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| A book reviewer at work. |
I would not be a freelance writer if I had not been — and still I am — an avid reader. So before I even enlist what I consider qualities of a great book reviewer, let me point out that you cannot critique books if you are not a reader. To put it mildly, learning to be a book reviewer is pointless if you are not a book reader.
In other words, a book reviewer doesn’t read a book only
when it’s time to review one. However, I also understand that in this AI era,
someone who has never read “A Tale of Two Cities” from page to page can mysteriously have
more to say about the novel than one who has read it a couple of times.
To put it mildly, learning to be a book reviewer is pointless if you are not a book reader.
In this article, I’d speak to the real bookworms. If you are
not bookwormish, please leave us alone. We will call you back once we are
done. Which biography or autobiography have you read to the end? How many
novels did you read in high school or college? Answer these questions out there
while waiting for us to finish this matter.
I had read nearly all of Charles Dickens’ outstanding works
by age 25. I also read Mark Twain, John Kiriamiti, Wahome Mutahi, and Shakespeare…and so I began writing before the advent of AI-generated content,
unlike some bloggers I know.
Let me talk about a great freelance book reviewer. As someone
who has reviewed
books, I am worth listening to, at least by my ever-humble estimation of myself. Check
the same review here.
An excellent freelance book reviewer possesses several essential qualities that enable them to provide insightful, honest, and valuable reviews.
Here are what I consider vital attributes of an excellent freelance book reviewer:
- Passion
for Reading
I started with it as
the introduction, and it’s worth repeating. A love for reading is the
foundation of a good book reviewer. Period. They should have a genuine
enthusiasm for books and a wide-ranging interest in various genres. No
shortcut. This leads us to the second point.
- Strong
Writing Skills
Effective communication is essential. Good reviewers can
convey their thoughts clearly, succinctly, and engagingly. They should be
proficient in grammar and spelling. But how will they be proficient in grammar
and spelling when they don’t read?
Oh, I heard someone whisper, “From Grammarly and Ai.”
- Critical
Thinking
A good book reviewer should be able to analyze a book
critically. See yourself as a literary surgeon armed with an imaginary scalpel. They need to evaluate the plot, character development, writing style, and
overall storytelling with a discerning eye.
- Honesty
and Integrity
Reviewers should be honest in their assessments, regardless
of any personal biases. Readers rely on reviews for accurate information, so
maintaining integrity is crucial. Do not force the author to say what you
wish he had said.
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| A reader enjoying a book. |
Being objective will help a book reviewer approach each book
with an open mind and not let personal preferences unduly influence the review. An objective viewpoint helps readers make their own judgments.
- Time
Management
Freelance book reviewers often have deadlines to meet. Good
time management is crucial to read and review books promptly, especially if
they have multiple assignments. This will not be a problem if the book reviewer has
already cultivated the culture of reading fast while jotting down notes.
- Wide
Genre Knowledge
A diverse knowledge of different genres enables a reviewer
to review a wide variety of books, making them more versatile and appealing to
potential clients.
- Understanding
of the Target Audience
A good reviewer can assess the book's intended audience and
tailor their review to provide insights that are relevant to that group.
- Respect
for Authors
While criticism is part of a book reviewer's job, it should
be delivered constructively and respectfully. Good reviewers avoid personal
attacks and focus on the book's merits and flaws. The author might have openly
exposed his anti-sematic or anti-Islam views, but as a reviewer, find a way to point this out without getting too personal. A seasoned book reviewer must always be
professional. Remember, the book was not a letter addressed to you, so your
reviewer shouldn’t be seen as a rejoinder. Nobody has asked you to set the
record straight.
I found "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" to be openly anti-God and abusive towards religion or Christianity. Well, I pointed that out as mildly as I could, though I was personally offended.
- Consistency
An excellent freelance book reviewer maintains a consistent reviewing
style, which allows their readers to know what to expect from their reviews. In
this social media era, it is good to create a following. Consistency will help
you become a brand. This is related to the next point.
- Engagement
with Readers
If you run a book review blog and usually post your book
reviews on social media, interacting with readers and responding to their
comments or questions can build a dedicated following. It shows that the
reviewer values their audience's input.
- Research
Skills
This should be somewhere up there. It's important to
research the author's background, previous works, and the book's context, which
can add depth and understanding to the review. The internet has made this
easier; just don’t be a copy-paste specialist.
- Ethical
Behavior
Adhering to ethical guidelines, such as not plagiarizing content, disclosing any conflicts of interest, and avoiding fake reviews, is essential. I mentioned AI in the introductory part of this article.
13. Versatility
Being adaptable and able to
review different types of books, from fiction to non-fiction, from self-help to
science fiction, adds to a reviewer's marketability.
- Market
Awareness
How do you select the books to review? To earn a decent
living from freelance book reviews, do not consistently review only the books
you enjoyed reading. Understanding trends in the book industry and being aware
of what's popular or up-and-coming can help reviewers select books that will
attract a wider audience.
- Networking
Building relationships with publishers, authors, and fellow
reviewers can increase opportunities and access to advanced reader copies
(ARCs).
Parting Shot
An excellent freelance book reviewer combines these qualities to
provide well-rounded, thoughtful, and trustworthy book reviews that help
readers make informed decisions about their next read. I rest my case.