This week I’m thrilled to be able to introduce you to Essex Life Magazine’s book reviewer, Emma Jackson. I thought it would be really interesting to find out more about how she chooses books to review, what the pressures of her job are and what surprises her about the books she’s sent to read. I’ve been lucky enough to have two of my most recent books reviewed in this wonderfully glossy and popular magazine, so I asked Emma if she could share some insights with other authors, to help with their writing journey.
1-How did you become a book reviewer for a magazine?
I was very lucky when I became a book reviewer, I had emailed a few magazines and the Essex Life was one that got in touch and I’ve been doing it for about four months.
2- What are the biggest pressures you face in your job?
The biggest pressures I have in my job is reading and reviewing three books in a month as well as holding down a full time job and doing my coursework!
3- Do you have to read genres you don’t enjoy?
I’ve actually been lucky with the genres as I’m happy to read anything. I struggle more with history but I’ll still give it a go.
4- What makes a book stand out to you?
The books that stand out for me is when the front cover catches my eye with the captions on them, it gets my attention and and I’m instantly intrigued with the book.
5- What would make you put a book down and stop reading it?
The only things that make me want to put a book down is if it’s slow pacing and doesn’t flow, or if it’s got too much swearing in it. I know sometimes it’s if a character is portrayed that way and I understand that bit if it’s for the sake of it I’ll put it down.
6- Have you got any tips for other writers for submissions to magazines?
When you submit your submissions to a magazine, my tips are to write it and leave it for a couple of days, then go back to it and do the finalizing. Make sure that the guidelines, word count and genre etc are what they’ve asked for.
7- How do you find time for other writing projects?
Finding time for my other writing projects is a nightmare! Though I did get told to spread my work out a bit and to set an alarm so I’m not over doing it.
8- What are your plans for your future writing career?
My plans for my future writing career would be to write and sell my own book/books and to carry on book reviewing.
9- Have you ever been really surprised by a book?
I’ve been surprised by many books but the ones that surprise me the most seem to be rom-coms as I’m not a particular big fan of them.
10- What qualities do you look for an author to be showcased in a magazine?
The qualities I look for in an Author to be showcased in a magazine is someone who is genuine, friendly and approachable.
Not only do the book reviews Emma writes go in The Essex Life Magazine, but she very kindly puts them on her Facebook page which is called Loulousbookpage. They also go on goodreads and Amazon. You can also find Emma on Twitter: Emma-Lou @loulousbookpage
