A popular Stephen King quote is: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” While I wholeheartedly agree, I also recognize the difficulty in sitting down to read when you need funds for food and rent. Reading improves your writing, yet, too often, feels like a luxury.

But you can earn money by reading books and writing reviews.

You won’t get rich publishing book reviews, though. Payment is typically modest (expect $15 to $75 per review, unless you break into top-tier publications). That being said, this market pays you to read while serving as an excellent opportunity to break in to freelancing writing while building a portfolio.

Don’t forget that reading and critiquing books also improves your writing and revision skills. By sharpening your ability to identify good (or bad) writing, you become a better writer.

Review Writing Basics

Editors expect three key elements in a book review, regardless of word count.

Summary: Lead with a brief description of the plot, main characters, and theme. If the author is prolific or well-known, reference to previous works may be appropriate. Note if the book is a debut.

Analysis: How is the story constructed? Aspects like flow, pacing, originality, voice, and writing style apply to all books. For fiction, you’ll also consider plot arc and structure, as well as character appeal and development. For nonfiction, address the author’s subject matter, research and expertise. You don’t have to include everything. Highlight an area of particular strength; or examine an aspect that didn’t quite work. Cite specific examples and quotes or excerpts from the book to support your points.

Opinion: State whether or not you enjoyed the book and if you recommend it. Share a unique perspective in your distinctive writing voice which is what leads to happy editors and future assignments. Bear in mind that every author deserves fair and respectful treatment. Regardless of your opinion, present a balanced case about the merits of the book for its target audience.

Some publications also seek articles that encompass multiple books. Highlight a series, like Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall historical fiction trilogy. Explore one writer’s body of work, such as the biographies of David McCollough. Write a round-up of multiple books with similar themes and different authors, for example, “Five Frightening Thrillers about Climate Change.” The more compelling and unique the angle, the better your odds of catching an editor’s eye with your query.

Publications that Pay

Always read samples and study submission guidelines before querying.

•    Booklist is the American Library Association’s pre-publication review journal for librarians. Approximately 8,000 reviews are published annually, either in print or as online exclusives. https://www.booklistonline.com/writing-for-booklist

•    Kirkus Reviews hires experienced writers to review self-published books in English and Spanish for publication in the magazine’s “Kirkus Indie” section. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/about/careers/

•    Copperfield Review is an online journal for readers and writers of historical fiction and accepts queries for reviews of novels and nonfiction books about history and writing. https://copperfieldreview.com/

•    Women’s Review of Books is a print publication that reviews feminist scholarship, fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and memoir. It includes books in many fields, genres, and styles each issue. www.womensreviewofbooks.org

•    Naval History magazine is published by the U.S. Naval Institute and accepts book review queries. https://www.usni.org/naval-history-magazine/submission-guidelines

BIO – Jessica McCann has earned a living as a freelance writer and editor for 30 years. She’s an award-winning historical novelist and creative nonfiction author, and has worked as a judge for the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Contest. Visit her website and check out helpful “Stuff for Writers.” www.JessicaMcCann.com