Why You Should Write Book Reviews for Other Authors

If you write nonfiction books, you should read nonfiction books. For what? You might ask, and you know I’m going to tell you… If you write non-fiction, you’ll want to read in the field you’re writing, to make sure your content is fresh, different, and valuable.

Don’t copy their books. This is NEVER a good idea.

But use their books for inspiration, for publishing style, concept delivery, and comparison. Other writers in your industry are a direct link and connection to other readers in your industry. Connect and befriend writers who are actively promoting information in the industry! They will be your best assets.

Review their books –

Did you know that writers read all reviews? They do. They may say they don’t, or tell you they don’t care about bad reviews, but they do. And even more, they read and remember good reviews – and good reviews. They will think of the words and thoughts of a good reviewer, and even mention them often on their blog. But THAT is not why you are writing the review.

The reason you should write reviews for other writers in your industry is to improve your ability to recognize and understand good information. The better the information in their book, the better your review will be. I would even encourage you not to write a bad review – even if the book is really bad – but to find something good to write. If it’s really bad, you can focus on the good part and mention that you found some parts redundant or overwritten, etc., but find and report the GOOD one first. Make sure your Amazon or Barnes and Noble review is at least 100 words – seriously, you’re a writer, you should be able to write at least 100 words on ANYTHING.

Visit their blogs –

Does this writer have a blog? Or an ongoing discussion on Amazon? Visit their blog, add comments to blog posts, mention that you’ve read their books, and join the blogging conversation. To ask questions. Do you have experience with other writers in this genre? Do you recommend other authors? Is there anything you would do differently now that your book is published? Find a quantifiable question and ask it.

Hopefully, they’ll respond to your comment, maybe even visit your blog! The interaction creates a connection and you might make a new friend.

Invite them to review your books and visit your blogs –

Remember the basis of your interest? Create links. Growing relationships. Doing whatever it takes to build an audience in your industry actually means connecting with other writers. Don’t relax…