Bored
with writing to-do articles? Learn the steps to writing a must read
book review that will promote your business, services and products.
If you are burned out with writing how-to articles to promote your
business then consider writing a book review. I recommend you write a
review about a book you enjoyed that is related to your products or
services. Your review, of course, will be capped off with your 5-6 line
byline that includes your contact information and web site URL. Many of
the article directories, e-zines and web sites that normally accept
articles will accept book reviews too. In addition, you can find and
submit to the many sites featuring book reviews.
To begin a review, I start with the format required by Midwest Book
Review. I then adapt the format and word count to what is required by
each submission site. Midwest Book Review recommends the following
format (examples of paragraphs are enclosed in parenthesis):
Book Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Publisher Address:
ISBN:
Price: Publication Date: Page Count:
Reviewer Contact Information:
Name: Address: E-mail:
First Paragraph: Include information about the format of the book. A
nice touch is to comment on the cover design, table of contents
structure and/or glossary at the back of the book.
(Sample: This beautifully laid out trade paperback has a gorgeous and
practical design both inside and out. I recommend you read this book
with a highlighter and a pen, ready to take copious notes in the blank
pages thoughtfully provided between chapters.)
Second Paragraph: Detail the recommended audience and note why they should read the book.
(Sample: Manners That Sell: Adding The Polish That Builds Profits
should be required reading for high school and college students and for
anyone already in the business environment. Once upon a time, good
manners were taught in school and at home, but that time has long since
passed. This book provides the perfect refresher course for those of us
who learned manners but no longer remember the finer points of
etiquette.)
Third Paragraph: Write about the book structure and layout, number of chapters and topics covered.
(Sample: While reading this book, I discovered that the author, Lydia
Ramsey, covered every conceivable point of etiquette including many
that I'd never been taught. Each of the twelve chapters covers one main
topic broken down into digestible bite sized chunks of rules and
guidelines to enhance credibility and professionalism. Topics include
first impressions, greetings and introductions, the art of
conversation, dressing for business, telephone courtesy, electronic
etiquette, correspondence in business, etiquette in the office,
gift-giving in business, etiquette out of the office, dining for profit
and doing business internationally.)
Fourth Paragraph: Give a brief biography of the author including their
name, name of their business (if applicable), business or personal
expertise and if available, include titles of their other books.
(Sample: The author of this delightful book, Lydia Ramsey, is a
business etiquette expert with over thirty years of experience working
with non-profits, corporations, colleges and universities. She is a
frequently published author who presents workshops, seminars and
keynotes on all aspects of business etiquette.)
Fifth Paragraph: Recommend the book and offer some ideas of its
practical use by individuals or groups. If applicable, mention that it
would make a good gift book and wrap up the review with a positive
summary of the book.
(Sample: I recommend businesses buy this book in bulk and present one
to every employee from the frontline up to the top management. In this
ever-changing world of so many consumer choices, the bottom line is
often affected by the simple courtesies that can and should be afforded
to customers. You need this book if you want your employees to succeed
and your business to thrive.)
Add your copyright statement and byline to the bottom of the review
and, as usual, have the review proofread by an editor before you begin
submission. Your book reviews can be very effective marketing tools
that will generate considerable exposure for you.
(c) 2005. Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Permission to
publish online or in print granted provided the article and byline are
printed intact with live links.
