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Post by clueless on May 29, 2015 3:37:18 GMT -5
How do journals decide which books they will review?
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Post by sockpuppet on May 29, 2015 12:20:39 GMT -5
Most journals have book review editors. They receive copies from the various academic presses. Authors typically get to pick 4-5 places where their press will send books to. Whether a book gets reviewed is generally a function of whether the review editor thinks it would be of interest to the readership, and if they can get someone to do a review.
To get someone to a review a book, book review editors typically look to their list of people in different subfields. They don't have to be experts or hot-shots. Sometimes this list is generated from an open call, "hey, if you'd ever like to review a book, send us your CV." Sometimes this list is generated from names provided by those on the editorial board. Sometimes this list is populated by names of people who have volunteered their services.
Others may disagree, but I think its tacky to offer to review a specific book. And I don't think editors should accept those offers. But this does happen.
If you'd like to do a review, email your CV to the book review editor and say, "I'm a graduate student at XXX, and I have completed comprehensive exams in topics ABC. If you receive in books that cover those areas, I'd be happy to submit a review for your consideration." The book review editor might get back to you the next time a book on that topic comes through.
Another option is to what for the dregs from the people on your committee. Tell them you'd like to do a book review to start building your CV, and ask them to suggest your name the next time they want to turn down an offer.
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Post by author on Jun 1, 2015 23:36:23 GMT -5
This is great info, thank you.
And if one has written a book, is there anything that can be done to help the book get reviewed?
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Post by sockpuppet on Jun 2, 2015 7:04:48 GMT -5
Well, it helps to know the book review editor. At least that will speed up the process. That is how my first couple of reviews got ushered through.
Barring that, if the press sends it to the journal, and it is relevant to the theme of the journal, it will probably get a review if it is from a big Uni press. The smaller the press, the less likely it will get reviewed. But you'll get a review from Choice (they create the cards librarians review when deciding what books to buy) and Contemporary Sociology.
The only thing that I suggest you do to be proactive is to contact the book review editors at the journals you listed on your author questionnaire to see if they actually received the book. My press sent it out to a bunch of places, but in some cases it never arrived (or maybe they sent it to the previous book review editor). Pester your PR person at the press if this is the case and they'll send along another copy.
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