Discussing 'I want to be a book reviewer!' in the BEA Lit Insiders group

Discussions: I want to be a book reviewer!

I want to be a book reviewer!

Started by Dana, Monday, September 3 2007. Last post Wednesday, February 6 2008.

Hello All,

I am a fellow avid reader and am interested in publishing reviews for books and manuscripts. Can anyone recommend where to get started? I've done some research, even bought a 'How To Get Published As A Book Reviewer' book. Any suggestions will be helpful.

Best,

Dana

bevbooks - Thursday, September 6 2007

Hi Dana....you can apply at www.myshelf.com. Currently looking for reviewers in all genres.
You can write reviews for Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble anytime. Just log on to the site and review the books that you have read.
TeensReadToo.com is always looking for reviewers for kids from 8 years to Young Adult.
MyShelf.com and TeensReadToo are greatly respected review sites, but none of them pay for reviews. You get all the free books you can read, and your name out there as a reviewer. Frequently there are interview opportunities there too....it's great fun!

RedMaryJane - Thursday, September 6 2007

Hi.
I'm glad I saw this topic. Are there any review sites that do pay for reviews?

bevbooks - Thursday, September 6 2007

I don't know of any review sites that do pay...and I think for the most part, getting paid for a review is frowned upon, since it is the general feeling that the review might be biased if you are paid to do it. I have seen some advertising for reviews for pay, but the pay was so small that I didn't consider it worth pursuing. The books that you receive free are valuable, and sometimes authors even sign the ARCs or first editions that they send to you.

Nevaeh - Thursday, September 6 2007

Cool. That's some good information. You can also visit some high traffic sites that offer book reviews and find out if they're looking for reviewers. I've done eBook reviews to help out a fellow author when she became swamped with submissions. No monetary compensation, though. Instead, she allowed me to promote my book on her site.

Dana - Friday, September 7 2007

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Out of my research I've found that reviewers who get paid, only earn $25-$30 per review. I was encouraged to do it by several women who like my taste in books and strongly consider my recommendations when purchasing.

bevbooks - Friday, September 7 2007

So, Dana, can you give us names and addresses of publishers/web sites that do pay? I think some newspapers might buy reviews from freelancers.
You really get a lot of time invested in each review by the time you read the book and write the review. Ever try to write a 4-500 word review on a children's book that only has less than 100 words in it???

Hajni - Wednesday, February 6 2008

Hi Dana,
Substance Books is always looking for good reviewers with experience.
Our authors and publishers will pay for reviews that can be used for promotion.
1. Establish yourself as a reviewer by posting reviews on Amazon.
2. Email me with links to your reviews and your preferred genre.

I hope this helps,
Hajni
publicist@substancebooks.com
Online Book Publicist & SEO Specialist
SUBSTANCE BOOKS
Online Book Publicity Network;
providing Search Engine Marketing and Exposure to
over 300 authors and publishers since 2001.

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Discussions: I want to be a book reviewer!