Reviewing
As an experienced and regular reviewer of children's and adult non-fiction books, CDs, games, health/beauty products, websites and other items, I've written hundreds of reviews for various publications over the years.
Clients for reviews include Baby Hampshire magazine, Berkshire's County Child magazine, Scholar magazine, HolisticShop, SaveOK, BookPleasures, Free Pint, BookLore, Crescent Blues and Absolute Write.
In the case of website reviews, I used to work for UK Plus search engine, reviewing hundreds of websites in the lifestyle categories, plus I was a contributing editor to It's On The Net magazine and BriefMe.com. I wrote website reviews for the entire links section for HolisticShop.co.uk and have written reviews of shopping websites for NetClearly, to be included in a new search engine.
This quarterly magazine is aimed at families in the Hampshire area and I currently write the book review pages, covering books aimed at babies, toddlers and children up to the age of four, plus titles of interest to parents.
The latest book reviews can be seen here.
I also occasionally do other reviews for the magazine, such as family cars:
Family
Car Review, Autumn 2006 (263 Kb)
Berkshire's County Child magazine
Between June 2003 - October 2004, I was book review editor for Berkshire's County Child magazine, reviewing a selection of titles for children (from babies to teens) and parents in each bi-monthly issue.
The following is a typical sample of the book review pages:
Book
Reviews, September 2004 (556 Kb)
I also regularly did various other review pages for the magazine, such as children's toys, Christmas gifts, holiday products and Easter gifts. Some examples are below:
Natural
Remedies for Common Ailments (530 Kb)
With many people turning to natural remedies to help common ailments, we look at products that are particularly suitable for babies and children. By Rachel Newcombe.
When it comes to holiday packing, there’s so much to think of, especially if you’re trying to get the whole family organised. If you’re about to face the perils of packing, read on to discover Rachel Newcombe’s ideas for items you may need to squeeze in your suitcase!
Scholar magazine
Review editor for Scholar magazine, a quarterly publication for families of children at independent schools. Covering books aimed at 4-13 year olds, plus games, gadgets and films.
Book
Reviews, Summer 2005 (1.07 Mb)
Books,
Games and Gadget Reviews, Summer 2005 (1.42 Mb)
I'm always on the lookout for new books (particularly baby/toddler and titles for parents) for review and am happy to receive relevant details. I'd prefer to receive the details first in the body of an email (no attachments, please) and will then let you know if I'm likely to be able to review it.
As well as writing the entire links directory, I've also written independent reviews of books, CDs and other products for this online retailer. Examples include:
Books:
Is It Me, Or Is It Hot in Here? By Jenni Murray
Interpreting Dreams A to Z, by Leon Nacson
Reiki and The Seven Chakras, by Richard Ellis
A Dancing Star, by Eileen Campbell
The Complete Book of Colour, by Suzy Chiazzari
CDs:
Various Artists: A Woman's Voice
Other:
Creativity Cards, Louise L. Hay
Job Success Cards, Louise L. Hay
SaveOK
A money-saving guide to shopping produced by Red Apple Publishing. The first handbag-sized issue was released n November 2004, distributed free with the Saturday Mirror (it later became Zing magazine). I reviewed various 'hot' products, such as perfume and unusual gifts.
What's
Hot: Perfumes (B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful, BPAL and M&S)
(806 Kb, 2nd page on .pdf)
What's
Hot: Original Gifts (The Gift Gourmet and Lush) (806Kb, scroll down
to third page on .pdf).
Occasional reviewing for this Canadian-based book website:
Outwitting Writer's Block and Other Problems of the Pen, by Jenna Glatzer
Seeing Colour: It's My Rainbow Too, by Arlene Evans
The Princess and the Pekinese, by Trisha Adelena Howell
To Oz and Back, by Alexandra Eden
I Know I'm In There Somewhere, by Helene G. Brenner, Ph.D
Rosie Snowdrop Wants a Passport, by Henrietta Hawkins
Therapeutic Yoga, by Dr. Ali and Jiwan Brar
Smart Man Hunting, by Liz H. Kelly
Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer, by Jenna Glatzer
Reviews for Other Publications
The Non-Designer's Web Book (2nd Ed), by Robin Williams and John Tollett
Net.People, by Thomas E. Bleier and Eric C. Steinert
The E-Commerce Question and Answer Book, by Anita Rosen
It Shouldn't Happen to a Journalist, by Tess Crebbin and Kathleen
Detox Handbook, by Dr. Jennifer Harper
Need a Reviewer?
I'm happy to undertake reviewing work for print or online publications, from reviews of single items, to whole pages, occasionally or on a regular basis.
For example, if you'd like to include one or two pages of reviews in your magazine, but don't want the hassle of organising it each month, I offer the perfect tailor-made package. I'll source appropriate books, review them, organise any relevant giveaways or competitions and arrange for book images. You receive the completed written pages and accompanying picture files to lay out how you wish, ready to publish and in time for your deadline.
Please get in touch, by email or phone (07801 944 978) to discuss your reviewing requirements.
Reprints and Bundles of Reviews
Many of my previously published reviews are available for reprint at competitive prices. Plus I have the following available to purchase as age/content-specific bundles:
Five Book Reviews for Babies
Six Reviews for Age 2+
Twelve Book Reviews for Under 4's
Five Reviews of Books for Age 4+
Five Reviews of Books for Ages 5+
Five Reviews of Books for Ages 6-7+
Eight Book Reviews for Ages 10+
Five Book Reviews for Ages 11+
Five Parenting Book Reviews
Five Book Reviews: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
Four Reviews of Food Books for Parents and Children
If you'd like to find out more details, or wish to purchase individual or bundled reprints, please email me.