Contrary to popular opinion, book blogging is more than just reviewing books. It is about diverse voices and perspectives. A powerful tool to promote marginalized authors and underrepresented stories.
To put it simply, book blogging means whatever you want it to be. It is as easy or as difficult as you make it to be. There are no industry standards. Much like everything else, there is a basic framework. A set of responsibilities for ethical book blogging. But beyond that, you do you. Don’t be caught up in doing what you “should” be doing and instead do what you “want” to do.
Although bookstagrammers are often called book bloggers, there is a clear distinction. A blogger shares opinions in a long-form written format on a website. Bookstagrammers, booktubers, and booktokers do similar on a social media platform.
Feel free to disagree, but the algorithm is kinder to bloggers. Although the audience is limited, we have regular readers and can experiment with content. On the other hand, those on social media – be it Instagram, Youtube, or TikTok – are forced to feed the algorithm. That makes it difficult to do your own thing.
Here is debunking some misconceptions regarding book blogging. While this post is targeted at book bloggers, it works for those who blog about books too.
Post Only Book Reviews
When I started out, book blogging for me meant only writing reviews. No doubt, reviews do make up a considerable part of book blogging, it is not limited to them.
Apart from the usual suspects such as listicles, interviews, reading updates, and discussion posts, there is so much content to explore including book tags, playlists for reading, and reaction (gif) posts. The options are endless. And as any seasoned book blogger would tell you, book reviews don’t receive as much traffic as other posts. All the more reasons to explore different formats.
Write a Detailed Review Each Time
Long reviews do not always create an impact. Well-written ones with clearly expressed opinions do.
Life happens. Family and work take priority. We end up being just too busy to pick a book, let alone write about it. Furthermore, we may not be able to devote time to an in-depth analysis. Sometimes we have a lot to say about a book. Sometimes we don’t. And sometimes it gets difficult to write a long review without giving too much away.
As much as Google loves to chew on 2000-word pages, long form content does not work for all of us mortals. More so in this day and age of reduced attention span. Write an exhaustive critique or a short 500 word review. Prefer to rate or not rate a book. Your blog is your platform. Do what works for you.
Share Only Positive Reviews
There is a popular misconception is that book bloggers only post positive book reviews. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In some cases, such as book blog tours, the publicist requires you to not share a negative review during the tour since it is meant to be promotional. No way restricting publishing a negative review thereafter just because they have sent you a free ARC.
As a book blogger, we owe it to our readers to be honest and transparent when reviewing a book. Reviews are subjective. What works for me might not work for you and vice versa. But coming from a position of influence, honesty while reviewing a book is imperative. Be it a positive, critical, or negative review. That said, constructive criticism and not tagging the author on the social media shares when posting a negative review is expected.
Focus on New Releases and Bestsellers
Not all genres work for everyone. It is okay to niche down and review books in genres you enjoy reading. We don’t need the pressure to stay on top of every new release. Sometimes we just want to reread a favorite. Something that ends up being difficult when new releases are coming up each month.
New releases and bestsellers do get a lot more eyeballs. That does not mean they should be our primary focus. What is required is a well-balanced approach. Backlist books make a considerable part of my TBR. So I discuss them a lot more.
Accept Every Review Request
This is a gray area for some but a book blogger is not required to accept every review request. It is okay to be selective and read books that work for you. Reading a book in a genre you do not enjoy becomes a chore. A book is not a number. You are doing a great disservice to both the author and you as a reader for treating it as one.
Likewise, it is the reviewer’s prerogative to charge for a review. It does not warrant being judged for it or being chastised for ruining the “market” if not.
Post Daily
Being a book blogger does not necessitate posting daily or weekly. Bloggers who can manage that have all my respect. But honestly, don’t let it be a source of stress or pressure.
Being consistent is rewarding though. Find what is comfortable for you and try to stick to it. Even if it is once a month. Remember the golden rule of blogging… quality over quantity.
Have an Active Presence on All Social Media Platforms
Every blogger knows creating content for all social media platforms is a sure shot recipe for disaster (i.e. burnout). So is attending every book event and literary festival.
It is best to pick a couple of platforms you can devote time to. Be it repurposing the blog post into a reel for Bookstagram or a thread for Twitter. That said, having a presence on social media platforms is required for personal branding. And of course, a blog post cannot promote itself.
Conform to a Particular Writing Style
Blogging is not a one size fits all. Every blogger is unique. Every blog is unique.
Embrace your personal voice as per your reading taste. There are no rules or a template you need to follow to the T. The same applies for book reviewing. Choose to analyse the way the story was constructed or share how it made you feel. It is about authenticity and connecting with the audience. Be it reviews, book lists, or bookish opinions.
Be a Professional Writer
I am not a professional writer. My expertise lies in design. While book blogging (or blogging in any genre for that matter) can no doubt improve writing skills, you don’t need to be a professional writer to be a book blogger. A conversational tone works just fine.
Likewise, book bloggers are not literary experts. That is, most of us are not. We are just avid readers who love to discuss books. You don’t need a formal background in literature to offer your perspective.
We do have quite a few professional writers and authors who are active book bloggers. Reading well is equally important to hone up your writing skills.
Have a Self-Hosted Blog
Another popular misconception is that you need a self-hosted website/blog to be considered a blogger. A self-hosted blog does have its benefits, but it is not a requirement.
One of the most popular Indian book bloggers considered one of the OGs of book blogging and influencing. Someone I have been following since long before I launched this blog. Vivek Tejuja @ Hungry Reader. His blog is a barebones wordpress.com blog. It is the content you create and not the aesthetics.
Be Competitive
Last but not the least, book blogging is not a competition. There are bound to be comparisons. We are humans after all. But there is space in the blogging world for everyone who loves books.
Build a community of engaging and thought-provoking content. Find your tribe. Join blog hops. Enjoy the process and build each other up. We invite you to join us at the Bookish League to connect with some incredible Indian bloggers and readers.
Most of us took up book blogging to share about books we love. If it stresses us out, is it really worth it? Blogging is about passion, not perfection. What is important is charting our own path.
What other misconceptions have you come across regarding book blogging? Do share in the comments below.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Photo credit: Canva.com
March 7, 2025 @ 12:46 pm
Seriously!!! Some really think if they are paying you, you must post only the positive parts of the book. Good reminders for real book bloggers!!
March 9, 2025 @ 11:09 am
Such a thoughtful and interesting post. Some really valid points here.
And even if you are a professional writer, you don’t have to showcase your writing prowess in your blog reviews. It’s okay to write in a simple and (as you said) conversational tone.
March 9, 2025 @ 12:10 pm
Wow Ritu! I love when people decide not to be conventional. And this post is just that. Doing something because you love it, not conforming to popular beliefs and being focused on your purpose.
March 11, 2025 @ 7:20 pm
Oh, I loved this post! As a writer and editor, I totally get the pressure of “having to” read certain books just because everyone else is. Honestly, reading should always be about joy, not obligation. I admire how you’ve highlighted the freedom to choose what we want to read without guilt. The part about not forcing yourself into trends really hit home—so relatable! Also, the mention of mood reading? Spot on! Sometimes, all I want is a cozy, familiar book instead of the latest bestseller. This was such a refreshing take on book blogging. Loved every bit of it! 😊
March 13, 2025 @ 4:41 pm
This was a hard-hitting but valid post on clearing the air about book blogging. I have seen people taking up book reviews and giving only positive feedback. That undermines the entire process of book reviewing. If the author cannot take criticism, he/she can never better themselves. We have to be mindful of what we are doing. Yesterday, I got an offer for a paid guest post. The backlink was going to a Baptist church in Australia. I refused to publish it, as they wanted me to publish it as my post.
March 14, 2025 @ 12:50 pm
This is such a refreshing take on book blogging! I always thought book blogging was mostly about reviews, but it’s great to see how much more there is to it. One misconception I’ve come across is that book bloggers need to be professional writers, but I love how you emphasized that passion and authenticity matter more than expertise.
March 15, 2025 @ 11:23 am
I loved the way you shattered these pressure-point myths, especially the last one about competition. Today, everything seems to be about competition, and that’s a big put-off for normal, average humans, I believe. Some thrive under pressure, some simply don’t. Calling your shots according to your needs is the key, Your every point hits that for me.
March 16, 2025 @ 8:12 am
Picking up the points from this: what works for me and what doesn’t…I feel book blogs are more informative and taken more seriously. Instagram/Tik Tok might be viral, but don’t have the depth. Algorithm is a monster!
Paid reviews also work if the author has substance, else putting out useless content is a wastage of time. I like long-form content and I think short can be done for social media. Attention spans might be low, but anyone who searches for blogs, tends to stay longer than anyone browsing on social media. I like the way you have kept all the factors on board when penning this post.
March 17, 2025 @ 1:34 am
Glad you busted some common myths about book blogging – especially that the reviews need to be positive only. A good book blogger should be honest in their review. I also found some of your points relevant for bloggers in general – like me. Thanks!
March 17, 2025 @ 1:05 pm
Share Only Positive Reviews- From the whole post I would like to share my opinion for this point in precise. This is not just many reviewers do, but that is demanded specifically by the authors and publishers too. And when their is involvement of fees for the review charged by the reviewer, now it makes the author more adament towaords positive review. So Tali do hato sa hi bajta ha… not the reviewers are only responsible and when you disagree you stop getting review copies or request.
March 17, 2025 @ 10:44 pm
Blogging about books for me is just sharing the joy of reading I feel with my readers. Apl my reviews are my honest opinions about the book. I may or may not enjoy the book, I write whatever I felt about it. No pressure.
March 17, 2025 @ 5:24 pm
Such a detailed post on book blogging! I recently started writing reviews and was quite concerned about the format, wondering if I was doing it right and overthinking every step. It wasn’t long ago that I came across the term “bookstagrammer” and initially wondered what it meant. I’m still learning, but this post has been incredibly helpful in busting myths and bringing so much clarity to the world of book blogging. Thank you for this!
March 17, 2025 @ 6:19 pm
Book blogging is hard work and I have immense respect for you and some others I know who have been consistent with it while creating great content. Book reviews are subjective and the pressure to give a positive one made me refuse quite a few. We owe our readers honesty and authenticity.
March 17, 2025 @ 7:59 pm
Being real and authentic is the key to every type of review, be it books or products. Our viewpoint should not change by any kind of influence.