5 Tips for Crafting Compelling Book Reviews on Amazon and Other Platforms

So, you just finished a book and want to let the world know what you thought about it? Leaving a book review allows you to do just that. Leaving book reviews is simpler than you think, but with countless platforms out there to host your review, you might be wondering just how to write this narrative that's forming in your mind. Here to help with ShearingHome with a comprehensive guide on how to leave reviews on Amazon, other review platforms to consider, and five tips that can help transform your reviews into something that helps other readers find your favorite reads.

How to Review Books on Amazon

Reviewing books on Amazon is simple, but it does take a few days for your review to post. Here are some helpful steps that can guide you in creating a review about your latest read:

1. Sign into your Amazon account.

• You can do this via your smart device or computer, but it might be easier to write your review from your computer.

1. Navigate to the book's product page.

2. Scroll to Review this product, usually in the Customer Reviews section.

3. Click Write a customer review.

4. Select the number of stars you want to rate the book.

• This is also the spot to write your optional review. If you have a physical copy of the book or filmed an unboxing video, you can add this to your review, too.

1. Click Submit.

Amazon goes over every review that gets posted (to ensure it complies with their standards), meaning it can take up to 72 hours for them to review and approve your post. Usually, upon approval, Amazon will send an email to the email address associated with your account, stating if your review was approved or rejected.

Other Platforms to Post Reviews

There are numerous other places to post your reviews, which is key to other readers finding your favorite stories. Here are some other platforms to consider:

• Goodreads

• Kirkus Reviews

• LibraryThing

• Book Riot

• Independent Book Review

• Book Marks

Honestly, there are so many amazing platforms that host book reviews. Besides official book review platforms, many social media platforms also have many book reviewers' posting content. Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook all have book reviewers who delve into books. From recommendations to reviews and book merch, influencers can help you find your next favorite read.

How Writing Book Reviews Can Help You Become an Official Book Reviewer

If you want to become a paid reviewer or an influencer in the book world, then writing book reviews can help you get there. Some companies offer paid review opportunities for reviewers who offer critical insight into what they read — from books to magazines or newspapers. When searching for this role, look for opportunities like "freelance book reviewer" or simply "book reviewer." Some requirements when applying for these roles include submitting previous reviews, making this crucial to nail down before applying.

5 Tips for Crafting Compelling Book Reviews

To help you weave a tale of insight and intrigue, here are five tips to consider when crafting your book review:

1. Focus on the book: Keeping your review about the book itself, instead of critiquing the author, can offer a more transparent view of the book and increase the likelihood of other readers exploring your review.

2. Keep it concise: While books are pages and pages long, reviews of them should be concise. A few paragraphs should suffice and allow enough length to summarize the book and your thoughts.

3. Try to avoid spoilers: Often easier said than done, readers want to know if a book is worth the effort or not while still being able to read it with fresh eyes. If you do have spoilers, it's important to highlight this fact at the top of your review to warn readers.

4. Proofread: Reviewers are not exempt from writing errors, so it's important to read through your review before submitting it. This can reduce the likelihood of those errors making it to the final review and can improve readability.

5. Create an eye-catching hook: Whether it's the first line or two of your review or the title of your review, it's important to create a captivating hook that keeps readers wanting to read what's next.

Want to Write Reviews for ShearingHome Books on Amazon?

Whether you rate how many stars you think a book is worth or write a full review, there are many ways to review a book. Reviews are key to helping others find your favorite reads, especially for indie books and authors. And if you really want to help an indie author out, you can sign up for their Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) reader list so you can explore books before their release and make a world of difference when the book is launched to the rest of the world. If you want to help ShearingHome books succeed, be sure to leave our books a review on Amazon.