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.