10 steps to writing and scheduling a book review

Writing a book review isn’t easy. A few weeks ago, I mentioned to a friend how long it had taken to write up a review. She asked what was still left to do, then was surprised when I rattled off a long list before I’d say I was done.

I started thinking about the process of being a book-blogger; about all the things I didn’t know when I first started blogging.

I’ve never felt confident with advice blog posts – who am I to know what I’m talking about? But I did want to share my process, including some of the steps I wish I knew at the beginning of my journey.

Writing a book review

1. Reading: seems like a given, but don’t underestimate the time it takes, especially if you’re working to a deadline.

2. Writing: half the time, you’ll go totally blank. But start getting words on the page, no matter what they are.

3. Editing: this is when you clear up those random mind-dumps. Structure your review but – most importantly – check grammar and spelling, paragraph sizes etc. We don’t focus long on a screen; don’t give people the excuse to turn away.

4. Repeat step 3 until you’re happy – however long that takes!

5. Images: whether you take your own or source them from elsewhere (responsibly!), every blog post needs something to break it up.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

6. Edit images: I like to take the pictures – doesn’t mean I’m any good! I’ll then spend time editing my images. This can be a simple resize or adjusting the colouring etc, however far you want to go.

7. Social media/blog images: Canva is my new best friend. From graphics for the blog to twitter cards and pins for later, I like to get all my images done in one swoop (otherwise I forget about them!)

8. Platform scheduling: it’s time to get it up! I always forget how long this step takes. Images, links, layout, final edit, feature image and filling in the first tweet (if your platform allows this) Give yourself time to check you’ve got everything how you want it. I often use the preview option to be on the safe side.

9. Schedule promotions: if you think the hard work is over, ‘fraid not. I’m still getting a hold on what works for promotion after starting to take it seriously about six months ago. I personally use twitter, pinterest and Instagram, but have different expectations from each platform e.g. I don’t expect blog views from Instagram. While I used to leave this until the post was live, planning in advance stops me from missing out if I’m having a bad week.

10. Share your review: whether it’s Goodreads or Amazon, Netgalley or other retailers, sharing your review (and link where you can) spreads not only your blog, but your thoughts about the book. After all, that’s why we do this, isn’t it?

Everyone has their own process and what works for them! Do you have a system when writing a book review, or any blog post? I’d love to hear.

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