Here’s what the Lounge is looking for in terms of reviews that people will actually want to read (and want to buy your recommended books) … just some general suggestions:

• Use the book title as your headline title and post slug
• Introduce the book, author, and the topic in the first paragraph.
• Keep it all simple and maybe to less than 500 words. (But you’re not limited to that.)
• It doesn’t have to be a seminary-worthy book critique … in fact, take out your academic formality … just tell us about the book, how it impacted you and interact with the content … in other words, write it like you would tell me in person about it.
• Include what you liked (or loved), what you disliked (or hated). Rate it too.
• Tell us who should buy it. “I’d give this to my grandma because she loves inspirational stories.”
• One of the best ways to give a short review is to talk about one chapter specifically.
• Give practical takeaways. “On page 13, he talks about this great marketing idea, so I implemented it in my church and saw [number] of people fill out guest cards, etc.”
• Add an appropriate category, like “leadership.”
• Use the “Read more” shortcut button after your first paragraph. This helps for getting more titles on the home page.
• After you’re done, do a quick edit of your post before publishing.
• Include two or three related books in bullet points form that people could check out (including your Amazon links in those as well)
• At the bottom of the review include two links: one to your Amazon aStore and another short one to your blog site. (Stay away from shameless self-promotion please. Write good reviews, include your blog site at the end and people will click.)

Want to write a review for the Lounge?

If you’re interested in contributing a book review, register for a site account (it’ll send me an email and I’ll upgrade you to be able to post), or write your own book review right now with this form!