I noticed some reputable journals like Science regularly publish three to four book reviews. As someone who aspires to be a faculty, writing book reviews could help demonstrate my level of engagement in the science community.
Here are my questions:
1. What are the important components of an excellent book review? In other words, what is the recommended structure of a book review?
2. What is the recommended length of a good book review? I noticed some book reviews are 500 words and others 2,500 words.
3. How do you choose which book to review? Do you consider the reputation of the author and publisher or the potential impact of the book?
Hi Edmond - you make it sound like you can submit a book review of your choice to a reputable journal. That is not usually the case. As a Review Editor of a major journal in my field - I can advise you that it is far more likely that I would approach you, as an expert in the field that I know, to review a book on the basis of books that I have been sent by publishers and I am looking to pass them on for review. Journals vary - but 500-750 words is usually enough. The components of a good book review are covered in texts. I can propose a book where I have written a chapter that is on the very same subject.
Thank you for the tip. Would you recommend I contact review editors on my availability?
Some journals will provide a list of books that have been sent by publishers for review. Editors will approach potential reviewers or in some cases journals will publish calls for book reviewers. The length of the review is determined by the journals.I normally request to review books that are relevant to my own research.
Thank you. I guess I might have to contact editors and inform them on my availability.
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