Examine the assignment sheet that your professor gives you. Make sure that you follow all directions as closely as possible. No matter how well your paper is written, you can always fail an assignment by not following the directions.
Format your paper using whatever word processing program you are using. Always type college book reports. If the assignment sheet doesn't give you specific format directions, double space your paper, use one-inch margins on all sides of your paper and use a common font and size like 12-font Times New Roman.
Outline your book report. Outlining will help you write a coherent and flowing report. The outline should map the introduction, the body (what specific sections of the body are about) and the closing.
Write your introduction. Your introduction should tell your reader what book you read, quickly recap the plot and introduce your main argument (your thesis). In college-level book reports, you will want to focus your thesis more than in high school-level book reports.
Write the body of your report. This is where you work to prove your thesis. In book reports, you generally give your impressions of the book while attempting to prove your thesis.
Write your conclusion. Wrap up your argument by restating your thesis and providing your conclusion. Do not leave any loose ends in the body of your paper.
Proofread and edit your paper. Give it to some of your classmates and ask for their feedback. Use their comments to tighten up your paper. Make sure that your final draft reads well and is error free.