Memoir Nation
The State of the Book Review, featuring John McMurtrie
Apr 15, 2024
Former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle’s book review section, John McMurtrie, discusses the transition of book reviews to online outlets like Amazon and Goodreads. He shares insights on breaking into book reviewing, the key elements of a great book, and the impact of the internet on traditional review methods.
42:00
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Quick takeaways
- The transition of book reviews from traditional media to online platforms like Amazon and Goodreads has reshaped the way readers discover new books.
- Authors can build symbolic capital by strategically leveraging various review avenues, including traditional trade reviews, engaging with book bloggers, and submitting to established review publications.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Book Reviews
Book reviews have undergone significant changes from traditional newspaper reviews to the influence of social media platforms like BookTok. The podcast delves into how reviews were essential for discovering new books, with the Sunday Times and San Francisco Chronicle being prominent sources. The discussion highlights the shift towards online reviews on platforms such as TikTok and Goodreads, emphasizing the impact of social proof and the challenges authors face in building symbolic capital.
