Ask the Expert: What should I know about writing book reviews?

Annie McDonnell

founder of The Write Review and World of the Write Review

A lifelong reader and advocate for writers and books, Annie McDonnell is a an Alum of High Point University. In 2006, she entered a contest with Elle Magazine and become a book reviewer for the magazine. When Elle stopped running book reviews, Annie moved to blogging and eventually began the Write Review. An entire community was born. Annie writes book reviews, beta reads, blurbs books, runs a book club, interviews authors, and hosts fun, interactive events to promote literacy.

In 2019 Annie began a Global Book Community on Facebook, now known as World of the Write Review with her friend, Serena Soape.

In February 2021, the Annie McDonnell Book Award was announced, honoring her dedication to the literary community and her courage and strength in battling a rare illness. Annie lives in Mastic, NY, with her husband, three beautiful dogs and five lovely cats. She also volunteers at One Love Dog Rescue and supports Operation Paperback and Children’s Literacy.

Me: Why should I bother writing a book review?

Annie: Reviews help sell the book! Help elevate the author! USA Today says that 20% of all sales are driven by reviews. A whole 1/3rd won’t buy a product unless it’s been reviewed. 55% of all shopping starts by looking at reviews on Amazon.

Amazon reviews are so important to authors because each one brings the novel to a different marketing tier within Amazon.

Me: What makes a good book review?

Annie: A Great Hook! NO Spoilers or sharing Quotes! NO Slamming! Read the entire book! Kept it simple!

Not a short story or book report. Mostly expressed feelings. I love adjectives. Maybe compare it to another book.

Spoilers are that which ruin the thrill, so it’s anything that gave you a genuine emotional response. So, letting us enjoy the same response is a gift! (These are my expressed opinions)

Me: What should I do if I don’t like a book?

Annie: If you didn’t enjoy or finish a book and received it from a publicist or author, I suggest you contact them and tell them it wasn’t your cup of tea. I always ask if they’d like me to mail it back, offer it as a giveaway, or donate it.

Otherwise, I will be sure to leave a review using my “Bus Theory” – Imagine 45 people on a bus, there is usually someone you could pass the book to that would enjoy it. Sell it to them.

If I feel I really need to write a negative review, I find the positives (there usually are; from the cover to a well-developed character, etc.) and wrap it around the negative, so it is not such a huge bite.

No slamming, ever. Anywhere. Always respect the author.

Me: Where should I post book reviews?

Annie: I post on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, Barnes & Noble, & Kobo.

I suggest you share on all of your social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. I know we promote sharing reviews at World of the Write Review with our “Stamp Your Passport” program, where you can win giveaways.

Me: Tell us about The Write Review and World of the Write Review.

“World Studios” includes both our page, “The Write Review” and our Book Community “World of the Write Review”. “The Write Review” is also connected to our blog.

“World of The Write Review” is a large Global Book Co-op Community where we share our joy of reading and writing! It is to serve like a Grand Central Station for everyone.

Our desire is to have authors from all corners of the world so that we can learn about one another through our reading and interviews. I believe this is how compassion and empathy is attained. Love and understanding above all things is shared one book at a time.

We interview authors Live with 8 Show options & host various events, share book sales, share plenty of book and writing information, and where authors and classes will be and hope to inspire book chat!!

We promote Book Reviews with our “Stamp Your Passport” program.

We have 8 Global Correspondents and 8 Contributing Reviewers. We started a very successful quarterly Newsletter “World Voices” in July!

The entire Book Community is so wonderful & I love working with everyone to watch it grow! So, Head on over and Follow “The Write Review” & join “World of the Write Review”! You can join as a member, or help with other things if you’d like!