How Do I Become a Book Reviewer? Simple Steps That Work

Ever thought about getting free books just for sharing your opinion? That’s basically the gig for book reviewers. And you don’t need any fancy degrees or special connections to start. You just need a real love for reading and the guts to say what you think—without just parroting the book’s blurbs.

Here’s the thing: the book world always wants new voices. You might think it’s crowded, but publishers and readers both crave honest, personal takes that don’t sound like a robot wrote them. Even if you’re not a pro writer, your opinion counts. Raw honesty gets attention.

To kick things off, start small: jot down your thoughts after finishing a book, even if it’s just a paragraph. Put those reviews somewhere public—Goodreads, Amazon, a blog, or even your social media. That’s how you build a simple but clear track record, which is exactly what publishers and review platforms look for later. Start now, and you’ll be surprised how fast you improve.

• What Does a Book Reviewer Actually Do?
• Finding Your Voice and Building Credibility
• Best Places to Publish Your First Reviews
• How to Get Advanced Reader Copies (And Free Books)
• Tips for Writing Reviews People Actually Read

What Does a Book Reviewer Actually Do?

Alright, let’s break it down. A book reviewer reads a book and then writes their honest take on it. Simple, but your job isn't just to say "I liked it" or "It was boring." You’re there to help other readers figure out if the book is for them—or not. Your opinion helps shape what people decide to pick up next.

Reviewers often cover a few main points in every review:

• Plot summary—with zero spoilers. Just enough so people get what it’s about.
• Characters—are they believable or flat as cardboard?
• Pacing—does it drag or does it keep you flipping pages?
• Writing style—is it clunky or smooth? Heavy on dialogue or description?
• What you personally liked or didn’t—it’s okay to be blunt (in a fair way).

Most reviewers post online, whether that’s on Goodreads, Amazon, or blogs. Some level up and write for magazines or professional sites. If you ever spot those quotes on a book’s cover (“Utterly gripping!”), those often come from reviews—sometimes straight from rookie writers who stuck with it until they built a name.

Professional book reviewers sometimes get paid for their work or score free books before release (these are called ARCs, advanced reader copies). But, even at the highest level, you’re still doing the basics: reading, reacting, and telling your truth.

Let’s get specific. Here’s how much time reviewers actually spend on each part:

So, to sum up, you’re wearing a few hats—reader, critic, and guide all at once. If you stick with it and keep your voice real, people and publishers start to notice.

Finding Your Voice and Building Credibility

If you scroll through book review sites, you’ll spot a river of bland, cookie-cutter reviews. To break through the noise, you need a style that’s really yours. Don’t try to copy professional critics or use a bunch of big words. Your gut reactions, what made you laugh or roll your eyes—these matter. Readers want reviews that sound like an actual person, not a press release.

Your "voice" is just the way you naturally talk about books. It takes a few tries to get comfortable, but that’s normal. The fastest way to get there? Review a few different genres and see what gets you fired up. If you’re funny, lean into that. If you get into deep themes, go for it. It’s about being real, not perfect.

Now, credibility comes from consistency. If you post reviews once in a blue moon, nobody’s going to take you seriously. But if you show up regularly, even if it’s just once or twice a month, people start to recognize your name. On platforms like Goodreads, regular reviewers get badges for hitting milestones—5 reviews, 20 reviews, 50 reviews. Those little milestones actually make you easier for publishers and readers to spot.

If you want to look extra legit, create a simple bio. Mention what genres you’re passionate about, your favorite books, and why you started reviewing. Be real—something like "I read thrillers for the plot twists and get weirdly excited about good character banter" works better than just listing your job title.

You can speed things up by connecting with other book review fans online. Comment on other reviews, join reading groups, or swap recommendations. That network helps your own reviews get seen. And if you want to take things up a notch, try posting your reviews on more than one site. If you’re reviewing thrillers on a personal blog, also drop short versions on Amazon and Goodreads. That way, publishers and authors notice you faster.

• Stick to your own opinion—even if it’s unpopular.
• Back up big claims (“the pacing dragged in the middle”) with examples.
• Mention if the book is part of a series or a debut—always useful info.
• Never spoil major plot twists in detail, or you’ll lose reader trust fast.

Fun fact: according to a 2023 Bookstat report, reviewers with a unique style got 2.3 times more "likes" and comments than those using standard templates. That’s proof—your personality is actually a game-changer for credibility.

Best Places to Publish Your First Reviews

If you’re new, you want your book review to actually get seen—otherwise, what’s the point, right? Luckily, there are a bunch of sites and platforms that let you jump right in with zero gatekeeping.

• Goodreads: This is ground zero for newbie reviewers. You just make an account, pick a book, and drop your thoughts. Your review lands right next to those from pros and regular folks alike. Plus, publishers and authors check Goodreads a lot.
• Amazon: If you’ve bought any books at all, you can leave a book review on Amazon. Even if you got the book elsewhere, you can review most titles. Amazon reviews are massive for visibility—authors depend on them to sell more copies.
• Book blogs: Starting a little blog on free platforms like WordPress or Blogger still works. It also gives you total control. Consistent posting lets you show off your style and build your own audience, even if it’s tiny at first.
• Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (“Bookstagram,” “BookTok,” “BookTube”): Short video reviews or even a single photo with your take can go viral. TikTok’s #BookTok had billions of views last year. People trust social reviews more than ever, especially with younger readers.
• LibraryThing: Similar to Goodreads, but with a strong community vibe. There are regular book giveaways if you commit to posting a fair book review afterward.
• NetGalley: This is a big deal if you crave advance copies. You’ll need a history of online reviews, but once you qualify, you’ll get access to books before they’re out. Reviewers here are mostly unpaid, but you get serious credibility.

Here’s a quick look at how the major platforms compare for rookie reviewers:

One last tip: Mix it up. Cross-post your book review on several sites so more people see your thoughts. This multiplies your exposure—authors may even spot you and ask for future reviews. Don’t wait for a big invite; just get your name out there wherever readers hang out.

How to Get Advanced Reader Copies (And Free Books)

Everybody wants free books, right? Especially book reviewers. Here’s the inside scoop: publishers don’t just hand them out to anyone, but it’s not rocket science to qualify. We’re talking about Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs), the versions sent ahead of a book’s official release. ARCs help build buzz, and publishers totally notice even small reviewers willing to hype up their titles.

The best way to get ARCs is to legitimize yourself as a reviewer. Here’s exactly how people do it:

• Sign up with ARC websites. NetGalley and Edelweiss+ are the two most popular. Anyone can register, but you’ll need to fill out your profile, add review links, and explain what genres you like. NetGalley says reviewers with at least an 80% feedback ratio get more approvals—so make sure to review most of what you request.
• Join publisher mailing lists. Big publishers like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins have sign-up forms for reviewers and bloggers. Sometimes it’s as simple as sending them links to your reviews and asking for a spot on their list.
• Check out book tour companies. Services like BookSirens, Random Things Tours, and TLC Book Tours send free ebooks (sometimes even physical copies) in exchange for honest reviews. Reliability counts—you’ve got to follow their deadlines.
• Reach out directly to authors. Many indie authors are eager for reviewers and may send you a copy if you just ask. Just make your pitch clear, friendly, and include a link to your reviews—no need to beg.

Wondering how this shakes out numbers-wise? Here’s a quick look at how many books go through each major platform every month:

Keep it real in your request. Mention your follower count, review style, and preferred genres. If you only have a handful of reviews under your belt, that’s fine—just be up front. The book review community’s bigger than you think, and enthusiasm counts as much as numbers, especially for new voices.

Tips for Writing Reviews People Actually Read

If you want folks to read your book review, you have to hook them from the start. The first sentence should make them curious or give them a clear idea of what they're about to get—don't just recycle what the back cover says. Personal takes land better than summaries.

Skip the spoilers or at least keep them buried. Readers want to know if a book is worth their time, not have the surprises ruined. Stick to what grabbed you, what fell flat, and how the book made you feel. Give just enough plot so people aren’t lost, but always keep details tight.

Here's a practical step-by-step that works for me, and a lot of reviewers out there:

• Start with a punchy opener: Share a feeling or quick verdict. Example: "This thriller actually made me miss my subway stop."
• Give a one-liner summary: Imagine you have ten seconds to pitch the book to a friend. No long-winded explanations.
• Say what worked (and what didn’t): Be specific. Instead of "it was boring," say, "the middle dragged with too much backstory."
• Mention the audience: Not every book review is for everyone. Who would love this? Mystery fans, YA readers, people who want a laugh?
• Keep it short and sweet: Most people want to know if they should read the book, not a detailed play-by-play.

Did you know that, according to Goodreads, reviews under 250 words get more "likes" and comments than extra-long ones? People are busy—and a little punchiness goes a long way.

If you’re trying to stand out on platforms like Goodreads or Amazon, a little personality is gold. Drop in a relatable gripe or a weird moment that stuck with you. “I nearly threw my kindle across the room after chapter 12” is way better than “plot twist was unexpected.”

And one last thing: always use the book’s full title and the author’s name in your review. It helps with search, both on review platforms and in Google. This makes sure your book review actually gets found by people who want genuine opinions.