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How to become a book reviewer in 12 steps.

Most book critics have a pretty thankless job. If they give a bad review, they’re often accused of sour grapes (“If they could write, then they wouldn’t be reviewers”) and when their write-ups help a book to take off, they almost never get the credit (“the author’s talent sold the book, not the review”).  Yet literary criticism is an essential driver in the book-world — now more than ever in our age of online purchases and algorithmic curation. Which means there’s no time like the present to learn how to become a book reviewer .

In this post, we’ll look at the value of book criticism and show you how to become a book reviewer with our 12-step plan.

Why is book criticism important?

By conservative estimates, over 600,000 books are published each year in the US alone. Even the most voracious reader could only read a tiny fraction of those titles. Without literary criticism, the only thing to determine which books receive exposure would be the marketing teams of Big 5 publishers who would — dollars to donuts — always choose the titles they think will sell the most copies.

In the film Ratatouille , the fearsome food critic Anton Ego has something of an epiphany in the final reel: “There are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.” In many ways, that is the reason why literary journals, newspaper book reviews, online review blogs, and Amazon user reviews exist: all of these play an important role in championing new authors and new ideas.

As we’ll discover in the next section, the book critic’s job is not just to serve as an arbiter of taste, lording their influence over authors. When they’re doing their job right, they’re serving as a shepherd, not just for readers but for writers as well.

Why would you want to become a book reviewer?

Before we get into the topic of what a critic personally gets out of reviewing books, let’s expand a bit on the role they play.

First (and arguably foremost), a critic’s job is to guide readers . They need to present a book to the reader in a way that gives a flavor of what it’s like: they might choose direct quotes, isolate individual sections — whatever it takes to help the reader to form their own impression of the title.

The reviewer should also be well-read, so they can not only provide a personal reaction to the book, but justify that opinion as well. In an age of online ‘reaction videos’ where novices offer their knee-jerk opinions of music, films, and books they’re not familiar with, the critic should ideally provide a more rounded, informed account. They should be able to put a book into context, comparing and contrasting the author’s approach based on what works have come before it.

Some may see this as an elitist approach, but surely we read reviews because we’re interested in what the critic knows — not what they don’t know. Not to mention that authors hoping for reviews will appreciate a well-informed reviewer!

Book reviewers also have an influential platform . Whether they’re writing product reviews for an online retailer or penning 1,200 words for The New York Times , they can use their soapbox to shine a light on new authors. If we want to get lofty about it, you could say that it’s a critic’s responsibility to seek out and champion new talent: give them exposure that they wouldn’t get if we were to leave it to the marketing team at HarperCollins, for example.

In this next section, we’ll show you how you can get involved in the world of literary criticism and become a book reviewer.

How to become a book reviewer in 12 steps

If you're looking to become a professional book reviewer and reach a growing audience, you could do a lot worse than to follow these twelve steps.

Step 1. Read abundantly

If you don’t already read like a maniac , then one might wonder why you’d want to become a book reviewer in the first place. Reading certainly won’t get any more enjoyable when you’re faced with a deadline. Plus, as we mentioned before, one of the best things you can bring to the table as a reviewer is your understanding of the history and landscape of the genre. When you’re reviewing a new horror book set in small-town New England, you should be, at the very least, well-versed in Stephen King books.

While you're at it, read other book reviews as well. You might as well learn from the best!

Step 2. Start reviewing books for free (or for money!)

Guess what? You can become a book reviewer today! You just need to log into your account at an online book retailer and drop a review of a book you’ve enjoyed. You can even write quality commentary with the help of our book review templates .

Okay, this article’s done now. Turns out, we only needed two steps. Roll credits.

All joking aside, reviewing books on retail sites is not a bad place to start. It gives you an opportunity to exercise your reviewing muscles and have your write-ups seen and enjoyed by folks browsing for their next big read. You can get feedback on your review (“20 people found this helpful”) and even contribute to the success of a book you like.

Once you feel confident in your skills (and are ready to take the next step), you can look at some of the online platforms which are always on the lookout for reviewers.

One of the most difficult parts of being a first-time author (especially a self-publishing one) is getting editorial reviews in time for the release of their book. If you look at the product description of a book’s Amazon page, you’ll often see that they include an extract from a review. If it’s a prominent release, the review may be from a national broadsheet; if it’s a smaller release, it may be from a smaller online reviewer. A few services specialize in providing authors with paid editorial reviews, which naturally requires reviewers. Some of the services will even pay them for their reviews (with some significant strings attached).

So which review platforms should you consider?

Some of the best-known review services include Kirkus, The U.S. Review of Books, Online Book Club, and Publisher’s Weekly — all of which offer a small honorarium in exchange for reviews. The review copies of the book are free (ideal!) but almost all of these services will give the reviewer no exposure (not ideal — especially if you’re looking to build your own profile as a reviewer).

The team here at Reedsy recently launched Reedsy Discovery as an alternative to these services. The reviewers on the platform have to submit examples of their writing for quality control, but once accepted, they can access and review a massive pool of upcoming indie books from their chosen genre.

The edge that Discovery offers reviewers is visibility . Each reviewer has a bespoke landing page where all their reviews can be found, along with a bio, headshot, and newsfeed. Readers who like what any given reviewer has written can choose to “follow” them and receive alerts about new reviews. Overall, Reedsy Discovery aims to give critics a platform (and the social networking tools) to build their personal profile and readership, two things that will come in handy as your reviewing career progresses.

To register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery, click here .

Between these options, you should have a few places where you can start writing reviews almost immediately! If you'd like to double-check, we recommend taking this quick quiz to find out which review community is the right fit for you:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

And then, before you take a step into the big leagues, let’s cover some best practices.

Step 3. Always follow guidelines

Following guidelines is a good reviewing habit to develop early on — it will save you from a lot of rejection and rewrites. Sites like Kirkus are notorious for requiring an exact format for each review, while Reedsy Discovery and a few of the other sites allow a bit more freedom.

As you start to work with editorial staff, this ability to stick to guidelines will help you with your reputation as someone whose reviews don’t require an immense amount of feedback and editing — something that time-strapped editors appreciate.

Step 4. Always think of the reader first

In your life as a reviewer, you will almost always have a choice of which books to write about. So if a book has been utterly terrible, you can always choose not to write about it at all. Instead, find another title that might actually deserve getting the push that your review can provide. Look for books that sound intriguing; then if you love it, find a way to convince your readers that they might love it too.

Step 5. Host all your reviews in one place

Any freelance writer (such as a reviewer) these days needs to have a strong online presence. If you’re looking to build your portfolio and profile, you need to keep most of your work in one location .

This might mean starting your own website or maybe a Tumblr page ( maybe ) as an easy, low-cost alternative. Reedsy Discovery effectively gives reviewers a homepage where all their reviews can be found (okay, the last mention of Reedsy Discovery for a while, we promise!).

Essentially, you just want to be able to send anyone a single URL where they can browse through your back-catalog of work. This will come in extra handy if you’re ever applying to a high-profile reviewing (or any other type of writing) job: your whole portfolio will be in one convenient place to impress employers.

Step 6. Become a specialist

It can be hard to sell yourself as a jack of all trades. If you tell an editor that you are the right person to review ‘anything’, chances are they’ll think you’re deluded.

Instead, focus on a few genres that you know intimately. Through your work, you want editors to know you as the go-to person for certain genres — so when a conspiracy thriller or what have you crosses their desk, they’ll know exactly who to assign it to (you).

Once you know your specialty, make sure you’re familiar with trends in that category, and review a lot of titles in those genres. When it comes to pitching to review the next big book in that niche, you’ll be able to point to your past work as why you’re uniquely qualified to take that job.

So now that we’ve built you a reputation, a small following, and a massive body of work, you may want to take the next logical step: writing a review for a paper or a big online outlet. To do this, you’ll need to get yourself on the radar of some editors.

Step 7. Put together a packet of your best reviews

If the editors of a magazine or paper have never heard of you, then your work is going to have to knock their socks off. The prime way to do this is to assemble a packet of your best work . Yes, you should already have your full portfolio in one place — but this will be a “greatest hits” compilation of sorts, so editors can see your maximum potential.

Perhaps choose a mix of recognizable, traditionally published titles and indie books, so they know you have a wide range. Then, as you start getting published in more prestigious publications, begin working those reviews into your pack, and continue the cycle as you write more and more. After all, it’s much easier to get published if you can show that you’ve already been published.

Step 8. Join an association

Being part of a community is an important element of entering any profession. And book reviewing is no different! If you’re based in the US, check out the National Book Critic’s Circle : membership currently costs $50 a year for freelancers and it gives you access to a bunch of great resources and access to its Emerging Critics Fellowship.

Step 9. Find out upcoming releases

Once you know what books are coming up, you can start creating a shortlist of books you want (and are suited) to review.

Step 10. Start small-ish

Even if you’re a freakishly prodigious writer, chances are you won’t be able to make the jump straight to The New York Review of Books . Instead, look for more modest opportunities at smaller local papers, online magazines, and certain literary journals . As you research, make yourself a “hit list” of possible review outlets, figure out which upcoming books might be suited to those outlets, and start pitching.

Step 11. Pitch reviews effectively

First of all, always make sure that you’re contacting the right person at a magazine or newspaper. Don’t send your pitch to the city editor or the sports desk — word will get out that you don’t know how to do basic research.

It’s also good to bear in mind that you’re not pitching the idea of a review: you want to pitch the story your review might tell . The editor might not have considered running a review of the book you’re putting forward, so you have to sell them on the idea: why should they print a review of that book? Is it newsworthy (e.g. does it cover a topic in the current zeitgeist, or that is about to have a major anniversary)? Is it the latest book in a category that’s about to explode?

Once you’ve convinced an editor that the book you’ve proposed is worth reviewing, you’ll also have to make a case for why you should be the one to do it. Of course, you’ll want to link to your review samples to prove that you can write and that you’re well-versed in the genre. This should demonstrate your understanding and passion for that type of book and prove that you’re the ideal candidate.

To see what that might look like, check out this post from writer Erika Dreyfus. She provides an example where she mentioned how her grandfather was a businessman in post-WWI Germany as part of her successful pitch to review a new memoir set in that era.

Also, don’t pitch too late. Magazines will assign reviews weeks (if not months) in advance, so get your pitch in there early.

Step 12. Always follow up politely

Some people call this “hustling,” but in truth, it’s basic common sense. Wherever there is a submissions process, you can bet that there’s some poor soul who has to go through hundreds of emails. Naturally, emails will get lost in the pile and forgotten. If you don’t receive a reply from an outlet after two weeks, drop them a short polite reminder .

And if the answer is “no thank you,” then be gracious. Just because they don’t want you to review this book for them today, doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in something down the line. Who knows: after a few pitches, they might remember you as the “reviewer who’s big on Civil War fiction” and think of you the next time something appropriate turns up. So make a good impression and leave things on a positive note.

Keep plugging away, never stop reading, and always review with an eye to championing new talent and broadening readers’ horizons. You’ll eventually get a lucky break — and when that happens, you’ll be ready to seize the opportunity!

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Book Reviewer Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the literary world, the spotlight on book reviewers has never been brighter.

As the number of publications increases, so too does the demand for skilled individuals who can assess, critique, and recommend these written works.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a book reviewer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core duties of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of book reviewing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable book reviewer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Book Reviewer Duties and Responsibilities

Book Reviewers have the responsibility of thoroughly reading, analyzing, and critiquing books of various genres.

These individuals may work for newspapers, magazines, blogs, or online platforms.

The main goal is to provide honest, detailed reviews to guide potential readers or consumers in their choice of books.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Reading assigned books thoroughly to understand the content, style, and theme
• Formulating unbiased and comprehensive reviews of the books
• Highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the books reviewed
• Understanding the target audience and tailoring reviews to meet their needs
• Writing clear, concise, and engaging reviews that accurately describe the content of the books
• Meeting set deadlines for reading books and submitting reviews
• Comparing books to other similar works in the genre
• Engaging with readers’ comments or questions about the reviews
• Staying updated with new releases and popular trends in the book industry
• Respecting and following guidelines set by the platform for which the review is written

Book Reviewer Job Description Template

We are looking for an analytical Book Reviewer to read and interpret various books for our audience.

The Book Reviewer will be responsible for analyzing the content of books, providing insight, and sharing their personal opinions with our audience.

The ideal candidate should possess an in-depth knowledge of books across various genres, have excellent writing and language skills, and be able to convey their thoughts in a coherent, engaging manner.

Ultimately, the role of the Book Reviewer is to provide a balanced and detailed review of the books to help our audience decide whether the book is a good fit for them or not.

Responsibilities

• Read, analyze, and interpret a variety of books.
• Write detailed and insightful book reviews.
• Provide personal opinions and recommendations.
• Meet review deadlines.
• Stay updated on latest trends in literature.
• Participate in book discussions and interviews.
• Assess the quality of the writing, characters, plot, and originality of the book.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain integrity in reviews.

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Book Reviewer or similar role.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Extensive knowledge of books and literature.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A degree in English Literature, Journalism, or a related field is preferred.
• Flexible working hours
• Work from home opportunities
• Free books for review
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to attend book fairs and literature festivals

Additional Information

• Job Title: Book Reviewer
• Work Environment: Flexible, mostly remote. Occasional travel for book events and meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Variable, depending on the number of books reviewed.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Contractual/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a writing sample, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Book Reviewer Do?

Book Reviewers are typically employed by publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, blogs, or work independently as freelance writers.

They specialize in analyzing the content, structure, relevancy, and impact of various books.

They read books in their entirety, absorb the details, themes, and nuances, and then provide a comprehensive, insightful, and unbiased review.

This often includes summarizing the book’s content, examining the writing style of the author, and evaluating how well the book achieves its purpose or delivers its message.

Book Reviewers also assess the character development, plot progression, and often compare the book to the author’s other works or similar books in the genre.

They also give their opinion on whether or not they would recommend the book to potential readers, often providing a rating.

In addition to writing reviews, Book Reviewers may also be responsible for interviewing authors, participating in book discussions, and staying updated on the latest releases and trends in the literary world.

Their reviews play a crucial role in influencing readers’ choice of books and contribute significantly to the success or failure of a book in the market.

Book Reviewer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient book reviewer should have qualifications and skills that align with the role and responsibilities involved, including:

• Excellent reading comprehension skills to thoroughly understand and interpret the contents of a book.
• Strong written communication skills to articulate their views and critiques in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
• Impartiality and objectivity to provide unbiased evaluations of the books they review.
• Attention to detail to pick up on nuanced themes, character development, plot structure, writing styles, and other literary elements.
• Critical thinking abilities to analyze the book’s content and understand the author’s intentions, and to articulate this understanding in the review.
• Time management skills to meet deadlines for submitting reviews.
• Knowledge of various literary styles and genres, and the ability to adapt their review style to suit different kinds of books.
• Creativity and originality to provide unique insights and perspectives in their reviews.
• Ability to handle criticism and feedback on their reviews.

Book Reviewer Experience Requirements

A Book Reviewer typically needs to have a strong background in literature, often acquired through obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, or a related field.

Some book reviewers may also have advanced degrees or certificates in literary criticism or related areas.

Experience in writing is crucial for this role.

Many book reviewers start their careers by writing literary essays, analysis, or reviews for school newspapers, literary magazines, or online platforms.

This allows them to develop a strong understanding of literary structures, themes, and analysis techniques.

Entry-level book reviewers may have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in writing or analyzing literature.

This experience is often gained through internships, part-time roles, or freelance work in related fields such as journalism, editing, or blogging.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed a strong voice, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

They are usually comfortable with reviewing different genres and forms of literature and have a good understanding of the publishing industry.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually considered experts in their field.

They may have a significant portfolio of published book reviews, established relationships with publishers and authors, and possibly experience in editorial roles.

These seasoned professionals are often expected to mentor less experienced reviewers and may be involved in decision-making processes related to book selections and reviews.

Book Reviewer Education and Training Requirements

A Book Reviewer typically has a bachelor’s degree in literature, journalism, English, or a related field.

In-depth knowledge of literary styles, genres, and structures is a must.

Experience in critical reading and comprehension is also necessary for this role.

A solid understanding of the elements of storytelling and character development is crucial.

Some book reviewers might also have a master’s degree in literature or creative writing.

This advanced education can provide a deeper understanding of literary analysis and critique.

In addition to formal education, a Book Reviewer should continuously read and stay updated on new releases and trends in both classic and contemporary literature.

They may also benefit from workshops, online courses, or seminars on creative writing and literary criticism to further enhance their reviewing skills.

Knowledge of publishing standards and requirements, as well as familiarity with the process of manuscript submission and publishing, can also be advantageous for a Book Reviewer.

Although certification is not typically required, it can indicate a reviewer’s dedication and credibility in the field.

Certifications could be from journalism or writing associations or from courses in literature or creative writing.

Lastly, practical experience, such as writing book reviews for school papers, local newspapers, or online platforms, can significantly improve a reviewer’s skills and portfolio.

Book Reviewer Salary Expectations

A Book Reviewer earns an average salary of $61,000 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings can vary significantly depending on the level of experience, the size and reputation of the publication or media platform for which they work, and their geographical location.

Some book reviewers may also earn additional income from freelance assignments and other writing projects.

Book Reviewer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a book reviewer need.

A Book Reviewer should possess strong analytical skills to assess and critique a book’s content, style, and theme.

Excellent written communication skills are needed to express their thoughts and opinions clearly and engagingly.

They should also have a broad knowledge of various literary genres and a genuine passion for reading.

Do Book Reviewers need a degree?

While a degree in English, Literature, Journalism, or a related field can be advantageous, it is not strictly necessary.

A deep understanding of literature, strong writing skills, and a portfolio showcasing your reviews are more critical for this role.

What should you look for in a Book Reviewer’s resume?

Experience in writing reviews, whether on a personal blog, a school newspaper, or a professional outlet, is a significant asset.

Solid knowledge in literature and awareness of literary trends can be a bonus.

If they have a degree or qualifications in a related field, it can show their dedication to the profession.

What qualities make a good Book Reviewer?

A good Book Reviewer should be a voracious reader with the ability to quickly understand and summarize a book’s content.

They should be able to express their opinions in a balanced and fair manner while maintaining an engaging writing style.

Excellent critical thinking skills are crucial to evaluate a book’s strengths and weaknesses thoroughly.

How does a Book Reviewer source books for review?

Book Reviewers often receive books for review from publishers or authors.

They may also purchase books themselves or source them from libraries.

Additionally, some reviewers specialize in a particular genre or author, so they may select books based on personal interest or relevance to their audience.

Can a Book Reviewer work remotely?

Yes, a Book Reviewer can work remotely.

The nature of this job allows for flexibility as it primarily involves reading books and writing reviews, which can be done from anywhere as long as the reviewer has access to books and a good internet connection for research and submission of reviews.

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate details of being a book reviewer .

And you know what?

It’s not just about reading books.

It’s about weaving narratives and influencing the world of literature, one review at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive book reviewer job description template and real-life examples, you’re poised to make your next move.

But why limit yourself?

Go beyond with our job description generator . It’s your go-to tool for creating sharp, concise listings or refining your resume to polished precision.

Every book review contributes to the greater literary landscape.

Let’s shape that world. Together.

How to Become a Book Reviewer (Complete Guide)

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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What is a book reviewer and how to become one

A book reviewer is a professional who reads and evaluates books to provide feedback and opinions to the public. They work as freelance writers or as part of a publication, and their responsibilities include writing objective reviews for newspapers, magazines, and blogs. They also conduct interviews with authors and review audiobooks for the quality of the narration. Book reviewers must have a love of reading and writing, as well as excellent analytical skills. They often have a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field.

How long does it takes to become a book reviewer?

It typically takes 4-5 years to become a book reviewer:

• Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as English, Journalism, or Literature.
• Year 5: Accumulating the necessary work experience in reviewing books, analyzing literature, and writing reviews.
• Salary $44,791
• Growth Rate -10%
• Jobs Number 11,142
• Most Common Skill Fiction
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State New York

Book Reviewer career paths

As a book reviewer, you have a wide range of career paths to choose from. You can explore other writing-related roles such as editor, technical writer, or consultant, or even take on management roles like project manager or business owner. If you have a passion for art, you can become an art director or creative director. You can also transition into a writer and editor role, or become a co-founder or founder and CEO of your own company. Additionally, you can become a case manager, president, or advisory board member, or even start your own business as an entrepreneur.

Key steps to become a book reviewer

Explore book reviewer education requirements, most common book reviewer degrees.

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific book reviewer skills

Book reviewers have a variety of responsibilities, including fact-checking and cross-referencing data, assessing instructional materials, and reviewing books for online magazines. They may also write book reviews for publications and create their own stories. Some book reviewers have even assisted customers in finding books, CDs, movies, and other items.

Complete relevant book reviewer training and internships

Research book reviewer duties and responsibilities.

A book reviewer's responsibilities include fact-checking and cross-referencing data for non-fiction books, assessing instructional materials, and reviewing books for online magazines. They also write book reviews for publishing companies, edit books for structure, style, and character development, and read and review new books.

• Post a book review, including HTML codes (if applicable), on personal blog.
• Write book reviews for prominent genre literature magazine
• Review economics text books to determine level of mathematics require to comprehend material.
• Participate in meetings with inter agencies and other entities as appropriate to facilitate and enhance the Medicaid eligibility determination process.

Get book reviewer experience

Prepare your book reviewer resume.

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your book reviewer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a book reviewer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Book Reviewer Resume templates

Apply for book reviewer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a book reviewer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Book Reviewer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average book reviewer salary

The average Book Reviewer salary in the United States is $44,791 per year or $22 per hour. Book reviewer salaries range between $22,000 and $88,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do book reviewers rate their job?

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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The estimate average salary for Moscow employees is around $79,140 per year, or the hourly rate of Moscow rate is $38. The highest earners in the top 75th percentile are paid over $89,698. Individual salaries will vary depending on the job, department, and location, as well as the employee’s level of education, certifications, and additional skills.

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A Count Becomes a Waiter in a Novel of Soviet Supremacy

By Craig Taylor

• Sept. 23, 2016
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A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW By Amor Towles 462 pp. Viking. $27.

Beyond the door of the luxurious ­Hotel Metropol lies Theater Square and the rest of Moscow, and beyond its city limits the tumultuous landscape of 20th-century Russia. The year 1922 is a good starting point for a Russian epic, but for the purposes of his sly and winning second ­novel, Amor Towles forgoes descriptions of icy roads and wintry dachas and instead retreats into the warm hotel lobby. The Metropol, with its customs and routines, is a world unto itself.

For years, its florist adhered to the code of polite society and knew “which flower to send when one has been late; when one has spoken out of turn.” The barbershop remained a kind of Switzerland, “a land of optimism, precision and political neutrality.” As post-revolution scarcity set in, the chef of the upscale Boyarsky restaurant worked magic with cornmeal, cauliflower and cabbage, while the Shalyapin bar offered candlelight and dark corners so Bolshoi dancers could sneak a postperformance drink. In the lobby, politicians whispered and movie starlets swanned across the floor, dragging recalcitrant borzois on their leashes.

Towles’s novel spans a number of difficult decades, but no Bolshevik, Stalinist or bureaucrat can dampen the Metropol’s life; World War II only briefly forces a pause. A great hotel is eternal, and the ­tidal movement of individuals and ideas into its lounges and ballrooms is a necessity for one longtime resident. He’s not difficult to spot: a man who enacts a set of rituals and routines, grooming and dining, conversing and brandy-drinking, before ascending each night to his room on the sixth floor, which has barely enough space for his Louis XVI desk and ebony elephant lamps.

Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov — a member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt — was already ensconced in luxury in Suite 317 when he was sentenced to house arrest in a 1922 trial, condemned for writing a poem. Saved from a bullet to the head or exile in Siberia because he was deemed a hero of the pre-revolutionary cause, he has been forcefully installed on a new floor. But Rostov is an optimist: The cramped room will at the very least keep him away from the Bolsheviks below, clacking out directives on their typewriters. He bounces on the bedsprings and observes that they’re creaking in G sharp. When he bangs his head on the slope of the low ceiling, he announces: “Just so.”

Rostov is an aesthete, an intellectual who will maintain his resolve by committing to the business of practicalities. Yet even with this aim, the walls begin to close in. As he climbs the 110 steps to his room, he can’t wait to descend them again; he has begun, early on in his confinement, to be “threatened by a sense of ennui — that dreaded mire of the human emotions.”

What is a cultured man to do? Suicide is an obvious choice. (Just so!) But the Metropol won’t let him simply drop and splatter from its roof. Towles has an educational scheme for his protagonist: If the hotel contains the world, Towles assiduously offers pleasures and lessons, room by room, as a reborn Rostov bears witness to his era.

Solzhenitsyn this is not. The frost gathers outside, but the book proceeds with intentional lightness. The tone is generally not far removed from the Fitzgeraldian tributes of Towles’s first novel, “Rules of Civility.” The book is narrated not by Rostov but by a hovering third person, sporting what seems to be a permanently arched eyebrow, who occasionally ­lapses into aristocratic fussiness. Wonder abounds. Secret panels open. A former juggler reaches out to grab a falling torte just in time. One-eyed cats look away at crucial moments. Although its style is never overbearing, the Metropol is imbued with a sense of idiosyncratic wonder. Listen closely and you might hear a Wes Anderson soundtrack playing down the hall. We’re not in the Grand Budapest, but more than once I imagined F. Murray Abraham narrating a long, panning shot.

What of the Russia that lies beyond? When he stops pacing the floor, Rostov’s anxious poet friend, Mishka, tells of his battles against censorship and hints that Rostov’s confinement might ultimately be for the best, arguing that their country’s great contribution to the world (at least one of them) is destruction: “For as a people, we Russians have proven unusually adept at destroying that which we have created.” Let us concede, our narrator dryly points out, that the early 1930s in Russia were unkind.

Mishka is one of many walk-ins who will tell of Russia’s condition and change Rostov’s static life. The movie star last seen dragging her barking borzois offers up for study the constellation of beauty marks on her back. Americans flit through, dispensing candy, cigarettes and opportunities. The most important introduction is to a young girl named Nina, who has a ripe sense of curiosity and a skeleton key that will allow her into any room, which is how Rostov splits his pants while contorting on the balcony as a Bolshevik assembly argues agenda points in the ballroom below. Zeligs don’t only have to appear in the frame of a newsreel. Rostov is always nudging up to history, clinking glasses with foreign diplomats and discussing films with Kremlin operators. Khrushchev makes an appearance.

But comrades must work, so the gentleman becomes a waiter. How important is good service? Even as a youngster on the estate in Nizhny Novgorod, he understood the power of a seating arrangement: “In fact, if Paris had not been seated next to Helen when he dined in the court of ­Menelaus, there never would have been a Trojan War.” In the era of jockeying ­Soviet apparatchiks, it’s a skill Rostov can repurpose. Proper manners, he points out, always have their place. “Does a banquet really need an asparagus server?” Nina asks at one point. “Does an orchestra need a bassoon?” is Rostov’s reply.

As Nina grows up, her fervency and love of knowledge are transferred from the science experiments she conducts in the ballroom to the diktats of the party. At the beginning of the 1930s, Rostov catches sight of her in the lobby among a few adoring male comrades, about to leave with some cadres of the local Komsomol to help collectivize the provinces. She is dazzling, then gone. As the purges continue, Rostov becomes the recipient of a gift from Nina even more precious than her skeleton key. He handles the situation, and all other situations, with capability and aplomb.

What happens when a novel centers on a character so capable, so witty and at ease in the world, even as that world convulses around him? Rostov has a portrait of his long-dead sister on the wall of his room, so it’s evident his life is anchored in pain — Russia is pain — but he remains untouchable, built to outwit the system. Part of the problem is that Towles repeatedly invokes the tortured, challenged, hand-wringing, deeply human characters of Russian literature. In contrast, Rostov seems destined always to succeed.

Towles is a craftsman. What saves the book is the gorgeous sleight of hand that draws it to a satisfying end, and the way he chooses themes that run deeper than mere sociopolitical commentary: parental duty, friendship, romance, the call of home. Human beings, after all, “deserve not only our consideration but our reconsideration” — even those from the leisured class. Who will save Rostov from the intrusions of the state if not the ­seamstresses, chefs, bartenders and doormen? In the end, ­Towles’s greatest narrative effect is not the moments of wonder and synchronicity but the generous transformation of these peripheral workers, over the course of ­decades, into confidants, equals and, finally, friends. With them around, a life sentence in these gilded halls might make Rostov the luckiest man in Russia.

The count “found political discourse of any persuasion to be tedious.” Bolsheviks are a bore, getting in colloquiums and congresses to “levy complaints, and generally clamor about the world’s oldest problems in its newest nomenclature.” But even the gray Soviet world melts inside the golden warmth of the Metropol. The transformation is what’s important. Rostov’s battles are less political and more concerned with the fight against any gradual diminishment of pleasure.

At one point, he learns that the existence of a wine list, a monument to the privilege of nobility, runs counter to the ideals of the revolution. Thus the 100,000 bottles in the Metropol’s cellar have had their labels removed, supposedly rendering them blissfully equal. No matter. Our accomplished gentleman will overcome. Down in the cellar, his talented fingers can still feel the telltale embossed ridges cut into a particularly important bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Craig Taylor, editor of the literary magazine Five Dials, is the author of “Londoners.”

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