Read book reviews in respected and established publications such as "The New York Times," "Los Angeles Times," "The Boston Book Review," "Salon Books," "The New Yorker," "San Francisco Chronicle Book Review," "Kirkus Reviews" and "The New York Review of Books" to get a feel for the craft. Take note of what makes a review successful in your eyes and what leaves you disappointed or wanting more.
Build a book review portfolio. Read as many novels and nonfiction books as you can--and re-read books you know well--to practice your craft. For novels, focus on character, plot, style and theme. For nonfiction, discuss what's interesting or unique about the subject, the author's key points and whether he successfully holds the reader's interest. Keep your reviews from 500 to 1,200 words in length.
Ask friends, colleagues, classmates, teachers and family members to read your reviews and offer feedback. Edit or rewrite your reviews with their comments and suggestions in mind.
Contact small publications, such as local newspapers and nonpaying online literary and entertainment journals and magazines with query letters. Offer your services and include two to three of your best reviews. Include a short bio that describes your writing credentials, publication history and any writing awards you have won.
Send query letters to paying publications, such as print magazines and newspapers, after you've published 10 to 12 book reviews with smaller publications. Include links to your published work or include the text of your published reviews in your email or letter. If publishers like your work and need reviewers, they'll typically send you a contract, which you'll need to review, sign and return to them.
Ask each magazine, newspaper or website that hires you to send you a copy of the book you're reviewing. Usually, book publishers send free review copies to publications, which then pass the books along to reviewers. Unless a publication is paying you very well to write a review, make sure you aren't required to purchase the book yourself.
Follow each publication's guidelines regarding word length and format and turn in your review by the requested deadline. Depending on the publication, a staff member might edit your piece without asking for changes, but sometimes she'll ask for a rewrite or for further clarification.
Wait for payment. Many magazines and newspapers are notoriously slow when it comes to paying freelancers, so make sure your contract includes a payment date that's reasonable. It's not unusual for an author to wait one to two months for payment from a publication. If you haven't received your payment within the time frame specified in your contract, send a polite note to your editor. If you still haven't received payment, call the publication's editor in chief, publisher or accounts payable department.
Add your published reviews to your portfolio to secure more book-review assignments from paying publications.