Books usually undergo a series of reviews, starting with a rigorous review process at the proposal stage. Editors working at publishing companies contact experts in the field and provide the written proposals and often a draft table of contents for feedback.
Once a book project passes the proposal phase, it enters the manuscript phase. Manuscripts can be reviewed at the chapter or full manuscript level. Feedback at this stage is often collected by the in-house editor, who works with the individual book author or editors to adapt it and better shape the book project on the path to publication.
And finally, after publication, a book review of the full work can be published in a journal, publicity outlet, or high-profile blog.
The materials in this section provide tips and advice for reviewers at each of these stages:
Once a book proposal has been submitted, it’s subject to review. A proposal review allows us to assess the market fit for a new product, identify any gaps in coverage, provide specific, actionable feedback to improve a project at its earliest stages, and provide direct feedback from potential customers.
The editor will ask you to read through the proposal, keeping an eye out for strengths and weaknesses. They will ask whether you think that the current structure of the proposal is the most effective way of approaching this material and whether the proposal covers the major aspects of its subject adequately.
In particular, editors and authors often find it helpful if proposal reviewers address the following questions in their responses:
The proposal review is critical – not only does it help shape a project, it makes books better and ensures that they are serving the needs of readers worldwide. As a reviewer, you’ll be making a direct impact on the discipline you are a part of.
Depending on the length and complexity of the proposal, a review would typically be completed within 7-14 days. If you don’t think you’ll have time to review the proposal within the time offered, tell the editor as soon as possible. Likewise, if you think you’ll be able to conduct the review with a little more time, let the editor know so that a new deadline might be agreed upon.
If you don’t have time at all for the project for which you have been contacted but are interested in reviewing future projects, let the editor know.
Book manuscripts are reviewed to ensure quality, identify any gaps in coverage, and generally strengthen the manuscript before publication.
One of the first major areas of focus during a manuscript review is the general quality of the book. Editors often ask for general feedback on the overall quality, scope and readership of the volume and whether the presentation and accessibility of the book is suitable. They will work closely with the specific editors or author(s) of the book to adapt your feedback whenever possible.
In particular, editors and authors often find it helpful if manuscript reviewers address the following questions in their responses:
Depending on the length and complexity of the content you’re asked to review, you’ll typically have 2-6 weeks to return your review. It’s essential to provide specific and actionable feedback in your review so that the authors or editors can effectively address your comments and questions.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to meet a review deadline, tell the editor as soon as possible. Likewise, if you think you’ll be able to complete the review with a little more time, please let the editor know as soon as possible so a new deadline can be agreed upon.
Depending on the length and complexity of the content you’re asked to review, you’ll typically have 2-6 weeks to return your review. It’s essential to provide specific and actionable feedback in your review so that the authors or editors can effectively address your comments and questions.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to meet a review deadline, tell the editor as soon as possible. Likewise, if you think you’ll be able to complete the review with a little more time, please let the editor know as soon as possible so a new deadline can be agreed upon.
Interested in writing a review of a published book? We’re grateful for any published reviews that are written. Each publication will have guidance on what should be included in a review, so it’s advisable to work directly with that outlet to get your review published.
If you have been contacted by an editor or another person and asked to write a review of a specific book, we recommend keeping in mind the following tips as you write:
Contact one of our publishing editors in your discipline to discuss your proposal.