Dear Readers,
The book review, in my opinion, is a too-often overlooked opportunity for writers, especially writers trying to find their footing in the publishing world. Even without publishing in mind, the book review is an excellent way of analyzing and reflecting on what’s been read. What made this book, this poem, or this essay effective? Would I recommend it to a friend? Is this something I should model my own work after? What feeling lingers after the final words? These are all questions worth exploring in a book review.
Here are my top three reasons you should be writing book reviews:
- Reading is the foundation to any writer’s success. You’re reading already (or if not, you should be). Thoughts about what we read formulate naturally, so we might as well put them down on paper and turn them into something instructional and reflective.
- Reviewing someone’s work often leads to forming new connections. A personal relationship to a writer is not required to write a review of their book. In fact, I think it’s better if they are a stranger! So, if there’s a particular niche you’re trying to fit your work into, writing a review of a book already in that niche is a great excuse to reach out to that writer and open a conversation with them. This relationship could lead to more opportunities! (And if you do personally know someone who publishes a book, writing a review for them is one of the greatest gifts you could offer them.)
- Book reviews are a more accessible publication. Acceptance rates for book reviews tend to be much higher than for creative work. For example, at TTLJ our standard acceptance rate is 7%. For book reviews, our acceptance rate is 43%. It’s not a guaranteed win, but if you’re itching for a win, the book review might scratch it. My first ever publication was a book review and it jumpstarted something in me. It could do the same for you!
The following four reviews vary in length. Some are quite short–others more expansive. We limit the word count to 650 (occasionally allowing up to 1,000), which is just enough space to concisely explain what the book is about and why we should read it. A book review should not meander too much. Its job is to convince.
With exception to my introduction, this leaflet is entirely book reviews. We received an influx of book review submissions, and rather than making folks wait a year for publication, we threw them all into a single leaflet! Across the following pages, you’ll discover collections of poetry and essays covering topics from illness and loss to sexuality and the natural world. Three of these reviews were sourced through submissions; the final review written by one of our wonderful readers, Maddison O’Donnell.
Let us know if you pick any of these books up, and send us a review of another book you recently read! Submissions are always open to craft essays and book reviews.
Happy Reading!
Megan Eralie-Henriques
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