Disclaimer: This is not about becoming a book influencer. This is about becoming an indie book reviewer.
Why you should become an indie book reviewer
In this world more than any other, your importance isn’t in your brand, followers, or whatever. It is about what you’re reading and your thoughts about it.
That’s it!
Why you’re important to your fellow readers
As a book reviewer, you’re the explorer who helps your fellow readers find their next excellent book.
When readers shop somewhere like Amazon, they check out the reviews of a book more often than not. Down in those reviews, they want to know what you, average Jane like them, think about this book they are considering. Your familiarity as a fellow reader is your seat of authority.
Why you’re important to authors
See “Why you’re important to your fellow readers”.
Seriously! And authors know this. Indie books usually don’t have major marketing teams. Their popularity is held up by the opinions of readers, YOUR opinions. So, congratulations! You’re an essential part of the book world!
Step 1: Find Books to Read
There’s no “wrong” place in my opinion to source books to read. It doesn’t have to take a giant budget either.
Places to get books for free include…
Local Library (seriously…especially if you are in an English-speaking country see if your library has Libby)
ARC platforms
ARCs directly from authors
Of course, you can also just buy books from your preferred vendor. Amazon has a near monopoly on the indie world I work in. Kindle Unlimited can be a boon if you’re able to afford it at $9.99 a month.
About ARC Platforms
ARC platforms are great opportunities to acquire experience with the expectations and deadline expectations of Advance Review Copies.
I personally have and currently am on Booksprout and BookSirens. They are both free to sign up for and easy to use. They also both expect readers to usually have an Amazon account or a GoodReads account.
About finding ARC from your favorite authors
Finding authors are probably the best reason for a book reviewer to create their own social media platform. Know that your experiences will vary by author. Some authors will use social media to share ARC opportunities. Some don’t do ARCs at all.
Step 2: Write About Your Reading Experience
Write with a TLDR mindset. That means, getting the most important stuff out in one or two sentences. Think about how much time you usually spend on social posts. What about this one? Make your words and ideas count!
Re-writing the synopsis is often unnecessary. If it helps your writing process, please go ahead. But it can take up space and reader attention when there is already a synopsis included on the same page potential readers are looking up the book. Examples of this include GoodReads or Amazon.
I even find on platforms like Instagram or Twitter, your own review is a much better pull than a synopsis.
Step 3: Post About It!
If you’ve been reading ARCs, there will be expectations from authors to post your review on platforms for their preference. That can often include Amazon and GoodReads. Of course, you shouldn’t feel confined to those platforms.
At this point, things get the most flexible. At this point, you can go off and read about becoming a book influencer if you want. Also though, you can just go off and have fun.