Do you love reading nonfiction books? Why not try your hand at reviewing them.
What is a nonfiction book review?
A book review is a critical evaluation of a book. It isn’t just a summary, but gives commentary that will be uniquely yours as the writer of the review. The difference between a review of fiction versus nonfiction is that with the latter, the reviewer will evaluate the piece not so much on its entertainment value as on whether it fulfills its promise to solve a particular problem or deliver certain information.
Why write book reviews?
Reviews help books get noticed and gain credibility. Writers want to receive reviews to show readers that their book is widely-read and well-received.
Where are reviews posted?
These days, the answer is ‘lots of places.’ Many reviewers post book reviews on their own blogs. You can also post reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, library websites, or submit them to other people’s review blogs. If you really want to get serious, there are a lot of literary journals that accept freelance reviews.
How long should a review be?
That will depend largely on where you are planning to submit your review. Check for guidelines, and assume that you will write anywhere from 100 to 1500 words. Be succinct, but give enough to serve the purpose of the review.
Points to Consider:
●What if you really don’t like the book? Always write your reviews with integrity. If you honestly don’t like a book, write your review as if you are in a critique session with the author. Use positive words and avoid sarcasm.
●Take time to read reviews written by other readers, but keep in mind that many of them are not trained reviewers.
●Review the book that has been written, not the book you think the author should have written. It isn’t fair to criticize an author for failing to achieve something he or she never intended to achieve.
Nonfiction Book Review Template:
Opening statement: Include title and author.
What does the book promise to deliver to the reader? Another way to look at it is, what problem does this book promise to solve?
Does it accomplish what it sets out to accomplish?
If so, how?
If not, what could the author have done differently?
What makes this author uniquely qualified to write on this topic?
What is the tone of the book? Is it humorous and easy to relate to, or is it more dry and academic?
Overall impression: This is where you give your personal take on the book.
Suggested points to include:
Was the book written in a way that you as a reader could easily relate to?
What was your favorite part of the book?
Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
If you could change something, what would it be?
Are there photos or illustrations? If so, are they effective in enhancing the book’s message?
Would you recommend this book?
What type of reader would enjoy this book?
There are so many wonderful nonfiction books out there. Have a great time reading and reviewing!
Have you written any nonfiction book reviews?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy How to Write a Fiction Book Review.
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Thanks for some more helpful tips on writing book reviews Lesley.
I am writing a review for a friend of my son who has a book on how to begin a blog. I thought the reminder you offered about illustrations was something I did not think about. The obvious alludes us sometimes.
Very helpful, Lesly. I printed this out!
Amy
Amy, I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Reviews are so important to the success of a book.
I am writing creative nonfiction book, how do I get contacts for reviewers of my book?
There are lots of ways to find reviewers. I’m not an expert on that, but if you google “how to get reviewers for your book,” you should find lots of ideas.
Thanks so much, Lesley for providing this information.!
My pleasure, Vicki. I’m glad you found it useful.
Lesley
Thank you for a concise yet thorough piece on book reviews. I learned much. Best to you and yours.
I’m glad it was helpful for you, Jim.
This was really helpful. I’ve never done a non-fiction book review before, so I learnt a lot from this.
Thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful.
I’m writing a nonfiction book review for a class project. How do i make the review interesting and engaging?
What a fun class project! My best advice is to read examples of nonfiction reviews and pick out the ones that are interesting to you. What is it about those reviews that makes them stand out? Also, let your own voice and style shine through in your writing. Hope you get an A+!
I read a lot of non fiction books and now have decided to start documenting my reviews..
Do you recommend I set up my own blog. I would prefer to do it on a platform that is popular.. That even the authors might pay a visit.
But I also want to include a summary of key points in the book. This way I can go back to the summary ant remind myself what the book was about
I think setting up your own blog is a fantastic idea. Best to you!