Read on Twitter
If writing reviews freaks you out—I used to a be a bookstore manager, and many of my staff found it hard to write those little cue-card reviews, so I get it—I have a trick for you. Three sentences.
(Thread) https://twitter.com/FondaJLee/status/1303775854606995456
(Thread) https://twitter.com/FondaJLee/status/1303775854606995456
Sentence the first: What you can expect from the book, without spoilers.
"Jade City" is an epic fantasy in a world where jade can provide superhuman abilities to those born to the right families and with the right knowledge.
"Jade City" is an epic fantasy in a world where jade can provide superhuman abilities to those born to the right families and with the right knowledge.
Sentence the second: What was unique/awesome/moving/exciting about the book (again, no spoilers):
Following those families who have all the power, the book is this incredible mix of mafia-saga, urban fantasy, and what happens when massively powerful bloodlines clash.
Following those families who have all the power, the book is this incredible mix of mafia-saga, urban fantasy, and what happens when massively powerful bloodlines clash.
Sentence the third: Using a better-known author or genre, which readers do you think would enjoy the book?
I'd bet fans of R.F. Kuang, Simon R. Green, or N.K. Jemisin would love this, but anyone who loves grittier fantasy should grab this for the incredible world-building alone.
I'd bet fans of R.F. Kuang, Simon R. Green, or N.K. Jemisin would love this, but anyone who loves grittier fantasy should grab this for the incredible world-building alone.
Three sentences, one useful review. It doesn't have to be an essay to be helpful.
And if even that feels beyond your reach? Find a review of the book you like on a few platforms (the publisher website, Goodreads, the big-A, wherever there are reviews) and there's often a "like."
And if even that feels beyond your reach? Find a review of the book you like on a few platforms (the publisher website, Goodreads, the big-A, wherever there are reviews) and there's often a "like."
Liking or thumbs-upping a review often pushes it to the top of the list, so even that is helpful.
Or just a tweet saying, "Hey, loved this."
I can't tell you how many people came into the bookstore with a tweet reference. You'd be surprised as to what works.
Or just a tweet saying, "Hey, loved this."
I can't tell you how many people came into the bookstore with a tweet reference. You'd be surprised as to what works.
This is blowing up, so a few quick thoughts and then I'm going to mute:
If you're already a review-writer and you've got your own style, go with it! Gushing joy in your own voice about a book is always going to be the best!
If you're already a review-writer and you've got your own style, go with it! Gushing joy in your own voice about a book is always going to be the best!
This was just advice for those who *want* to write reviews, but get overwhelmed. Something simple to try that I've seen work in the bookstore on a day by day basis.
About/Unique or Cool Thing I Loved/For Fans of... worked to sell books, and didn't take huge amounts of time.
About/Unique or Cool Thing I Loved/For Fans of... worked to sell books, and didn't take huge amounts of time.
Also you absolutely, 100%, do not have to write reviews or owe anyone reviews. Again, this was me offering up a suggestion to people who already *wanted to*, but balk at the how/how much part. That's it.
Anyway. I hope this is helpful to some, and have a great day!
Anyway. I hope this is helpful to some, and have a great day!
Adding, many, many weeks later that the first sentence there, about what to expect? Absolutely could be a list of tropes (especially in romance).
