Tuesday 12 March 2024

How to Write a Card Deck Review

Whether a tarot or other divination deck, a review is intended to enable a prospective purchaser to choose the best deck for their requirements. 

Some information is standard in all card reviews: 
the number of cards
whether they have textual information (and what is that information? If a book is included with the deck, a book review is required also)
the names of those who designed/created the deck - artwork and textual information and some background about them
whether it is a standard tarot deck or has anomalies, such as an unusual size or the cards placed in an unusual sequence or whether extra cards have been added.
a description of the card backs, whether they are reversible or irreversible
the publisher’s website or secure place of purchase
the recommended retail cost
ISBN number 

Describe the packet or box: Anything unusual or special about the box or deck such as gold leaf or magnetic fastening. Provide information about the major arcana, the suits and court cards.  

Try to use the words that the author uses to describe their work, for instance, if the deck comes with a ‘guidebook’, it should be described as this in your review, not a leaflet, or a booklet. If the deck is an ‘inspirational card deck’, it should not be described as an oracle deck, etc. 

Poorly copied decks are illegal so reviewers should direct purchasers to the professionally published decks which are guaranteed excellent quality. The English should be perfect. If the title is The Card Deck, it should be described as such. If it is only Card Deck, the should not have a capital letter. 

As artwork is a personal choice, the reviewer should consider artwork from the perspective of a person who enjoys both artwork and also reading cards. The review is always positive but down to earth, honest and realistic.
Is the artwork contemporary or traditional, is it computer generated, mixed media, hand painted, etc?  
A short bio of the author and other books, cards or courses, etc., they provide.

For a proper review of the deck, the reviewer should use the deck in the way it is intended, such as trying out a suggested spread and explaining the process. Certainly, even for a small review, one or two cards from the deck should be chosen and the artwork described and the concept explained. If possible, the reviewer should have worked with the deck on a number of occasions. Decks vary in their concepts, the depth of spiritual values, their ease of use, etc.  

Provide your own name, title and website.  
Let the publisher know when you receive a package and provide them with links to where your reviews are published.
Rather than support Amazon, give a link to the publisher. This makes sure you refer to a reliable source and not a fake one. 
Info provided by Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk

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