Michelle Griep

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How to Write a Book Review

Reviews are starting to roll in for Out of the Frying Pan and The Captive Heart. 99% of them are awesome but a few are meh. It's the whiny ones that make me crazy.

So today, let's have a little refresher course on how to write a proper book review, shall we?

BE SPECIFIC

Whether you love or hate the book, say why. Details are important. Just make sure you've got your details straight and accurate.

BE CREATIVE

The best reviews are engaging to read. Make comparisons. Use powerful verbs and word pictures.

BE INTELLIGENT

You're going to look like an idiot if your logic is whacked. State cogent reasons for why you feel a certain way about the story.

BE POLITE

Save your snark for the IRS. Writing a book is dang hard so keep that in mind when a novel doesn't meet your expectations.

BE RESPECTFUL

If you're going to write about the climax of the story, be respectful of those who haven't read it yet. Always add in "Spoiler Alert" if you're going to reveal important information.

And sweet mercy, ALWAYS edit your post before you submit it.

Most of this is common sense, folks. Authors need your reviews so don't be afraid to write them. Just make sure to apply the golden rule to your words.