What are the elements of a good review?

(Or... some ideas on how to come up with material for your book review)

If you are stumped or need some ideas, here are some tips:

• A good review is 2-4 paragraphs.
• Cite your favorite parts or takeaways from the book.
• Discuss how it compares to other books you've read in the same genre.
• Provide advice on how other readers they might benefit.
• Consider which keywords will help others find this title and try to incorporate them into your review. Did you know that Amazon search results are also based on keywords within reviews?

One of the most common questions we get from reviewers is: "If I only plan to give it a 2 or 3 star review, should I post it anyway?"

My answer is this: before you post a negative review, ask yourself, if you were the author, how would you feel about a bad review being associated with your book?

Remember what mom taught us? "If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all." (Sidebar: It's funny (actually sad) how many politicians seem to have forgotten this golden rule.)