How can I become a published book reviewer?
I am a librarian, and I have written book reviews before (for professional journals). However, my work has been in a very specialized subject area, and I’d really like to expand my horizons by reviewing books aimed at the more general reading public. I know I probably won’t be paid for my work — and that is fine with me, since all I want is a byline from whoever publishes my work, but I am having a really hard time finding any publication (print or electronic) who wants a book reviewer.
My only criteria for who I’ll consider writing for: 1) only legitimate publications (no porn or ad-only sites, nothing crime connected), 2) if the publication has a social, religious or cultural agenda, it needs to be clearly spelled out (no stealth propaganda sites).
I’m a good writer, and I’ll work for free. There has to be someone out there who wants free book reviews! Can anyone help?
To clarify: I understand that I probably won’t be paid when I am just starting out. That is fine, since my major goal right now is to build my portfolio. I’m looking to be paid later on down the line — after I have assembled a portfolio of work to prove my worth.
If you can stear clear of being biased contacts authors.
There are several online places that are looking for reviewers. Also, have you checked the newspapers near you? Here, we have a newspaper (a small daily) that accepts reviews from readers. Check out the links below of online review sites, then query them to see if they need anyone new.
Good luck!
Look at the websites for School Library Journal, Library Journal, Kliatt, etc, they should have information posted about becoming a reviewer. I *know* for sure SLJ does.
This website also is open to new reviewers–you get free books and a byline, but no pay:
http://www.bookreporter.com/becoming-reviewer.asp
Ok, making it easier:
Library Journal:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/info/CA6415293.html
School Library Journal:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/info/CA6439488.html
VOYA:
http://www.voya.com/submissions/#reviewer
Just thought I’d drop a bit of advice. If you are as good a writer as you say you are, then please remember, if you work for nothing then your worth nothing. If there is cinder in the pay there is cinder in the work. Never under rate yourself. Never work for nothing. You are better than you think you are. Hang in there, be persistent, and let all concerned know that you are a professional who would be an asset both as a writer and reviewer to all publications. Stick to that message and doors will open. .
Literary journals are always looking for good writers to review books. You can check out New Pages for a list of journals and look at their criteria on-line. If they don’t have criteria (and you know they publish reviews), just send a note to the editor. They will probably ask for clippings and then send you a list of titles available for review. You can then pick and choose what you want and they send you the book. These journals are always looking for people to write reviews.
Those doing book reviewing do NOT leave those jobs.