing even the most basic forms of SEO.

Also, I wrote extremely few articles . Two years after I started this book blog, I had published only 6-7 blog posts. That’s simply too little to generate any meaningful traffic.

If you avoid my mistakes and write 20-40 articles, while also targeting easy keywords you will absolutely crush the 10,000 session mark well within the first year.

That being said, first time bloggers should focus on two major aspects of SEO :

• Write articles that target certain keywords

People search for stuff on Google with keywords. In order to get search traffic, you have to signal to search engines that the subject of your article is that particular keyword.

Take this article for example. It was optimized to answer the query “how to start a book review blog”. As a result, I included that keyword right in the headline, and also in the link of the article itself: hastyreader.com/ how-to-start-a-book-review-blog .

Other similar articles I’ve written is this one about the best philosophy books or one about dark disturbing books.

Some people consider SEO to be unethical, since it seems like “gaming the system”. However, that’s mostly not true. The vast majority of SEO is really benign stuff where you tell search engines what a particular article is about, so it can then appear in search results.

Also, Google is really sophisticated and organizes results on a page depending on how good each article is. So how does Google know the quality of an article?

The Big G almost certainly measures how users interact with search results: when they enter, exit or reenter certain search results, or even retype a keyword so it’s a better fit.

If a particular article is the “end point” of a user’s search, this means it answers a user’s question. As a result, that article is probably the best result for that particular keyword. Thus, over time it gets placed higher up the search results.

In other words, quality articles go up the search rankings.

• Whenever possible, get links

Certain keywords are extremely competitive , to the point where hundreds of articles are written on that particular subject every week.

As an example, consider the keyword “philosophy of mind”.  Google can’t possibly rank every single one of these articles based on the content alone, so they use another metric to sort them out: how many other sites link to that article.

In SEO terms, links to articles are viewed as positive reviews of the article’s quality.

For instance, if article A has been linked to from 10 other sites, it will tend to rank higher than article B that has 0 outside links pointing to it.

The number of links an article has received (or backlinks, in SEO language) isn’t visible for regular users of search engines. Instead, one must use specialized SEO tools such as SEMRush to figure this out.

These SEO tools also neatly show how rankings tend to increase with the number of sites linking to an article.

In fact, one backlink from Forbes can often be enough to catapult an article from the 10 th page of search results, right up to the first 2-3 spots on the first page.

Because of this, there is a huge, underground economy of people approaching (and paying) writers / bloggers in order to get a backlink to a particular article.

Depending on how big your blog becomes, the sums involved can be quite handsome and a good source of revenue.

More about this in the “How to make money with a book blog” section.

Pinterest can also generate sustainable, organic traffic

Believe it or not, but Pinterest is actually an extremely good source of sustainable, constant traffic. Many, many successful blogs have actually been built on majority Pinterest traffic.

This is because Pinterest primarily functions as an image based search / suggestion engine. Its users type in keywords similar to how they do on Google, browse through pins, click on the ones that are interesting and end up on your blog.

Plus, they can also repin (share) Pins, which can make them go viral.

Below are the traffic stats from Nikki’s Plate , a food blog that generates more than 90% of its traffic through Pinterest.

The traffic is designated as “Social” but that’s just because Google Analytics considers Pinterest to be a social network, rather than a search engine.

What to write about

The cool thing about book blogging is that new books are constantly published, meaning there’s always something to write about.

Not only that, but millions of books have already been published these past few millennia and most of them haven’t been reviewed by a book blogger.

The only problem however is that it’s difficult to find a book that can both generate traffic, and also be an enjoyable read. Trying to power through 10 books you just don’t connect with is absolutely not fun!

Fortunately, there are quick fixes for both these issues.

Read summaries of books before reviewing

To prevent wasting time and effort with books you don’t like, consider using book summary services such as Blinkist and getAbstract .

These companies basically read thousands of books and then condense them into 10-15 minute articles that contain only the major talking points.

This can seriously cut down on a lot of wasted time and frustration with books you don’t like and can’t connect with on a personal level.

Use SEO tools to see traffic potentials

Let’s say you’ve found 10-15 books that are interesting enough for you to review. How do you know which can generate you traffic and readers, and which are dead ends?

One free option is to use Google Trends :

With this tool, you can quickly allow you to compare the search traffic between two keywords.

The more professional option is to use an SEO tool such as SEMRush .

These SEO tools give you a lot of information when choosing what to write about , such as:

• How difficult a keyword is, meaning how many backlinks you may need to rank for it.
• Related keywords.
• See what other book blogs have written about.
• See a rough approximation of monthly searches for a given keyword.
• See the backlink profiles of other articles.

That being said, these SEO tools can be pretty expensive. SEMRush has a 1 week free trial, after which it costs $100 per month, so certainly not cheap. You can however use a 1 month subscription, gather up enough ideas to last you 4-5-6 months, and then cancel it.

How to make money with a book blog

The hard truth about blogging is that you need to put in a lot of upfront work before you start to make any real money, especially as a beginner that’s never done this before.

This up-front work is all about generating traffic. Without traffic there is no monetization.

Fortunately however, SEO and Pinterest traffic is usually very stable when generated which allows you to then focus on building an income stream.

This section below explains the very basics of blog monetization as well as what traffic goals you should have in order to generate some meaningful revenue.

When you mention putting ads on a website, most people immediately think of Google Adsense. 10-15 years ago, AdSense was pretty much the only ad network available to monetize a website.

Things have changed a lot since then. Nowadays, most high traffic blogs have moved away from Adsense and instead migrated to other ad networks that pay 15x-30x as much : AdThrive, Monumetric or Mediavine.

Just to give you a comparison, Mediavine can provide around ~$20 per 1,000 sessions. Thus, a blog with 50,000 sessions can earn roughly $1,000 per month.

This screenshot is from a review of Mediavine from thisonlineworld.com .

So what’s the catch? Well, you have to meet certain conditions to join these high paying ad networks:

First, your site must have majority US/UK/Canada/Australia traffic (~65% or more).

Secondly, your blog must generate significant amounts of traffic per month. For instance, Monumetric asks for 10,000 pageviews, Mediavine requires 50,000 monthly sessions and AdThrive demands 100,000 monthly pageviews.

Sponsored Articles

As mentioned previously, there is currently a huge underground industry of people paying to get links from other sites. Google absolutely hates this and tries its best to crackdown on the practice, but not even they can consistently differentiate between a bought link and a natural one.

These links usually point to “money articles”, meaning posts that generate traffic from people who want to spend money. A few examples of such posts would be “Best Mattresses to Buy in 2020”, “Best Flashlights for Engineers” etc.

Sponsored articles are generally priced at around $1 per 100 pageviews. Thus, a blog with 10,000 monthly pageviews can ask for around $100, while one with 50,000 can demand a minimum of $500.

This blog doesn’t do sponsored articles, but it does receive offers on a weekly basis:

There are multiple reasons why I don’t accept sponsored posts:

• The buyers are extremely obvious in their demands, meaning you risk a severe Google penalty.
• They propose subjects that don’t align with your niche.
• The articles they provide are so poor quality, you’ll have to practically rewrite them from scratch to make any sense.

That being said, bloggers that are willing to work with these limitations can create a good revenue stream from sponsored articles.

Affiliate marketing

In a nutshell, affiliate marketing means you promote a product and get a commission in case one of your visitors purchases it.

As an example, on this blog I promote CuriosityStream documentaries on relevant articles and books from Amazon as well as Audiobooks.com.

The nice part about affiliate marketing is that there are tons of advertisers across a wide variety of niches. This means it’s quite easy to find products that align with your values, and you can safely promote on your blog without feeling like a sellout.

To get into affiliate marketing, you’ll need to sign up to affiliate marketplaces. These are big sites that act as middlemen between advertisers and publishers as yourself:

• Commision Junction
• Amazon Affiliates

Some of these affiliate marketplaces have a vetting process. It’s pretty relaxed, so it’s not that hard to enter but I do suggest you first reach at least 1,000 monthly visitors before applying.

This way you’ll have some traffic and can generate some sales, which is important since inactive accounts or ones that can’t generate sales are often deactivated after a few months.

Monetizing a website through Patreon is now a viable option. The only downside to Patreon is that it requires you put in a lot of work into building and nurturing a core audience of readers that will visit your site again and again.

Traditional blogs usually monetize with affiliate links, ads and email newsletters. These can all be automated so that you don’t really have to interact a lot with your readers. This frees up the blogger, allowing them to focus on writing and promoting their articles.

Patreon bloggers on the other hand have to put effort into interacting with their audience. This can mean answering their emails, asking them what to write about, creating offers to entice donations etc.

How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to Write a Book Review- A Step by Step Guide

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

Get your book reviewed by a professioanl reviewer for $50!

Get your book reviewed by a professional reviewer

Submit your book to Reedsy Discovery for $50.

Best Book Review Blogs in 2024

Showing 223 blogs that match your search.

Books In Her Head

http://booksinherhead.com/

I generally review YA books with the occasional literary fiction (adult) or middle grade review. The books I choose to read are a combination of my interests/recommendations and ARCs that have come into my possession. All finished copies/ARCs received from publishers are reviewed with the same integrity; the sourcing of my copy does not affect how truthful my review will be.

Blogger : Mary

Genres : YA and Contemporary Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 12

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Email

⭐️ Accepts indie books? No

Heyit'sCarlyRae Book Club

http://www.heyitscarlyrae.com

I'm an Instafamous Book Blogger who loves all genres of novels. Reading is my passion!

Blogger : Carly-Rae London

Genres : Children's, Christian, Contemporary Fiction, Crime, Erotica, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBT, Mystery/Thriller, New Adult, Non-Fiction, Paranormal, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports, Urban Fantasy, and YA

👀 Average monthly visits: 8,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Website contact form

⭐️ Accepts indie books? Yes

Kids Lit Book Cafe

https://kidslitbookcafe.com/

KLBC writes professional captivating reviews for children’s books of all ages and all genres.

Blogger : Kids Lit Book Cafe

Genres : Children's, Graphic Novel, and YA

🌐 Domain authority: 8

👀 Average monthly visits: 100 p/mo

Book Reporter

http://www.bookreporter.com/

The majority of our reviews on Bookreporter.com are fiction. We review bestsellers, debut authors, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, some fantasy/science fiction and some romance. We also delve into Non-Fiction, newsworthy books, biographies and memoirs.

Blogger : The Book Report

Genres : Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction, and Non-Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 63

👀 Average monthly visits: 113,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Mail

Totally Bex

https://totallybex.com

Totally Bex helps romance book lovers find their next amazing read by providing original content like romance book reviews, romance novel excerpts, new romance book releases, and romance book lists.

Blogger : Bex

Genres : Romance

🌐 Domain authority: 29

👀 Average monthly visits: 10,000 p/mo

https://messybooker.wordpress.com

Blogging for more than five years, searching the planet for the best in fiction, essays and poetry. Following the Man Booker International Prize, have been a Shadow Jury member every year since 2014, and the Best Translated Book Award.

Blogger : Tony

Genres : Contemporary Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 25

👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo

Raven Crime Reads

http://www.ravencrimereads.wordpress.com/

Hello! My nom de plume is Raven which is either (a) glamorous and mysterious or (b) a harbinger of doom depending on your viewpoint! In reality I am but a humble bookseller (16 years and counting) and this is a selection of reviews and crime news from one criminally-minded reader to others.

Blogger : Raven

Genres : Crime and Mystery/Thriller

🌐 Domain authority: 32

Jessicamap Reviews

https://jessicamapreviews.com/

What exactly will you see here? Books. Reviews about books. A random chocolate lab. Then some of the awesome subscription boxes and other bookish things.

Blogger : Jessica

Genres : YA, Crime, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, and Horror

🌐 Domain authority: 24

Long and Short Reviews

http://www.longandshortreviews.com

We accept requests from both traditionally published authors, self-published authors and publishers. We do not guarantee all books received will be reviewed. NOTE: Please do not email us after submitting your story for review to find out if it's been selected for review. If it's reviewed, you'll be notified.

Blogger : The LAS Team

Genres : YA, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, and Science Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 39

Linda's Book Bag

https://lindasbookbag.com/

The blog was initially designed to share a few thoughts about the books I read and that's the aspect I still enjoy most. I don't give star ratings as my 5 stars might be someone else's 3 so I say what I thought instead, trying to be as honest as I can and I make the review personal to me as a reader. After a few months of blogging I realised just how hard it is for smaller publishers and independent authors to get their books noticed so I'm always willing to feature them if I can.

Blogger : Linda Hill

Genres : YA, Crime, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction, Paranormal, New Adult, Children's, Non-Fiction, LGBT, Humor, Horror, and Urban Fantasy

http://bookangel.co.uk/

Bookangel started as a London bookclub's private site to swap book recs and highlight free books. It opened to other users a few years back after realising that there weren't many sites that focus on UK readers.

Blogger : Book Angel Team

Genres : YA, Crime, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction, Paranormal, New Adult, Children's, LGBT, Humor, Horror, and Urban Fantasy

The Book Club Girl

https://www.bookclubgirl.com/

Book Club Girl is a promotional service of HarperCollins Publishers offering reviews and resources for book clubs. I review fiction and nonfiction that is appropriate for book clubs. This includes literary and some women's commercial fiction as well as memoir and narrative nonfiction. I do not review self-help, thrillers, mysteries, horror, or fantasy.

Blogger : HarperCollins

Genres : YA, Contemporary Fiction, and Non-Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 82

Book Nerdection

https://booknerdection.com/

Book Nerdection is a place where we offer book reviews, recommendations and write about books because we love them. We are a group of people dedicated to deliver the best book content.

Blogger : Book Nerdection Team

Genres : Contemporary Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery/Thriller, New Adult, Non-Fiction, Paranormal, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, and YA

🌐 Domain authority: 31

👀 Average monthly visits: 2,000 p/mo

Bookish Indulgences

https://www.ddsreviews.in/

My name is Debdatta Dasgupta and I am the proprietor of Bookish Indulgences. Although I am a reviewer and publicist by profession, I am a reader and book lover first; reading for the love of printed words.

Blogger : Debdatta Dasgupta

Genres : Contemporary Fiction and Mystery/Thriller

🌐 Domain authority: 33

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,500 p/mo

Sunflower Publishing Book Reviews

https://www.sunflowerpublishing.com/book-reviews

On this blog you can find reviews about any books set in Italy.

Blogger : Italy Writers

Genres : Children's, Contemporary Fiction, Crime, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Romance, and Science Fiction

So you want to find a book blog?

If you’re a voracious reader, you might think of a book blog as an oasis in the middle of the desert: a place on the Internet that brims with talk about books, books, and more books.

Well, good news — we built this directory of the 200 of the best book blogs  to satiate your thirst. Take a walk around, use the filters to narrow down your search to blogs in your preferred genre, and feel free to bookmark this page and come back, as we do update it regularly with more of the best book blogs out there. 

If you’re an aspiring author, you might see a book blog more as a book review blog: a place where you can get your yet-to-be published book reviewed. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that most of the book blogs in our directory are open to review requests and accept indie books! We expressly designed this page (and our book marketing platform, Reedsy Discovery ) to be useful to indie book authors who need book reviews. If you’re wondering how to approach a book blog for a review request, please read on. 

You’ve found a book blog. Now what? 

Let’s say that you’re an author, and you’ve found a couple of book blogs that would be perfect fits to review your book. What now? Here are some tips as you go about getting your book reviews:

• Be sure to read the review policy. First, check that the book blog you’re querying is open to review requests. If that’s the fortunate case, carefully read the blog’s review policy and make sure that you follow the directions to a T.  
• Individualize your pitches. Book bloggers will be able to immediately tell apart the bulk pitches, which simply come across as thoughtless and indifferent. If you didn’t take the time to craft a good pitch, why should the blogger take the time to read your book? Personalize each pitch to up your chances of getting a response. 
• Format your book in a professional manner before sending it out. Ensure that your manuscript isn’t presented sloppily. If the book blogger asks for a digital ARC, you might want to check out apps such as Instafreebie or Bookfunnel. 
• Create a spreadsheet to track your progress. Wading through so many book blogs can be troublesome — not to mention trying to remember which ones you’ve already contacted. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress (and results). 

Looking to learn even more about the process? Awesome 👍 For a detailed guide, check out this post that’s all about getting book reviews . 

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Save your shortlist

Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!

By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.

We sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Book Review Blogs Directory, happy publishing! 🙌

It's easier than you think

Submit your book to Reedsy Discovery and choose from hundreds of reviewers.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

How to Write a Great Book Review: 6 Templates and Ideas

This post may contains affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Whether you’ve loved or hated your recent reads, writing book reviews can be a fun and satisfying process. It’s a great way to unpack messages and information from a story, and it also helps you remember key elements of a book for much longer than you usually would. Plus, book reviews open up some interesting and exciting debates between readers with different opinions, and they also help others decide which books to read next .

Table of Contents

Where Can You Post Book Reviews?

Back in the old days, book reviews were reserved for leading publications and journals, but now, anyone can create their own book reviews, and they’re popping up almost everywhere.

Social Media

Bookworms have taken over social media, with hashtags like # bookstagram drawing in millions of readers from around the internet to share thoughts, ideas, inspiration, and of course, reviews.

Book blogs are also blowing up right now, and plenty of avid readers are making a solid income by writing and sharing their book reviews this way. You can either create your own from scratch or write guest posts and reviews for already established blogs.

Goodreads is the undisputed online home of books. It’s a great place to find inspiration for your next reads, browse other people’s book reviews, and of course, add your own reviews, too.

If you post a review of a popular book on Goodreads, it’s bound to be seen by a huge audience. Plus, it’s a great way to advertise your blog if you have one, as the Goodreads guidelines allow you to insert a link within the body of your review.

The world’s largest bookstore gets an incredible amount of traffic, so it’s one of the best places to get your reviews seen by the masses. But bear in mind that there are more rules and regulations for Amazon book reviews than on some of the other platforms listed here. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the guidelines first, or your submission could be rejected.

Booktube is a Youtube community dedicated to reviewing, discussing, and recommending books. If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, vlogging your book reviews on Booktube is an excellent alternative to the more traditional written book reviews above. It’s also a great way to get noticed by viewers around the world.

Some Booktube reviewers make their entire income from their channel, so if you’re passionate about reviewing and want to turn it into a living, this is a great avenue to explore.

Get Paid for Your Book Reviews

Some of the platforms I’ve listed above, like Booktube, Instagram, and blogging , allow you to get paid for your book reviews if you generate enough traffic, but getting to that level takes a lot of dedication, time, and patience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of websites that pay reviewers on a freelance basis. Here are three of the most popular:

Remember, each site has strict submission guidelines and requirements that you’ll need to check carefully before writing and submitting a review.

Kirkus Reviews

The Kirkus Reviews magazine, founded in 1933, is one of America’s oldest, most respected book reviewing companies.

They accept reviews around 350 words in length, and once you’re assigned the gig, you have a two-week submission deadline.

Kirkus is always on the lookout for new book reviewers, but you’ll need to prove you have experience and talent before they’ll accept your submissions. The best way to do this is to create a professional-looking portfolio that showcases your previous reviews, both paid and unpaid.

Booklist is a subgroup of the American Library Association. They feature all kinds of book reviews, both fiction and non-fiction, and publish them online and in print.

They pay their reviewers on a freelance, book-by-book basis. Their rates aren’t going to make you rich (around $12- $15 per review), but it’s a great way to gain some professional experience and build your book review portfolio without having to work for free.

Booklist has various publication outlets, such as their quarterly in-print magazine, a reader’s blog, and top book lists. Plus, they also accept pitches for book-related news and author interviews.

Online Book Club

This free-to-access community of bibliophiles has been going for over ten years, with a million active members and counting.

To join their professional freelance team, you’ll first have to submit an unpaid review to help them to determine if you’re worth hiring. If your review makes the cut, then your next submission is paid at a rate varying between $5 and $60, depending on the book’s length, the quality of the review, etc.

One of the major stipulations of Online Book Club is that your reviews are in-depth and honest. If you don’t like the book, never put a positive spin on it for the sake of it. ( The same goes for any book review platform you post on. )

It’s also worth noting that with Online Book Club, you’ll never pay for the books you review. So even if they reject your submission, you’ll still get a free book out of it.

How to Write a Book Review?

Book reviews can range from a simple tweet to a full-length essay or long-form blog post and anything in between.

As I mentioned above, some book review sites and platforms have strict guidelines and parameters to follow. But if you’re writing a book review for social media, your own blog, or any other purpose that lets you take the reins, then the following ideas will give you some help and inspiration to get started.

But before we dive in, let’s take a look at four key elements that a comprehensive book review should contain.

1. Information about the author and the name of the book

You might want to include any accolades that the author has received in the past and mention some of their previous notable works.

Also, consider the publication date; is the book a brand-new release, a few years old, or a classic from another century?

2. A summary of the plot

Writing about the plot takes skill and consideration; if your description is too thorough, you risk ruining the book for your audience with spoilers. But on the other hand, if you’re too vague on the details, your review can lack depth.

Consider your audience carefully, and if you feel like your book review contains even the slightest hint of spoilers, always add a warning at the beginning so people can decide for themselves whether to read on.

3. Your evaluation

This is the part where you get to describe what you feel about the book as a whole and give your opinion on the different elements within it. But, again, don’t be tempted to fall into the trap of positively evaluating books you didn’t actually like; no one wants to read a false review, so if you didn’t like it, explain why.

4. Your reader recommendation

Who might the book appeal to? Is it suitable for all audiences? In your opinion, is it a universal must-read, or should people avoid it?

Keep in mind that the purpose of most book reviews is to help the reader decide whether or not they would like to read it themselves. What works for you might not work for others, so consider this when writing your recommendations.

6 Book Review Templates and Ideas

1. the traditional approach.

Most traditional fiction reviews, like the ones found in newspapers and other popular publications, are based on the following format…

Introduction

The introduction is a paragraph or two which includes:

• Key information that the reader needs to know. For example, the book’s title, the author’s name, the publication date, and any relevant background information about the author and their work.
• A brief one-sentence summary of the plot. This sets the general scene of what the book is about.
• Your overall opinion of the book. Again, keep it brief. (you can delve deeper into what you liked and disliked later in the review).

This is the main body of your book review, where you break down and analyze the work. Some of the key elements you might want to examine are listed below. Approach each element one at a time to help your analysis flow.

• The characters
• The setting
• The structure of the story
• The quality of the writing

What did you notice about each one, what did you enjoy, and what did you dislike? Why?

The conclusion is usually the shortest part of a traditional book review, which usually contains:

• A summary of your thoughts about the book as a whole
• Your reader recommendation

Remember that unless you’re writing a book review for a pre-existing publication, there are no rules that you need to follow. This traditional format can be adapted to suit your own style, the book you are reviewing, and your audience.

Also Read : BEST FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

2. Social Media Book Reviews

Book reviews posted on social media tend to have a more relaxed tone than a traditional book review. Again, there are no set rules, but here are a few guidelines and suggestions for posting reviews on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

• Include an eye-catching image

This is essential on Instagram, but whatever social media platform you’re posting on, including a great photo will draw people in to read your review.

In the Instagram world, photos of books taken directly from above are called ‘flat lays.’ You can keep it simple and just snap the front cover, or you can get creative and shoot your book flat lay against an interesting backdrop or include items related to the story.

• Break up your review into short, bite-sized paragraphs

This rule applies to most web content, but it’s even more important on social media, where everyone competes for your reader’s attention.

Big blocks of text are much harder to follow and a sure-fire way to lose your reader’s attention before they even get started. Instead, stick to short paragraphs of one, two, or three sentences, and include spaces between each one.

• Know your character limit

At just 280 characters, Twitter is by far the stingiest of the major social media platforms when it comes to the length of posts. That’s why most people choose platforms like Instagram or Facebook for book reviews. That being said, you can still use Twitter as a way of linking to them once they go live.

Instagram is considerably more generous with its 2,200-character limit, but if you have a lot to say about the book you’re reviewing, it can still be limiting.

If you want to post a more comprehensive review on social media, Facebook is your best bet; they have an upper limit of 63,206 characters.

Whichever platform you post on, remember to factor any hashtags into your character limit too.

• Keep it succinct

Book reviews on social media perform better when sentences are concise. This helps to combat the character limit issue I mentioned above and gets your point across quickly, without the fluff.

Readers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook flit from post to post, so if you don’t say what you mean in as few words as possible, you’ll risk losing your audience altogether.

• Don’t be afraid of emojis.

Love them or hate them, emojis convey mood and emotion where words can sometimes fail us. They also add an extra visual element to a post, help to break up blocks of text and keep the tone informal.

Of course, there’s no rule that you have to include emojis in your social media book reviews, but if you’re already comfortable using them elsewhere, consider incorporating them here too.

• Add a star rating

Star ratings instantly tell your audience whether you loved the book or not before they read a single word of your post. It’s also another visual element to help draw your audience in to find out more.

• Avoid spoilers

I’ve already touched on spoilers above, but it’s essential to avoid them on social media book reviews. That’s because unsuspecting users are scrolling from post to post on these platforms with no way of knowing what’s coming next. As a result, it’s very easy to read something you can’t unread.

• Consider tagging the author and publisher.

But ONLY do this if you enjoyed the book and your review is favorable. It’s not good online etiquette to tag in the creators if you’re posting a scathing critique; it’s mean-spirited, and it could lead to a social media squabble, which the internet has enough of already.

3. Goodreads and Amazon Book Reviews

Both Goodreads and Amazon allow anyone to upload a review of any book, so they’re great places to get started if you’re new to the reviewing world. Plus, you can post more in-depth and lengthy reviews than you can on social media platforms.

There are endless ways to write reviews for sites like these, but if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here’s a good template that will help you to flesh out your ideas.

• Star Rating

Sites like Goodreads and Amazon usually ask for a 1-5 star rating before writing your review. 3 is your baseline which translates to “pretty good.” It can be tempting to rush straight in for a 5 star if you loved a book, but where possible, try to reserve this rating for books that really blow you away.

• A Brief Synopsis

Reviews on these sites appear directly under the book listing, so generally, there’s no need to mention the author, title, or publishing details. Instead, you can dive straight into a quick overview of the plot, using the official publisher’s summary to help you if needed.

Avoid revealing any significant details or spoilers, but include enough to outline the story and give context to the rest of your review.

Talking about how the book made you feel is a good place to start. Did you learn something you didn’t know before? Was it a page-turner or a hard slog? Were there any twists you did or didn’t see coming? Mentioning the existence of a plot twist is usually deemed ok, as long as you don’t reveal what it is.

Next, examine the book’s various elements, including the characters, setting, and plot, using examples. You might even want to include some direct quotes from the book, as long as they don’t give too much away.

Just like the traditional book review format, conclude it with a summary. Are you glad you read it? Who might enjoy this book, and who should avoid it?

4. Listicle Book Reviews

Listicles are articles and blog posts structured like a numbered list. An example from the book review world is “10 reasons why you need to read X by X”.

These types of reviews are particularly well suited to blog posts, as they’re an excellent way to encourage people to click on your link compared with a less attention-grabbing traditional format.

That being said, listicle book reviews tend only to work if your feedback is positive. Using this format to review a book you hated risks alienating your audience and coming across as harsh and judgemental. Less favorable reviews are better presented in a more traditional format that explores a book’s different aspects one by one.

5. An Essay Style Analysis

An essay-style review isn’t technically a review, as it delves much deeper into the work and examines it from multiple angles.

If you’re not limited to a word count and want to dissect an author’s work, then an in-depth essay-style analysis can be a great addition to your blog. Plus, they’re generally written for people who have already read the book, so there’s no need to worry about spoilers.

But when you’re writing more than 500 words about a book, it can be easy to ramble or go off on a tangent. Here’s an example format to keep you on track:

• Include the author’s name, the title of the book, and the date of publication.
• Is the book a standalone novel or part of a series?
• What made you choose this book in the first place? Have you read any of the author’s previous work?
• Describe the cover. Does it draw you in? Is it an appropriate representation of the book as a whole?

Set the Scene

• Include an overview of the plot.
• Did you have any expectations or preconceived ideas about the book before you read it?

Your Review

Discuss the following elements one at a time. Use quotes or direct examples when talking about each one.

• Describe the geographical location, the period in time, and the environment.
• Is the setting based on reality or imagination?
• How does the setting help to add mood and tone to the story?
• Give an overview of the main characters and their backgrounds.
• Discuss the significant plot points in the story in chronological order.
• What are the conflicts, the climaxes, and the resolutions?
• How does the author use literary devices to bring meaning and life to book?
• For example, discuss any elements of foreshadowing, metaphors, symbolism, irony, or imagery.
• What are the overall themes and big ideas in the story? For example, love, death, friendship , war, and coming of age.
• What, if any, are the morals within the story?
• Are there any underlying or less prominent themes that the author is trying to portray?

Your Opinion

• Which elements were successful, and which weren’t?
• Were the characters believable? Did you want them to succeed?
• In the case of plot twists, did you see them coming?
• Are there any memorable scenes or quotes that particularly stood out to you? If so, why?
• How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any strong emotions?
• Did the book meet your preconceived expectations?
• Were you satisfied by the ending, or did you find it frustrating?
• Summarise the plot and theme in a couple of sentences.
• Give your overall opinion. Was the book a success, a failure, or something in between?
• Include a reader recommendation, for example, “this book is a must-read for anyone with a love of dystopian science fiction.”
• Include a star rating if you wish.

6. Create Your Own Book Review Template

If you plan on becoming a regular book reviewer, it’s a good idea to create your own unique template that you can use for every book you review, whether you’re posting on a blog, website, or social media account.

You can mix and match the various elements of the review styles above to suit your preferences and the types of books you’ll be reviewing.

Creating a template unique to you helps build your authority as an independent reviewer and makes writing future reviews a lot easier.

Writing book reviews is a great way to get even more out of your reading journey. Whether you loved or hated a title, reviewing it will help you remember and process the story, and you’ll also be helping others to decide whether or not it’s worth their time, too.

And who knows, you might fall in love with writing book reviews and decide to pursue it as an additional source of income or even a new career!

Whatever your book reviewing plans and goals are, I hope the templates, tips, and ideas above will help you get started.

Do you have any advice for writing a great book review? Let me know in the comments below!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

How To Write A Book Review: 6 Steps To Take

Adiba Jaigirdar

Adiba Jaigirdar is an Irish-Bangladeshi writer, poet, and teacher. She resides in Dublin, Ireland and has an MA in postcolonial studies. She is currently working on her own postcolonial novel and hopes that someday it will see the light of day outside of her computer screen. Twitter:  @adiba_j

View All posts by Adiba Jaigirdar

Whether you’re a student, a novice blogger, or just someone looking to become a more active user of Goodreads, writing a book review is an important skill to have! Here are six steps for how to write a book review for school and beyond. 

1. Begin with a brief summary of the book

This is probably the best way to introduce any review because it gives context. But make sure to not go into too much detail. Keep it short and sweet since an official summary can be found through a quick google search!

2. Pick out the most important aspects of the book

I usually break this down with character, world-building, themes, and plot. But this might vary between books, genres, and your tastes!

Dedicate a paragraph to each of these important aspects, discussing how well the author dealt with it, along with what you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy.

3. Include brief quotes as examples

Including quotes is always a great idea, because it gives examples for everything that you’re saying! If your review talks about a character being particularly witty, a witty line from the character lets your readers see exactly what kind of witty character you’re dealing with here.

But be careful: lengthy quotes can take up big chunks of space and overpower your review. Short quotes will usually get your points across while letting your work shine through.

4. Write a conclusion that summarises everything

Like your introduction, keep your conclusion short and sweet! It should bring up the main points of your review, along with your overall opinion of the book.

5. Find similar books

A great way to wrap up a review is to find similar books to the one you’re reviewing. So you can say, “if you were a fan of X book, I think you’ll definitely like this one!”

You can also be more specific, looking at the exact things that might make two books similar. So you can suggest something like…“if you liked that the main character in X book was a kick-ass superhero, then you’ll love the main character of this book!”

6. Give it a star rating

A star rating is obviously encouraged in a lot of review sites, but they’re not necessary! If you do want to give a star rating, you can go the conventional “out of five/ten” route. You could also try something slightly less conventional, and break down your star-rating into different categories for character/plot/world-building, etc.

Now go forth and review! And share any tips you have for how to write a book review in the comments.

You Might Also Like

Book Reviews

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write a book review, a report or essay that offers a critical perspective on a text. It offers a process and suggests some strategies for writing book reviews.

What is a review?

A review is a critical evaluation of a text, event, object, or phenomenon. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on book reviews. For a similar assignment, see our handout on literature reviews .

Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not merely a summary. It allows you to enter into dialogue and discussion with the work’s creator and with other audiences. You can offer agreement or disagreement and identify where you find the work exemplary or deficient in its knowledge, judgments, or organization. You should clearly state your opinion of the work in question, and that statement will probably resemble other types of academic writing, with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are brief. In newspapers and academic journals, they rarely exceed 1000 words, although you may encounter lengthier assignments and extended commentaries. In either case, reviews need to be succinct. While they vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features:

• First, a review gives the reader a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
• Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
• Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

Becoming an expert reviewer: three short examples

Reviewing can be a daunting task. Someone has asked for your opinion about something that you may feel unqualified to evaluate. Who are you to criticize Toni Morrison’s new book if you’ve never written a novel yourself, much less won a Nobel Prize? The point is that someone—a professor, a journal editor, peers in a study group—wants to know what you think about a particular work. You may not be (or feel like) an expert, but you need to pretend to be one for your particular audience. Nobody expects you to be the intellectual equal of the work’s creator, but your careful observations can provide you with the raw material to make reasoned judgments. Tactfully voicing agreement and disagreement, praise and criticism, is a valuable, challenging skill, and like many forms of writing, reviews require you to provide concrete evidence for your assertions.

Consider the following brief book review written for a history course on medieval Europe by a student who is fascinated with beer:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600, investigates how women used to brew and sell the majority of ale drunk in England. Historically, ale and beer (not milk, wine, or water) were important elements of the English diet. Ale brewing was low-skill and low status labor that was complimentary to women’s domestic responsibilities. In the early fifteenth century, brewers began to make ale with hops, and they called this new drink “beer.” This technique allowed brewers to produce their beverages at a lower cost and to sell it more easily, although women generally stopped brewing once the business became more profitable.

The student describes the subject of the book and provides an accurate summary of its contents. But the reader does not learn some key information expected from a review: the author’s argument, the student’s appraisal of the book and its argument, and whether or not the student would recommend the book. As a critical assessment, a book review should focus on opinions, not facts and details. Summary should be kept to a minimum, and specific details should serve to illustrate arguments.

Now consider a review of the same book written by a slightly more opinionated student:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 was a colossal disappointment. I wanted to know about the rituals surrounding drinking in medieval England: the songs, the games, the parties. Bennett provided none of that information. I liked how the book showed ale and beer brewing as an economic activity, but the reader gets lost in the details of prices and wages. I was more interested in the private lives of the women brewsters. The book was divided into eight long chapters, and I can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to read it.

There’s no shortage of judgments in this review! But the student does not display a working knowledge of the book’s argument. The reader has a sense of what the student expected of the book, but no sense of what the author herself set out to prove. Although the student gives several reasons for the negative review, those examples do not clearly relate to each other as part of an overall evaluation—in other words, in support of a specific thesis. This review is indeed an assessment, but not a critical one.

Here is one final review of the same book:

One of feminism’s paradoxes—one that challenges many of its optimistic histories—is how patriarchy remains persistent over time. While Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 recognizes medieval women as historical actors through their ale brewing, it also shows that female agency had its limits with the advent of beer. I had assumed that those limits were religious and political, but Bennett shows how a “patriarchal equilibrium” shut women out of economic life as well. Her analysis of women’s wages in ale and beer production proves that a change in women’s work does not equate to a change in working women’s status. Contemporary feminists and historians alike should read Bennett’s book and think twice when they crack open their next brewsky.

This student’s review avoids the problems of the previous two examples. It combines balanced opinion and concrete example, a critical assessment based on an explicitly stated rationale, and a recommendation to a potential audience. The reader gets a sense of what the book’s author intended to demonstrate. Moreover, the student refers to an argument about feminist history in general that places the book in a specific genre and that reaches out to a general audience. The example of analyzing wages illustrates an argument, the analysis engages significant intellectual debates, and the reasons for the overall positive review are plainly visible. The review offers criteria, opinions, and support with which the reader can agree or disagree.

Developing an assessment: before you write

There is no definitive method to writing a review, although some critical thinking about the work at hand is necessary before you actually begin writing. Thus, writing a review is a two-step process: developing an argument about the work under consideration, and making that argument as you write an organized and well-supported draft. See our handout on argument .

What follows is a series of questions to focus your thinking as you dig into the work at hand. While the questions specifically consider book reviews, you can easily transpose them to an analysis of performances, exhibitions, and other review subjects. Don’t feel obligated to address each of the questions; some will be more relevant than others to the book in question.

• What is the thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished?
• What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? What is the approach to the subject (topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive)?
• How does the author support their argument? What evidence do they use to prove their point? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author’s information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
• How does the author structure their argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
• How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to your reader?

Beyond the internal workings of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the circumstances of the text’s production:

• Who is the author? Nationality, political persuasion, training, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the biographer was the subject’s best friend? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they write about?
• What is the book’s genre? Out of what field does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or literary standard on which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know. Keep in mind, though, that naming “firsts”—alongside naming “bests” and “onlys”—can be a risky business unless you’re absolutely certain.

Writing the review

Once you have made your observations and assessments of the work under review, carefully survey your notes and attempt to unify your impressions into a statement that will describe the purpose or thesis of your review. Check out our handout on thesis statements . Then, outline the arguments that support your thesis.

Your arguments should develop the thesis in a logical manner. That logic, unlike more standard academic writing, may initially emphasize the author’s argument while you develop your own in the course of the review. The relative emphasis depends on the nature of the review: if readers may be more interested in the work itself, you may want to make the work and the author more prominent; if you want the review to be about your perspective and opinions, then you may structure the review to privilege your observations over (but never separate from) those of the work under review. What follows is just one of many ways to organize a review.

Introduction

Since most reviews are brief, many writers begin with a catchy quip or anecdote that succinctly delivers their argument. But you can introduce your review differently depending on the argument and audience. The Writing Center’s handout on introductions can help you find an approach that works. In general, you should include:

• The name of the author and the book title and the main theme.
• Relevant details about who the author is and where they stand in the genre or field of inquiry. You could also link the title to the subject to show how the title explains the subject matter.
• The context of the book and/or your review. Placing your review in a framework that makes sense to your audience alerts readers to your “take” on the book. Perhaps you want to situate a book about the Cuban revolution in the context of Cold War rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union. Another reviewer might want to consider the book in the framework of Latin American social movements. Your choice of context informs your argument.
• The thesis of the book. If you are reviewing fiction, this may be difficult since novels, plays, and short stories rarely have explicit arguments. But identifying the book’s particular novelty, angle, or originality allows you to show what specific contribution the piece is trying to make.
• Your thesis about the book.

Summary of content

This should be brief, as analysis takes priority. In the course of making your assessment, you’ll hopefully be backing up your assertions with concrete evidence from the book, so some summary will be dispersed throughout other parts of the review.

The necessary amount of summary also depends on your audience. Graduate students, beware! If you are writing book reviews for colleagues—to prepare for comprehensive exams, for example—you may want to devote more attention to summarizing the book’s contents. If, on the other hand, your audience has already read the book—such as a class assignment on the same work—you may have more liberty to explore more subtle points and to emphasize your own argument. See our handout on summary for more tips.

Analysis and evaluation of the book

Your analysis and evaluation should be organized into paragraphs that deal with single aspects of your argument. This arrangement can be challenging when your purpose is to consider the book as a whole, but it can help you differentiate elements of your criticism and pair assertions with evidence more clearly. You do not necessarily need to work chronologically through the book as you discuss it. Given the argument you want to make, you can organize your paragraphs more usefully by themes, methods, or other elements of the book. If you find it useful to include comparisons to other books, keep them brief so that the book under review remains in the spotlight. Avoid excessive quotation and give a specific page reference in parentheses when you do quote. Remember that you can state many of the author’s points in your own words.

Sum up or restate your thesis or make the final judgment regarding the book. You should not introduce new evidence for your argument in the conclusion. You can, however, introduce new ideas that go beyond the book if they extend the logic of your own thesis. This paragraph needs to balance the book’s strengths and weaknesses in order to unify your evaluation. Did the body of your review have three negative paragraphs and one favorable one? What do they all add up to? The Writing Center’s handout on conclusions can help you make a final assessment.

Finally, a few general considerations:

• Review the book in front of you, not the book you wish the author had written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don’t criticize the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
• With any luck, the author of the book worked hard to find the right words to express her ideas. You should attempt to do the same. Precise language allows you to control the tone of your review.
• Never hesitate to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument. Be sure, however, to cite specific examples to back up your assertions carefully.
• Try to present a balanced argument about the value of the book for its audience. You’re entitled—and sometimes obligated—to voice strong agreement or disagreement. But keep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair treatment. Harsh judgments are difficult to prove and can give readers the sense that you were unfair in your assessment.
• A great place to learn about book reviews is to look at examples. The New York Times Sunday Book Review and The New York Review of Books can show you how professional writers review books.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Drewry, John. 1974. Writing Book Reviews. Boston: Greenwood Press.

Hoge, James. 1987. Literary Reviewing. Charlottesville: University Virginia of Press.

Sova, Dawn, and Harry Teitelbaum. 2002. How to Write Book Reports , 4th ed. Lawrenceville, NY: Thomson/Arco.

Walford, A.J. 1986. Reviews and Reviewing: A Guide. Phoenix: Oryx Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

If you've ever loved (or hated) a book, you may have been tempted to review it. Here's a complete guide to how to write a book review, so you can share your literary adventures with other readers more often! 

You finally reach the last page of a book that kept you up all night and close it with the afterglow of satisfaction and a tinge of regret that it’s over. If you enjoyed the book enough to stay up reading it way past your bedtime, consider writing a review. It is one of the best gifts you can give an author.

Regardless of how much you know about how to write a book review, the author will appreciate hearing how their words touched you.

But as you face the five shaded stars and empty box, a blank mind strikes. What do I say? I mean, is this a book really deserving of five stars? How did it compare to Dostoevsky or Angelou or Dickens?

Maybe there’s an easier way to write a book review.

Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide .

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

Once you’ve decided to give a review, you are faced with the task of deciding how many stars to give a book.

When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of trying to compare a book to ALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME. (Sorry for the all caps, but that’s how it felt, like a James Earl Jones voice was asking me where to put this book in the queue of all books.)

Other readers find themselves comparing new titles to their favorite books. It's a natural comparison. But is it fair?

This is honestly why I didn’t give reviews of books for a long time. How can I compare a modern romance or historical fiction war novel with Dostoevsky? I can’t, and I shouldn’t.

I realized my mistake one day as I was watching (of all things) a dog show. In the final round, they trotted out dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I thought, “How can a Yorkshire Terrier compete with a Basset Hound?” As if he'd read my mind, the announcer explained that each is judged by the standards for its breed.

This was my “Aha!” moment. I have to take a book on its own terms. The question is not, “How does this book compare to all books I’ve read?” but “How well did this book deliver what it promised for the intended audience?”

A review is going to reflect my personal experience with the book, but I can help potential readers by taking a minute to consider what the author intended. Let me explain what I mean. 

How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise

A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things indicate the genre, tone, and likely the major themes.

If a book cover includes a lip-locked couple in flowing linen on a beach, and I open to the first page to read about a pimpled vampire in a trench coat speaking like Mr. Knightly about his plan for revenge on the entire human race, there’s been a breach of contract before I even get to page two. These are the books we put down immediately (unless a mixed-message beachy cover combined with an Austen vampire story is your thing).

But what if the cover, blurb, and first pages are cohesive and perk our interest enough to keep reading? Then we have to think about what the book has promised us, which revolves around one key idea: What is the core story question and how well is it resolved?

Sometimes genre expectations help us answer this question: a romance will end with a couple who finds their way, a murder mystery ends with a solved case, a thriller’s protagonist beats the clock and saves the country or planet.

The stories we love most do those expected things in a fresh or surprising way with characters we root for from the first page. Even (and especially!) when a book doesn’t fit neatly in a genre category, we need to consider what the book promises on those first pages and decide how well it succeeds on the terms it sets for itself.

When I Don’t Know What to Write

About a month ago, I realized I was overthinking how to write a book review. Here at the Write Practice we have a longstanding tradition of giving critiques using the Oreo method : point out something that was a strength, then something we wondered about or that confused us, followed by another positive.

We can use this same structure to write a simple review when we finish books. Consider this book review format: 

[Book Title] by [book author] is about ___[plot summary in a sentence—no spoilers!]___. I chose this book based on ________. I really enjoyed ________. I wondered how ___________. Anyone who likes ____ will love this book.

Following this basic template can help you write an honest review about most any book, and it will give the author or publisher good information about what worked (and possibly what didn’t). You might write about the characters, the conflict, the setting, or anything else that captured you and kept you reading.

As an added bonus, you will be a stronger reader when you are able to express why you enjoyed parts of a book (just like when you critique!). After you complete a few, you’ll find it gets easier, and you won’t need the template anymore.

What if I Didn’t Like It?

Like professional book reviewers, you will have to make the call about when to leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I usually don’t review it. Why? If I don’t like a book after a couple chapters, I put it down. I don’t review anything that I haven’t read the entire book.

Also, it may be that I’m not the target audience. The book might be well-written and well-reviewed with a great cover, and it just doesn’t capture me. Or maybe it's a book that just isn't hitting me right now for reasons that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my own reading life and needs. Every book is not meant for every reader.

If a book kept me reading all the way to the end and I didn’t like the ending? I would probably still review it, since there had to be enough good things going on to keep me reading to the end. I might mention in my review that the ending was less satisfying than I hoped, but I would still end with a positive.

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

As writers, we know how difficult it is to put down the words day after day. We are typically voracious readers. Let’s send some love back out to our fellow writers this week and review the most recent title we enjoyed.

What was the last book you read or reviewed? Do you ever find it hard to review a book? Share in the comments .

Now it's your turn. Think of the last book you read. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a review of it based on the template above. When you're done, share your review in the Pro Practice Workshop . For bonus points, post it on the book's page on Amazon and Goodreads, too!

Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers! What new reads will you discover in the comments?

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

23 Comments

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin is about a girl that shows no emotion befriending a ice dragon.

I chose this book based on the cover that had a little girl riding a ice dragon, and wondered what is about.

I really enjoyed the interaction the little girl had with the dragon.

I wondered how how the girl’s bond with the dragon.

Anyone who likes a coming of age story set in a fantasy will love this book.

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

A interesting, at times perplexing, subject! And one on my mind lately,as I’ve agreed to do a few. I do enjoy giving reviews and am delighted when I can say, “This was a great book!” Or even, “I enjoyed this book.” It gets perplexing when I agree to review a book — and simply don’t like it. Then what to say? I hate to disappoint the writer but I’ve promised to give my honest opinion.

I’ve found some books mediocre and yet I see a dozen other reviewers saying “A great story!” Tastes do vary. But when there are obvious flaws I tend to skip all the best-friend-and-cousin reviewers and find the first person who says, “This writer has a problem with…” Usually there’ll be a number of reviewers who spot the same problems I do.

I like upbeat main characters, but not aggressive, belligerent, and/or self-centered ones. I like to meet in a story the kind of people I’d like to meet in real life— not people I’d avoid if possible. I recently read a book where the main character came across as insipid and the story only mildly interesting. Other reviewers said it was great and I know for this specific audience — readers who want a certain slant to a story — it was quite suitable. So I tried to cut the book some slack. Everyone has their limit as to how much blood and gore, smooching and snuggling, they are willing to read about.

Once I agreed to review a book and would have tossed it after the first chapter — for several reasons. A lot of “writer inserting facts for reader’s benefit”; teach/preach paragraphs; excess of description; attitudes of MCs. Once it’s live on seller’s sites like Amazon, what can you say? The one thing good it had going for it was the story line or theme. With a pro editor’s help it could have been a great story.

As for a review, one book I read lately was “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady” by Parnell Hall. It’s one of those “Stayed up half the night to finish it” books; I think anyone who likes a compelling cozy mystery would probably like it. Downside: I didn’t care for the “Puzzle Lady.” She’s a lush, hangs out at the bar getting sloshed. The upside: her sensible niece has a starring role —trying to keep her aunt on the straight-and-narrow and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end.

Christine, Thanks for sharing your insight! It sounds like you are approached often to review new books. It does make it tricky if it’s a request, especially outside your own preferences. Thanks for chiming in about your process, as I’m sure others will appreciate the perspective too. I’ll have to take a look at the Puzzle Lady– I do enjoy cozy mysteries. Sue

Here’s another cozy mystery book review in case you’re interested. I’m not approached by writers that often, but there are the Story Cartel, Book Bub and Goodreads, all sites where authors ask for review volunteers.

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

The detective Reed Ferguson is a fan of Humphry Bogart, movie memorabilia of that era, and fancies himself a bit of a Sam Slade. Though not your super-sleuth, rather inept at times, he’s a likeable character. Told in first person, the story has a Philip Marlowe tone to it, but much tamer. Dialogue and story line are well done, the story well plotted and believable. I’d gladly read more stories about this particular gumshoe.

If you like cozy mystery books, I’ll send you a list later, Sue. Love them too and I’ve met many authors who write in this genre. Back on topic– you inspire me again to add some reviews to my Blog. I have been reading and writing many middle grade mysteries for a project! My latest favorite: “The World’s Greatest Detective” by Caroline Carson (who I hope to meet tomorrow in Arlington, VA!) My 12 year old grandson borrowed it and finished it before I could. “It’s the best mystery I ever read, Grandma! You’ ll never guess the ending with unpredictable twists!” What better review could we read. The target audience and I both highly recommend this 2017 mystery.

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

Not wanting to sound life an idiot, but willing to risk it here among friends: What exactly is a cozy mystery?

Glad you asked! It’s a subgenre of mystery. The best examples of cozy mysteries are those by Agatha Christie. They usually avoid profanity, excessive gore/ violence, and sex. They focus more on the puzzle, sleuth, and their smaller world. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sue.

Wonderful article. The first I have read by you. It especially gets those of us who don’t feel we have the formula down for review writing to be introduced to a form we can build upon with experience. You’ve kept it simple but you have given us the main ingredients needed for a good review. I printed this one off to look at the next few times I write reviews. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!

I haven’t gone into all this. It’s a matter of time, Joe. I gad about all over the place, not knowing where I am or where I’m going. Within weeks, I’ll be 87. I’ve books of my own that I’d like to see reviewed. Even sorting them out, however, even finding where any of them are, would be a time burden. You see the fix?

Hi Dave, You aren’t alone in feeling the press of time for getting your stories out into the world. May I gently offer this: start with finding and sorting one. If you can’t find it, write it anew. You’ve probably grown in time and perspective since you wrote the first draft, which will make for a stronger story. Good luck. I’m cheering you on!

This is an article for me, because I am happy to receive a rating. I haven’t sold many books. But, at least some thinks that it was worth the time to read. That was refreshing. And, I think I wrote two reviews, so far. It was on Amazon.com. Thank you.

You’re welcome!

Hi, Sue. Thanks for the helpful advice. I did a review on Amazon for the first of a 7-part thriller titled ‘Mosh Pit (The Rose Garden Incident)’ by Michael Hiebert. [Here it is.]

“5.0 out of 5 stars Advance copy review. By A fellow author on September 18, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I Recommend This Book Strongly

I enjoyed reading this first part of the thriller. The author’s opening chapter/prologue was fast paced, and set me in the middle of the inciting incident along with two of the main characters. After that thrilling opening, I felt the ensuing chapters moved at a more leisurely pace, and was about to grade them as less praiseworthy when I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson on YouTube about building three dimensional characters and realised Michael Hiebert had done exactly that by introducing the reader to the minutiae of other characters who had parts to play in the development of the story. So, instead of cardboard cutouts of bland stock characters, the author shows us real people with real concerns that the reader can relate to.and actually care about. I look forward to reading the rest of this intriguing thriller, and highly recommend it to all lovers of well-written, and well-crafted thrillers.”

I also reviewed Part 2 of the series, but that review is too long to post here.

Footnote: The author, Michael Hiebert, was so pleased with my reviews, he recently asked me to beta-read a short story collection he plans to publish in November.

Great review, John! I like how you shared a bit of your process as a reader too, in recognizing what the writer was doing with their characterization. Thanks!

Thank you, Sue.

Five out of five stars When I picked up a copy of “The Girl with All the Gifts,” by M R Carey, at the used book store, I somehow had it in my head that it was a YA dystopian novel along the lines of “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” While I would definitely say that I was not right about that, I wouldn’t say that I was completely wrong. I was, however, completely unprepared for a zombie novel–which is a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m glad I did. Think “The Walking Dead” meets (why do I want to say ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night”?) “Peter Pan.” I really enjoyed seeing things from, the main character, Melanie’s point of view. Her limited knowledge of her own situation was intriguing, to say the least (and probably why I thought of “The Curious Incident”). I was a bit disappointed when the POV changed to another character’s, but, as the novel progressed, I found myself sympathizing with nearly all the characters–with one exception, and I’ll leave that for you to ponder when you read it. I wondered how much of the science was real, but not enough for me to research it myself. Although, based on other reviews, I guess most of the science about the fungus is real. I also wondered about the fate of the remaining ‘lost boys’ of the cities. If you liked…. well, I don’t know. I’m not typically a fan of things zombie, so I don’t have a comparison, but the book was somewhat similar to “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” in that the main character goes through a hellluva time and comes out the other side with a plan for her future.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a true story about how one man found meaning in life when his doctors gave him a death sentence. Morrie was a college professor who passed on his new found wisdom in the last year of his life to a favorite student, the author, who chronicled his professor’s perspectives on death and dying.

I chose this book because of its philosophical topic, and because it is so well written that the words just jump off the page.

Knowing we are all mortal beings, I especially liked the insights, the tidbits of wisdom imparted by the dying man. Death is a subject that few, if any of us, ever talk about seriously with friends and family. The subject of death is verboten. We deny its existence. And, if we are religious, we pretend we will not really die, but we deceive ourselves and think we will live on in some afterlife existence for all eternity. But the professor, Morrie, learns some valuable life lessons from his impending death, and Mitch Albom was gracious enough to capture them in this short but eminently readable book.

I really liked the book because it is timeless. This true story will impart serious life lessons for all future generations, and will help us gain perspectives on our lives and the relationships with those we love the most.

R. Allan Worrell

Sue, I’ve been meaning to come back since this was first posted to tell you thanks for a great article. I seldom review books for alllllll the reasons you listed. This is a perfect tool and I’ll surely use it. Cathy

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• Professional Development -> accessiblity – Live love and learn - […] https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-write-a-book-review/?hvid=2AUcFm […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

Popular Resources

Book Writing Tips & Guides Creativity & Inspiration Tips Writing Prompts Grammar & Vocab Resources Best Book Writing Software ProWritingAid Review Writing Teacher Resources Publisher Rocket Review Scrivener Review Gifts for Writers

Books By Our Writers

You've got it! Just us where to send your guide.

Enter your email to get our free 10-step guide to becoming a writer.

You've got it! Just us where to send your book.

Enter your first name and email to get our free book, 14 Prompts.

Want to Get Published?

Enter your email to get our free interactive checklist to writing and publishing a book.

How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF TEXTS

⭐ Make  MOVIES A MEANINGFUL PART OF YOUR CURRICULUM  with this engaging collection of tasks and tools your students will love. ⭐ All the hard work is done for you with  NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

This collection of  21 INDEPENDENT TASKS  and  GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS  takes students beyond the hype, special effects and trailers to look at visual literacy from several perspectives offering DEEP LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES by watching a  SERIES, DOCUMENTARY, FILM, and even  VIDEO GAMES.

ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

101 DIGITAL & PRINT GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS FOR ALL CURRICULUM AREAS

Introduce your students to 21st-century learning with this GROWING BUNDLE OF 101 EDITABLE & PRINTABLE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS. ✌ NO PREP REQUIRED!!! ✌ Go paperless, and let your students express their knowledge and creativity through the power of technology and collaboration inside and outside the classroom with ease.

Whilst you don’t have to have a 1:1 or BYOD classroom to benefit from this bundle, it has been purpose-built to deliver through platforms such as ✔ GOOGLE CLASSROOM, ✔ OFFICE 365, ✔ or any CLOUD-BASED LEARNING PLATFORM.

Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

BOOK REVIEW VIDEO TUTORIALS

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BOOK REVIEWS

Transactional Writing

How to write a text response

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

• How to Login
• Use Teams on the web
• Join a meeting in Teams
• Join without a Teams account
• Join on a second device
• Join as a view-only attendee
• Join a breakout room
• Join from Google
• Schedule a meeting in Teams
• Schedule from Outlook
• Schedule from Google
• Schedule with registration
• Instant meeting
• Add a dial-in number
• See all your meetings
• Invite people
• Meeting roles
• Add co-organizers
• Hide attendee names
• Tips for large Teams meeting
• Lock a meeting
• End a meeting
• Manage your calendar
• Meeting controls
• Prepare in a green room
• Share content
• Share slides
• Share sound
• Apply video filters
• Mute and unmute
• Spotlight a video
• Multitasking
• Raise your hand
• Live reactions
• Take meeting notes
• Customize your view
• Laser pointer
• Cast from a desktop
• Use a green screen
• Join as an avatar
• Customize your avatar
• Use emotes, gestures, and more
• Get started with immersive spaces
• Use in-meeting controls
• Spatial audio
• Overview of Microsoft Teams Premium
• Intelligent productivity
• Advanced meeting protection
• Engaging event experiences
• Change your background
• Meeting themes
• Audio settings
• Manage attendee audio and video
• Reduce background noise
• Voice isolation in Teams
• Mute notifications
• Use breakout rooms
• Live transcription
• Language interpretation
• Live captions
• End-to-end encryption
• Presenter modes
• Call and meeting quality
• Meeting attendance reports
• Using the lobby
• Meeting options
• Record a meeting
• Meeting recap
• Play and share a meeting recording
• Delete a recording
• Edit or delete a transcript
• Switch to town halls
• Get started
• Schedule a live event
• Invite attendees
• organizer checklist
• For tier 1 events
• Produce a live event
• Produce a live event with Teams Encoder
• Best practices
• Moderate a Q&A
• Allow anonymous presenters
• Attendee engagement report
• Recording and reports
• Attend a live event in Teams
• Participate in a Q&A
• Use live captions
• Schedule a webinar
• Customize a webinar
• Publicize a webinar
• Manage webinar registration
• Manage what attendees see
• Change webinar details
• Manage webinar emails
• Cancel a webinar
• Manage webinar recordings
• Webinar attendance report
• Get started with town hall
• Attend a town hall
• Schedule a town hall
• Customize a town hall
• Host a town hall
• Use RTMP-In
• Town hall insights
• Manage town hall recordings
• Cancel a town hall
• Can't join a meeting
• Camera isn't working
• Microphone isn't working
• My speaker isn’t working
• Breakout rooms issues
• Immersive spaces issues
• Meetings keep dropping

Schedule a meeting in Microsoft Teams

When you schedule a meeting in Outlook, it'll show up in Teams, and vice versa. Every meeting scheduled in Teams is automatically made into an online meeting.

Scheduling from Outlook? Learn how to add Teams to your Outlook meeting .

Note:  Up to 1,000 invitees can join a Teams meeting and interact by using chat, audio, and video. Invitees can also join a meeting that already has 1,000 participants (up to 10,000) as view-only attendees .

Schedule a meeting

There are several ways to schedule a meeting in Teams:

The scheduling form is where you'll give your meeting a title, invite people, and add meeting details. Use the Scheduling Assistant to find a time that works for everyone.

In Scheduling Assistant , you can see attendees' time zones, schedules, and availability during different timeslots. The Scheduling Assistant grid will show each attendee's schedule. Shaded areas show when attendees are busy or have tentative meetings. Unshaded areas show when attendees are free. 

Once you're done filling out the details, select Save  to close the scheduling form and invite attendees to the meeting.

Add a dial-in number  

Include a dial-in number and conference ID so that participants can call in to the Teams meeting. If you schedule the meeting from Outlook, the dial-in number and conference ID automatically appear in the scheduled meeting invite. For how to add these details when scheduling in Teams, see  Add a dial-in number for a meeting in Teams.

Assign categories to a meeting

Color code your calendar with categories. Just like in Outlook, you can assign one or more categories to each meeting in your calendar. There are a couple ways to assign categories:

Right-click an event in your calendar.

Select a color.

You can also categorize a meeting when you schedule it by selecting Category at the top of the scheduling form.

Note:  Channel meetings can't be categorized.

Invite people outside your organization 

Teams lets you invite people outside your organization, including those who don't have a Teams license. You'll need their full email address to invite them.

Create a meeting or open an existing one in your Teams Calendar.

Type the person's full email address (ex: [email protected]).

Select Send  or Send update . They'll receive an email with a link to the meeting.

Invite people with a link 

Teams lets you invite people to a meeting via a meeting link. To share this link:

The meeting link will appear as a URL. Select Copy  to copy the URL.

Add a co-organizer

After you've invited people to your meeting, you can add up to 10 co-organizers to help manage your meeting. Before adding co-organizers, make sure the people you want to add are already added as required attendees and then follow the steps below:

Make sure the people you want to add as co-organizers are invited to the meeting.

Select Save .

Note:  To learn more, see Add co-organizers to a meeting .

Make it a channel meeting

Type the name of a channel in the  Add channel field.

Channels can't be edited or added once the invite is sent. You'll need to send a new invite with the updated channel.

Note:  When you have a meeting in a channel, everyone in the team will be able to see it and join it in that channel. This feature isn't available in private channels.

Once you've added the people you want, select Scheduling Assistant to find the best time.

If it's a recurring meeting, open the dropdown menu next to Does not repeat (just below the date). Choose how often you want it to occur from the default options or select Custom to create your own cadence.

Schedule meetings in a channel calendar 

If you're unfamiliar with how to add a calendar to a channel, the steps are outlined for you at See all your meetings in Teams . Once that's done, you have a few ways to add events to the shared calendar.

Add other attendees who are outside the team you scheduled the meeting in.

Select Send .

When you select Send , everyone in the team you scheduled the meeting for will receive a personal invite.

If you added guests and partners from outside your org, they won't have access to the channel calendar.

Right-click for more options

Right-click an event in your calendar to:

Show as to set the status that will reflect on participants calendars during the meeting time if they RSVP to accept the meeting.

Join a meeting  

Teams meetings will show a join button on an event in your calendar five minutes before the start of a meeting. Once someone joins the meeting, the event will change colors to let you know they're online.

Select Join to open the meeting settings window to confirm your preferred camera and mic settings before joining the online meeting.

Note:  If you have overlapping meetings in your calendar, the join button won't be available. But you can still right-click the event and select Join online .

Reschedule a meeting

In your Teams calendar, you can reschedule meetings and events you organized. To quickly update a meeting time, select in in your Teams calendar, drag it into a new timeslot, and drop it.

You'll be notified of invitees' availability before you update the meeting time.

You can also change the meeting time by opening the meeting details, choosing a new time, and selecting Send update . Attendees will automatically receive a notification with the updated time. 

Set your Show As status in a Teams meeting

As an organizer, you can set the Show As status of the meeting in the action bar. When participants RSVP, their status will automatically reflect the status the organizer set. 

As a participant, you can choose to set your individual status for the meeting through Show As independent of the status set by the organizer. The updated status will reflect on your calendar. The default Show As value for all the meetings an organizer schedules is Busy .

You can set your Show As status in several ways:

On the Scheduling Form Details page

On your Peek of the meeting (Microsoft Surface)

On the Details view of the meeting (as a participant)

To schedule a meeting:

Open the Teams mobile app.

Enter other meeting details.

Tap Done  to schedule the meeting and invite participants.

Note:  When you have a meeting in a channel, people will be able to see and join it in that channel.

Meeting details

To view and edit meeting details:

Tap a meeting to view details.

Tap Edit to edit the meeting details if you're an organizer.

If you updated the meeting details, tap Done to send updates.

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast

Share this page:

Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency

Life-or-Death Emergencies

Courier and Expeditor Companies

Our passport agencies and centers :

• Process all applications we receive from acceptance facilities and by mail, and
• Serve customers by appointment only who have urgent travel to a foreign country in the next 14 calendar days, or need a foreign visa in the next 28 calendar days

The U.S. Department of State runs each passport agency and center. An agency and center is different than acceptance facilities which may include post offices, libraries, and local government offices.

Avoid the stress of needing to visit a passport agency or center for urgent travel. Apply early at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .

Steps to Make an Appointment for Urgent Travel

I have not yet applied.

Follow these steps to make an appointment:

• Go to our  Online Passport Appointment System .
• Enter information about your travel plans to see if you qualify for an appointment. You may make an appointment for up to seven members of your household.
• Enter your email address. We will email you a code which you must enter to continue making an appointment. Check your junk or spam folder if you do not see the code in your inbox.
• Enter your mobile phone number. We will send you a text message with another code you must enter to continue making an appointment.
• Complete the process of scheduling your appointment. 
• Check your email for a message confirming the details of your appointment. The system will hold your appointment for 15 minutes. If you do not confirm your appointment within 15 minutes, you will need to start over.
• If you need to cancel or change the appointment, click the link in the confirmation email to get information about your appointment. 

I have already applied

• Call  1-877-487-2778  from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Mondays through Fridays, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Se habla español. 

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

• We will provide you unique information that we will check on the day of your appointment to confirm your appointment is legitimate. If you are not the appointment holder, the passport agency or center will not be able to see you.
• If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please call us. We will give your appointment to a new customer calling to make an appointment. You cannot transfer your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know which location is processing my application and has my documents.

The first two digits of your nine-digit passport application locator number allow you to know which agency or center is working on your application. You can find your application locator number by checking our Online Passport Status System . 

How and when should I contact a passport agency or center by mail?

You can find an agency or center's mailing address on each agency or center webpage. You can contact our locations by mail if:

We sent you a letter : If we need more information to process your application , we will send you a letter in the mail. Send the information to the full mailing address in Sterling, VA listed on your letter. Do not send information to the agency’s physical address.

Map of Passport Office Locations

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app

Movie Reviews

• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Screen-Free Activities for Kids and Teens to Enjoy Over the Summer

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

Parents and caregivers, find movies by age.

How old is your kid?

You can add another kid later.

What streaming service(s) do you have?

0 selected. Click on logos to select.

Set content limits for your kid

If a media pick exceeds the content limits you've set for your kid, you'll see this flag. Learn more

Violence & Scariness

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What's your kid's name?

We value your privacy and will not share this publicly.

Already have an account? Sign in first

New Streaming Movies

The Young Wife

A Part of You

For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign

The Legend of Catclaws Mountain

The Beach Boys

My Oni Girl

Jeanne du Barry

The Fall Guy

Princess Halle and the Jester

Golden Kamuy

Thelma the Unicorn

The Blue Angels

Sasquatch Sunset

New in theaters, great watch-together picks, popular with parents, family laughs.

The state of AI in early 2024: Gen AI adoption spikes and starts to generate value

If 2023 was the year the world discovered generative AI (gen AI) , 2024 is the year organizations truly began using—and deriving business value from—this new technology. In the latest McKinsey Global Survey  on AI, 65 percent of respondents report that their organizations are regularly using gen AI, nearly double the percentage from our previous survey just ten months ago. Respondents’ expectations for gen AI’s impact remain as high as they were last year , with three-quarters predicting that gen AI will lead to significant or disruptive change in their industries in the years ahead.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Alex Singla , Alexander Sukharevsky , Lareina Yee , and Michael Chui , with Bryce Hall , representing views from QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, and McKinsey Digital.

Organizations are already seeing material benefits from gen AI use, reporting both cost decreases and revenue jumps in the business units deploying the technology. The survey also provides insights into the kinds of risks presented by gen AI—most notably, inaccuracy—as well as the emerging practices of top performers to mitigate those challenges and capture value.

AI adoption surges

Interest in generative AI has also brightened the spotlight on a broader set of AI capabilities. For the past six years, AI adoption by respondents’ organizations has hovered at about 50 percent. This year, the survey finds that adoption has jumped to 72 percent (Exhibit 1). And the interest is truly global in scope. Our 2023 survey found that AI adoption did not reach 66 percent in any region; however, this year more than two-thirds of respondents in nearly every region say their organizations are using AI. 1 Organizations based in Central and South America are the exception, with 58 percent of respondents working for organizations based in Central and South America reporting AI adoption. Looking by industry, the biggest increase in adoption can be found in professional services. 2 Includes respondents working for organizations focused on human resources, legal services, management consulting, market research, R&D, tax preparation, and training.

Also, responses suggest that companies are now using AI in more parts of the business. Half of respondents say their organizations have adopted AI in two or more business functions, up from less than a third of respondents in 2023 (Exhibit 2).

Gen AI adoption is most common in the functions where it can create the most value

Most respondents now report that their organizations—and they as individuals—are using gen AI. Sixty-five percent of respondents say their organizations are regularly using gen AI in at least one business function, up from one-third last year. The average organization using gen AI is doing so in two functions, most often in marketing and sales and in product and service development—two functions in which previous research  determined that gen AI adoption could generate the most value 3 “ The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier ,” McKinsey, June 14, 2023. —as well as in IT (Exhibit 3). The biggest increase from 2023 is found in marketing and sales, where reported adoption has more than doubled. Yet across functions, only two use cases, both within marketing and sales, are reported by 15 percent or more of respondents.

Gen AI also is weaving its way into respondents’ personal lives. Compared with 2023, respondents are much more likely to be using gen AI at work and even more likely to be using gen AI both at work and in their personal lives (Exhibit 4). The survey finds upticks in gen AI use across all regions, with the largest increases in Asia–Pacific and Greater China. Respondents at the highest seniority levels, meanwhile, show larger jumps in the use of gen Al tools for work and outside of work compared with their midlevel-management peers. Looking at specific industries, respondents working in energy and materials and in professional services report the largest increase in gen AI use.

Investments in gen AI and analytical AI are beginning to create value

The latest survey also shows how different industries are budgeting for gen AI. Responses suggest that, in many industries, organizations are about equally as likely to be investing more than 5 percent of their digital budgets in gen AI as they are in nongenerative, analytical-AI solutions (Exhibit 5). Yet in most industries, larger shares of respondents report that their organizations spend more than 20 percent on analytical AI than on gen AI. Looking ahead, most respondents—67 percent—expect their organizations to invest more in AI over the next three years.

Where are those investments paying off? For the first time, our latest survey explored the value created by gen AI use by business function. The function in which the largest share of respondents report seeing cost decreases is human resources. Respondents most commonly report meaningful revenue increases (of more than 5 percent) in supply chain and inventory management (Exhibit 6). For analytical AI, respondents most often report seeing cost benefits in service operations—in line with what we found last year —as well as meaningful revenue increases from AI use in marketing and sales.

Inaccuracy: The most recognized and experienced risk of gen AI use

As businesses begin to see the benefits of gen AI, they’re also recognizing the diverse risks associated with the technology. These can range from data management risks such as data privacy, bias, or intellectual property (IP) infringement to model management risks, which tend to focus on inaccurate output or lack of explainability. A third big risk category is security and incorrect use.

Respondents to the latest survey are more likely than they were last year to say their organizations consider inaccuracy and IP infringement to be relevant to their use of gen AI, and about half continue to view cybersecurity as a risk (Exhibit 7).

Conversely, respondents are less likely than they were last year to say their organizations consider workforce and labor displacement to be relevant risks and are not increasing efforts to mitigate them.

In fact, inaccuracy— which can affect use cases across the gen AI value chain , ranging from customer journeys and summarization to coding and creative content—is the only risk that respondents are significantly more likely than last year to say their organizations are actively working to mitigate.

Some organizations have already experienced negative consequences from the use of gen AI, with 44 percent of respondents saying their organizations have experienced at least one consequence (Exhibit 8). Respondents most often report inaccuracy as a risk that has affected their organizations, followed by cybersecurity and explainability.

Our previous research has found that there are several elements of governance that can help in scaling gen AI use responsibly, yet few respondents report having these risk-related practices in place. 4 “ Implementing generative AI with speed and safety ,” McKinsey Quarterly , March 13, 2024. For example, just 18 percent say their organizations have an enterprise-wide council or board with the authority to make decisions involving responsible AI governance, and only one-third say gen AI risk awareness and risk mitigation controls are required skill sets for technical talent.

Bringing gen AI capabilities to bear

The latest survey also sought to understand how, and how quickly, organizations are deploying these new gen AI tools. We have found three archetypes for implementing gen AI solutions : takers use off-the-shelf, publicly available solutions; shapers customize those tools with proprietary data and systems; and makers develop their own foundation models from scratch. 5 “ Technology’s generational moment with generative AI: A CIO and CTO guide ,” McKinsey, July 11, 2023. Across most industries, the survey results suggest that organizations are finding off-the-shelf offerings applicable to their business needs—though many are pursuing opportunities to customize models or even develop their own (Exhibit 9). About half of reported gen AI uses within respondents’ business functions are utilizing off-the-shelf, publicly available models or tools, with little or no customization. Respondents in energy and materials, technology, and media and telecommunications are more likely to report significant customization or tuning of publicly available models or developing their own proprietary models to address specific business needs.

Respondents most often report that their organizations required one to four months from the start of a project to put gen AI into production, though the time it takes varies by business function (Exhibit 10). It also depends upon the approach for acquiring those capabilities. Not surprisingly, reported uses of highly customized or proprietary models are 1.5 times more likely than off-the-shelf, publicly available models to take five months or more to implement.

Gen AI high performers are excelling despite facing challenges

Gen AI is a new technology, and organizations are still early in the journey of pursuing its opportunities and scaling it across functions. So it’s little surprise that only a small subset of respondents (46 out of 876) report that a meaningful share of their organizations’ EBIT can be attributed to their deployment of gen AI. Still, these gen AI leaders are worth examining closely. These, after all, are the early movers, who already attribute more than 10 percent of their organizations’ EBIT to their use of gen AI. Forty-two percent of these high performers say more than 20 percent of their EBIT is attributable to their use of nongenerative, analytical AI, and they span industries and regions—though most are at organizations with less than $1 billion in annual revenue. The AI-related practices at these organizations can offer guidance to those looking to create value from gen AI adoption at their own organizations.

To start, gen AI high performers are using gen AI in more business functions—an average of three functions, while others average two. They, like other organizations, are most likely to use gen AI in marketing and sales and product or service development, but they’re much more likely than others to use gen AI solutions in risk, legal, and compliance; in strategy and corporate finance; and in supply chain and inventory management. They’re more than three times as likely as others to be using gen AI in activities ranging from processing of accounting documents and risk assessment to R&D testing and pricing and promotions. While, overall, about half of reported gen AI applications within business functions are utilizing publicly available models or tools, gen AI high performers are less likely to use those off-the-shelf options than to either implement significantly customized versions of those tools or to develop their own proprietary foundation models.

What else are these high performers doing differently? For one thing, they are paying more attention to gen-AI-related risks. Perhaps because they are further along on their journeys, they are more likely than others to say their organizations have experienced every negative consequence from gen AI we asked about, from cybersecurity and personal privacy to explainability and IP infringement. Given that, they are more likely than others to report that their organizations consider those risks, as well as regulatory compliance, environmental impacts, and political stability, to be relevant to their gen AI use, and they say they take steps to mitigate more risks than others do.

Gen AI high performers are also much more likely to say their organizations follow a set of risk-related best practices (Exhibit 11). For example, they are nearly twice as likely as others to involve the legal function and embed risk reviews early on in the development of gen AI solutions—that is, to “ shift left .” They’re also much more likely than others to employ a wide range of other best practices, from strategy-related practices to those related to scaling.

In addition to experiencing the risks of gen AI adoption, high performers have encountered other challenges that can serve as warnings to others (Exhibit 12). Seventy percent say they have experienced difficulties with data, including defining processes for data governance, developing the ability to quickly integrate data into AI models, and an insufficient amount of training data, highlighting the essential role that data play in capturing value. High performers are also more likely than others to report experiencing challenges with their operating models, such as implementing agile ways of working and effective sprint performance management.

About the research

The online survey was in the field from February 22 to March 5, 2024, and garnered responses from 1,363 participants representing the full range of regions, industries, company sizes, functional specialties, and tenures. Of those respondents, 981 said their organizations had adopted AI in at least one business function, and 878 said their organizations were regularly using gen AI in at least one function. To adjust for differences in response rates, the data are weighted by the contribution of each respondent’s nation to global GDP.

Alex Singla and Alexander Sukharevsky  are global coleaders of QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, and senior partners in McKinsey’s Chicago and London offices, respectively; Lareina Yee  is a senior partner in the Bay Area office, where Michael Chui , a McKinsey Global Institute partner, is a partner; and Bryce Hall  is an associate partner in the Washington, DC, office.

They wish to thank Kaitlin Noe, Larry Kanter, Mallika Jhamb, and Shinjini Srivastava for their contributions to this work.

This article was edited by Heather Hanselman, a senior editor in McKinsey’s Atlanta office.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

Moving past gen AI’s honeymoon phase: Seven hard truths for CIOs to get from pilot to scale

A generative AI reset: Rewiring to turn potential into value in 2024

Implementing generative AI with speed and safety

Advertisement

Supported by

Growing Up With Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne, in the Land of Make-Believe

In his memoir “The Friday Afternoon Club,” the Hollywood hyphenate Griffin Dunne, best known for his role in Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours,” recounts his privileged upbringing.

• Share full article

By Alexandra Jacobs

THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB: A Family Memoir , by Griffin Dunne

Dominick Dunne’s byline was one of the last to sell magazines. Reporting with elegance and tenacity on the trials of O.J. Simpson , the Menendez brothers and two Kennedy cousins for Vanity Fair in the go-go ’90s and early ’00s, Dunne was, as his son Griffin writes in a warm and perceptive new memoir, “an Irish terrier in a Turnbull & Asser shirt.”

Affable, forever bounding back after various messy scrapes, Griffin seems more of a mutt. As a child he longed for a German shepherd as a companion. He likens one of the snobbish poodles his father brought home instead to George Sanders in “All About Eve.” Movies ruled the Dunne roost. When Griffin’s mother, Ellen, needed a motorized wheelchair after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, she invoked Katharine Hepburn in “Suddenly, Last Summer.”

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, which directly preceded their divorce, his parents hosted a star-strewn Black and White ball that inspired Truman Capote’s — to which they weren’t invited.

Ellen was the half-Mexican heiress to a rail car wheel company; Griffin’s aunt by marriage was Joan Didion . For years Joan’s husband, the writer John Gregory Dunne , and John’s brother Dominick didn’t speak, and the description of their reconciliation as old men, after a coincidental meeting in the waiting room of a cardiologist’s office, is one of this book’s many well-wrapped little gifts.

Another is Didion refusing to laugh when John and Dominick mock the young Griffin after his bathing suit exposes a testicle, “poking out like a lonely grape.” You can easily imagine both these scenes acted, which makes perfect sense, as the author’s motley IMDB profile includes 14 directorial credits, including a 2017 documentary about his aunt. He has a gingerly attitude toward fame, having witnessed its costs firsthand.

Griffin was “raised in the land of make-believe,” he writes, and not just because Dominick started as a stage manager on “Howdy Doody” and produced “The Boys in the Band” and “The Panic in Needle Park” (before he was excommunicated by the beautiful people for insulting the powerful agent Sue Mengers ).

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .