by: Bonnie Jo Davis

If you are burned out with writing how-to articles to promote your
business then consider writing a book review. I recommend you write
a review about a book you enjoyed that is related to your products
or services. Your review, of course, will be capped off with your
5-6 line byline that includes your contact information and web site
URL. Many of the article directories, e-zines and web sites that
normally accept articles will accept book reviews too. In addition,
you can find and submit to the many sites featuring book reviews.
To begin a review, I start with the format required by Midwest Book
Review. I then adapt the format and word count to what is required
by each submission site. Midwest Book Review recommends the
following format (examples of paragraphs are enclosed in
parenthesis):

Book Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Publisher Address:
ISBN:
Price: Publication Date: Page Count:
Reviewer Contact Information:
Name: Address: E-mail:
First Paragraph: Include information about the format of the book. A
nice touch is to comment on the cover design, table of contents
structure and/or glossary at the back of the book.
(Sample: This beautifully laid out trade paperback has a gorgeous
and practical design both inside and out. I recommend you read this
book with a highlighter and a pen, ready to take copious notes in
the blank pages thoughtfully provided between chapters.)
Second Paragraph: Detail the recommended audience and note why they
should read the book.
(Sample: Manners That Sell: Adding The Polish That Builds Profits
should be required reading for high school and college students and
for anyone already in the business environment. Once upon a time,
good manners were taught in school and at home, but that time has
long since passed. This book provides the perfect refresher course
for those of us who learned manners but no longer remember the finer
points of etiquette.)

Third Paragraph: Write about the book structure and layout, number
of chapters and topics covered.
(Sample: While reading this book, I discovered that the author,
Lydia Ramsey, covered every conceivable point of etiquette including
many that I'd never been taught. Each of the twelve chapters covers
one main topic broken down into digestible bite sized chunks of
rules and guidelines to enhance credibility and professionalism.
Topics include first impressions, greetings and introductions, the
art of conversation, dressing for business, telephone courtesy,
electronic etiquette, correspondence in business, etiquette in the
office, gift-giving in business, etiquette out of the office, dining
for profit and doing business internationally.)
Fourth Paragraph: Give a brief biography of the author including
their name, name of their business (if applicable), business or
personal expertise and if available, include titles of their other
books.

(Sample: The author of this delightful book, Lydia Ramsey, is a
business etiquette expert with over thirty years of experience
working with non-profits, corporations, colleges and universities.
She is a frequently published author who presents workshops,
seminars and keynotes on all aspects of business etiquette.)
Fifth Paragraph: Recommend the book and offer some ideas of its
practical use by individuals or groups. If applicable, mention that
it would make a good gift book and wrap up the review with a
positive summary of the book.

(Sample: I recommend businesses buy this book in bulk and present
one to every employee from the frontline up to the top management.
In this ever-changing world of so many consumer choices, the bottom
line is often affected by the simple courtesies that can and should
be afforded to customers. You need this book if you want your
employees to succeed and your business to thrive.)

Add your copyright statement and byline to the bottom of the review
and, as usual, have the review proofread by an editor before you
begin submission. Your book reviews can be very effective marketing
tools that will generate considerable exposure for you.
(c) 2005. Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Permission
to publish online or in print granted provided the article and
byline are printed intact with live links.

About The Author

Bonnie Jo Davis is an experienced writer and publications
coordinator with over ten years of experience submitting
articles online and in print. Visit
http://www.ArticleSubmissionSites.com today to gain access to
her submission list, e-book, newsletter and more!
Bonnie@ArticlesThatSell.com