Here’s an overlooked way to grow your analytics career: become a book reviewer. 📚
Why technical book reviewers are needed
Have you ever thought about what could go wrong with a technical book? Incorrect screenshots, differences between operating systems and more make it crucial to find some “beta testers,” i.e. advance readers.
Most authors are desperate to find good reviewers. Reading a book is not an easy task, let alone providing constructive feedback to the author. But the payoff is real.
Benefits of reviewing technical books
- Build your network: This is a great way to meet others in the field, from the author to fellow reviewers.
- Active learning: Passively consuming a bunch of videos on a topic is one thing. Actively providing questions and comments to the author is another. The more active you make your learning, the more it sticks. Reviewing a book makes learning a two-way street.
- Two words: Free books. What’s better than that?
- The author will owe you one. Nothing wrong with that, either.
You are qualified to write technical books
Now you may be thinking, “what the heck could I help with reviewing a book? I’m no expert on the field!”
In that case, all the better. Do you think everyone who reads the book will be an expert? No; in fact, reviews from someone who is not an expert may be more valuable, because it better approximates how a typical reader will approach the book.
So before you hit play on another set of videos or enroll in a pricey certificate program, consider trying a book review as your next learning resource. I’ll leave some resources for getting started here.
Resources for getting started as a technical book reviewer
- Manning Publications sends a regular newsletter with opportunities to review technical books. Get started by filling out this form.
- These aren’t technical books per se, but NetGalley allows you to review advance copies of many trade books including many in STEM topics.
- If you’re on the O’Reilly Media Online learning platform, you can read manuscripts (marked as Early Releases) and are invited to send feedback to the author.
If you’re looking to write a technical book, I offer a coaching program for any step of the way.
What questions do you have about reviewing technical books? Let me know in the comments.
What is the pay like?
Hi John, The resources I linked to are all pro bono. But you at least get free books or ebooks, also it’s much cheaper than enrolling in an online course or certificate. Some paid technical reviewing gigs do exist but the pay is typically nominal, it’s more of a community service than anything else.