This format may be followed for any publisher or company, provided you include the required information for each one.
[I review for The CWA Review Crew and the Tyndale Blog Network.]
When I Started Writing Reviews
When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of including too much information. While my intent was to break down the book for the reader, I was writing more of a report or thesis—when all I needed to include was a summary. Later, I began to dial down my thoughts, including enough information to point the reader in the right direction.
How I Begin My Reviews
In keeping with SEO and grab the reader’s attention, I usually begin with a descriptive header and open with a brief ‘about’ summary as a short introduction. And, while avoiding sounding like a commercial, I use the title of the book as my focus key word and repeat the author’s name in lieu of repeated pronoun reference.
What I Include In the Body and Closing of My Reviews
In the body of my reviews, I simply follow up on the leading paragraph and include any supporting details. It is here where I usually boldface key points to maintain the focus of the reader. I then close my final paragraph with my recommendation. If there is a particular quote that I like to include as a reference, I will include this information where it pertains to my summary or closing with the proper citations.
How I Include Author Links and Relevant Information
Finally, I always like to include relative links for both the author and the book at the end of my review. This will establish a connection and foster community with both the author’s readers and my own. It is important to note FTC guidelines when adding disclosures as discussed here by Amy Lynn Andrews. {The preformatted disclosure for CWA can be found here, with a complete list of the proper procedure for reviewing.}
How I Edit My Reviews
One of the things I am learning to do when writing reviews, or any other blog posts, is to edit my writing as I go. I pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation and make corrections where needed. I then go through the entire post again and check my links, if necessary. This helps me to remember what I need to change before completion, when I might otherwise miss a step. None of us are perfect, and it is important not to over edit ourselves; but if we are careful to correct those things we are aware of, we will find less work and less error before publishing.
Why I Write Book Reviews
I enjoy reading and appreciate the value of receiving a good, biblically based book in exchange for my honest review. My goal is to offer my thoughts with integrity and grace.
When I Post My Reviews
My goal is to post my reviews within three weeks of receipt. I am trying to keep a good schedule where I can wrap up my reading by the second week and leave the final week for processing my review. I can then schedule my review ahead of time and post my links the following day. [One of my tricks is to use the page feature within my blog. This way I can publish the review ahead of schedule, make any changes, and paste that link where required. This same link will be included in the front post of my blog when the review is posted for my readers.]
Where I Post My Reviews
Once I have completed my reviews, I post them on Amazon.com for maximum exposure and relevance to the author. I then tweet and share my reviews through various social media outlets. If time allows, I will post my reviews on Goodreads and Christianbook.com. The more we are able to share and support one another, through such outlets as The CWA Review Crew, the more reach farther and enable others to reap the fruit.
Obviously these steps will vary as time allows but can serve as a basic guideline to get you started and to keep your thoughts organized.
In summary, here are the basic steps to follow: [See also this excellent resource where Heather breaks down these steps for you as well.]
• Write only a brief summary.
• Begin with a descriptive header.
• Use the book title as your focus key word.
• Repeat the author by name.
• Follow with supporting details.
• Boldface key points.
• Close with your recommendation.
• Include [limited] quotations with proper citations.
• Include disclosure following FTC guidelines and procedures for reviews.
• Include relevant author and book links.
• Edit as you go and again at the end, before publishing.
• Offer thoughts with integrity and grace.
• Post your review in a timely fashion [3 weeks as directed by CWA].
• Post your review on Amazon.com and where applicable. [This includes posting within the crew, the group, on the fan page, and elsewhere.]
[I review for The CWA Review Crew and the Tyndale Blog Network.]
When I Started Writing Reviews
When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of including too much information. While my intent was to break down the book for the reader, I was writing more of a report or thesis—when all I needed to include was a summary. Later, I began to dial down my thoughts, including enough information to point the reader in the right direction.
How I Begin My Reviews
In keeping with SEO and grab the reader’s attention, I usually begin with a descriptive header and open with a brief ‘about’ summary as a short introduction. And, while avoiding sounding like a commercial, I use the title of the book as my focus key word and repeat the author’s name in lieu of repeated pronoun reference.
What I Include In the Body and Closing of My Reviews
In the body of my reviews, I simply follow up on the leading paragraph and include any supporting details. It is here where I usually boldface key points to maintain the focus of the reader. I then close my final paragraph with my recommendation. If there is a particular quote that I like to include as a reference, I will include this information where it pertains to my summary or closing with the proper citations.
How I Include Author Links and Relevant Information
Finally, I always like to include relative links for both the author and the book at the end of my review. This will establish a connection and foster community with both the author’s readers and my own. It is important to note FTC guidelines when adding disclosures as discussed here by Amy Lynn Andrews. {The preformatted disclosure for CWA can be found here, with a complete list of the proper procedure for reviewing.}
How I Edit My Reviews
One of the things I am learning to do when writing reviews, or any other blog posts, is to edit my writing as I go. I pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation and make corrections where needed. I then go through the entire post again and check my links, if necessary. This helps me to remember what I need to change before completion, when I might otherwise miss a step. None of us are perfect, and it is important not to over edit ourselves; but if we are careful to correct those things we are aware of, we will find less work and less error before publishing.
Why I Write Book Reviews
I enjoy reading and appreciate the value of receiving a good, biblically based book in exchange for my honest review. My goal is to offer my thoughts with integrity and grace.
When I Post My Reviews
My goal is to post my reviews within three weeks of receipt. I am trying to keep a good schedule where I can wrap up my reading by the second week and leave the final week for processing my review. I can then schedule my review ahead of time and post my links the following day. [One of my tricks is to use the page feature within my blog. This way I can publish the review ahead of schedule, make any changes, and paste that link where required. This same link will be included in the front post of my blog when the review is posted for my readers.]
Where I Post My Reviews
Once I have completed my reviews, I post them on Amazon.com for maximum exposure and relevance to the author. I then tweet and share my reviews through various social media outlets. If time allows, I will post my reviews on Goodreads and Christianbook.com. The more we are able to share and support one another, through such outlets as The CWA Review Crew, the more reach farther and enable others to reap the fruit.
Obviously these steps will vary as time allows but can serve as a basic guideline to get you started and to keep your thoughts organized.
In summary, here are the basic steps to follow: [See also this excellent resource where Heather breaks down these steps for you as well.]
• Write only a brief summary.
• Begin with a descriptive header.
• Use the book title as your focus key word.
• Repeat the author by name.
• Follow with supporting details.
• Boldface key points.
• Close with your recommendation.
• Include [limited] quotations with proper citations.
• Include disclosure following FTC guidelines and procedures for reviews.
• Include relevant author and book links.
• Edit as you go and again at the end, before publishing.
• Offer thoughts with integrity and grace.
• Post your review in a timely fashion [3 weeks as directed by CWA].
• Post your review on Amazon.com and where applicable. [This includes posting within the crew, the group, on the fan page, and elsewhere.]
Ginger Wade is wife to her wonderful husband, Jerry, and mother to their two crazy teen boys Gordon and Jordon. She is a homeschool mom who loves to encourage the lives of others while growing in the Lord together. She has a heart for ministry and hopes to raise two strong men who will rear their families in the direction of the Lord. Her ultimate desire is to impart His love and compassion as she has so graciously received (Luke 7:47, AMP). Her greatest accomplishment is her family—her husband, her boys, and all that they are and aspire to become. Though her writing is sometimes more serious than others, she is never without her favorite cup of coffee, a whole lot of chocolate, and much window-shopping on Pinterest. You can find Ginger journaling her thoughts and His Word through her blog GingerRWade.com or connect through Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
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