WESTeen ARC Readers

"I really enjoyed Jennifer L. Armentrout’s latest novel, If There’s No Tomorrow.
The book drops you off right into Lena’s life and immediately there are twists and turns that make you feel as Lena would feel.
With a heartwarming romance and the agonizing remembrance of past events, this book tears at your soul.
The tagline and theme, “A single choice can change everything,” is highly present in the novel, and it addresses tough issues that everyone, not just Lena, can experience. Jennifer L. Armentrout’s newest YA novel is definitely a got- to-read for everyone who enjoys a contemporary novel jam packed with love, grief, and everything in between." 

Lily, WESteen ARC Reader and High School Sophomore

 

Tips for Writing Book Reviews:

As important as it is to understand how a review can impact a book, it’s also important to know how to write a review. We’ve asked some of our members, including professional reviewers, bloggers, and publishers, what they think makes a good book review.

• Any review that you write should be constructive, whether it’s positive or critical of the book. Make sure to tell your readers why you liked or disliked certain aspects of the book vs. just stating your opinion with no evidence.

• Be authentic and share your unique voice with the reader through your reviews. Your followers and publishers want to hear what you think of the book, and in your own voice. Treat this as if you’re talking with a friend, or stating your case at your book club.

• Publishers appreciate critical reviews as well, as long as they are constructive and give thoughtful comments.

• Strive to be kind in your brutal honesty. Avoid being hurtful in your constructive criticism–authors are people too!

• Engage your reader(s) immediately in your review – use that first sentence to state your opinion.

• Do include comments on the plot, character development, setting, theme, the writing style, any artwork or graphics included, extra materials (like a reading guide, glossary, etc.), dialogue, are the facts reported correctly (for nonfiction), does the book fit in its designated genre and age group.

• Do include your full review and a link to where it is published online when pressing the Feedback button in NetGalley.

• Do let the publisher know if you’re also cross-posting your review on retailer websites.

• Check the publisher’s preferences either in your approval email or on the publisher’s page on NetGalley to find out when they’d like reviews to begin appearing online.

• Do not include spoilers in your review (no one enjoys spoilers).

• Keep in mind that galley copies have not gone through their final stages of copy-editing, so you may spot some grammar or spelling mistakes – but those will likely be corrected before the book goes on sale.

• Proofread your review for grammar, spelling mistakes, typos, etc. before publishing it.

• Most importantly, focus on your own goals for writing the review.

• Do you want people to read this book?

Tell them why they should seek this particular book out and read it. What would make you purchase a book you read a review about?

• Do you think this is a book your readers should skip?

Let them know why you disliked it – maybe the writing style wasn’t up your alley, or the plot didn’t quite work?

• Do you want your readers to become a loyal follower of a particular author or publisher?

Again, state your case and provide evidence for why they should do this and make sure to provide the book/author/publisher website and social media links so your readers can follow them – the author will thank you!

• Are you recommending the book as a group read?

Then let them know what makes this book conversational, why there is a lot to unpack about the characters, plot, etc.