BookSpeak
BookSpeak is IPR’s summer radio show about books. On BookSpeak you’ll hear book reviews written and read by guest reviewers just like you. The sixth season of BookSpeak begins June 1 and runs through July 27, with weekly broadcasts Wednesdays at noon. Here’s how you can participate.
What we’re looking for
- An informal review of a book you’ve enjoyed
- About 350 words (2 minutes when read aloud)
- A variety of interesting topics and authors
- Your passion and enthusiasm
Acceptable subject matter
- All genres (fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, youth or children’s books)
- An author’s body of work (e.g., why you like Mark Twain)
- A “classic” – or a new release (no self-published work, please)
Do
- Use quotes to make your point
- Use short sentences – if you run out of breath when reading it aloud, the sentence is probably too long
- Use words that you can easily pronounce
- Write a review, not a book report
- Write what you feel; don’t be afraid to be critical
Don’t
- Use clichés like the blurbs on the book jacket (“a sweeping spectacle”… “the heart-rending story of…”)
- Use X-rated material (write for a “G” audience)
- Re-tell the story in chronological fashion (this happened, followed by this)
No radio experience required!
- We will help prepare you and build your confidence.
- Your review can be recorded at IPR or over the phone if you can’t get to the studio. We will call you about any necessary editing and to schedule the recording.
Timeline
- Reviews should be submitted between now and July 21 (see How to Submit below).
How to submit a review
If you email your review, please:
- Send it to bookspeak@bsu.edu as an attachment or paste it in the message
- Put BOOKSPEAK REVIEW in the subject line
- Include your name, address, and daytime phone number
If you fax (765-285-8937) or mail your review (IPR, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306), please:
- Write “Attention: Kristen Bitzegaio” on the cover sheet or envelope
- Include your name, address, and daytime phone number
When submitting your review, please also:
- Tell us how you heard about BookSpeak.
- Understand that we reserve the right to publish your review on the IPR website if it isn’t selected for broadcast.
General information
No submissions can be accepted after July 21. The last broadcast of the 2012 season will be July 25. If your review is broadcast, you must sign a broadcast release form. The reviewer is not paid a fee. Participation in the project is free.
Contact information
For general information and submissions, contact Kristen Bitzegaio, Outreach Coordinator, at 765-285-5887 or bookspeak@bsu.edu. Questions about broadcasts go to mjackman@bsu.edu. The toll-free number is 800-646-1812.
Broadcasts of BookSpeak
BookSpeak will be broadcast at noon on Wednesdays beginning June 6. Two book reviews will be included in each 5-minute broadcast. Reviews that are not broadcast may be published on the IPR website.
BookSpeak Archive
