OnlineBookClub.org

As the topic says, I want to clarify, are brief summaries required in reviews?

I was dinged points for not having a brief summary, but I can find no such requirement reflected on the Guidelines page. Frankly, I find them an often clunky device that leaves many reviews sounding quite formulaic. They also do not help the reader, in my opinion. If you're considering a book, you will have seen the author / publisher's blurb on the sale page or back of the book (if you so choose).

Ultimately though, are they required or not?

I'll have to look through the guidelines to find it, but yes, a brief summary without any spoilers should be included in your review. However, if you write a too long summary, they will sometimes gig you for that also. As a rule, your book review should be most of the length. Example of this is: Did you like the book, what did you like, what didn't you like and why. Who do you recommend will benefit from reading this book, was it well-edited or were there numerous errors, and of course, the rating that you give the book.

I was also unable to find that in the guidelines but they certainly require it here. When I first started reviewing for OBC I had the same issue.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑03 Feb 2024, 10:05 I'll have to look through the guidelines to find it, but yes, a brief summary without any spoilers should be included in your review. However, if you write a too long summary, they will sometimes gig you for that also. As a rule, your book review should be most of the length. Example of this is: Did you like the book, what did you like, what didn't you like and why. Who do you recommend will benefit from reading this book, was it well-edited or were there numerous errors, and of course, the rating that you give the book.

This is a great explanation—simple and clear. I read the guidelines when I first started here, but I didn't understand many points. Your explanation is straightforward and could be very helpful to many.