How to write a book review

Classic book review structure is as follows:

One paragraph identifying the thesis, and whether the author achieves the stated purpose of the book. One or two paragraphs summarizing the book. One paragraph on the book’s strengths. One paragraph on the book’s weaknesses.

The four stages of writing a book review are: introducing the book, outlining its contents, highlighting parts of the book by selecting particular chapters or themes, and giving a detailed evaluation.

Critical or essay-length book reviews

a section that discusses the author’s ideas and the book’s thesis within a scholarly perspective. This should be a critical assessment of the book within the larger scholarly discourse; e. if you found errors in the book, point the major ones and explain their significance.

Thousands of authors paid for these reviews for the simple reason that reviews helped sell their books. Now paying for reviews is a commonplace practice. ForeWord, ($295), Kirkus, ( standard service $425, express service $575), and Publishers Weekly, (various guidelines), offer programs where you “pay to play.”

In general, review prices range from $100 to $595. A great way to choose a review service is by reading each publication’s past reviews. This is the best way to get an idea of the quality, detail, and depth of critical attention indie authors can expect.

Fake reviews are also illegal. Authors who pay for fake reviews are shortcutting the review process and controlling the end product, which is deceptive to readers. Authors should remember to give full disclosure they know the author and their review is their honest opinion about the book.

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email customercare@kirkus.com. Hey there, book lover. We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

It’s all free, and you can sign up in seconds here. At the ripe old age of 87, Kirkus may be the oldest startup in America, as our team often jokes. We have an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in challenge, and we do not give up.

In every case but one, the authors were happy with the review they received from Kirkus. One author paid for two reviews and felt the money was well spent. But—and this is a big but—the majority of authors (16 out of 21) felt that the reviews were “not worth the money.” Despite lending credibility.

It’s entirely possible for book lovers to make money following their passion for reading. If you’ve always wished you could earn money doing something you love and you love reading, you can get paid to read books to make extra money or work toward a new career.

Kirkus Pay Rate

A very small portion of that sum (around $50, based on rumors I dug up) is given to the reviewer, while Kirkus keeps the rest. Whether or not this is sufficient will depend on how you view the job. On the one hand, the reviews are quite short, and you’re getting the opportunity to read books for free.

The editors of Kirkus Reviews work closely with their critics to determine which titles will receive a coveted Kirkus Star, one of the most prestigious designations in the book industry. A Kirkus Star is given to approximately 10% of the 8,000-10,000 books reviewed each year by the magazine.

1. Goodreads. Goodreads is more than a book recommendation site; it’s also an online community of book reviews and ratings. Goodreads will make recommendations based on what you’ve already read or what your friends are reading.

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email customercare@kirkus.com. Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

A Kirkus review is short—fewer than four hundred words—and written to a form. There’s a one-line précis to start. There’s a paragraph of plot and character summary, culminating in formal assessment.