Coffee Time Reviews is just over three months old and I am so proud of what it’s become. Managing it hasn’t been easy, especially since I’ve started my full-time communications job.
But things have become a little bit too easy lately, albeit the main reason why is my lack of engagement and determination to find writers in the past month or so. That’s changing now, though.
Since late March, when CTR was launched, I’ve been welcoming some incredible writers and worked on some of the best bookish articles I’ve ever read in my life. I’d like that to continue.
So I’m reaching out to you, hoping you might want to jump on the bandwagon and join us as a contributor for Coffee Time Reviews. The rules are simple: if you love reading, you’re in.
What We’re Looking For
If you think your writing might fit Coffee Time Reviews and you’d like to see your byline on our Medium page (if you’re on Medium) and/or on our website, here’s a run-down of what we’re looking to publish.
Quirky, passion-led book reviews
CTR’s tagline and main focus are pour-your-heart-out book reviews, a new and fresh form of review that basically ditches rigid writing formats in favour of passion, drive, and sheer enthusiasm to scream loud and proud why you love a certain book (or more).
A pour-your-heart-out book review can be anything from an enthusiastic ramble on why a book changed your opinion on something, to an enraged (though polite) debate on why a certain book is overrated. There are no rules when it comes to this type of article, but here are some examples of really successful ones we’ve published before.
‘The Manningtree Witches’ Changes The Way We Think About Women
Reading lists with a twist
Now reading recommendations lists are all over the internet and since we’re a books publication, we need some of those too. However, we’d like something more than just a list of books you loved. You need to have a purpose or motivation to include them on the list, which will work well in your favour, as the writer, because people will be much more drawn to them. Here are some examples.
5 Books by European Authors to Celebrate Europe Day: Time to spice up that TBR pile
Author stories
Are you a published author with a quirky story that brought you to authorhood? If so, why not write a personal essay for our Behind the Scenes series, that gets into the nitty-gritty, and some of the more unglamorous sides of the publishing coin.
The Patriarchy in the Poetry Scene Stole My Biggest Passion
Reader stories
If you’re not an author, worry not! Bookworms are equally fascinating in their own right and I’m sure every reader out there will have a moving, heartfelt story about how a book shaped them, helped them, changed their life even. If this is you, and you’d like to share your story, we’d be delighted to commission it.
When Reading Becomes A Job: I was a professional book nerd, and I hated it
The ‘Brown Sisters’ Series by Talia Hibbert Spoke to All My Personal Quirks
Reading tips
Got a unique take on the process of reading? Do you know the secret behind a successful readathon? Or have you uncovered the best reading spots in a small, crammed house, or town? Write about it! Reading tips are always great fun to read about. For me, as a reader, this type of article has always proved very helpful.
How to Become a Contributor
If you’re interested in joining us as a writer and have your book reviews and bookish content published in Coffee Time Reviews, please let us know at ctreviewspub@gmail.com!
All you have to do is email us a short intro about yourself, a potential pitch idea you think might be right for us, and (optionally) a writing sample/example, preferably books-related. We are keen to encourage young writers willing to get a by-line and some experience, so if you don’t have a writing example to show, don’t worry, we still want to hear from you!
More details can be found on our Write for Us page.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Coffee Time Reviews 