Do you want to join Rich in Color in reviewing and promoting young adult fiction by and/or about people of color? Excellent! Because we want at least two other people to join us in this unpaid labor of love. You can find out more about Rich in Color’s mission over here.
Expectations
Bloggers are expected to post one book review every four weeks (roughly once a month). Please note that we prefer books that have come out within the last year. The review will need to conform to the format below and be “claimed” in advance so the other bloggers don’t have to scramble for last-minute replacements. The review will need to be properly categorized on the site and linked to the release calendar.
Additionally, bloggers are expected to post two related posts per month. These posts could be additional reviews, mini reviews of older titles, upcoming releases, link round-ups, essays/commentary, discussion questions, resource highlighting, book trailers, interviews, etc. Pretty much anything that fits in with our blog’s mission will be just fine.
Bloggers will also be responsible for adding books to the release calendar when they find them or are directed toward them by authors, publishers, and/or readers. Rich in Color also has a Tumblr and a Twitter account. If bloggers wish to help with the upkeep of those accounts, their assistance would be appreciated.
How to Apply
Respond to this post or email audrey AT richincolor DOT com by midnight Eastern time on April 5, 2013, with the following:
- Your name and where you’re from.
- Your blogging/writing experience. Don’t overthink this or be shy. If you have/run blogs, briefly mention them. If you don’t have any, then say so! The most important items are the next two anyway.
- A link to your sample book review. This does not have to be a review for a book that fits into this blog’s mission. You can take an old review if you have one and tweak it to fit this format, or you can write a brand new one. We’re not picky!
- Why you want to join us. A couple heartfelt sentences or several passionate paragraphs–either way, we want to know why you want to join us and why you would be a great asset for the site.
Crystal and I will review all applications, and the finalists will be contacted so we can get to know you/let you ask questions/give you one last chance to back out. The new bloggers will be announced to the public on or around April 12. Rich in Color will officially be in business on April 15!
Book Review Format
Please note that all of this information should be appropriately sourced.
Cover image
Title (if applicable, what # it is in the series)
Author (with link to website)
Genres
Page #s
Publisher
Source of review copy
Availability date
Summary
300+ words for review. DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE BOOK. (That’s what the summary is for.) Talk about characters, themes, culture, world-building, plot construction/holes, pacing, etc. Discuss both positive and negative aspects of the book without losing professionalism. When at all possible, avoid spoilers. If spoilers are unavoidable, warn and put them behind a cut.
Recommendation
Buy it now/get it soon/borrow it someday/just skip it scale.
Go here and here to see our example reviews.
Last Bits
If you have any questions or want something clarified before you put in the effort of applying, please ask away in the comments below! We’ll answer your questions as quickly as we can.