Are you an avid reader and a decent writer? Possibly you should eyeful into writing album reviews. There are many publications that invest in freelance book reviews. You might be able to make some extra cash.
Instructions
1. Read book reviews in major publications. You need to get a feel for how the professionals do it.
2. Research publications that hire freelancers. Read the reviews they have published. Check the guidelines for specific requirements. Some publications want everything squeezed into 300 words or less. Others like long, detailed reviews.
3. Pick a book. It's best not to choose a bestselling or well known author; those are over reviewed and major publications probably already have copies to review and someone on staff to do it. Try picking a book from a little known or new author.
4. Take notes. While reading the book, take notes about style, character development, anything that really appeals to you or stands out--both positive and negative. If it is your book, go ahead and write in it. If it's not your book or you hate defiling sacred texts (even if it is just a plain old everyday paperback), grab some sticky notes to save the pages. Maybe try those little arrow sticky tabs to point to the area of text that stood out.
5. Write a practice review. Don't use first person. The review is not about you, it's about the book and the author. Some informal reviews use first person; professional reviews, however, are all about the book. Major publications and readers have no idea who you are, and they don't care.
6. Put the facts first. Pretty much every publication puts all the info about the book at the top: title, author name, publisher, date released, price. Some include number of pages, type of book and genre of the book, such as fiction or non-fiction mystery, self help, paranormal romance and so on.
7. Make it interesting. Open with something that grabs the reader's attention, like a good quote from the book.
8. Give complete information. What type of book is it? Is it the author's first book or thirtieth book? Is it a book in a series? If so what number in the series is it, are there more to come?
9. Summarize the book quickly. In a paragraph or two describe what the book is about and what happens without giving away any important information. No plot spoilers please. Give enough info to make it interesting and give the reader a good idea of what the book is about.
The characters were alive and the story was gripping, a complete pageturner. You won't want to put it down."11. Polish the review, check for errors and submit to a publication.10. Critique away. Tell them what you thought of the book, but not in first person. Example: "The author successfully blended elements of the paranormal with real historical events to create a spellbinding story that was believable and highly engaging.
Good luck.
