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How do I Become a Book Critic?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A book critic is a professional who reads and provides an analysis of books for a publication such as a newspaper, blog, or magazine. In order to become a book critic, a person must have excellent analysis skills and a great love of reading. Choosing to become a book critic can start a book lover on a rewarding career path, but it may take several years of practice and work before becoming profitable as a full time career.

First of all, a book critic must love books. Since most of the job entails reading books, it is important that this is an enjoyable, rather than burdensome task. Many critics start out as English or literature majors during college; some also are writers who enjoy reading books to enrich their own work. To become a book critic, it is important to understand and have some experience with the existing canon of literature, so try to read as much and as widely as possible.

A book critic must have a great love of reading.
A book critic must have a great love of reading.

Another useful skill gained through careful study and practice is book analysis. For a book critic, it is not enough to simply read a book and like it or dislike it. Book critics must be able to analyze the characters, plot, imagery, and strengths and weaknesses of the writing. It is important to remember that most literary criticism is different than a review or report in that it doesn't just recount the plot, it critically analyzes the writing and the story.

A newspaper might accept freelance reviews from an aspiring book critic.
A newspaper might accept freelance reviews from an aspiring book critic.

In order to become a book critic professionally, an aspiring professional must get published. Some critics get their start reviewing for college newspapers or online blogs, which allow them to build a portfolio. Others work as freelance writers for small, independent or local newspapers. Early work may not be steady and may not pay well, if at all, but it is essential to building a portfolio of published reviews. Often, in lieu of payment early on in a career, a critic will receive free books to analyze.

A book critic must do more than read a book, as they must be able to analyze the plot and characters.
A book critic must do more than read a book, as they must be able to analyze the plot and characters.

After having several articles published, a critic can begin raising freelance fees or start to approach larger publications. Several wide-circulation newspapers and many magazines publish book criticism on a weekly basis, and some may prefer to have in-house writers rather than rely on freelance work. Getting hired as an in-house critic can provide steady income and an ever-increasing portfolio. From this point, some people who have worked hard to become a book critic will choose to stay in the field, while others may go on to work with publishing agencies as development personnel or literary agents.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

chivebasil

Where can I find freelance book reviewing opportunities? I have reviews written but I have no idea where to submit them. Some of them are about bestsellers but others are about more obscure or esoteric titles that I know rarely get reviewed.

Ivan83

I got my start as a book critic by writing my own book blog. I would write a little review or any thoughts that I had about every book that I read.

I never thought it would turn into a job, I mostly started the blog to share my love of books and to help me remember what I read. I read a lot and sometimes I can't remember much about a book just a month or two after I have read it. The mind can only hold so many plots and character names.

whiteplane
I currently have a job working for Kirkus. I review books for a service they offer called Kirkus Indie. I mostly review self published and very small press stuff.

I love to read and write about books and I have dreamed for years about becoming a book critic. The only problem is that most of the books I have to read are really, really bad. Some books can't get published because they are too forward thinking but most can't get published because they are really bad. Like I say, I love the job but I tend to hate the books.

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    • A book critic must have a great love of reading.
      By: maglara
      A book critic must have a great love of reading.
    • A newspaper might accept freelance reviews from an aspiring book critic.
      By: Scanrail
      A newspaper might accept freelance reviews from an aspiring book critic.
    • A book critic must do more than read a book, as they must be able to analyze the plot and characters.
      By: vpardi
      A book critic must do more than read a book, as they must be able to analyze the plot and characters.
    • Some critics get their start reviewing for online blogs or news sites, which allow them to build a portfolio.
      By: Frank Boston
      Some critics get their start reviewing for online blogs or news sites, which allow them to build a portfolio.
    • Some book critics are writers who enjoy reading books to enhance their own work.
      By: Glenda Powers
      Some book critics are writers who enjoy reading books to enhance their own work.