how to write a book review on instagram

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How to write book reviews on instagram.

As you might expect, book review posts are pretty much a staple of bookstagram. It's pretty common to see a pretty photo of a book accompanied by the bookstagrammer's review and/or rating in the caption. But writing reviews on Instagram is a little different to writing reviews on Goodreads or elsewhere.

1. Pair your review with a great photo

2. Be aware of the character limit

3. use short paragraphs, 4. be informal.

5. Throw in a few emojis

6. avoid spoilers if at all possible.

The Ultimate Guide to Bookstagram for Beginners

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 15th September 2023  - Last updated: 25th February 2024

Categories Book Blogging , Books

Thinking about starting a bookstagram? Here’s all you need to know about how to start a bookstagram from someone who’s been doing it for over a decade!

Have you been wondering what bookstagram is or want to know how to start a bookstagram account?

This comprehensive guide to bookstagram will take you through everything from what bookstagram is to how to create a bookstagram account, how to get bookstagram followers and more!

Over the years I’ve grown my Instagram from 0 to 70,000+ followers and these are some of my bookstagram tips to begin your journey to do the same. By the end of this guide, you will know how to bookstagram like a pro .

If you’re not already following me on Instagram, you can check out my account at @ whatshotblog where I post about books and travel.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura | What’s Hot? 🇨🇳🇬🇧 (@whatshotblog)

Now, let’s get started:

What is bookstagram?

Bookstagram, or book Instagram, is a niche corner of the internet for book lovers. Using the hashtag #bookstagram, you’ll find millions and millions of book-related photos posted by people from all over the world.

It’s an online community of bookworms who love to share pictures or videos of what they’re reading, their favourite books, their bookshelves, the libraries and bookshops they’re exploring and more.

All manner of bookish people are on bookstagram including authors, bookworms, booksellers, bookshops, libraries, book prizes and more. So you see there’s no simple answer for what is a bookstagram account!

If you’re an author then I’d suggest heading to my post on bookstagram for indie authors too.

How to Start a Bookstagram

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to start a book instagram account! These simple steps below make creating a bookstagram super quick and easy.

Choose a bookstagram handle

First things first, you need to set up an Instagram account. If you want to properly immerse yourself in bookstagram then I suggest creating a new account dedicated to books, rather than converting an existing, personal account.

In doing so, you’ll have to choose yourself a bookstagram handle. But what to choose?! The possibilities are truly endless.

Think about why you’re starting a bookstagram account for some name inspiration. If you’ve got an existing book blog then obviously using the same name across your social media channels is advisable. If not, then it’s time to get your thinking cap on.

Many popular bookstagram accounts include words such as books, novel, tome, literature, bookworm, bookshelf, library, read, bookish, literary. Alternatively, you might be inspired by a favourite quote, character or place.

Or if you’re going to run a niche account and only focus on a certain kind of literature then you might want to be more specific and include keywords like young adult, thrillers, romance, bookshops, fiction, historical etc.

Have a little brainstorm about what kind of content you’re going to post and the vibe you’re aiming for. A combination of words related to those two themes, or even your name, might help you come with something good!

Make sure to do a quick search on Instagram to check it’s not already taken too.

Write a great bio for bookstagram

Now that you’ve chosen your bookstagram handle, it’s time to fill out your profile and write yourself a little bio to give a little insight into your account.

My bookstagram bio contains four lines in which I explain: what type of blogger I am, my blog’s tag line with my content’s aim, one line about me and a reminder to check out my blog for more content.

This is your chance to help people visiting your profile get to know you a bit better. The problem is, you’ve only got 150 words to do it. It’s tricky writing something concise here and people take different approaches.

You might include what genres you like to read, the name of their current read or the number of books they’ve read so far that year.

Or you might choose to focus more on your personal traits and share a few things that you love. And throw a few emojis in so people know you’re human.

Mix it up and find what works for you. You can always have a look at the bios of some of your favourite accounts for further bookstagram bio ideas.

I also tend to give mine a little “refresh” every few months or so, don’t feel you have to stick with a particular bio.

Although you have the option to add an email button to your Instagram page, I find that people rarely see this and end up DMing me information and asking for my email.

As a result, lots of people put their blog email addresses in their bios so it’s really clear where people can get in touch.

A lot of PR and marketing assistants will look for bookstagrammers to work with via the desktop version of their Instagram, where the email button doesn’t appear, so I personally advise putting the email directly in the bio.

If you’ve got a blog, make sure to link to it from your Instagram page too. You can now add multiple links to your Instagram bio, which is great as you can link to your blog, your other social media channels, a mailing list, your Goodreads account or other interesting articles.

Some people still prefer to use platforms such as linktr.ee . This is a single link which opens up into a page with a list of more links.

READ MORE: How I got Started on Bookstagram: 0 to 70,000+ followers

Convert your account to a creator account

If you want to grow your bookstagram, I’d highly recommend making the (free) switch from a personal account to a creator account.

This will give you an insight into your Instagram stats including information about where your followers are located and what time they’re usually online.

You’ll be able to see the gender divide of your audience, the age brackets they fall in and your follower growth amongst other things.

This is invaluable information that will help you figure out what time to post, which posts are doing well and more.

If you’re hoping to later monetise your account, this is an important step as brands may well ask for screenshots of this information down the line too.

To do this, simply go to your account settings and select “Account”. At the bottom of the page, there are some links in blue, which should give you the option to switch to either a creator or a business account.

Unless if you’re planning on selling products or opening an online store, I’d go with the creator account.

NB. You may find instead a single option for a “professional” account, which will give you the same insights.

Posting to Bookstagram

Now let’s turn to how to bookstagram.

Bookstagram post ideas

Now your account is all set up, it’s time to get posting! The style and type of content on bookstagram is hugely varied so it’s good to get an idea of what content you might like to create before you first press that publish button.

Some bookstagrammers are all about the caption and post long-form reviews. If you’re here because you want to know how to create a book blog on Instagram or how to be a book blogger on Instagram then you’ll likely post in this style.

Instagram has become a sort of micro-blogging platform and captions can be up to 2,200 characters so there’s plenty of space for mini reviews.

Other bookstagrammers are all about the aesthetics and post beautiful book-related photos and videos. Some only post flatlays, others only post about bookshops. Some never post shots with them in them, others post pictures and videos of themselves reading.

As you can see, “bookstagram” is a very generic term for a huge range of book-related content. I’d say my feed is a mixture of all of the above options so don’t feel the need to pigeonhole yourself. Get posting and you’ll soon find your groove.

It took me years to find mine so don’t worry too much about this and just enjoy posting about books and making new bookstagram friends.

You should also experiment with all the different post types that Instagram has to offer. At the moment, there are 6 different types of content you can create on Instagram: posts, carousels, reels, stories, lives, and guides.

Trying them all out will force you to exercise a little creativity and you’ll figure out what your style is!

Check out this post about my bookstagram evolution to see my very first bookstagram post and how it developed from there. For more inspiration check out these beautiful and creative bookstagram accounts:

RELATED: 20 Beautiful Bookstagram Accounts to Follow Now

Bookstagram props

If you’ve already had a chance to browse through bookstagram and the content on there, you may notice that people love to post book flatlays and book stacks with other props in them.

By bookstagram props, I mean items that aren’t books that go in your photos.

You’ll see that some of the biggest bookstagrammers are constantly buying new props for their accounts and are veritable prop hoarders. But it’s absolutely not necessary to buy props specifically for your bookstagram account.

There are plenty of items around the house that will work very well too.

READ MORE: 24 Bookstagram Props to Use in Your Book Flatlays

An easy one, which you’ll already have in your home, is a mug. Books and tea go hand in hand, right? That’s what I’ve been told anyway… I’m not a fan! An insult to both my cultures.

Other things you might have around the house that could be bookstagram props include clothes, slippers, bookmarks, cushions, dry flowers, glasses, bags, newspapers, the list goes on!

If you’ve been tempted by other bookstagrammers, some other popular bookstagram props you could invest in include funko pops (tiny figurines of popular book and film characters), candles, posters, book sleeves, bookish tote bags and more.

READ MORE: Accessories That Every Bookworm Needs

Editing bookstagram photos

If you want your bookstagram feed to have a “theme” or consistent look, then you should think about what kind of edit you want to apply to your images.

Some people apply very minimalist editing whilst others will go for strong filters.

When I started on bookstagram I focussed on bright, white images and then moved to darker desaturated tones. Now, my feed is the opposite and is quite bright with warm, orangy tones.

Picking a consistent theme can help build a brand and image style that your followers instantly come to recognise when it pops up on your feed.

Instagram has its own editing tools inside the app, but in terms of good-quality filters, theirs are rather limited. If you want a great, free app to start off with, I’d recommend VSCO.

They’ve got loads of great filters you can apply and adjust as you please. If you want to upgrade to some of the nicer filters, this will cost you a subscription fee of around £29.99 per year (which works out as less than £2.50 a month!).

I personally use Lightroom to edit my photos and this is part of Adobe’s editing suite. It’s more expensive at £9.99 per month but you can do so much more with your images on this computer programme (the mobile app version is free!).

This is one for the slightly more experienced photographers or those looking to really perfect their images with editing.

You can create or buy your own filters for Lightroom, known as presets, which mean you can apply the same tones to every photo.

I now use my own presets, which are available to purchase from my shop here . If you love the look of the photos and videos on my blog and Instagram then please do purchase my preset pack to give your photos a warm glow with just one click!

These bookstagram presets are used on all my online images and come in three varieties – light, dark and warm. Don’t worry if you’ve never used Lightroom before as there’s a preset installation guide included!

What’s great is that Lightroom recently introduced an update so you can use these presets on videos too!

Edit your photos like me with my presets, available here!

There are free presets that you can download from the internet but, in my experience, none of them are quite as good as those sold by photographers and content creators.

If you’re not ready to make your own presets or invest in some then I think you’d be better off with an editing app on your phone. That’s my experience anyway!

Browse cheap presets on Etsy from small businesses here!

Planning your bookstagram feed

Now you’ve got some images, you’ve edited them and you’re raring to go! But what order do you post them in?

To some people, this will seem like a silly question. But to the perfectionists out there who want to curate a beautiful, consistent feed, this is another important step.

Using planning apps can help you to get a sense of what your Instagram feed will look like ahead of time.

This is useful for seeing whether your most recent set of photos all work well together, as well as for pre-scheduling some photos and captions.

I would recommend starting with the app Planoly , which is free, so it’s a great option for those who don’t want to spend any money on bookstagram.

I currently use Preview App , which is great for scheduling content on both your phone and desktop or if you’re managing multiple accounts.

Using these apps, you can upload all your edited bookstagram photos and then rearrange them as you please. You simply use your finger to drag the images and they’ll move into a new order.

It’s amazing to see what a difference this can make. You can also write your captions for each photo ahead of time and save a bank of hashtags to use .

You can now schedule Instagram posts from within the app, but this is generally a little glitchy so I’d recommend manually posting content in the moment or from your drafts folder.

If you are using an app like Planoly or Preview App, you can set up notifications so they remind you when to post and you can just copy and paste a pre-written caption from the app to Instagram. Easy.

Tip : Be careful to make sure you never log out of or delete your Instagram account if you have lots of draft posts ready to go as these will all disappear!

How do I get followers on bookstagram?

Whilst I don’t think bookstagram should be all about the followers, let’s be honest, everyone wants their account to grow and for their work to be appreciated! Here are tips for getting more engagement and followers on bookstagram.

Post content that is educational, entertaining or inspirational

There are three key types of content on Instagram that you can create to encourage people to follow you.

These are educational content, entertaining content or inspirational content.

In a bookstagram context, this could mean content that is informative (e.g. book reviews, book lists, information on new releases), funny or relatable (e.g. poking fun at bookstagrammer traits like book hoarding) or motivational or inspirational content (e.g. beautiful libraries to visit in the future, beautiful home libraries etc.).

Post a variety of content in different formats

As mentioned above, there are 6 different types of content you can create on Instagram, and posting a variety of them all seems to please the algorithm.

Whilst I wouldn’t advocate becoming a slave to the algorithm, it is inevitably an important aspect of Instagram!

At the moment, Instagram is heavily pushing out video content and so you’ll definitely want to experiment with the reels function, which is a TikTok style of video.

Reels even have their own section of the app which is accessed from the bar at the bottom of the app, proving their importance!

The best way to use reels is to search for trending audio (it will have a little tick next to it) and put your own spin on that sound. Your videos need to be able to hook people in the first few seconds so short, snappy videos tend to do very well.

My top tip to anyone who asks me about how to grow followers on Instagram is to engage with the community you’re in.

You need to like and comment on other people’s photos regularly and start to form connections with similar accounts. If you don’t engage with the community, why should they engage with you?

Doing this is how I’ve made so many good friends via bookstagram, something I never dreamed would happen when I set up my account.

If you take the time to read people’s captions and make meaningful comments, you’ll find that you can start to form connections with people.

Don’t just go down your bookstagram feed and comment “nice pic”. This is not a good form of engagement.

I suppose now would be a good time to talk about engagement pods. An engagement pod or comment pod is a chat group (usually within Instagram but it could be on another platform), where people post their latest photos and ask for other people in the group to comment and like it.

They’re set up to “beat the algorithm” as Instagram has a habit of hiding people’s posts from our feeds if we don’t interact with them much.

I know that so many bookstagrammers participate in these, but I really don’t recommend them. I’ll admit that I was in one of these when I first got started with bookstagram and found it incredibly stressful.

If the group is large, it’s a big commitment to make I think it takes the fun out of posting and making friends organically.

It doesn’t drive genuine engagement and it means you are obligated to comment on content that perhaps doesn’t resonate with you.

These groups also breach the guidelines of most influencer marketing platforms now as they are seen as a form of fake engagement.

If you’re friends with the people in these groups and comment on their feeds regularly, their posts should show up in your feed naturally. It’s much better to grow organically than to try and use tactics like this, in my opinion.

Hashtags are essential to being discovered by more accounts on Instagram. So important in fact that I’ve written an entire article dedicated to book hashtags and how to use them!

If you want some inspiration and examples for which book hashtags to use, then check out this in-depth article:

READ MORE: All You Need to Know About Book Hashtags

Essentially, Instagram will allow you to add up to 30 hashtags to every post and to maximise reach you should be including relevant hashatags on each of your posts.

There are quite a lot of opinions on the “best” number of hashtags to use.

Whilst some still say that you should be going for the maximum of 30, I myself have been on a call with an Instagram representative who said that 7 or so hashtags is ideal.

Personally, I still go for around 30 hashtags, but make sure they are all super relevant to the content you are posting – don’t bother using hashtags that aren’t relevant or needed.

Play around with this and see what works best for you.

There are so many bookstagram hashtags out there and unfortunately using those like #bookstagram #books will not be sufficient.

These hashtags have millions and millions of users and new posts are appearing every second. This means your post will be drowned in a sea of other new photos being uploaded at the same time.

Instead, you should carefully curate some book hashtags that are relevant to your photo and account. If you pick smaller and very relevant hashtags you should be discovered by other like-minded people.

There’s much more detail in my dedicated article on book hashtags so make sure to read that next.

Consistency

Consistency is really important on social media to train the algorithms to know what to expect from you, what time to expect it etc.

When you are just starting out, it can be useful to post content that stems from a similar theme so the algorithm knows what kind of content you post and can push it out to people that it knows like similar content.

You don’t need to confine yourself to too strict a niche, but it can be easier to grow if you post a similar style or type of video on a regular basis. Once your account is a bit larger, it can be easier to branch out into more varied content.

Instagram values those who post engaging content on a regular and consistent basis. Think of Instagram like a hungry bear that needs to be fed at regular intervals, preferably very regular intervals.

Of course, most people are not able to sit on Instagram all day engaging with other accounts and posting their own content. But it is still important to be consistent.

If you can only post three times a week, then try to post on the same three days, at the same time each week. This trains the algorithm to know what to expect from you and will be better than posting one post a day for three days and then disappearing for two weeks.

Whether it’s one post a week or one post a day, consistency is key.

Can I get free books?

Really this question warrants a post of its own, but the short answer is yes .

If you have an engaged following on bookstagram, it’s likely that publishers will be willing to send you review copies of their titles.

The great thing is that you don’t need a huge number of followers to receive review copies and I’ve seen plenty of accounts with under 1000 followers receive gifted books from publishers.

I think that as long as you can show that you can add value with beautiful pictures, informative captions, an engaged audience or, ideally, a mixture of all these and more, then publishers will be open to hearing from you. They may even slide into your DMs themselves.

You might not be able to get a copy of the latest Harry Potter book if you’re still a small account but, publishers are keen to get their new releases out on bookstagram.

READ MORE: Why Influencers Shouldn’t Use the Term “Gifted”

Side note, I don’t really like using the term “free” as I don’t think anything truly comes for free.

In exchange, the publisher will expect you to post about the book on your feed and give the book publicity so it’s a reciprocal, working relationship. Which brings me to…

Can you earn money from bookstagram?

Now we’re in sticky territory. People have a lot of opinions about whether or not bookstagrammers should be paid. Arguments often get quite heated.

My personal opinion is that they absolutely should. I won’t get into the nitty-gritty here as I wrote an entire article here about why I think bookstagrammers should be paid .

I also asked some of the top book influencers what they think about the influencer marketing industry in the book realm and they also agreed that bookstagrammers should be paid. Read their thoughts in full here: book bloggers share what they think of the influencer marketing industry .

Publishers have been slow to adapt but some progress has been made since I published the two articles I just linked.

It is definitely possible to make money from bookstagram, but it often means being willing to promote non-book-related products.

I don’t know any full-time bookstagrammer who only makes money from bookstagram or book blogging and all have diverse income streams.

Funnily enough, publishers seem to be more willing to pay posts on the other platform and there are a lot of quite successful BookTokers.

But, generally, it is a lot harder to earn money if you are in the book niche as compared to, say, fashion or parenting.

How can I earn money from bookstagram?

The two main ways to earn money from Instagram are sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Sponsored posts usually work in one of two ways: either brands come to you or you sign up to an influencer marketing platform. Pitching to brands is also a possibility if you can find out who to get in touch with.

Two popular influencer marketing platforms that I know offer bookish opportunities include Takumi and Tribe . I’ve used both extensively in the past and they’re good platforms to experiment with when starting out with sponsored posts.

As my account has grown, I’ve found it less suited to these apps, whose rates are very (very!) low, but I’d recommend having a look to see if they are hosting opportunities that are right for you.

Of course, just because your account is about books does not mean that should only seek book-related sponsored opportunities.

Depending on your style of photos and how niche your account is, you may find it easy to promote other products like snacks or stationery for example.

There will definitely be more opportunities for these kinds of products than there will be for books or strictly book-related products.

RELATED: How to Disclose Sponsored Posts on Instagram

Instagram allows accounts of all sizes to post links in their stories so anyone can start earning with affiliate links.

You could also add affiliate links to the link in your bio as mentioned above.

I have a whole post dedicated to affiliate links for book bloggers where you can learn more about which platforms to use and what retailers are available.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Affiliate Marketing for Book Bloggers

That’s it for now! If you’ve been asking yourself “should I start a bookstagram?” then you absolutely should. Out of all the communities on Instagram, bookstagram is one of the friendliest.

Compare bookstagram to the world of fashion or travel influencers or even book twitter, bookstagram has one of the nicest internet communities out there.

Social media can often be a toxic place, but bookstagram has always been a positive space for me.

I hope this guide about how to make a bookstagram has been helpful and will give you the confidence to set up your own bookstagram.

Don’t let worries about how to start bookstagram stop you from actually getting going.

If you’d like any more detail on the above or more tips for starting a book Instagram, please let me know in the comments below or by dropping me a DM on Instagram !

If you’re interested in becoming a book blogger too, then make sure to check out my guide for how to start a book blog too.

If you found this post helpful, please  support me with a small contribution on Ko-Fi . This information was provided free of charge but is invaluable to bloggers and influencers and I’d really appreciate your support!

Pin now, read again later!

If you liked this post, check out these: How I Read Over 75+ Books Per Year How to Start a Book Blog 36 Book Blog Post Ideas My Bookstagram Evolution Book Hashtag Guide Behind the scenes on Instagram

Editor of What’s Hot?

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Could you post a mix of educational, entertaining, and inspirational content? Or would that be too much?

Sunday 18th of July 2021

Is it important that the picture you post on bookstagram should belong to you only??

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Copyright of an image will always belong to the person who took the original photo. There are lots of repost accounts on Instagram but it is best practice to send a message to the photo owner to double-check they are ok for you to repost their image. When you repost it, you should always tag and credit the image owner clearly.

Wednesday 14th of July 2021

I love this. This has given me some great ideas on becoming apart of this community xx

Sunday 17th of January 2021

I also having some problem with converting it into creators account

If you have the option of converting to a professional account then I would do that. Then you can access insights etc.

Yeisha Beasley

Wednesday 21st of October 2020

My Instagram account says switch to a Professional Account but it doesn't have a Creator Account. Is the Professional Account the same as a Creator Account

In that case, you should convert to the professional account to access insights :) I believe Professional encompasses both Business and Creator though am unsure if you will have the option to later choose Creator specifically.

I believe professional accounts can be either creator accounts or business accounts. Once you click through to turn it into a professional account, I think you’d have the option to specifically make it a creator account. Instagram has more info on their own website that’s worth reading: https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/2358103564437429.

Anne R. Allen's Blog... with Ruth Harris

Writing about writing. Mostly.

October 13, 2019 By Anne R. Allen 42 Comments

Book Blog Reviews and Bookstagram: How Influencers Help Authors Reach Agents, Publishers, and Readers

by Julie Valerie.

 from book blog to book deal. .

First things first, because I’m sure this question is on a lot of writer’s minds: does a book blog still land a book deal?

My answer? Of course they do. Great writing and great content will always find an audience, and where there’s an audience, especially a sizable one, there’s typically a book deal waiting to happen. Think Julie Powell, Candice Bushnell, Jen Lancaster, and Jenny Lawson.

Not to mention, entire empires (with books launched along the way), have been built on the humble foundations of blog sites that just wouldn’t quit. Think ProBlogger’s Darren Rowse and Content Marketing Institute’s Joe Pulizzi.

Getting Visible is an Uphill Battle.

For published and unpublished writers, whether traditionally-published, hybrid, or self-published, it’s often an uphill battle to garner attention for our work.

Working with influencers such as book reviewers, bookstagrammers , and book bloggers is an excellent way of reaching both a wider audience as well as an audience that may lead to signing with an agent or landing a traditional book deal. (If this is something you are seeking, not all authors share the same goals.)

Many authors invest considerable time networking with book influencers. Some have worked to build influence and audiences for their work by becoming  professional book reviewers, bookstagrammers, and/or book bloggers.

I’m one of those authors.

How My Book Blog Worked For Me.

Though I do work closely with bookstagrammers now that the first book in my Village of Primm series is releasing with Lake Union Publishing December 2019, I do not have professional experience as a bookstagrammer. (Bookstagram is a book-related platform on Instagram. Here’s more info on becoming a bookstagrammer ….Anne)

That said, as a former book-reviewing book blogger, I can report that I reviewed 200+ books in my genre while writing my debut novel, seeking an agent, and signing with a publisher.

Technically speaking, I was not “discovered” solely because of my book blog, though many authors have been. I did, however, cite my work as a book reviewer and book blogger in the query letter that ultimately led to my signing with my agent.

And I believe the body of work I produced on my blog over the course of many years helped with that. So did the audience I built and the network of fellow writers I nurtured, as well as the market research and knowledge I acquired reviewing 200+ books in my genre. They helped to strengthen my credentials as an author in today’s competitive book publishing industry—whether I had pursued a traditional or indie path toward publishing.

Though I signed with an agent who sold my women’s fiction series to a publisher based on the merits of the manuscript, at the time, I was an unpublished writer.

Having that book blog demonstrated I could meet deadlines, produce a lot of writing on a timely schedule, and sustain a writing life that not only built readership (very important) in advance of the first book, but also one that built relationships with other writers. Also important.

When You Have to Step Aside from Your Book Blog.

Unfortunately, I had to give up my book blog in 2016. The development of the Village of Primm series, coupled with the launch of the 85K Writing Challenge, led to a redesign of my work life.

I miss my book blogging days.

But I do produce steady content for my author site at julievalerie.com, including a monthly author newsletter, and I will continue to do so for as long as I’m in the industry. I feel it’s a necessary part of conducting business.

Why Bother with a Blog or Website?

There are many benefits of hosting your content on your own website. One, unlike content shared on social media, what you write on your site isn’t fleeting and isn’t bound by the rules of someone else. But more importantly? Two, you own that content – not so with content published to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And three, as long as you keep your domain name and web hosting services active, no one can pull the plug on what you want to present to the world. Your author site is your space, your portfolio, your home.

Note: If you’re pursuing a publishing contract, be mindful of copyright law before publishing excerpts of your unpublished work. A publisher may consider what you post as already “published” and in the public domain.

Was book reviewing and book blogging a lot of work? Yes, it most certainly was.

Was it worth it in the end? Absolutely. But enough about me.

Let’s Talk about You.

I’m here to share a broad overview of the “influencer” sector of the publishing industry so that you can decide how best to proceed according to your goals. Who knows where your work in this sector of the book industry might lead you?

Are you interested in reaching readers, building name recognition, increasing awareness of book titles, and driving sales? Of course, you are. Who wouldn’t be? But how does an author do  that? Let’s drill down, starting with  why  any of this should matter to you.

Should You Start a Book Blog or Become a Bookstagrammer?

What are the benefits of working with or becoming a book blogger or bookstagrammer who posts book reviews?

Though the what, the why, and the how of book reviews, bookstagram, and book blogs differ slightly, what they all have in common is their exceptional ability to reach an author’s end consumer, whether that end consumer be agents, publishers, other industry professionals, or the most coveted end consumer of all: readers.

Many authors have enjoyed careers that skyrocket after receiving coverage in the book review, bookstagram, and book blog ecosystem. And many writers, while writing their first novel, have gained meaningful access to the book industry through their work as a book reviewer, bookstagrammer, and/or book blogger.

Book reviews, bookstagram, and book blogs are important constituents within the book industry because they offer authors the opportunity to attract attention that:

• builds name recognition
• raises awareness for book titles, and
• drives sales

How Does an Author Maximize these Opportunities?

Start by considering the  people  behind the book reviews, bookstagram, and book blogs as well as the role those people play as influencers in a crowded book market.

A great place to start is understanding influencers and influencer marketing.

What is an Influencer?

An influencer is anyone who uses their knowledge, authority, social position, audience, or relationship with others to affect the decisions of an audience.

Types of influencers:

• celebrities
• industry leaders
• industry experts
• thought leaders
• content creators
• journalists
• book reviewers
• micro-influencers
• social media mavens
• vloggers, podcasters, booktubers, etc.
• other authors

Celebrities are typically considered the original influencers. They still play an important role within the book industry, especially celebrities with book clubs. They carry a lot of clout due to their large, already established, and loyal fan base, which helps to move the needle on sales.

Industry leaders , industry experts, and thought leaders are often executives, brand or genre specialists, and often work for publishing companies, trade publications, professional organizations, and the like.

Content creators and journalists provide a steady flow of information consumed by broad audiences.

Book blog reviewers , bloggers, micro-influencers, social media mavens, vloggers, podcasters, and booktubers all fall under the focus of this discussion but differ from the above types of influencers due to their unique ability to speak directly to their audiences with peer-to-peer “voice,” which lends authenticity to their influence through active, often daily interactions with their fan base. With these types of influencers, fan bases are treated as a wide web of interconnected friends.

Because of this “extended conversation with friends” and the unique blend of highly niche book chatter and its resulting word-of-mouth book recommendations, agents, publishers, industry professionals, authors, and most certainly,  readers  to take notice.

As a debut novelist with the first book in a series releasing December 1, 2019, I work closely with bookstagrammers, but I don’t have personal experience working  as  a bookstagrammer. I do have experience as a book reviewer and book blogger and would love to share a few insights with you.

The Inside Scoop on Working with Book Influencers

1. know what you’re asking. .

The behind-the-scenes life of a book influencer is hard, time-consuming work.

When seeking a book review on either Instagram, a book blog, or some other media like a podcast, vlog, or booktube, keep in mind you are asking someone to commit about five to eight hours of their life to you.

I estimate it took me about four to six hours to read the book, about an hour to write a thoughtful review, and then another hour creating a blog post, scheduling social media to support that blog post, and then finally, uploading the book review to the various book review sites. And that doesn’t count time spent monitoring the published post to engage with readers in the comment section.

Taking all of this into consideration, what are my tips?

Be courteous. Submit all materials in a timely manner. Remember to thank them, share their coverage on your social media channels, and be sure to engage with their readership in the comment section of the post.

2. Research first.

No one likes a cold call. And it’s frustrating when someone asks you to review a book from a genre you clearly don’t cover. It shows they took no time to get to know you, your work, and your audience.

My first name is Julie. My last name is Valerie. I make this distinction clear on my website and sign off on all emails as simply “Julie” (with, but the way, a notation in my email signature that clarified my first and last name).

But there was one author who kept swinging by my site whenever she had a book release, asking for coverage (remember those five to eight hours I described above?), and she simply could not stop referring to me as if my first name was Valerie. Now, I typically don’t care if you get my name wrong. Truly. (It happens all the time.) But this one particular author really bugged me. It seemed selfish on her part. Not to mention unprofessional.

If you’re asking someone to devote possibly eight hours to your  book, and you’re asking someone to share your book with  their  readers, please, spend meaningful time researching their platform, don’t send a form letter, nurture the relationship, and for goodness sake, get the person’s first name right.

Some tips: Start by interacting with their platform. If they’ve posted something you enjoy, leave a comment, or consider sharing their post with your audience on your platform (author Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, your website, etc.). Get to know them as people. Try to establish authentic, meaningful connections. Some of my closest friendships in the book world are with book lovers that are not authors or writers, but rather, people who love the written word as much as I do and seek to connect readers with great books.

3. Don’t show up only when it suits you.

Here’s a novel idea: be present and participate in conversations when your book isn’t launching or in promotion. I think most people understand if there’s a spike in your activities around the time of your pub date or promotion, but if you’re nowhere to be found in the “off-season” and if you don’t support others when it’s their time to shine, people will sense your interest might be a little one-sided. By the time my first book will be released, I will have spent seven years participating full-time in the book community. Seven years.

My tip? Always remember that more often than not, it’s not about you. It’s about someone else. So help each other out. Celebrate. Do onto others. You know, that stuff you first learned in kindergarten.

4. Tips on how to ask.

Be polite. Write a courteous, personalized letter addressing them by name (the correct name.) Write a few sentences that either reflect your current relationship, or, if your query is the attempted start of a working relationship beyond baseline social media interactions, then include a few sentences that indicate you know who they are, what they do, and what they are seeking to cover on their platform.

Include enough information about your book to help them decide if it’s a match for them and their audience. If they indicate a preferred format (ebook, paperback, etc.), try your best to accommodate them. If you can provide a signed book giveaway (or similar), say so. Also, indicate if you can answer interview questions and the like.

(And here’s a post on how NOT to query a blogger …Anne.) 

5. Be prepared with a complete media kit. 

Some items to include in your media kit: book cover, jacket copy, early endorsements, an excerpt if available, publisher name, pub date, buy links, author press photo, author bio, social media links, and a subscribe link to your author newsletter. The goal here is to anticipate ahead of time and then gather in one place everything that book influencer may need.

6. Follow up and work to maintain the relationship.

After coverage of your book goes “live,” thank the influencer in the comment section of the post. Keep an eye on the comment section of the post so that you can interact with the influencer’s audience (when appropriate and with proper etiquette).

Be mindful of the valued and very important relationship the influencer has with  their  audience. If you’re a guest on their platform, then please, first and foremost, be friendly, be active, and be kind and considerate to the influencer’s audience.

That’s a Wrap!

I hope you found this discussion about book reviewers, bookstagrammers, and book bloggers useful. I’ve always felt that through the work of these influencers, authors have great potential to reach agents, publishers, industry professionals—and especially, readers.

I hope you’re having a great day and I wish you every success.

by Julie Valerie (@Julie_Valerie) October 13, 2019

So what do you think, scriveners? Do you have any tips you’d like to share about reaching book influencers? Julie would love to hear what you found helpful and she’ll answer any lingering questions you may have. Did you know about the importance of bookstagrammers? 

For more on how blogging can lead to big success in the publishing industry, see Anne’s post on How Blogging Leads to Many Career Paths.

Julie Valerie

Julie Valerie  writes upmarket contemporary women’s fiction and is developing a series set in the fictional Village of Primm.

Her debut novel,  Holly Banks Full of Angst , Book One in the Village of Primm series, publishes December 2019 as part of a multi-book deal with Lake Union Publishing.

A voracious reader, Julie has reviewed 200+ books in her genre, won the BookSparks 2015 Summer Reading Challenge Grand Prize, and founded the 85K Writing Challenge (85K90.com), providing writers with a supportive, enriching forum to pen 85,000 words in 90 days followed by 12 months of writing, editing, prepping to pub, and publishing support.

With a master’s degree in education and a bachelor of fine arts degree in fashion, Julie earned an editing certificate from the University of Chicago Graham School and enjoys testing her knowledge of the  Chicago Manual of Style . Connect with Julie at julievalerie.com. On Facebook and Instagram  @JulieValerieAuthor. On Twitter and Pinterest.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Holly Banks Full of Angst  by Julie Valerie

Book One in the Village of Primm Series

Available December 1, 2019

A laugh-out-loud debut novel for anyone who’s tried to live the perfect life—and learned the hard way there’s no such thing.

Holly Banks could not have made a worse first impression on the seemingly perfect moms in her new affluent community, the Village of Primm. Turns out wearing pink piggy pajama bottoms while dropping off her kindergartener late to the first day of school wasn’t her best look.

Not to mention Holly’s worried her husband may be having an affair, she can’t get her daughter to stop sucking her thumb, her hard-won film degree is collecting dust, and to top it all off, the power-hungry PTA president clearly has it in for her…

To make matters even worse, Holly’s natural eye for drama lands her smack-dab in the middle of a neighborhood mystery—right as her own crazy mother shows up in Primm “to help.” Through it all, Holly begins to realize her neighbors may be just as flawed as—and even wackier than—she is, leaving her to wonder: Is there such a thing as a perfect mom?

Secrets, mystery, and the pursuit of perfection. Welcome to the Village of Primm.

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Blog archives, search anne & ruth’s blog.

About Anne R. Allen

Anne writes funny mysteries and how-to-books for writers. She also writes poetry and short stories on occasion. Oh, yes, and she blogs. She's a contributor to Writer's Digest and the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market.

Her bestselling Camilla Randall Mystery RomCom Series features perennially down-on-her-luck former socialite Camilla Randall—who is a magnet for murder, mayhem and Mr. Wrong, but always solves the mystery in her quirky, but oh-so-polite way.

Anne lives on the Central Coast of California, near San Luis Obispo, the town Oprah called "The Happiest City in America."

October 13, 2019 at 10:02 am

Thank you for linking my blog post ????

October 13, 2019 at 11:03 am

Guy–That was me. I realized I was pretty sketchy on my knowledge of Bookstagram, so I looked for a clear, helpful article I could link too. Thanks for the helpful piece!

October 13, 2019 at 11:53 am

Yes, most definitely. Thanks for the helpful piece!

October 13, 2019 at 10:32 am

Julie—Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look at what it *really* takes to develop an author ID. Brava and congratulations!

October 13, 2019 at 11:50 am

Thank you, Ruth! Years and years of hard, but very fun and fulfilling work.

October 13, 2019 at 10:41 am

Thanks for more fine information, Anne (& Julie).

October 13, 2019 at 11:48 am

Thank you, Kathy!

October 13, 2019 at 12:06 pm

October 13, 2019 at 11:57 am

Anne and Ruth,

Thank you so very much for inviting me to post on this topic on this website. I’ve learned so much from the two of you and the authors you’ve hosted over the years on this award-winning site.

I’m so very grateful to have had the opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers.

October 13, 2019 at 2:41 pm

Julie—Thank *you* for such an informative, helpful post! 🙂

October 13, 2019 at 3:30 pm

Julie–It’s been fun to watch your career bloom and grow! I always loved your book reviews.

Ha ha. I’ve never done anything like that (she says as she winks). The idiosyncrasies of auto complete, maybe? 😉

October 13, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Julie, thank you for sharing this information with us. Just when I was thinking of giving up on my blog, I am now re-invigorated and will do one today! I see the value of continuing with a blog on a consistent basis. I have learned that from Anne Allen. I have a question–I turned to two separate book reviewers about 2 months ago to review my new book. Since the book falls under travel/religion, I asked a priest editor to review the book. He agreed and did call me back about a month ago to ask some questions, but I have not heard from him since; the other is a part time reviewer for a Catholic news service. I followed up with an email to her a month ago but have not heard back. Is there any unspoken protocol about the amount of time to give a reviewer. And are two reviewers enough? Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful the two reviewers accepted in the first place.

October 14, 2019 at 2:36 pm

Many best wishes to you as you launch your new book, Kenneth. That’s very exciting!

Yes, I would pursue more than two reviews for your book, though it is impossible for me to give you a definitive answer as to how many reviews to pursue. (Anne? Care to weigh in?) Perhaps start with about twelve? Again, it’s hard to pick an actual number, but twelve is probably a good place to start. The more readers who read and review your book, the more helpful it will be for the reading public to make informed decisions.

The length of time it takes for a reviewer to post a review depends largely on the editorial calendar and number of commitments made by the reviewer. (And, of course, speed of reading, etc.) I know I was able to post reviews faster when my TBR (“to be read”) pile was manageable. Often, as you can imagine, book reviewers fall behind and need to play “catch up.” When this happens, it’s customary for the reviewer to post an announcement they are “closed to reviews” which helps to quell the inflow of requests, thereby giving them a chance to get caught up on reading and reviewing.

I’d estimate that a six week to one month window of time to read and review is what is “typically” practiced in the professional book review space. These reviewers are often reading and reviewing three books a week, so expect you may have books ahead of you in the queue. Again, people get busy, and often need to play catch up, so average review times vary.

I’d follow up one more time with your two reviewers and if you don’t hear back, I’d quietly move on and seek reviews elsewhere. I haven’t read your book (I’m sure it’s great), nor do I know the personal or professional lives of the two people you mentioned (I’m sure they’re great), but there is an unwritten courtesy that if a reviewer “falls silent” and doesn’t review, it might be (but not always), it might be because the book was not a match for them and they don’t want to publicly say so. You may have no way of knowing if this is the case with these two particular reviewers. I suspect they’ve simply gotten busy and are probably intending to write the review, but for whatever reason, haven’t sat down to actually write it. The reviewer who called with questions sounds interested and the reviewer for the news service might simply have too much on their plate at the moment. I’d recommend one more polite follow up and then move on.

Good luck, Kenneth. And thank you for your questions!

October 13, 2019 at 10:14 pm

As a book blogger I’m delighted to see your advice about doing the research before contacting the blogger. It’s quite easy to do. Most of us have a section on our site which gives an indication of who we are, the kinds of books we read/ prefer and our review policy.

October 14, 2019 at 2:39 pm

I’m so happy you agree. I often scratched my head at some of the requests made that were clearly not a match for me, despite my posting very specifically that I only read and reviewed women’s fiction.

Nice to “meet” you here on Anne’s blog!

I have great respect and admiration for the very important work you do.

Happy Reading!

– Julie

October 14, 2019 at 11:06 am

Great article. Just what I needed. Thank you, Julie.

October 14, 2019 at 2:40 pm

Thank you, Marina! My pleasure. I hope you’re having a great day. Cheers!

October 14, 2019 at 11:24 am

Excellent info. Thank you!

October 14, 2019 at 11:26 am

I would like to re-post on my blog. May I have your permission, Julie and Anne? Guest Bloggers on The Write Spot Blog: https://thewritespot.us/marlenecullenblog/?cat=104 Didn’t know if I could/should ask you here, or privately.

October 14, 2019 at 11:52 am

Marlene–Fine with me. Julie hasn’t checked in today, but I can’t imagine she’ll object. I love your blog! Just credit us with a link and include a link to Julie’s website. Thanks!

October 14, 2019 at 11:54 am

Thanks for your prompt reply, Anne. I’m so glad you like my blog. I love doing it! Thursdays are Guest Bloggers day. I’ll post then and yes . . . I always include links and bios for guest bloggers. Your blog is a gold mine of info.

October 14, 2019 at 2:43 pm

Hi Marlene,

I’m so flattered. Yes, of course! And it would be my pleasure to keep an eye on the comment section of the blog post after it goes live. Perhaps drop me a line when it pubs so I can visit and say hello to your readers?

Here’s an easy way to reach me. There’s a form on this page of my website. julievalerie.com/contact

Thank you so much!

October 17, 2019 at 8:15 am

Hi Julie and Anne,

Your guest post on The Write Spot Blog:

https://thewritespot.us/marlenecullenblog/?p=8578

Thank you for the opportunity to share this information.

October 18, 2019 at 8:19 pm

This post has been really helpful as I have been thinking about reviewing books, lately. There seem to be a few different platforms for reviewing books, such as Goodreads and the Amazon review section. I am not sure which platform to choose.

October 18, 2019 at 9:12 pm

Naomi–The new place to review books is Bookbub. It’s the classy, no-trolls venue where you can find reviews and recommendations from readers and also A-list writers like Margaret Atwood or Lee Child. I’ll be blogging about this next month.

October 20, 2019 at 12:46 pm

Naomi, that’s great news! I encourage you to do so.

In addition to Anne’s suggestion to look at BookBub, you may also want to consider Instagram.

Ultimately, if you establish your own website as your central “hub,” you can then also post your reviews on the other platforms as well.

Best wishes! I think you’ll have tons of fun.

October 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm

I’ve been hearing good things about Instagram. Read a really good description about why it’s good for authors.

October 25, 2019 at 6:18 pm

I’ve had amazing results on Instagram. The community of bookstagrammers are so warm and welcoming. I feel like I’ve made a ton of new friends. Highly recommended. Check out some of the highlights on my Instagram page to see some of the stories I created as thank yous for posts bookstagrammers created for my debut. It’s a lovely community. LOVELY. (I’m at https://www.instagram.com/julievalerieauthor/ )

October 18, 2019 at 8:38 pm

I’m also interested in the topic of book reviews. I wonder, Naomi, if you are interested in being a reviewer or posting reviews of books that you have read. It’s one thing to ask for reviews of your books and another thing to post reviews. I have enjoyed posting book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I haven’t explored other options like BookBub, Medium, and others I don’t know about. It’s a great topic and you bring up a good question about platforms.

October 18, 2019 at 9:14 pm

Marlene–Bookbub is the classy place to post reviews. I’ll be writing about it soon. Medium is good if you already have a following, but you can get lost there.

October 20, 2019 at 1:47 pm

Marlene, you bring up an excellent point for this discussion. Are you interested in being a book reviewer? Or posting your book reviews? Excellent question because the two may seem similar, when in reality, they can be quite different.

If you think you’d enjoy posting reviews of books you’ve read, certainly, please do so. Book reviews are a huge help for both the author and the reading public.

That said, becoming a professional book reviewer is a bit more involved than casually posting a review for something you’ve read.

As a professional book reviewer, you’ll find yourself scheduling your reading, meeting deadlines, creating editorial calendars, networking with others, even attending industry events.

For anyone thinking about becoming a professional book reviewer, but not yet ready to take the plunge, perhaps start with posting reviews for things you’ve read, and then, after you’ve posted consistently over a period of about six weeks, see if you want to take the next step and formalize your efforts.

Thank you for you comment, Marlene!

October 20, 2019 at 3:28 pm

I think posting book reviews is a fascinating and evolving topic. I’ve been posting reviews on my blog since I first started blogging. And I invite anyone to email a review of a book to me and I’ll post the review on my blog. I’m not looking for summaries, rather, why the person liked the book.

I’m not interested in being a book reviewer for others. And of course, would love reviews of my books (The Write Spot series) posted in places other than my blog and my Writers Forum FB page.

October 19, 2019 at 6:16 am

Thank you, Anne. I look forward to learning more about Bookbub. Yes . . . I did get lost at Medium and finally found the book reviews. But I think it’s good to keep things simple!

October 20, 2019 at 1:49 pm

Best wishes on your new venture, Marlene!

November 2, 2019 at 7:00 am

Nice job, Julie. This blog is remarkable! You shed light on some things I was, definitely, unsure about. On top of that, you didn’t leave out the detail. I must say, in all humility, thanks for sharing.

November 6, 2019 at 6:10 am

Oh, my goodness. Derrick, thank you so much! I’m so glad you found this information helpful. It was my great pleasure sharing it with you. Cheers!

November 5, 2019 at 12:48 pm

Thank you for such a helpful post. You have made everything clear about how to work with influencers I now just need to know how to find them.

November 6, 2019 at 6:17 am

My prescription for finding influencers is to grab a cup of coffee, a notebook and pen, and spend a morning (seriously, spend about three hours) simply looking around the platforms that resonate with you.

Perform searches for keywords that matter to you. Click around, see what you find. Look at industry events, conferences, publications. Top websites for writers (like this one), etc.

When you find an influencer account that looks like a match for your work, spend dedicated time looking at that content to best understand the editorial direction that influencer is taking. Interact and be social.

But most of all, have fun!

And try not to feel overwhelmed. We’re all truly fortunate to be living and working in a time where social media and the internet are so important and readily available. The world is literally at your fingertips and you can browse, research, and connect when it’s convenient for you – while wearing your pajamas if need be.

At no other time in human history has promotion, marketing, and sales been this accessible.

Enjoy! And good luck.

December 14, 2019 at 2:21 pm

Great blog, Julie, and all the very best with your new novel this month. I was particularly interested in the fact that you wrote 200+ book reviews before you debuted as a novelist yourself. I, too, write, a blog which, sometimes, is a book review. Usually a positive one because I wouldn’t devote a whole blog to a book I didn’t enjoy. However, I also posted many book reviews on Goodreads last year, not all of them five-star. I wonder, however, what your advice is to authors who also review books: would you blog only about books you enjoy (and not mention those you didn’t,) or be totally honest about every book you read?

December 16, 2019 at 8:02 pm

Great question, Joanna. Like most great questions, I’m afraid there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Ultimately, it’s a decision every writer who also acts as a book reviewer must answer for themselves and for their unique particular situation.

For me, I only wrote book reviews for books I enjoyed. I think it’s important for the reading public to understand that not every book is for every reader. Often, a fabulous book is simply not a match for that particular reader. Would it be fair for the fabulous book to receive a negative review simply because it didn’t match the personal tastes of one reader on a given day? In this instance, and this is my personal opinion so please judge for yourself, but in this instance, I simply wouldn’t review the book. It’s called “falling silent.”

Also, there are many ways to weigh in on a book through carefully chosen language that doesn’t hurt or injure. For example, you could write: “XYZ book is perfect for XYZ readers looking for XYZ.” A neutral statement like that helps readers understand who you feel the book is most suited for without your having to place a personal value judgment on the book itself.

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How to write book reviews for bookstagram

This blog is part of a four-part series of bookstagram tips, split up from  my original post on this topic  for easier readability.   This final post focuses on writing book reviews.

Book reviews are a big part of the book community. They help tell other readers what to expect from books, help you keep track of books you read and help you learn what you like and don’t like over time.

I think  reviews are extremely subjective  and personal. I’m sharing what works well for me to format my reviews, but that won’t necessarily be what works for you. For example, I don’t like synopsis in reviews because I’d rather just read the book blurb from the publisher. Other people love to read them and write quick synopsis at the top of their reviews. So ultimately, my advice is do what works for you!

Use this guide as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what you like! It may take some time to find your fit for your bookstagram reviews.

I used to use  a star rating system  but I am no longer using it in my bookstagram posts, and instead only use it on Goodreads. They help me personally track how I felt about a book which is why I like them on my Goodreads. But I’ve found that so many people hone in on just your star rating on posts, and skip over the context of the review, which used to frustrate me because star ratings are not used consistently and so people would misinterpret my thoughts on books despite them being plainly stated.

How I format my book reviews

I use basically the same review on Goodreads and my blog. Sometimes I will shorten up the content for Instagram space reasons but I keep the same structure.

• Overview . My quick take on what I felt about the book/ a summary of what’s to come.
• What I liked/ loved . Even if it’s a book that wasn’t for me, I try to find qualities to highlight that I enjoyed. Sometimes this section is really long and other times it’s really short.
• What didn’t work for me . Sometimes I don’t have this section if I have a rave review. But usually I highlight anything that I struggled with here.
• Who I’d recommend it to . Even if a book wasn’t meant for me, I try to share who may enjoy it. I sometimes compare it to books it reminded me of as well here.
• Content warnings , if needed – so people have a heads up going in. I put this at the end because some people find them spoiler-y but I do think they’re important to have.

I used to just openly share all my opinions in reviews, and most people who know me know I have a lot of thoughts on any topic. I’m trying to be more thoughtful especially in my negative reviews though, to make sure my reviews add value to other readers. Especially books that are sharing perspectives different from my own.

I think it’s important to be balanced and recognize that those books weren’t written with me in mind. I may not connect as strongly immediately, but that doesn’t make them bad. The caveat is if a book has problematic content (is racist, uses stereotypes, etc.) I absolutely will call that out.

An example review

Here’s an example of a review I shared of the book These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allie S. (@alliemikennareads)

In case that’s not easy to read, here’s the text format labeled by category:

Overview: I really enjoyed this witchy YA mystery book! It was a perfect October read. It’s not technically classified as a mystery but had many qualities I love about the mystery genre.

What I loved : It’s an interesting take on the teen witch story. Hannah is an elemental witch and controls the elements of fire, earth, air, and water. She’s navigating a breakup with her ex-girlfriend, trying to move on with her still in her life, and the evil underfoot that threatens her coven’s secrecy and lives.

While I guessed the biggest mystery, it took awhile and I felt like the clues to throw you off were very well done. The characters all had a decent amount of personality and believable dialogue and decision making for YA age groups.

What didn’t work for me: I didn’t love that you are kind of dumped in the story world and not given some of the details to help you settle until the story is fairly underway. I also felt the pacing was a little too slow in the first half and a little too quick in the second half.

Who I’d recommend it to: But I was hooked and had a hard time putting this down. I really look forward to the sequel and I would definitely recommend this to fans of witchy YA books and YA mysteries.

Mini-reviews

Sometimes, I may want to post a shorter review on Instagram. I call these “mini-reviews” and use a variety of different formats, but generally it’s a condensed version of the above.

Here’s an example of a mini-review post:

And here’s the text:

Mini review of these poems: They are fun to set the mood for spooky season but overall they aren’t my favorite volume of poems since they’re heavy on the old British poets which aren’t my favorite. Still a fun little volume for your shelf or to set the mood for Halloween!

Do you have a review format that you love that’s different? Share your structure in the comments to help give people more ideas!

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How to Write a Great Book Review: 6 Templates and Ideas

This post may contains affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Whether you’ve loved or hated your recent reads, writing book reviews can be a fun and satisfying process. It’s a great way to unpack messages and information from a story, and it also helps you remember key elements of a book for much longer than you usually would. Plus, book reviews open up some interesting and exciting debates between readers with different opinions, and they also help others decide which books to read next .

Table of Contents

Where Can You Post Book Reviews?

Back in the old days, book reviews were reserved for leading publications and journals, but now, anyone can create their own book reviews, and they’re popping up almost everywhere.

Social Media

Bookworms have taken over social media, with hashtags like # bookstagram drawing in millions of readers from around the internet to share thoughts, ideas, inspiration, and of course, reviews.

Book blogs are also blowing up right now, and plenty of avid readers are making a solid income by writing and sharing their book reviews this way. You can either create your own from scratch or write guest posts and reviews for already established blogs.

Goodreads is the undisputed online home of books. It’s a great place to find inspiration for your next reads, browse other people’s book reviews, and of course, add your own reviews, too.

If you post a review of a popular book on Goodreads, it’s bound to be seen by a huge audience. Plus, it’s a great way to advertise your blog if you have one, as the Goodreads guidelines allow you to insert a link within the body of your review.

The world’s largest bookstore gets an incredible amount of traffic, so it’s one of the best places to get your reviews seen by the masses. But bear in mind that there are more rules and regulations for Amazon book reviews than on some of the other platforms listed here. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the guidelines first, or your submission could be rejected.

Booktube is a Youtube community dedicated to reviewing, discussing, and recommending books. If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, vlogging your book reviews on Booktube is an excellent alternative to the more traditional written book reviews above. It’s also a great way to get noticed by viewers around the world.

Some Booktube reviewers make their entire income from their channel, so if you’re passionate about reviewing and want to turn it into a living, this is a great avenue to explore.

Get Paid for Your Book Reviews

Some of the platforms I’ve listed above, like Booktube, Instagram, and blogging , allow you to get paid for your book reviews if you generate enough traffic, but getting to that level takes a lot of dedication, time, and patience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of websites that pay reviewers on a freelance basis. Here are three of the most popular:

Remember, each site has strict submission guidelines and requirements that you’ll need to check carefully before writing and submitting a review.

Kirkus Reviews

The Kirkus Reviews magazine, founded in 1933, is one of America’s oldest, most respected book reviewing companies.

They accept reviews around 350 words in length, and once you’re assigned the gig, you have a two-week submission deadline.

Kirkus is always on the lookout for new book reviewers, but you’ll need to prove you have experience and talent before they’ll accept your submissions. The best way to do this is to create a professional-looking portfolio that showcases your previous reviews, both paid and unpaid.

Booklist is a subgroup of the American Library Association. They feature all kinds of book reviews, both fiction and non-fiction, and publish them online and in print.

They pay their reviewers on a freelance, book-by-book basis. Their rates aren’t going to make you rich (around $12- $15 per review), but it’s a great way to gain some professional experience and build your book review portfolio without having to work for free.

Booklist has various publication outlets, such as their quarterly in-print magazine, a reader’s blog, and top book lists. Plus, they also accept pitches for book-related news and author interviews.

Online Book Club

This free-to-access community of bibliophiles has been going for over ten years, with a million active members and counting.

To join their professional freelance team, you’ll first have to submit an unpaid review to help them to determine if you’re worth hiring. If your review makes the cut, then your next submission is paid at a rate varying between $5 and $60, depending on the book’s length, the quality of the review, etc.

One of the major stipulations of Online Book Club is that your reviews are in-depth and honest. If you don’t like the book, never put a positive spin on it for the sake of it. ( The same goes for any book review platform you post on. )

It’s also worth noting that with Online Book Club, you’ll never pay for the books you review. So even if they reject your submission, you’ll still get a free book out of it.

How to Write a Book Review?

Book reviews can range from a simple tweet to a full-length essay or long-form blog post and anything in between.

As I mentioned above, some book review sites and platforms have strict guidelines and parameters to follow. But if you’re writing a book review for social media, your own blog, or any other purpose that lets you take the reins, then the following ideas will give you some help and inspiration to get started.

But before we dive in, let’s take a look at four key elements that a comprehensive book review should contain.

1. Information about the author and the name of the book

You might want to include any accolades that the author has received in the past and mention some of their previous notable works.

Also, consider the publication date; is the book a brand-new release, a few years old, or a classic from another century?

2. A summary of the plot

Writing about the plot takes skill and consideration; if your description is too thorough, you risk ruining the book for your audience with spoilers. But on the other hand, if you’re too vague on the details, your review can lack depth.

Consider your audience carefully, and if you feel like your book review contains even the slightest hint of spoilers, always add a warning at the beginning so people can decide for themselves whether to read on.

3. Your evaluation

This is the part where you get to describe what you feel about the book as a whole and give your opinion on the different elements within it. But, again, don’t be tempted to fall into the trap of positively evaluating books you didn’t actually like; no one wants to read a false review, so if you didn’t like it, explain why.

4. Your reader recommendation

Who might the book appeal to? Is it suitable for all audiences? In your opinion, is it a universal must-read, or should people avoid it?

Keep in mind that the purpose of most book reviews is to help the reader decide whether or not they would like to read it themselves. What works for you might not work for others, so consider this when writing your recommendations.

6 Book Review Templates and Ideas

1. the traditional approach.

Most traditional fiction reviews, like the ones found in newspapers and other popular publications, are based on the following format…

Introduction

The introduction is a paragraph or two which includes:

• Key information that the reader needs to know. For example, the book’s title, the author’s name, the publication date, and any relevant background information about the author and their work.
• A brief one-sentence summary of the plot. This sets the general scene of what the book is about.
• Your overall opinion of the book. Again, keep it brief. (you can delve deeper into what you liked and disliked later in the review).

This is the main body of your book review, where you break down and analyze the work. Some of the key elements you might want to examine are listed below. Approach each element one at a time to help your analysis flow.

• The characters
• The setting
• The structure of the story
• The quality of the writing

What did you notice about each one, what did you enjoy, and what did you dislike? Why?

The conclusion is usually the shortest part of a traditional book review, which usually contains:

• A summary of your thoughts about the book as a whole
• Your reader recommendation

Remember that unless you’re writing a book review for a pre-existing publication, there are no rules that you need to follow. This traditional format can be adapted to suit your own style, the book you are reviewing, and your audience.

Also Read : BEST FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

2. Social Media Book Reviews

Book reviews posted on social media tend to have a more relaxed tone than a traditional book review. Again, there are no set rules, but here are a few guidelines and suggestions for posting reviews on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

• Include an eye-catching image

This is essential on Instagram, but whatever social media platform you’re posting on, including a great photo will draw people in to read your review.

In the Instagram world, photos of books taken directly from above are called ‘flat lays.’ You can keep it simple and just snap the front cover, or you can get creative and shoot your book flat lay against an interesting backdrop or include items related to the story.

• Break up your review into short, bite-sized paragraphs

This rule applies to most web content, but it’s even more important on social media, where everyone competes for your reader’s attention.

Big blocks of text are much harder to follow and a sure-fire way to lose your reader’s attention before they even get started. Instead, stick to short paragraphs of one, two, or three sentences, and include spaces between each one.

• Know your character limit

At just 280 characters, Twitter is by far the stingiest of the major social media platforms when it comes to the length of posts. That’s why most people choose platforms like Instagram or Facebook for book reviews. That being said, you can still use Twitter as a way of linking to them once they go live.

Instagram is considerably more generous with its 2,200-character limit, but if you have a lot to say about the book you’re reviewing, it can still be limiting.

If you want to post a more comprehensive review on social media, Facebook is your best bet; they have an upper limit of 63,206 characters.

Whichever platform you post on, remember to factor any hashtags into your character limit too.

• Keep it succinct

Book reviews on social media perform better when sentences are concise. This helps to combat the character limit issue I mentioned above and gets your point across quickly, without the fluff.

Readers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook flit from post to post, so if you don’t say what you mean in as few words as possible, you’ll risk losing your audience altogether.

• Don’t be afraid of emojis.

Love them or hate them, emojis convey mood and emotion where words can sometimes fail us. They also add an extra visual element to a post, help to break up blocks of text and keep the tone informal.

Of course, there’s no rule that you have to include emojis in your social media book reviews, but if you’re already comfortable using them elsewhere, consider incorporating them here too.

• Add a star rating

Star ratings instantly tell your audience whether you loved the book or not before they read a single word of your post. It’s also another visual element to help draw your audience in to find out more.

• Avoid spoilers

I’ve already touched on spoilers above, but it’s essential to avoid them on social media book reviews. That’s because unsuspecting users are scrolling from post to post on these platforms with no way of knowing what’s coming next. As a result, it’s very easy to read something you can’t unread.

• Consider tagging the author and publisher.

But ONLY do this if you enjoyed the book and your review is favorable. It’s not good online etiquette to tag in the creators if you’re posting a scathing critique; it’s mean-spirited, and it could lead to a social media squabble, which the internet has enough of already.

3. Goodreads and Amazon Book Reviews

Both Goodreads and Amazon allow anyone to upload a review of any book, so they’re great places to get started if you’re new to the reviewing world. Plus, you can post more in-depth and lengthy reviews than you can on social media platforms.

There are endless ways to write reviews for sites like these, but if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here’s a good template that will help you to flesh out your ideas.

• Star Rating

Sites like Goodreads and Amazon usually ask for a 1-5 star rating before writing your review. 3 is your baseline which translates to “pretty good.” It can be tempting to rush straight in for a 5 star if you loved a book, but where possible, try to reserve this rating for books that really blow you away.

• A Brief Synopsis

Reviews on these sites appear directly under the book listing, so generally, there’s no need to mention the author, title, or publishing details. Instead, you can dive straight into a quick overview of the plot, using the official publisher’s summary to help you if needed.

Avoid revealing any significant details or spoilers, but include enough to outline the story and give context to the rest of your review.

Talking about how the book made you feel is a good place to start. Did you learn something you didn’t know before? Was it a page-turner or a hard slog? Were there any twists you did or didn’t see coming? Mentioning the existence of a plot twist is usually deemed ok, as long as you don’t reveal what it is.

Next, examine the book’s various elements, including the characters, setting, and plot, using examples. You might even want to include some direct quotes from the book, as long as they don’t give too much away.

Just like the traditional book review format, conclude it with a summary. Are you glad you read it? Who might enjoy this book, and who should avoid it?

4. Listicle Book Reviews

Listicles are articles and blog posts structured like a numbered list. An example from the book review world is “10 reasons why you need to read X by X”.

These types of reviews are particularly well suited to blog posts, as they’re an excellent way to encourage people to click on your link compared with a less attention-grabbing traditional format.

That being said, listicle book reviews tend only to work if your feedback is positive. Using this format to review a book you hated risks alienating your audience and coming across as harsh and judgemental. Less favorable reviews are better presented in a more traditional format that explores a book’s different aspects one by one.

5. An Essay Style Analysis

An essay-style review isn’t technically a review, as it delves much deeper into the work and examines it from multiple angles.

If you’re not limited to a word count and want to dissect an author’s work, then an in-depth essay-style analysis can be a great addition to your blog. Plus, they’re generally written for people who have already read the book, so there’s no need to worry about spoilers.

But when you’re writing more than 500 words about a book, it can be easy to ramble or go off on a tangent. Here’s an example format to keep you on track:

• Include the author’s name, the title of the book, and the date of publication.
• Is the book a standalone novel or part of a series?
• What made you choose this book in the first place? Have you read any of the author’s previous work?
• Describe the cover. Does it draw you in? Is it an appropriate representation of the book as a whole?

Set the Scene

• Include an overview of the plot.
• Did you have any expectations or preconceived ideas about the book before you read it?

Your Review

Discuss the following elements one at a time. Use quotes or direct examples when talking about each one.

• Describe the geographical location, the period in time, and the environment.
• Is the setting based on reality or imagination?
• How does the setting help to add mood and tone to the story?
• Give an overview of the main characters and their backgrounds.
• Discuss the significant plot points in the story in chronological order.
• What are the conflicts, the climaxes, and the resolutions?
• How does the author use literary devices to bring meaning and life to book?
• For example, discuss any elements of foreshadowing, metaphors, symbolism, irony, or imagery.
• What are the overall themes and big ideas in the story? For example, love, death, friendship , war, and coming of age.
• What, if any, are the morals within the story?
• Are there any underlying or less prominent themes that the author is trying to portray?

Your Opinion

• Which elements were successful, and which weren’t?
• Were the characters believable? Did you want them to succeed?
• In the case of plot twists, did you see them coming?
• Are there any memorable scenes or quotes that particularly stood out to you? If so, why?
• How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any strong emotions?
• Did the book meet your preconceived expectations?
• Were you satisfied by the ending, or did you find it frustrating?
• Summarise the plot and theme in a couple of sentences.
• Give your overall opinion. Was the book a success, a failure, or something in between?
• Include a reader recommendation, for example, “this book is a must-read for anyone with a love of dystopian science fiction.”
• Include a star rating if you wish.

6. Create Your Own Book Review Template

If you plan on becoming a regular book reviewer, it’s a good idea to create your own unique template that you can use for every book you review, whether you’re posting on a blog, website, or social media account.

You can mix and match the various elements of the review styles above to suit your preferences and the types of books you’ll be reviewing.

Creating a template unique to you helps build your authority as an independent reviewer and makes writing future reviews a lot easier.

Writing book reviews is a great way to get even more out of your reading journey. Whether you loved or hated a title, reviewing it will help you remember and process the story, and you’ll also be helping others to decide whether or not it’s worth their time, too.

And who knows, you might fall in love with writing book reviews and decide to pursue it as an additional source of income or even a new career!

Whatever your book reviewing plans and goals are, I hope the templates, tips, and ideas above will help you get started.

Do you have any advice for writing a great book review? Let me know in the comments below!

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BRYN DONOVAN

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How to Promote a Book On Instagram

Hi friends! I have a secret project coming out soon that I believe is very Instagram-friendly, so I thought I’d do a post about how to promote a book on Instagram. This is kind of a followup to another post: 200 Best Instagram Hashtags for Authors.

But even though I feel like I know a lot about other social media for writers, and I love connecting with people on Instagram (I’m here !), I could still learn a lot more about Instagram for authors.

[AdSense-B]

That’s why—even though I never do guest posts—I invited Alana Albertson to share her thoughts about how to promote a book on Instagram. I think these are great tips about Instagram for authors, and if you want to know a little more about how to be a bookstagrammer, this’ll help, too. Take it away, Alana!

Hi, everyone! I’m Alana Albertson , best-selling romance author of twenty-nine books and paid bookstagram influencer.

I’m so thrilled to be writing this post today. I love talking about Instagram! It’s my go-to social media platform.

Today I’m going to give you five ways to promote your book on Instagram.

1. Instagram Puzzle Feed

Create a special puzzle feed just for your book. This may look hard, but it’s really easy to do. You can buy Canva or Photoshop templates on Etsy or Creative Market, and just fill in pictures on your feed. Here is an example for my book The Beauty & The Beast .[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]

2. Instagram Stories for Authors

Stories are key on Instagram! Stories still have organic reach. Make sure to use a hashtag. If you have over 10,000 followers, you can link the book in your story. Even if you don’t, you can point them to the link in your bio. Which brings me to point number three.

Bryn’s note: you can learn more about Instagram Stories here ![spacer height=”20px”]

3. Instagram Bio for Authors

Use the link in your bio! You only get one link on Instagram, and it’s in your bio. But this is a great way to promote your book. Have it link to your new release (or preorder), or better yet, use a link to a social media page for multiple links. I create a customized one myself, or you can use a service like Shorby or linktree. Another tip! If you are a wide author, I use this link to point to Apple to get more wide sales.[spacer height=”20px”]

4. Pretty Flatlays

Now, I know we are all writers, but obviously, on Instagram, pictures are key! Make pretty flatlays of your books or insert your pictures into premade flatlays. I use ones by The Image Apothecary.[spacer height=”20px”]

5. Instagram Ads!

Most people are afraid to use Instagram ads, but if they are done right, they really work. I create mine in Facebook Ads Manager (not on Instagram) and create ads that look like organic stories. This is also great way to get that link into your story if you don’t have 10,000 followers.[spacer height=”20px”]

I hope all of these help! If you would like more tips on how to sell more books on Instagram, sign up to my newsletter only for authors, right here .

Thanks, Alana!

If you have tips for how to promote a book on Instagram, please let us know in the comments. And if you want to link to your Instagram author account, feel free to drop a link and tell us about what you write! Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!

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13 thoughts on “ how to promote a book on instagram ”.

I’ve been struggling to find my followers on Instagram. Hopefully this will help.

I hope it does, Carolyn! I feel like I’m kind of intermediate when it comes to Instagram…I want to try some of the things here!

I write mysteries set in Northern Ontario (Canada), full of the woods, secrets and wild animals, with an Indigenous Detective. My Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/carolynmcbrideauthor/ Come check it out!

I hope to get my feet wet on Instagram sometime next week and am in the process of rebranding some of my social media channels, so this is very timely. Thanks for the guidance Alana and Bryn!

I’ll look for you over there, Chris! Kick me if I don’t follow back—sometimes I’m a little dreamy. 😀 I’m luckyauthor on Insta.

fascinating information.

Thanks, Denise

Thanks for reading, Denise!

Hi Bryn, Thanks! This is great. And, Thanks to Alana also. I haven’t used Instagram–yet–and there are some fantastic ideas here. Gives me some motivation for sure.

Hi, Cheryl! If you ever get on there, let me know so I can follow you! 🙂

Hi there. ?. This was a very interesting read. Does this apply to instagram poetry? I don’t consider myself a writer or a poet but I just like to put words together. I’m trying to convert my first ‘poetry’ ebook into an animated flip book type but when I use epub it destroys the one line per oage design.

Is there any ebook format I can use that would be helpful. I’m so eager to share it on my Instagram I just might upload it as a pdf.

Here’s a link to my Instagram account so you have a rough idea of my writing thing thing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDV7x1Dg3sj/?igshid=1pfdoblyq03vg

I haven’t done much engagement though.

Any advice will help ?

Hi there! Sorry to say, although I started out as a poet, I really don’t know about formatting it in eBooks or promoting on Instagram. I’m sorry I can’t help! I like the sound of creating an animated flip book like that!

Good day. I am an author that has one book published and another almost complete. The one children’s book is already advertised on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other book outlets through my publisher and I was looking to get more exposure to both of them with little expense as it can become pretty pricy especially with press releases too.

I had a press release on my first book but they targeted the wrong type of readers I think and was a total waste of time.

I did gain good royalty payments last year from my Publishers website but I feel if I exposed my books myself, somehow with little expense I would like to do that.

I have got 3 websites related to articles on domestic animals which I have had for a good few years now and was contemplating on starting another purely on my books.

I don’t know if i’m on the right site for doing this if not I would like your help if possible pointing me to the right place for doing this?

Also although on Amazon as an e-book, paper back and hard back I feel the exposure isn’t there and would like to know how I expose it on there for more sales?

Susan Murray (UK)

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How to promote your book review blog on Instagram? Like a Pro!

Did you want to know, How to promote your book review blog on Instagram ? Which is a popular social media platform. So let’s get complete information about it without wasting any time.

You’ve set up a beautiful book review blog to wax lyrical about the books you’ve read. Now, the next step is to get readers to your blog—because your blog isn’t going to promote itself!

If your blog’s target audience includes a younger, tech-savvy crowd, then consider spreading the word about it on Instagram. Instagram is the perfect place to find your target audience. Therefore, getting an  Instagram growth service is a bonus opportunity for gathering your crowd very quickly.

Instagram may be more known as the place for posting pretty pictures. However, book-loving communities have also sprung up, making it a great platform to promote your book review blog and gain a wider following.

Have we gotten you hooked yet? Then bookmark these 5 strategies for promoting your book review blog on Instagram:

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Let me tell you, that I am often asked, How to Promote Books on Instagram, so let me tell you, that in today’s time most of the writers use instagram to promote book.

So that’s why today I will tell you 5 steps. By using which you can sell books on instagram.

1. Post about the books that you’re reading

If you’re running a book review blog, then you’ll obviously be posting your reviews on your blog. But what about posting snippets of your reviews on Instagram?

This way, you’ll be creating a new community of fans of your reviews on Instagram, which you can then introduce to your main blog.

As an example, check out this Instagram post by Kelly’s Book Blog :

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kelly (@kelly_book_blog)

The blogger, Kelly, posted a short review about the book featured in the post, saying: “this book and series is so flipping good! I DEVOURED this book!”

She also posted a blurb about the book from Goodreads to pique her followers’ curiosity. But what do we especially like about this Instagram post?

It’s that she included a wooden plaque with her book blog’s URL in the photo of her post. There’s no way that her followers will miss it—and they might just head over to her blog to check it out!

2. Reveal book covers for upcoming books

As a book reviewer, most of your Instagram posts might be about the books that you’ve read—which means that these books have already been published.

But if you’re able to make friends with authors, you might be able to snag early copies of upcoming books. And to generate some hype, you could work with the author to do a reveal of these books’ covers before they’re released!

Here’s how book blogger Athina of Book Notes by Athina revealed the book cover for soon-to-be-launched book Tides and Ruin by Miranda Lyn:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athina (@booknotes_athina)

The book cover is featured prominently in the post’s photo, while the caption includes a short synopsis of the book. Athina also talks about the launch date of the book and how her followers can get a free gift if they pre-order it.

To learn more about Tides and Ruin , Athina’s followers can then visit her book blog , where she writes about the book in more detail.

3. Conduct an exclusive interview with the author

Readers who love particular books or series may be curious to learn more about the author behind them. Which is where you, as the amazing book influencer, come in.

You can try to snag exclusive interviews with your fans’ favorite authors, and post these interviews on your book blog. Then, promote the interview on your Instagram page to direct your Instagram followers to your blog!

This is exactly what Cody Sexton, managing editor of A Thin Slice of Anxiety, has done. He recently conducted an interview with David Low, author of the book Appetite for the Transgressive , which Cody published on the A Thin Slice of Anxiety website.

And here’s the Instagram post he did to get eyeballs on the interview:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cody Sexton (@athinsliceofanxiety)

We like the “link in profile” call to action, which tells his followers that they can find the link to the interview in his Instagram profile. This is a common workaround for Instagram not making links in posts clickable!

4. Host a giveaway

People love getting free stuff, so giving away free books on Instagram is an awesome strategy for getting attention on your book review blog.

For example, check out this Instagram post by book blogger Lili of Utopia State of Mind , where she gave away a three-month membership to Libro.FM Audiobooks:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Utopia State of Mind (@utopia.state.of.mind)

In the Instagram post, Lili posted a photo of some audiobooks that her followers could get access to if they were to win her giveaway, and also provided instructions on how they could enter.

She was strategic in using the giveaway to promote her book blog, too. Because if someone wanted to enter her giveaway, they would have to follow her on Instagram.

They could also share her giveaway post on their Instagram Stories, which would not only increase the reach of her post, but might also net her even more new followers.

The result? Lili has a wider audience on Instagram for promoting her book blog to!

5. Take part in a book stack challenge

Another thing that bookworms might love, apart from getting free books, is watching others participate in book-related challenges.

So taking part in such challenges could help promote your book blog on Instagram too—though in a more unexpected way.

Just take a look at this post by book blogger Chloe of Library of Chlo for example:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe (@libraryofchlo)

Here, she’s taking part in a name stack challenge, where she has to put together a stack of books such that the first letters in their titles spell out her name.

How is this promoting her book blog, you ask? Well, look closely at her post’s caption…

In it, she tagged the person who had invited her to take up the challenge, namely Sadie of The Green Light . So it’s actually Sadie ’s book blog that is being promoted in the post!

That said, Chloe has also tagged some friends whom she’s now inviting to do the same challenge.

And if they do so and tag Chloe back, then they’ll be helping to promote her book blog in their own posts. How smart is that?

Instagram’s literary community awaits you!

If you’re excited to try out these 5 strategies for promoting your book review blog on Instagram, then here’s a time-saving tip:

Reuse your blog posts’ headers as the images for your Instagram posts.

This way, you don’t need to create these images from scratch! Just bear in mind that Instagram post images can be either square-shaped or portrait-sized, so you may need to modify your headers to fit if they are in landscape format.

To do so, tap on an online graphic design tool such as PosterMyWall, which offers a free resize feature that helps reformat images to your preferred sizes in no time at all.

This is super handy for quickly resizing your images, helping you spend less time preparing Instagram posts and more time reading and reviewing books for your fans.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to join the Instagram fam!

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So friends, I hope that you have got the answer to your question How to promote book review blog on Instagram . And if you still have any questions and suggestions related to this, then you can tell us in the comment box below. And thank you so much for reading this post

How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to write a book review- a step by step guide.

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

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Instagram Book Marketing: How To Promote Your Book

In this article, Instagram expert Anand Srinivasan explains how Instagram book marketing works. We also feature an interview with screenwriter Max Marlow, who uses Instagram to find work.

Do you want to use master Instagram book marketing?

As most writers come to realize, the excitement of having published a book fades away quickly if no one has read it.

Thankfully, social media platforms like Instagram can serve as a fantastic opportunity for book promotion, if you’re an author.

Here are a few tips to get started.

Establish a Content Strategy

Reach new readers, improve your rank on instagram search, 1. come up with a few interesting post ideas, 2. use the right hashtags, 3. advertise your posts, 4. employ influencer marketing, about the author, interview with max marlow: how to tell stories on instagram.

Instagram is a highly visual medium that rewards original content. Success on this platform comes from a carefully planned content strategy. If you’re a book blogger, here are some strategies for creating original visual content.

• Prior to launch, you could share multiple variants of your book cover art and request your followers to vote on their favourite.
• Post screenshots of your favourite quotes and snapshots from your book.
• Announce author events so followers can attend and share photos and videos from the venue.
• Share photos of yourself with your favourite books.
• Create an Instagram story about your writing process or book launch.
• Content barter—connect with other writers and cross-promote each other’s books to followers.
• Share photos from your initial draft, places you went for inspiration and so on.

Each genre is unique, and what works for one genre or story might not work for another. A good idea is to work out a marketing strategy on Instagram well before you are ready to start.

If you need more help, check out CS Larkins guide how to market a book .

Many of the recommendations above work only if you already have a following of a few thousand people on your Instagram account. What do you do if you are just starting out and don’t have enough followers to spread the word about your book?

Here are a few tips.

Millions of users tap the “Search” option on Instagram every day. Your posts can start appearing higher in the search results, especially when someone’s searching for keywords related to books.

The Instagram algorithm considers data points while ranking posts on search. Among these points are use of relevant hashtags, engagement levels on posts, location tags and so on. Oberto provides a guide  to better understand search. You might also be interested in our guide on the best AI content marketing tools .

Here is a short, useful step-by-step guide to rank higher in the search function.

These ideas should not only likely to earn a high share of likes and comments but also promote your book in a non-salesy way. The samples below show how writers can promote their books on Instagram.

Writer Ryan Holiday promoting his new book on Instagram:

Writer Stephanie Danler announcing her book on Instagram (Source: Instagram)

Hashtags are an integral part of Instagram, add context to your posts and help potential readers find your profile.

For instance, #TBT is a popular hashtag meant to share nostalgic “throwback” pictures every Thursday. Similarly, hashtags such as #instagood and #instacool are popular.

As a matter of fact, Instagram lets users follow new posts tagged with specific hashtags, and this provides an opportunity for writers to promote their books.

To incorporate hashtags into your Instagram posts, first identify the trending hashtags and ways to publish photos relevant to these hashtags. For instance, look at this list of popular hashtags . Think of ways to publish content related to your book with popular hashtags.

Second, scour the Instagram accounts of popular writers in your genre and build a list of hashtags they use to promote their books. Take care not to use exclusive hashtags (used by a writer or business to promote their posts).

Piggybacking on a hashtag promoted by others may come across as rude. Be sure to explore existing Instagram posts tagged with the hashtags you are interested in to make sure you are not stepping into someone else’s territory.

I also recommend submitting your posts with the right location tags when your followers are most active. This could help you maximize visibility among followers.

Instagram advertising is tied with Facebook ads that let you target viewers based on unique aspects such as the books they like or TV shows they watch.

Advertising helps you maximize reach in a short span of time. Advertising also increases engagement, and thus makes your post most likely to appear on organic Instagram search results.

By far the most effective strategy for book promotions is the use of influencers, or users who have a following of more than a few thousand people, with a niche interest such as book reading, for example. As an author, you must target influencers who are popular among book lovers (bonus points if these influencers enjoy your genre).

This is how you go about it.

• Use the Instagram search function to find popular posts related to your category, for example, “crime novels.
• Prepare to search through posts submitted by different users on related topics.
• When you find a poster with a following of at least a few thousand, analyze their strategy. Are their posts all related to books or your genre? Or is book-related content just one of many things the person posts? The objective is to get a fair idea of how niched the influencer’s following is.
• Prepare a list of influencers with highly niched followers who are either book lovers or read books in your niche.
• Reach out to those influencers either via Instagram DM or email expressing interest in working with them.
• Two kinds of partnerships work. Some influencers expect monetary compensation in exchange for their promotion of your book. If the influencer has a following count similar to yours, you might also work this out.

Influencer marketing is highly effective if done correctly. This is because users trust people they follow. A recommendation for your book from influencers can be highly effective in generating sales.

Do remember, however, that your success depends on what share of the followers are genuine and engage with the influencers.

Fake followers and those who don’t engage do not typically convert, and dealing with influencers whose engaged followers are a fraction of the number displayed might be a waste of your time and money.

Publishing a book is a big deal, and so is marketing it. The tips and strategies in this post should help writers, both well-known and novice, spread the word about their launch to targeted book readers using Instagram.

If you’d like to learn more about promoting your brand on Instagram check out this episode by Darius Tan .

Anand Srinivasan is the founder of Hubbion , a suite of free business apps and resources.

Max Marlow studied screenwriting in Goldsmiths in London, graduating in 2017. He wrote several 30-page scripts only to face rejection from film and television agents who wouldn’t accept unsolicited materials. Then, Marlow started sharing his writings on Instagram.

In this interview, he explains:

• Why every writer can use Instagram to connect with readers
• How he uses Instagram photos as a means of conquering writer’s block
• What it takes to tell stories on this social media network
• How he ended up being mentored by Han Solo director Ron Howard

Want more social media advice for writers ? Check out our list of authors to follow on Twitter

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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How to write a book review in 3 steps.

If the idea of reading for free — or even getting paid to read — sounds like a dream come true, remember that it isn’t a pipe dream. There are many places aspiring book reviewers can read books for free, such as Reedsy Discovery — a new platform for reviewing indie books. Of course, if you’re giving serious thought to becoming a book reviewer, your first step should be learning how to write a book review. To that end, this post covers all the basics of literary criticism. Let’s get started!

The three main steps of writing a book review are simple:

• Provide a summary: What is story about? Who are the main characters and what is the main conflict? 
• Present your evaluation: What did you think of the book? What elements worked well, and which ones didn’t? 
• Give your recommendation: Would you recommend this book to others? If so, what kinds of readers will enjoy it?

You can also download our free book review templates and use it as a guide! Otherwise, let’s take a closer look at each element.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

Find out the answer. Takes 30 seconds!

How to write a review of a book

Step 1. provide a summary.

Have you ever watched a movie only to realize that all the good bits were already in the trailer? Well, you don’t want the review to do that. What you do want the summary to do is reveal the genre, theme, main conflict, and main characters in the story — without giving away spoilers or revealing how the story ends.

A good rule of thumb is not to mention anything that happens beyond the midpoint. Set the stage and give readers a sense of the book without explaining how the central issue is resolved.

Emily W. Thompson's review of The Crossing :

In [Michael] Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl. Read more...

Here are a few more reviews with well-written summaries for you to check out. The summary tend to be the longest part of the book review, so we won’t turn this post into a novel itself by pasting them all here: Le Cirque Navire reviewed by Anna Brill, The Heart of Stone reviewed by Kevin R. Dickinson, Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment reviewed by Lianna Albrizio.

Non-fiction summary tip: The primary goal of a non-fiction summary is to provide context: what problems or issues has the book spotted, and how does it go about addressing them? Be sure to mention the authors of the title and what experience or expertise they bring to the title. Check Stefan Kløvning’s review of Creativity Cycling for an example of a summary that establishes the framework of the book within the context of its field.

Step 2. Present your evaluation

While you should absolutely weave your own personal take of a book into the review, your evaluation shouldn’t only be based on your subjective opinion. Along with presenting how you reacted to the story and how it affected you, you should also try to objectively critique the stronger and weaker elements of the story, and provide examples from the text to back up your points.

To help you write your evaluation, you should record your reactions and thoughts as you work your way through a novel you’re planning on reviewing. Here are some aspects of the book to keep in mind as you do.

Your evaluation might focus heartily on the book’s prose:

Donald Barker's review of Mercenary : 

Such are the bones of the story. But, of course, it is the manner in which Mr Gaughran puts the bones back together and fills them with life that makes “Mercenary” such a great read. The author’s style seems plain; it seems straightforward and even simple. But an attempt at imitation or emulation quickly proves that simple it is not. He employs short, punchy sentences that generate excellent dialogue dripping with irony, deadpan humour and wit. This, mixed with good descriptive prose, draws the characters – and what characters they are – along with the tumultuous events in which they participated amidst the stinking, steaming heat of the South American jungle, out from the past to the present; alive, scheming, drinking, womanising and fighting, onto the written page.

You can give readers a sense of the book by drawing comparisons to other well-known titles or authors:

Laura Hartman's review of The Mystery of Ruby's Mistletoe :

Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely gratifying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”

Not everyone’s tastes are the same, and you can always acknowledge this by calling out specific story elements in your evaluation: 

Kevin R. Dickinson's review of The Heart of Stone :

Whether you enjoy Galley’s worldbuilding will depend heavily on preference. Galley delivers information piecemeal, letting the characters, not the author, navigate the reader through Hartlund. A notable example is the magic system, an enigmatic force that lacks the ridge structures of, say, a Brandon Sanderson novel. While the world’s magical workings are explained, you only learn what the characters know and many mysteries remain by the end. Similar choices throughout make the world feel expansive and authentic.

Non-fiction evaluation tip: A book’s topic is only as compelling as its supporting arguments. Your evaluation of a nonfiction book should address that: how clearly and effectively are the points communicated? Turn back to Stefan’s critique for an example of a non-fiction critique that covers key takeaways and readability, without giving away any “big reveals.”

Step 3. Give your recommendation 

At the end of the day, your critique needs to answer this question: is this a book you would (or wouldn’t) recommend to other readers? You might wrap up by comparing it to other books in the same genre, or authors with similar styles, such as: “Fans of so-and-so will enjoy this book.” 

Let’s take a look at a few more tips:

You don’t need to write, “I recommend this book” — you can make it clear by highlighting your favorable opinion:

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

Add more punch to your rating by mentioning what kind of audience will or won’t enjoy the book:

Charleigh Aleyna Reid's review of The King of FU :

I would recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 90’s and would like to reminisce about the time, someone who is interested to see what it was like to be a 90’s kid, or perhaps anyone who is looking for a unique, funny story about someone’s life.

Unless you found the title absolutely abhorrent, a good way to balance out a less favorable book review it to share what you did like about the book — before ultimately stating why you wouldn’t recommend the novel:

Nicola O's review of Secrets of the Sea Lord :

Overall, there are plenty of enjoyable elements in this story and fans of Atlantis and mer mythology should give it a try. Despite this, it does not rise above a three-star rating, and while I had some difficulty pinning down why this is, I concluded that it comes from a surprisingly unsophisticated vocabulary. There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, which is absolutely fine in a paranormal romance, but if they were removed, I could easily imagine this as an appealing story for middle-schoolers.

Non-fiction recommendation tip: As with fiction book reviews, share why you did or didn’t enjoy the title. However, in one of the starkest divergences from fiction book reviews it’s more important than ever that you mention your expectations coming into the non-fiction book. For instance, if you’re a cow farmer who’s reading a book on the benefits of becoming a vegetarian, you’re coming in with a large and inherent bias that the book will struggle to alter. So your recommendation should cover your thoughts about the book, while clearly taking account your perspective before you started reading. Let’s look once more at Stefan’s review for an example of a rating that includes an explanation of the reviewer’s own bias.

Bonus tips for writing a book review

Let’s wrap up with a few final tips for writing a compelling review.

• Remember, this isn’t a book report. If someone wants the summary of a book, they can read the synopsis. People turn to book reviews for a fellow reader’s take on the book. And for that reason...
• Have an opinion. Even if your opinion is totally middle-of-the-line — you didn’t hate the book but you didn’t love it either — state that clearly, and explain why.
• Make your stance clear from the outset. Don’t save your opinion just for the evaluation/recommendation. Weave your thoughts about the book into your summary as well, so that readers have an idea of your opinion from the outset.
• Back up your points. Instead of just saying, “the prose was evocative” — show readers by providing an actual passage that displays this. Same goes for negative points — don’t simply tell readers you found a character unbelievable, reference a certain (non-spoiler) scene that backs this up.
• Provide the details. Don’t forget to weave the book’s information into the review: is this a debut author? Is this one installment of a series? What types of books has the author written before? What is their background? How many pages does the book have? Who published the book? What is the book’s price?
• Follow guidelines. Is the review you’re writing for Goodreads? For The New York Times ? The content and tone of your review will vary a good deal from publication to publication.
• Learn from others. One of the best ways to learn how to write a great review is to read other reviews! To help you out with that, we’ve published a post all about book review examples .

Writing book reviews can be a rewarding experience! As a book-lover yourself, it’s a great opportunity to help guide readers to their next favorite title. If you’re just getting started as a reviewer and could use a couple more tips and nudges in the right direction, check out our comprehensive blog post on how to become a book reviewer . And if you want to find out which review community is the right fit for you, we recommend taking this quick quiz:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Finally, if you feel you've nailed the basics of how to write a book review, we recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can review books for free and are guaranteed people will read them. To register as a book reviewer, simply go here !

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How To Write A Book Review: 6 Steps To Take

Adiba Jaigirdar

Adiba Jaigirdar is an Irish-Bangladeshi writer, poet, and teacher. She resides in Dublin, Ireland and has an MA in postcolonial studies. She is currently working on her own postcolonial novel and hopes that someday it will see the light of day outside of her computer screen. Twitter:  @adiba_j

View All posts by Adiba Jaigirdar

Whether you’re a student, a novice blogger, or just someone looking to become a more active user of Goodreads, writing a book review is an important skill to have! Here are six steps for how to write a book review for school and beyond. 

1. Begin with a brief summary of the book

This is probably the best way to introduce any review because it gives context. But make sure to not go into too much detail. Keep it short and sweet since an official summary can be found through a quick google search!

2. Pick out the most important aspects of the book

I usually break this down with character, world-building, themes, and plot. But this might vary between books, genres, and your tastes!

Dedicate a paragraph to each of these important aspects, discussing how well the author dealt with it, along with what you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy.

3. Include brief quotes as examples

Including quotes is always a great idea, because it gives examples for everything that you’re saying! If your review talks about a character being particularly witty, a witty line from the character lets your readers see exactly what kind of witty character you’re dealing with here.

But be careful: lengthy quotes can take up big chunks of space and overpower your review. Short quotes will usually get your points across while letting your work shine through.

4. Write a conclusion that summarises everything

Like your introduction, keep your conclusion short and sweet! It should bring up the main points of your review, along with your overall opinion of the book.

5. Find similar books

A great way to wrap up a review is to find similar books to the one you’re reviewing. So you can say, “if you were a fan of X book, I think you’ll definitely like this one!”

You can also be more specific, looking at the exact things that might make two books similar. So you can suggest something like…“if you liked that the main character in X book was a kick-ass superhero, then you’ll love the main character of this book!”

6. Give it a star rating

A star rating is obviously encouraged in a lot of review sites, but they’re not necessary! If you do want to give a star rating, you can go the conventional “out of five/ten” route. You could also try something slightly less conventional, and break down your star-rating into different categories for character/plot/world-building, etc.

Now go forth and review! And share any tips you have for how to write a book review in the comments.

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• Instagram Book Marketing: 7 Steps on How to Promote Your Book on Instagram
• Self Publishing Guide

Instagram  has evolved as a significant channel for  book promotion  in the digital era, where readers and writers communicate on the virtual pages of social media. Instagram, often known as “Bookstagram,” provides writers with a unique opportunity to display their literary masterpieces because of its visually driven structure and devoted community of book enthusiasts. 

Read:  Easy Ways on How to Promote your book on Goodreads.

In this complete blog, we’ll go through seven practical stages to help you master the art of  Instagram book promotion , from setting up your profile to cooperating with influencers.

• Step: Crafting Your Instagram Persona
• Step: Define Your Target Audience
• Step: Develop a Content Strategy
• Step: Embrace Instagram Stories and Reels
• Step: Engage with the Bookish Community
• Step: Harness the Power of Instagram Ads
• Step: Organise giveaways and contests

- Crafting Your Instagram Persona

Before you dive into book marketing, it’s crucial to create a compelling Instagram persona. Your profile is your authorial identity, so make sure it’s polished and engaging. Begin with a high-quality profile picture, preferably your book cover or an author photo. In your bio, introduce yourself as an author and give a sneak peek at your latest book. Don’t forget to include a link to your book’s website or Amazon page. Your profile should be an irresistible invitation into your literary world.

- Define Your Target Audience

It is critical to establish your target demographic before creating content that will resonate with readers. Understand your target readers’ demographics, hobbies, and reading preferences. Consider criteria such as age, gender, preferred genres, and book-related hobbies. Tailoring your content to the tastes of your audience will increase engagement and reach.

- Develop a Content Strategy

A well-thought-out content strategy is the backbone of successful book marketing on Instagram. Focus on creating visually appealing posts that align with your book’s theme, genre, and your audience’s interests. Share captivating images and videos, such as quotes, book covers, or glimpses of your writing process. Complement your content with engaging captions that spark conversations. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags, including popular book-related ones like #Bookstagram, to expand your reach.

- Embrace Instagram Stories and Reels

Instagram’s dynamic features, Stories and Reels, offer creative opportunities to engage your audience. Use Stories to share daily updates and behind-the-scenes moments and conduct interactive Q&A sessions about your book. Reels are perfect for showcasing your book’s highlights and reviews and crafting short, compelling videos. These formats keep your followers hooked and encourage interaction.

- Engage with the Bookish Community

Instagram is home to a thriving bookish community. Connect with fellow book lovers by participating in book-related hashtags and challenges, such as #ReadersofInstagram and #BookishCommunity. Engage genuinely with likes, comments, and direct messages. Building relationships with readers and fellow authors not only enriches your Instagram experience but also broadens your book’s reach.

- Harness the Power of Instagram Ads

To expand your book’s reach beyond your followers, consider running Instagram ads. Paid promotions allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and locations, ensuring your book reaches potential readers who are more likely to be interested in your genre. Instagram’s ad platform provides valuable analytics to track the performance of your campaigns.

- Organise giveaways and contests

Create excitement around your book by hosting Instagram giveaways and contests. Encourage users to participate by following your account, tagging friends, or sharing your post. Offer enticing prizes like signed copies of your book, exclusive merchandise, or personalised acknowledgements. Not only do giveaways boost engagement, but they also help you gain new followers.

• How do I promote my book on social media? To promote your book on social media effectively, start by identifying your target audience. Create engaging content related to your book’s themes and genre. Use relevant hashtags, collaborate with influencers, and run targeted ads. Engage with your followers through Q&A sessions, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Encourage reviews and shares to boost visibility.
• How do I start an Instagram account for my book? Begin by setting up an Instagram business account with your book’s title or author name. Use a high-quality profile picture and write a captivating bio. Share visually appealing posts related to your book, such as cover reveals, quotes, and author insights. Engage with the bookish community and use book-related hashtags to connect with potential readers.
• How do you promote on Instagram? On Bookstagram, focus on creating visually appealing posts showcasing your book. Engage with book lovers by participating in book-related challenges and discussions. Collaborate with Bookstagram influencers for reviews or features. Run book-themed contests or giveaways to create buzz. Use popular book-related hashtags and interact genuinely with followers.
• Should I make an Instagram account for my book? Yes, creating a dedicated Instagram account for your book is a great way to connect with readers and promote your work. It allows you to tailor content specifically to your book’s audience and build a community of enthusiastic readers.
• Does Bookstagram pay? Bookstagrammers can earn money through sponsored posts, collaborations, or affiliate marketing. When they partner with authors or publishers for promotional content, they may receive compensation or free books. However, earning on Bookstagram depends on follower count, engagement, and partnerships.
• How do writers get noticed on Instagram? Writers can get noticed on Instagram by consistently sharing engaging content related to their writing journey, books, and insights. Engage with the writing and book communities, participate in writing challenges, and use relevant hashtags. Collaborate with fellow writers and book influencers to expand your reach.
• How can I grow my Bookstagram fast? To grow your Bookstagram quickly, post regularly with high-quality content. Engage with followers and respond to comments promptly. Collaborate with Bookstagram influencers for shoutouts or features. Host giveaways to attract new followers. Use popular book-related hashtags and participate in book challenges.
• How do you become a Bookstagram influencer? Becoming a Bookstagram influencer requires building a dedicated and engaged follower base. Create content that resonates with book lovers, engage authentically with your audience, and establish your niche within the bookish community. Collaborate with authors and publishers, and focus on delivering valuable book-related content.
• Free ways to promote your book Utilise free book promotion methods like  social media marketing , creating an author website or blog, guest posting on book-related blogs, and engaging with book clubs or reading groups. Leverage platforms like Goodreads and Amazon Author Central to connect with readers.
• How do I market a  children’s book  on Instagram? Market a  children’s book  on Instagram by sharing colorful and child-friendly visuals, such as illustrations or character art. Engage with parents, teachers, and child-focused influencers. Use relevant children’s book hashtags, and run contests or giveaways with child-appropriate prizes. Share educational content related to the book’s themes to appeal to careers and educators.
• How do you promote writing on Instagram? Promote your  writing  on Instagram by sharing your writing process, snippets of your work, and author insights. Engage with the writing community through writing challenges, prompts, and discussions. Collaborate with fellow writers for shoutouts or features. Use writing-related hashtags and encourage readers to engage with your writing through comments and shares.

Conclusion: Mastering Instagram Book Marketing

Instagram offers authors a dynamic platform to connect with readers, showcase their literary works, and build an enthusiastic fan base. By crafting an engaging Instagram persona, defining your target audience, developing a content strategy, embracing Instagram’s features, engaging with the bookish community, harnessing advertising, and organising giveaways, you can become a master of Instagram book marketing. 

Read:  List of 10 Most Successful Self-Help eBooks to Read in 2023.

Remember, Bookstagram is more than just a promotional tool—it’s a vibrant community of book lovers waiting to discover your literary treasures. Start your Instagram book marketing journey today and watch your book find its audience in the digital realm. Happy promoting!

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How to End a Love Story

We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Yulin Kuang, on your first book!

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Two writers with plenty of shared history end up staffed on the same TV show... Can they write themselves a new ending?

Good to know

Writer's life

Enemies to Lovers

Helen Zhang hasn’t seen Grant Shepard once in the thirteen years since the tragic accident that bound their lives together forever.

Now a bestselling author, Helen pours everything into her career. She’s even scored a coveted spot in the writers’ room of the TV adaptation of her popular young adult novels, and if she can hide her imposter syndrome and overcome her writer’s block, surely the rest of her life will fall into place too. LA is the fresh start she needs. After all, no one knows her there. Except…

Grant has done everything in his power to move on from the past, including building a life across the country. And while the panic attacks have never quite gone away, he’s well liked around town as a screenwriter. He knows he shouldn’t have taken the job on Helen’s show, but it will open doors to developing his own projects that he just can’t pass up.

Grant’s exactly as Helen remembers him—charming, funny, popular, and lovable in ways that she’s never been. And Helen’s exactly as Grant remembers too—brilliant, beautiful, closed off. But working together is messy, and electrifying, and Helen’s parents, who have never forgiven Grant, have no idea he’s in the picture at all.

When secrets come to light, they must reckon with the fact that theirs was never meant to be any kind of love story. And yet…the key to making peace with their past—and themselves—might just lie in holding on to each other in the present.

Content warning

Free sample.

All things considered, her little sister’s funeral is a pretty boring affair.

Helen Zhang (the good one, the smart one, the boring one , according to Michelle, may she rest in peace) sits in the front row between her grieving parents. If Michelle were here, she would be snickering at something inappropriate, like the accidentally phallic floral arrangement draped over her closed casket. If Michelle were here, she’d be restlessly tapping her foot, anxious to sneak a cigarette in the bathroom, already plotting her escape to an afterparty. If Michelle were here— it wouldn’t be so fucking quiet.

Helen’s mother shakes with silent, rolling sobs and grips her surviving daughter’s right hand so hard, Helen lost feeling in it during the pastor’s welcome remarks. Her father stares at the wooden easel holding Michelle’s sophomore-year photo. His gaze drifts first to the bland church window blinds (not for the first time, Helen wishes they were Catholic, for the vibes), then to the shoes of the pastor. Dad looks everywhere there isn’t someone with a face to look back at him.

Helen used up all her own tears in the first forty-eight hours, shaking and crying alone in her room like some dumb wounded animal until her eyes were puffy slits, pondering existential questions too big to be captured in pathetic words. The well has dried up, and all that’s left is a growing pit of resentment that threatens to swallow her whole. She hates the pastor’s trite remarks trying to imbue Michelle’s short life with meaning , hates Mom’s tears, hates Dad’s lack of them, maybe she even hates herself , but why ? Really, if there’s anyone she should be mad at, it’s Michelle —

A door in the back of the church creaks open—a late mourner—and a sudden prickling at the back of Helen’s neck says: it’s him .

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Why I love it

BOTM Editorial Team

I find it difficult to sum up How To End a Love Story . When the premise was first described to me, I thought, there’s no way this is going to work . I’ve never been more happy to be so wrong.

Our story begins with Helen Zhang, a successful author who goes to LA to work in the writers’ room adapting her book for TV. It’s been over a decade since the tragic loss of her sister, and she hopes that this can mark a new chapter of her life. That is until she runs into Grant Shepard—the one who was driving the car that killed her sister 13 years ago—in the writers’ room. Today, he’s struggling with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks, but he’s still the affable and charming guy Helen knew back in high school.

Helen and Grant get off to a rocky start. Working together with such a tragic bond creates friction that seems insurmountable. Over time, though, breaking the ice becomes baring their souls, and a clear chemistry emerges between them. After new secrets from the accident come to light, Helen and Grant must learn to navigate their past and blossoming relationship.

This book delivers in every way: it’s an emotional (and humorous) journey that resonates on every page. Reading Yulin Kuang is seeing a master at work. As she takes you through gut-wrenching emotional lows and highs, she also provides a perfect amount of levity. I feel lucky to have gone on this journey with these characters, who I grew to love as they loved each other. I know you will too.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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We Were the Lucky Ones: The Real Kurc Family’s Holocaust Survival Story

By Savannah Walsh

The opening episode of We Were the Lucky Ones, the first three installments of which are now streaming on Hulu, finds the sprawling Kurc family around a boisterous dinner table in Radom, Poland. Joey King ’s Halina, entertaining a romance with family friend Adam ( Sam Woolf ), laughs alongside her brother Addy ( Logan Lerman ), who has returned home from Paris for Passover. Their parents, Sol ( Lior Ashkenazi ) and Nechuma ( Robin Weigert ), press eldest daughter Mila ( Hadas Yaron ) about the forthcoming arrival of her first child. Their son Jakob ( Amit Rahav ) relishes in bringing his girlfriend, Bella ( Eva Feiler ), home to spend the holiday with his family, as does his older brother, Genek ( Henry Lloyd-Hughes ), who has begun dating Herta ( Moran Rosenblatt ). What the Kurcs don’t know is that their hometown will soon be under Nazi control—and this will be their last Passover together for the next decade.

As World War II begins, the Kurcs will be forced out of Radom and displaced across the globe— from Siberia and France to West Africa and Brazil. During the Holocaust, each member of the family will faced various atrocities: Mila and her newborn daughter endure harsh factory conditions before she eventually stashes her child in a Warsaw convent. Genek and Herta are condemned to a Soviet labor camp. The series details the family’s struggle to survive, and their harrowing attempts at reunification.

“By the end of the Holocaust, 90% of Poland’s three million Jews were annihilated,” the series reminds viewers at the outset. But as the show’s title implies, all immediate members of the Kurc family are fortunate enough to live through the genocide and remain doggedly devoted to reuniting.

Created by Erica Lipez and directed by Thomas Kail, We Were the Lucky Ones is based on the bestselling 2017 novel by Georgia Hunter, who also serves as co-executive-producer on the project. Hunter’s debut book was inspired by the actual story of her family. “There were over 20 survivors in all, including my grandfather and his siblings, parents, cousins and in-laws,” she writes in a blog post on her website. “Together, they accounted for nearly 7% of the total number of Jewish survivors in their hometown of Radom (the city’s thriving prewar population of 30,000 Jews shrank to fewer than 300 after the Holocaust).”

While her family’s tale of survival is a staggering one, Hunter was not aware of their plight–or even her Jewish heritage–until age 15. A year after her grandfather Addy died of Parkinson’s disease in 1993, Hunter was tasked with interviewing her grandmother for a school English project. “I sat with my grandmother Caroline and I will never forget that hour I spent with her, sitting in her home and discovering that my grandfather was from this town called Radom, Poland, that he was one of five siblings, that he was raised in the Jewish faith, and that I came from a family of Holocaust survivors,” the author previously told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency .

Addy, a musician and engineer who later changed his name to Eddy, didn’t mean to keep his past “some big secret,” Hunter recalled her grandmother saying , “but rather a chapter of his life he’d chosen to leave behind.” She added that “becoming an American, changing his name, and building a successful career…were his ways of moving on, and of protecting his children.”

Survivors’ guilt may have also factored into her grandfather’s decision, said Hunter in another interview . “Perhaps the fact that the entire family survived intact—there were 22 in all—played a part in that,” she explained. “They were a statistical anomaly, which is unbelievably fortunate but not something they’d have boasted about. More than that, though, it simply wasn’t in my grandfather’s DNA to dwell on the past. He had this very positive, vibrant, forward-thinking outlook on life.”

No matter Addy’s reasoning, Hunter has said that learning about her family’s history at an older age catalyzed her desire to write about it. “I wonder often how knowing about my Jewish ancestry as a child might have shaped me as a person,” Hunter said . “I believe, however, that the shock of making the discovery later in life sparked an intense curiosity, and an insatiable thirst for answers,” which she sought to find over the course of a nine-year research process that began in 2008 and spanned seven countries.

Hunter, who grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, would interview Holocaust experts, visit museums and archives, and even go to her ancestors’ home in Radom, Poland, which gets recreated in the series. “We visited the apartment building where my family lived, and I got chills running my fingers along a rusted mezuzah still adhered to the cement arched entranceway,” she recounted in a 2017 interview .

In February 2008, Hunter traveled to Paris, where Felicia —Mila’s daughter, who was an infant at the start of WWII and six years old by V-E Day—lived as one of the only remaining members of the Kurc family. “To this day, I’m still amazed at the lucidity with which Felicia was able to recall the details of her wartime experiences,” Hunter writes on her website : “the long coat her mother sewed as a part of a scheme to escape the ghetto…the thunderous stomp of German boots patrolling just inches from her hiding spot at a uniform factory where her mother worked…the stench of peroxide the nuns at the Catholic convent used to bleach her auburn hair blond, so she’d fit in with the other children.”

Felicia’s estrangement from her mother plays out in both Hunter’s novel and the new Hulu series. Later episodes show Addy’s brief engagement to a fellow passenger while aboard a ship of European refugees fleeing Europe for South America, and the time Adam, who was living in Warsaw with Halina under false papers, devised a way to shield the fact that he was circumcised from a landlord who accused him of being Jewish.

By Julie Miller

All of these stories informed Hunter’s debut novel, which at one point was titled The Eternal Ones . “Every significant movement, incarceration, brush with death, and escape described in the book actually happened,” Hunter previously told Penguin Random House . “Now and then when I stumbled across a gap, I allowed myself the creative license to fill it in—but only if I could answer yes with confidence to the question ‘is it feasible that this could have happened?’”

But when it came time to write the book, Hunter said she faltered with the pressure of depicting the Kurcs accurately. “I realized in early drafts, however, that I’d stuck so closely to what I’d been told in my interviews that my characters came across as a touch too perfect (most of my relatives were depicted to me—rightfully so—as heroes),” she previously explained . “The Kurcs were courageous, resilient, and ingenious, yes. But they were also human. They were falling in love (even making babies!), and they must have also been confused and angry and at times racked with fear.”

To unburden herself from any familial fidelity, Hunter decided to write the book not as nonfiction but as historical fiction, told in present tense—“allowing myself the creative license to dive deep into my characters’ psyches, imagining to the best of my ability what was running through the Kurcs’ hearts and minds,” she said. “It’s my hope that in doing so, I was able to bring the story even closer to the truth.” Real-life family photos were left out of the novel so as to “allow readers to imagine for themselves the characters and settings,” Hunter noted. But numerous photos and documents uncovered during her research can be found online .

Seven years after the publication of We Were the Lucky Ones, versions of Hunter’s relatives have found their way to the screen. During filming, she shared photographs and music from her grandfather with production, as well as a few precious artifacts. “Logan [Lerman] carries the same snake skin wallet that my grandfather carried,” Hunter told People , “and Robin [Weigert], who plays Nechuma, wears the same broach that my great-grandmother wore.”

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Generation Anxiety: smartphones have created a gen Z mental health crisis – but there are ways to fix it

Those born after 1995, argues Jonathan Haidt in his new book, were the first people in history to go through puberty with a portal to an alternative universe in their pockets – and the toll this has taken on their wellbeing has been devastating

S uppose that when your first child turned nine, a visionary billionaire whom you’d never met chose her to join the first permanent human settlement on Mars. Unbeknown to you, she had signed herself up for the mission because she loves outer space, and, besides, all of her friends have signed up. She begs you to let her go.

You hear her desire, so before saying no, you agree at least to learn more. You learn that the reason they’re recruiting children is because they will better adapt to the unusual conditions of Mars than adults. If children go through puberty and its associated growth spurt on Mars, their bodies will be permanently tailored to it, unlike settlers who come over as adults.

You find other reasons for fear. First, there’s the radiation, against which Mars does not have a protective shield. And then there’s the low‐gravity environment, which would put children at high risk of developing deformities in their skeletons, hearts, eyes, and brains. Did the planners take this vulnerability of children into account? As far as you can tell, no.

So, would you let her go? Of course not. You realise this is a completely insane idea – sending children to Mars, perhaps never to return to Earth. The project leaders do not seem to know anything about child development and do not seem to care about children’s safety. Worse still: the company did not require proof of parental permission.

No company could ever take our children away and endanger them without our consent, or they would face massive liabilities. Right?

A t the turn of the millennium, technology companies created a set of world-changing products that transformed life not just for adults all over the world but for children, too. Young people had been watching television since the 1950s but the new tech was far more portable, personalised and engaging than anything that came before. Yet the companies that developed them had done little or no research on the mental health effects. When faced with growing evidence that their products were harming young people, they mostly engaged in denial, obfuscation, and public relations campaigns. Companies that strive to maximise “engagement” by using psychological tricks to keep young people clicking were the worst offenders. They hooked children during vulnerable developmental stages, while their brains were rapidly rewiring in response to incoming stimulation. This included social media companies, which inflicted their greatest damage on girls, and video game companies and pornography sites, which sank their hooks deepest into boys. By designing a slew of addictive content that entered through kids’ eyes and ears, and by displacing physical play and in-person socialising, these companies have rewired childhood and changed human development on an almost unimaginable scale.

What legal limits have we imposed on these tech companies so far? Virtually none, apart from the requirement for children under 13 to get parental consent before they can sign a contract with a company. But the law in most countries didn’t require age verification; so long as a child checked a box to assert that she was old enough (or put in the right fake birthday), she could go almost anywhere on the internet – and sign into any social media app – without her parents’ knowledge or consent. (The law is being tightened in the UK, due to the 2023 Online Safety Act , and is under review in the US.)

Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is a leading American social psychologist. He is professor of ethical leadership at the New York University Stern School of Business. Born in New York in 1963, he studied philosophy at Yale University and psychology at the Universities of Pennsylvania and Chicago. His books include The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom and The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion . His most recent title was the bestselling The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure , acclaimed in the New York Times and the Atlantic as a compelling, unprecedented, frightening analysis of how a generation of students has been politically and socially stunted by trigger warnings, cancel culture and a false and deepening belief in its own fragility.

Thus, the generation born after 1995 – gen Z – became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive and unstable. Succeeding socially in that universe required them to devote a large part of their consciousness to managing what became their online brand, posting carefully curated photographs and videos of their lives. This was now necessary to gain acceptance from peers, the oxygen of adolescence, and to avoid online shaming, the nightmare of adolescence. Gen Z teenagers got sucked into spending many hours of each day scrolling through the shiny happy posts of friends, acquaintances and distant influencers. They watched increasing quantities of user-generated videos and streamed entertainment, fed to them by algorithms that were designed to keep them online as long as possible. They spent far less time playing with, talking to, touching, or even making eye contact with their friends and families, thereby reducing their participation in social behaviour that is essential for successful human development.

The members of gen Z are, therefore, the test subjects for a radical new way of growing up, far from the real‐world interactions of small communities in which humans evolved. Call it the Great Rewiring of Childhood. It’s as if they became the first generation to grow up on Mars. And it has turned them into the Anxious Generation.

T here was little sign of an impending mental illness crisis among adolescents in the 2000s. Then, quite suddenly, in the early 2010s, things changed. In just five years between 2010 and 2015, across the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and beyond, the number of young people with anxiety, depression and even suicidal tendencies started to rise sharply. Among US teenagers, those who reported experiencing a long period of feeling “sad, empty, or depressed” or a long period in which they “lost interest and became bored with most of the things they usually enjoy” – classic symptoms of depression – surged by roughly 150%. In other words, mental illness became roughly two and a half times more prevalent. The increases were similar for both sexes and happened across all races and social classes. And among a variety of mental health diagnoses, anxiety rates rose the most.

More recent data for 2020 was collected partly before and partly after the Covid shutdowns, and by then one out of every four American teen girls had experienced a major depressive episode in the previous year. Things got worse in 2021, but the majority of the rise was in place before the pandemic.

I addressed some of these issues in The Coddling of the American Mind , a book [about modern identity politics and hypersensitivity on university campuses] I wrote in 2017 with free speech campaigner Greg Lukianoff. The day after we published, an essay appeared in the New York Times with the headline: “ The Big Myth About Teenage Anxiety .” In it, a psychiatrist raised several important objections to what he saw as a rising moral panic around teenagers and smartphones. He pointed out that most of the studies showing a rise in mental illness were based on “self‐reports”, which does not necessarily mean that there is a change in underlying rates of mental illness. Perhaps young people just became more willing to self‐diagnose or talk honestly about their symptoms? Or perhaps they started to mistake mild symptoms of anxiety for a mental disorder?

Was the psychiatrist right to be sceptical? He was certainly right that we need to look at multiple indicators to know if mental illness really is increasing. A good way to do that is to look at changes in figures not self‐reported by teens. For example, the number of adolescents brought in for emergency psychiatric care, or admitted to hospitals each year because they deliberately harmed themselves, either in a suicide attempt, or in what is called non‐suicidal self-injury, such as cutting oneself without the intent to die.

The rate of self‐harm for young adolescent girls nearly tripled from 2010 to 2020. The rate for older girls (ages 15–19) doubled, while the rate for women over 24 actually went down during that time. So whatever happened in the early 2010s, it hit preteen and young teen girls harder than any other group. Similarly, the suicide rate for young adolescents increased by 167% from 2010 to 2021.

The rapid increases in rates of self‐harm and suicide, in conjunction with the self‐report studies showing increases in anxiety and depression, offers a strong rebuttal to those who were sceptical about the existence of a mental health crisis. I am not saying that none of the increase in anxiety and depression is due to a greater willingness to report these conditions (which is a good thing) or that some adolescents began pathologising normal anxiety and discomfort (which is not a good thing). But the pairing of self‐reported suffering with behavioural changes tells us that something big changed in the lives of adolescents in the early 2010s.

Anxiety: the numbers

Proportion of British 18- to 24-year-olds now report recently experiencing depression or anxiety, compared with one in four in 2000.

Number of children and young people in England are waiting for mental health support, meaning one in every 50 children is on the waiting list.

Proportion of gen Z in the UK feel anxious frequently or all the time– a big jump from the one-third of gen X and one-quarter of baby boomers who said the same.

Proportion of 18- to 24-year-olds report feeling stressed and not having a ‘good quality of life’.

One in eight young people aged 17-24 report having self-harmed last year and an estimated 100,000 people were admitted to hospital as a result of self-harm.

Proportion of secondary school pupils in the UK stayed away from school last year owing to anxiety.

The arrival of the smartphone in 2007 changed life for everyone. Of course, teenagers had mobile phones since the late 1990s, but they were basic flip phones with no internet access, mostly useful for communicating directly with friends and family, one‐on‐one. Some adolescents had internet access via a home computer or laptop but it wasn’t till they got smartphones that they could be online all the time, even when away from home. According to a survey conducted by the US non-profit group Common Sense Media , by 2016, 79% of teens owned a smartphone, as did 28% of children between the ages of eight and 12.

As teenagers got smartphones, they began spending more time in the virtual world. A Common Sense report, in 2015 , found that teens with a social media account reported spending about two hours a day on social media and around seven hours a day of leisure time online. Another 2015 report , by the Washington thinktank Pew Research, reveals that one out of every four teens said that they were online “almost constantly”. By 2022, that number had nearly doubled, to 46%. These “almost constantly” numbers are startling, and may be the key to explaining the sudden collapse of adolescent mental health. These extraordinarily high rates suggest that even when members of gen Z are not on their devices and appear to be doing something in the real world, such as sitting in class, eating a meal, or talking to you, a substantial portion of their attention is monitoring or worrying (being anxious) about events in the social metaverse. As the MIT professor Sherry Turkle wrote in 2015 about life with smartphones: “We are forever elsewhere.”

Faced with so many virtual activities, social media platforms and video streaming channels, many adolescents (and adults) lost the ability to be fully present with the people around them, which changed social life for everyone, even for the small minority that did not use these platforms. Social patterns, role models, emotions, physical activity, and even sleep patterns were fundamentally recast, for adolescents, over the course of just five years.

W hen I present these findings in public, someone often objects by saying something like: “Of course young people are depressed – just look at the state of the world in the 21st century. It began with the 9/11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the global financial crisis. They’re growing up with global warming, school shootings in the US and elsewhere, political polarisation, inequality, and ever-rising student loan debt. Not to mention wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.”

But while I agree that the 21st century is off to a bad start, the timing does not support the argument that gen Z is anxious and depressed because of rising national or global threats. Even if we were to accept the premise that the events from 9/11 through to the global financial crisis had substantial effects on adolescent mental health, they would have most heavily affected the millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1995), who found their world shattered and their prospects for upward mobility reduced. But this did not happen; their rates of mental illness did not worsen during their teenage years. Also, had the financial crisis and other economic concerns been major contributors, adolescent mental health would have plummeted in 2009, the darkest year of the financial crisis, and it would have improved throughout the 2010s as the unemployment rate fell, the stock market rose, and the global economy heated up.

There is just no way to pin the surge of adolescent anxiety and depression on any economic event or trend that I can find.

When Covid arrived in 2020, the disease and the lockdowns made sociogenic illness more likely among people of any age. Covid was a global threat and a stressor. The lockdowns led teens to spend even more time on social media, especially TikTok, which was relatively new. But the steep rise in anxiety and depression among adolescents was in place well before the pandemic.

The other explanation I often hear is that gen Z is anxious and depressed because of climate change, which will affect their lives more than those of older generations. Their concern is legitimate, but impending threats to a nation or generation (as opposed to an individual) do not historically cause rates of mental illness to rise. When countries are attacked, either by military force or by terrorism, citizens usually rally around the flag and one another. They are infused with a strong sense of purpose and suicide rates drop. When young people rally together around a political cause, from opposing the Vietnam war in the 1960s through peak periods of earlier climate activism in the 1970s and 1990s, they become energi sed , not dispirited or depressed.

People don’t get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.

Parents I talk to about smartphones, social media and video games tell stories of “constant conflict”. They try to lay down rules and enforce limits, but there are so many arguments about why a rule needs to be relaxed, and so many ways around the rules, that family life all over the world has come to be dominated by disagreements about technology. Maintaining family rituals such as mealtimes can feel like resisting an ever-rising tide.

A mother I spoke with in Boston told me about the efforts she and her husband had made to keep their 14- year-old daughter, Emily, away from Instagram. They could see the damaging effect it was having on her. To curb her access, they tried various ways to monitor and limit the app on her phone. However, life became a permanent struggle in which Emily eventually found ways around the restrictions. In one episode, she got into her mother’s phone, disabled the monitoring software, and threatened to kill herself if her parents reinstalled it. Her mother told me:

“It feels like the only way to remove social media and the smartphone from her life is to move to a deserted island. She attended summer camp for six weeks each summer where no phones were permitted – no electronics at all. When we picked her up from camp she was her normal self. But as soon as she started using her phone again it was back to the same agitation and glumness.”

Platforms such as Instagram – where users post content about themselves, then wait for the judgments and comments of others, and the social comparison that goes with it – have larger and more harmful effects on girls and young women than on boys and young men. The more time a girl spends on social media, the more likely she is to be depressed or anxious. Girls who say that they spend five or more hours each weekday on social media are three times as likely to be depressed as those who report no social media time. The difference is far less marked with boys. Girls spend more time on social media, and the platforms they are on – particularly Instagram and Snapchat – are the worst for mental health. A 2017 study in the UK asked teenage girls to rate the effects of the most popular social media platforms on different parts of their wellbeing, including anxiety, loneliness, body image, and sleep. Teenagers rated Instagram as the worst of the big five apps, followed by Snapchat. YouTube was the only platform that received a positive overall score.

The 2021 song Jealousy, Jealousy by Olivia Rodrigo sums up what it’s like for many girls to scroll through social media today. The song begins: “I kinda wanna throw my phone across the room/ ’Cause all I see are girls too good to be true.” Rodrigo then says that “co-comparison” with the perfect bodies and paper-white teeth of girls she doesn’t know is slowly killing her.

Psychologists have long studied social comparison and its pervasive effects. The American social psychologist Mark Leary says it’s as if we all have a “sociometer” in our brains – a gauge that runs from nought to 100, telling us where we stand in the local prestige rankings. When the needle drops, it triggers an alarm – anxiety – that motivates us to change our behaviour and get the needle back up. So what happened when most girls in a school got Instagram and Snapchat accounts and started posting carefully edited highlight reels of their lives and using filters and editing apps to improve their virtual beauty and online brand? Many girls’ sociometers plunged, because most were now below what appeared to them to be the average. All around the developed world, an anxiety alarm went off in girls’ minds, at approximately the same time.

A 13-year-old girl on Reddit explained how seeing other girls on social media made her feel, using similar words to Olivia Rodrigo:

i cant stop comparing myself. it came to a point where i wanna kill myself cause u dont want to look like this and no matter what i try im still ugly/feel ugly. i constantly cry about this. it probably started when i was 10, im now 13. back when i was 10 i found a girl on tiktok and basically became obsessed with her. she was literally perfect and i remember being unimaginably envious of her. throughout my pre-teen years, i became “obsessed” with other pretty girls.

Instagram’s owner, Facebook (now Meta), itself commissioned a study on how Instagram was affecting teens in the US and the UK. The findings were never released, but whistleblower Frances Haugen smuggled out screenshots of internal documents and shared them with reporters at the Wall Street Journal . The researchers found that Instagram is particularly bad for girls: “Teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression… This reaction was unprompted and consistent across all groups.”

If we confine ourselves to examining data about depression, anxiety, and self-harm, we’d conclude that the Great Rewiring has been harder on girls than on boys. But there’s plenty of evidence that boys are suffering too.

A key factor was boys taking up online multiplayer video games in the late 2000s and smartphones in the early 2010s, both of which pulled them decisively away from face-to-face or shoulder-to-shoulder interaction. At that point, I think we see signs of a “mass psychological breakdown”. Or, at least, a mass psychological change. Once boys had multiple internet-connected devices, many of them got lost in cyberspace, which made them more fragile, fearful, and risk averse on Earth. Beginning the early 2010s, boys across the western world began showing concerning declines in their mental health. By 2015, a staggering number of them said that they had no close friends, that they were lonely, and that there was no meaning or direction to their lives.

T he overwhelming feeling I get from the families of both boys and girls is that they are trapped and powerless in the face of the biggest mental health crisis in history for their children. What should they – what should we – do?

When I say that we need to delay the age at which children get smartphones and social media accounts, the most common response is: “I agree with you, but it’s too late.” It has become so ordinary for 11-year-olds to walk around staring at their phones, swiping through bottomless feeds, that many people cannot imagine that we could change it if we wanted to. “That ship has sailed,” they tell me.

Yet we are not helpless. It often feels that way because smartphones, social media, market forces, and social influence combine to pull us into a trap that social scientists call a collective action problem. Children starting secondary school are trapped in a collective action problem when they arrive for their first day and see that some of their classmates have smartphones and are connecting on Instagram and Snapchat, even during class time. That puts pressure on them to get a smartphone and social media as well.

It’s painful for parents to hear their children say: “ Everyone else has a smartphone. If you don’t get me one, I’ll be excluded from everything .” Many parents therefore give in and buy their child a smartphone at age 11, or younger. As more parents relent, pressure grows on the remaining kids and parents, until the community reaches a stable but unfortunate equilibrium: Everyone really does have a smartphone.

How do we escape from these traps? Collective action problems require collective responses: parents can support one another by sticking together. There are four main types of collective response, and each can help us to bring about major change:

1. No smartphones before year 10 Parents should delay children’s entry into round-the-clock internet access by giving only basic phones with limited apps and no internet browser before the age of 14.

2. No social media before 16 Let children get through the most vulnerable period of brain development before connecting them to an avalanche of social comparison and algorithmically chosen influencers.

3. Phone-free schools Schools must insist that students store their phones, smartwatches, and any other devices in phone lockers during the school day, as per the new non-statutory guidance issued by the UK government. That is the only way to free up their attention for one another and for their teachers.

4. Far more unsupervised play and childhood independence That’s the way children naturally develop social skills, overcome anxiety, and become self-governing young adults.

These four reforms are not hard to implement – if many of us do them at the same time. They cost almost nothing. They will work even if we never get help from our legislators or from the tech giants, which continue to resist pressure to protect young users’ safety and wellbeing. If most of the parents and schools in a community were to enact all four, I believe they would see substantial improvements in adolescent mental health within two years. Given that AI and spatial computing (such as Apple’s new Vision Pro goggles) are about to make the virtual world far more immersive and addictive, I think we’d better start today.

This is an edited extract from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, published by Allen Lane (£25). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected] . In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org , or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

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