school library journal book review submission guidelines

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Library Journal  is always looking for engaged reviewers in all areas of fiction and nonfiction. If you’re interested in reviewing for  LJ , please read our  guidelines . To apply, fill out the  online application  below, and be sure to upload two sample reviews in  LJ  style. If you have difficulty uploading these samples to the form, you can also email them to Stephanie Klose at  [email protected] .

Guidelines for Library Journal Reviews

Library Journal Book Review is a selection tool used in both public and academic libraries. Each year it offers signed professional reviews of approximately 7,000 current titles in a wide range of disciplines. Our service is thus an important one for libraries and their users.

Reviewing for LJ is a demanding and time-consuming activity, but one that can yield a good deal of professional satisfaction. We do not accept unsolicited reviews. We do try to honor our regular reviewers’ requests for specific books or subjects to review (though not, of course, books written by friends, relatives, or associates). We ask our contributors to agree not to review for other publications the same books they review for LJ , and not to send copies of their reviews to publishers or authors.

There is no payment for reviews. When possible, the reviewer receives a finished copy of the book. Our service to the library audience would not be possible without the generosity of over 1,500 contributors. The quality of Library Journal Book Review ultimately depends on their expertise, intellectual integrity, and professional commitment.

The following guidelines are offered to help you write your review. Of course, reading the reviews in LJ will help as well.

The reviews are addressed to the educated generalist, rather than the subject specialist, and designed to present the information needed for the selection decision in a highly condensed form. Therefore, within 175-200 words, the review must include: a brief statement of the thesis or description of the contents, a critical appraisal of both substance and execution, information on the experience of reading (or appeal), and an indication of what readers would be best served by the book in question. Our audience expects an LJ review to be based on a thorough, careful reading and on informed judgment.

Those are the basic requirements. Obviously there can be no single model for all reviews, nor would we want a programmed result. Ideally, the essential elements will be incorporated in a statement that reflects the reviewer’s own mode of thinking as well as the book’s individual character.

At the same time, we ask reviewers keep a number of points in mind.

Libraries are working with limited funds, so often the most pertinent feature in a review will be an evaluative comparison of the new title with one or two alternative choices. If little else is available on the topic, that fact should be noted, as should any virtue of the title under review. The importance of the topic itself, and the level of treatment in the book, should be pointed out, if not self-evident. A book that makes a significant contribution to literature, to scholarship, or to the understanding of contemporary issues should be identified clearly. In other cases, since libraries try to anticipate readers’ demands, it will be appropriate to emphasize the book’s popular appeal.

To a large degree, the book’s purpose will determine the reviewing approach. For example, a reference book requires a detailed account of its features and usefulness; a literary translation requires comment on its accuracy and felicity; a social science monograph, discussion of the validity and implications of the findings; while a work of fiction or poetry lends itself to their own terms; an illustrated popular history should not be expected to offer new insights to scholars, but neither should it contain inaccuracies, betray ignorance of current scholarship, or merely duplicate other library holdings.

Libraries must select materials to serve a broad spectrum of readers, so objectivity is important. The reviewer of a pro-censorship or anti-abortion tract, for example, should consider whether the author presents the case in a reasoned and responsible or disorganized and strident manner. Any bias detected in an essentially nonpolemical work should be noted, and its bearing on the overall value of the book assessed. Reviewers of scholarly works should resist becoming embroiled in parochial academic debates.

Even though only a few of the above considerations would apply to any given book, LJ contributors face some difficult choices in composing a short review. But their task becomes easier if the purpose of the review-library selection-is kept in mind.

In addition, we must ask for special attention to accuracy in the reviews: quoted passages should be checked against the text; dates and spellings of authors’ names should be given in full, the titles given exactly, and the publisher and year of publication cited (or date of LJ review, if known). An assertion that a book is filled with errors should be supported with examples. We ask our reviewers to check all factual statements (e.g., that the book is a “first” on the topic), particularly those that are difficult for us to verify.

While it is our policy to edit as little as possible, reviews are reorganized or condensed when necessary, and minor changes are made in accordance with house style; but the reviewer’s stated opinion will always be preserved. We cannot guarantee that every review submitted will be published. In the relatively few cases in which we reject a review, we notify the reviewer once the decision is final. Because we appreciate the time and effort spent on each review, we do our best to exercise this editorial prerogative responsibly.

Review for Library Journal

If you’re interested in becoming a book reviewer for Library Journal, please read our guidelines first.

Questions? Email  [email protected].

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Submission Guidelines

The Junior Library Guild is always on the lookout for new sources of great books. Publishers interested in submitting materials for review should contact our editorial office* for complete guidelines and due dates. Publishers interested in submitting books for the SLJ Series Nonfiction Categories must contact SLJ Series Made Simple**. If you are an author or illustrator and would like your book to be considered for selection by JLG, please have your publisher contact us. We regret that we cannot work directly with authors and illustrators.

JLG has two consecutive seasonal lists, spring and fall, and makes selections up to six months in advance of publication. For inclusion in our spring list (distributed March through August) the submission deadline is November of the prior year. Our fall list (distributed September through February) has a submission deadline of May.

Please note that JLG only reviews books before publication. Reissues or newly published books will not be considered. The vast majority of JLG selections are hardcovers. JLG accepts submissions of original, softcover books only for the PBH Reading Category—Paperbacks High School—grades 10 & up and some of our graphic novel levels.

*JLG Editorial Office:

Susan Marston, Editorial Director Junior Library Guild 123 William Street, Suite 802 New York, NY 10038

Main: 646.380.0701 Fax: 646.380.0759 [email protected]

**Series Made Simple Office:

Amanda Mastrull, Editor, Series Made Simple School Library Journal 123 William Street, Suite 802 New York, NY 10038

Main: 646.380.0752 Fax: 646.380.0756 [email protected]

The Top Library Journals and Magazines That Publish Quality Book Reviews

What Journals Publish Credible Book Reviews?

There are several library review journals and magazines that accept books for review. These publications play a crucial role in helping librarians and readers discover new titles. Keep in mind that submission guidelines and preferences may vary, so it’s essential to check each publication’s specific requirements. Here are some well-known library review journals and magazines:

• Website:  Booklist Online
• Published by the American Library Association (ALA), Booklist provides reviews of a wide range of books, audiobooks, and media.

School Library Journal (SLJ):

• Website:  School Library Journal
• Focused on books for children and young adults, SLJ is an important resource for librarians working in schools and public libraries.

The Children’s Book Review:

• Website: The Children’s Book Review
• An online platform that reviews children’s books, making it a valuable addition to your list of review submission targets.

Kirkus Reviews:

• Website:  Kirkus Reviews
• Kirkus Reviews is known for its comprehensive book reviews, covering a broad spectrum of genres.

Publishers Weekly (PW):

• Website:  Publishers Weekly
• While not exclusively a library review journal, Publishers Weekly includes book reviews and is widely read by librarians, booksellers, and industry professionals.

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates):

• Website:  VOYA
• VOYA focuses on books for young adults and is a valuable resource for librarians working with teen readers.

Horn Book Magazine:

• Website:  The Horn Book
• The Horn Book Magazine reviews children’s and young adult literature and is respected for its insightful critiques.

Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries:

• Website:  Choice Reviews
• Choice provides reviews for academic libraries, covering a wide range of disciplines and subjects.

Approach the pursuit of book reviews with resilience, understanding that each review, whether praise or critique, is a step toward greater visibility and growth as an author.

When submitting books for review, it’s important to follow each publication’s submission guidelines, including format preferences, contact information, and any specific requirements they may have. Additionally, be aware that the landscape of review journals and magazines may evolve, so it’s a good practice to verify the latest information and guidelines .

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Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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What You Need to Know about Publishing Articles for School Libraries

Editors offer suggestions on how to get published.

By Kara Pauley | June 27, 2016

For anyone interested in publishing research about school libraries, Sunday’s panel was the place to be. It included insight from Carl Harvey II from School Library Connection , Mega Subramaniam from School Library Research , Nancy Everhart from School Libraries Worldwide , Meg Featheringham from Knowledge Quest , Deb Levitov from Teacher Librarian , and RoseMary Honnold from VOYA .

These editors started with the basics about their respective journals. School Library Connection publishes 10 issues per year, offers webinars, and utilizes reviewers. School Library Research is an open access journal that accepts submissions on a rolling basis. Its goal is to promote high quality, original research, and literature reviews. School Libraries Worldwide runs much like School Library Research; one major difference is that its audience is global, as its title suggests. Knowledge Quest is published five times a year and includes themed feature articles and nonthemed articles that are submitted for review to the KQ editorial board. Teacher Librarian includes regular columnists, a peer review board, and publishes five nonthematic issues per year. VOYA is not a school library journal but instead focuses on services to teens in public libraries.

All of these publications include some form of a reviewing process. Subramaniam explained that editors would first scan articles to make sure they’re fitting to the rest of the journal and that “most of the time, [an article is] rejected because it’s not fit for School Library Research , but it’s fit for Knowledge Quest .” If an article is deemed suitable by blind reviewers, the journal will then work with the authors on revision.

To avoid rejection, the editors suggested potential authors do their research. “Read the journals so you know what the typical content is like,” Everhart said. Levitov agreed, saying, “It’s good for you to do that homework, it helps everybody.”

In addition to scholarly research, many of these journals are looking for practical application pieces as well. Honnold also said, “When authors tell me about a program, for example, I like to hear how to do it as well as how they did it.”

Featheringham let the audience know that Knowledge Quest has 15-17 bloggers, so there are multiple ways to get involved.

Wrapping up, the editors encouraged audience members to approach them with ideas. “Contact one of us and let’s talk about it,” Harvey said. “One way to assure you’ll never get published is to never talk about it.” For more information, writers can find submission guidelines on each journal’s website.

KARA PAULEY is youth service coordinator at Dowagiac District (Mich.) Library.

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School Library Research (SLR)

Publication analysis, about the publication.

Title: School Library Research ( SLR )

ISSN : 2165-1019

Website: http://www.ala.org/aasl/slr

Purpose, objective, or mission: School Library Research  ( SLR ) is the research journal of the American Association of School Librarians, which is a division of the American Library Association. The purpose of the journal “is to promote and publish high quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school library programs.” The journal also emphasizes “research on instructional theory, teaching methods, and critical issues relevant to school libraries and school librarians.” SLR succeeds School Library Media Research  and  School Library Media Quarterly Online. “ 1

Target audience: SLR’ s target audience is “academic scholars, school librarians, instructional specialists and other educators who strive to provide a constructive learning environment for all students and teachers.” 2

Publisher: American Library Association.

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review. 3

Type:  LIS scholarly journal.

Medium:  Online, open access. 4

Content:   SLR publishes original research reports, conceptual essays, and literature review and proposal papers. 5 The journal also distributes “major research findings worldwide through both electronic publication and linkages to substantive documents on the Internet.” 6

Frequency of publication: Each volume is published annually, but articles are added to the electronic journal after peer review and acceptance by the editorial board. 7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submit a Manuscript .

Types of contributions accepted: SLR accepts high-quality, original research on the the management, implementation, and evaluation of school library programs and on instructional theory, teaching methods, and critical issues relevant to school libraries and librarians. “Manuscripts may be based on original research, an innovative conceptual framework, or a substantial literature review that opens new areas of inquiry and investigation.” 8

Submission and review process: Manuscripts, preferably in Microsoft Word, can be submitted via an online submission form or by email to the editors. Manuscripts undergo double-blind review, which usually takes eight to twelve weeks. If a manuscript is not accepted, the editor may forward reviewers’ recommendations to the author, and the manuscript can be revised and reviewed until accepted. Manuscripts are placed online only after full board review and majority acceptance; they remain open to critical review by readers. 9

Editorial tone: The tone is scholarly and academic. The work submitted must follow all guidelines and present original scholarly material that adds something new to the field; published manuscripts must meet “the extensive review criteria.” 10

Style guide used: €Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition) and an additional journal-specific guide. 11

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This is a high-profile, standard-setting research journal. SLR is appropriate for LIS authors who have experience in conducting original school library research and in writing articles that following standard research reporting guidelines: discussion of research questions, application of appropriate research methodology, review of and reference to relevant literature, and clear conclusions. Conceptual essays and literature review and proposal papers must follow the journal’s structural guidelines as well. LIS authors should carefully read the journal’s submission guidelines and see the Definitions of Acceptable Manuscript Content section for particulars. 12

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers.

Publication circulation:  Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations:  SLR  is a U.S.-based journal written in English. The journal is a publication of the American Association of School Librarians, so readers are concerned with issues related to school libraries in America, but they are aware of and seek out more global perspectives on these issues.  SLR is an open-access journal, so it does have an international reach.

Reader characteristics:  The journal reaches a broad range of readers: school librarians in a variety of K-12 settings, LIS graduate students, academic scholars and researchers, and other educators. Readers will share a belief in the importance of high-quality services for students in K-12 schools and a desire “provide a constructive learning environment for all students and teachers.” 13

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: It is likely that readers have a strong understanding of LIS subject matter.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers will expect articles, especially original research, that inform their own practices in school libraries and that will further their understanding of the present and future of school librarianship. They will also look to the journal for interpretations of policies, guidelines, and best practices published by the American Association of School Librarians and to keep up to date on the association’s standards and recommendations. 14

Last updated: March 9, 2018

Show 14 footnotes

• Homepage, School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs/slr . ↩
• Homepage. ↩
•  “ School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide,” School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/SLR%20Submission%20Guide_UPDATE.pdf . ↩
• “Publications & Journals,” American Association of School Librarians, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs . ↩
• “ School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.” ↩
•  “ School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.” ↩
• “Homepage.” ↩
• See, for example, “School Library Research (SLR) Editor’s Choice,” School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs/slr/editors . ↩

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THE INDIE FILES: How to Bring Your Indie Book to the Attention of a Librarian

By Kelly McClymer

Do you dream of seeing your indie book in your local library catalog?

You are not alone.

Many a traditionally published author shares your dream. Here are a few hard facts:

• Libraries generally purchase hardback library editions (volumes that have had the spines reinforced to hold up for multiple reads).
• Shelf space is limited, and the competition is stiffer than ever.
• E-books and audiobooks offer some opportunities for indie authors, but that requires finding ways to let the librarians know how (and why) to buy your book for their electronic catalog.
• Librarians notice books the same way booksellers and readers do: bestseller lists, word of mouth, and viral social media attention.

As an indie author, you may have a way to get a librarian’s attention that is not available to the traditionally published author—letting the library acquire the book in the way that suits them best. If they would like a library hardback edition, you can do that. If they buy from a certain eBook or audiobook catalog, you can make sure your book is available there.

Key phrase: get the librarian’s attention. Librarians, like most readers, want more books that they can afford to buy, so they have to prioritize according to their patrons’ desires and interests.

Weighing the E-Book Catalog vs. Book-on-the-Shelf

Creating a library edition of your book is an expense, so taking that on should only be done if you are certain your book will appeal to the library patrons. For example, if your book won (or was shortlisted for) a Nebula Award, that would give it a higher priority on the library wish list.

According to Justin Hoenke, director of the Gardiner, Maine, library, he generally prefers hardbound editions because they hold up better. Some libraries have the staff and resources to reinforce paperbacks to hold up under multiple reads, but most do not. One thing many authors have learned through the years is that donating a book to a library does not mean it will get cataloged and shelved. It could go into the annual book sale box.

Many readers (and librarians, and authors) prefer “real” books that they can hold, bookmark, and—admit it—smell. So, if your budget allows you to create a library version of your book, that may give you a nudge up on the library’s priority buying list. That means creating an edition specifically for libraries that is case-bound instead of perfect-bound. Ingram Spark has an excellent explanation of this distinction here . With print-on-demand (POD) printing, the extra expense is figured into the cost. Libraries are used to paying more than retail for sturdier books, but you may still need to shave off some of your profit margin when you choose your library price.

Some authors have chosen to outsource printing to a specialty book printer. These authors want to lower the costs and know they have to order a certain number of case-bound hardcovers for sale/distribution to libraries or collector fans. That can get expensive, with minimum printings of a hundred to a thousand copies. This would work best for authors who plan to do serious marketing and outreach to libraries, or have a pre-order method in place so that they don’t over-order. A few other companies which offer case-bound hardcover book production are Acutrak , Blurb , and 48hr Books . NOTE: there is also a saddle-stitch printing option that is not offered by most small printers or POD printers, so not a part of this discussion.

A case-bound large print edition could also make your book attractive to libraries, but it is worthwhile to cost the project out and approach a few libraries to see if there is interest before you decide whether to make it POD or do a small print run to save cost and increase your profit. Large print editions run to more pages and thus are more expensive to print and take up more shelf space in the library.

E-Book or Digital Audiobook

Putting your e-book or digital audiobook into a library-available catalog generally does not incur extra cost for you. Best of all, you can offer a special (higher) library edition price too, to reflect that your library edition will be read by more than the single reader who purchases your consumer edition. Draft2Digital and Kobo both allow you to make e-books available for purchase by a library, but it is not automatic; you need to choose that option, plus a library price when you upload your book. The Indie Author Project will allow you to upload your book metadata to reach librarians as well.

The Dreaded Marketing

No matter how you plan to get your book into the library catalog, it is your job as an indie author to market those titles to the libraries. Facebook is a wonderful resource for finding and researching libraries and the librarians who staff them. Caveat: do not pitch the library your book on Facebook! Simply note what books they enthusiastically talk about with their patrons, and find out your best contact person (preferably off-Facebook).

What To Do Before Approaching The Library

• Get a book in a library-specific catalog through a distributor like Draft2Digital, Kobo, or the Indie Author Project (as discussed above).
• Create a library edition in paperback or hardcover, if you want to be on the shelf.
• Put together a “why your patrons will love it” PDF.
• Find out the name(s) of the librarian in charge of buying books and what they like.

Reaching Lots Of Librarians At Once

• Get reviewed by Kirkus , Library Journal , Publishers Weekly , School Library Journal , Indie Author Project (IAP) Select (curated by Library Journal ). NOTE: Often this involves getting your book to the reviewer six months in advance of publication, so be aware of that condition  if you really want that review.
• Go viral on genre fiction blogs, social media, podcasts, or TikTok’s BookTok.
• Encourage your readers to ask their libraries to acquire the book.
• Use the Indie Author Project (IAP) Select.
• Speak at a library conference, local or national. You can find many of them listed on the American Library Association (ALA) site . Or ask your favorite librarian for recommendations of nearby conferences that accept proposals from authors.

Bottom Line

The opportunity is there to get your book into libraries, but you have to do the work, just as you do when you market to your individual readers.

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Michelle Knudsen is the New York Times bestselling author of 50 books for kids & teens, including the Trelian (MG) and Evil Librarian (YA) trilogies and the picture book Library Lion (one of Time magazine’s 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time).

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It is my mission to populate children’s literature with as many natural, relatable, neurodivergent characters as I can. No more invisibility! No stigma, no shame.

Post-It Note Reviews: Quick looks at new books!

June’s post-it review roundup is of 6 books recent books. All descriptions from the publishers. Transcriptions of post-it note reviews after each description. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E. F. Barone (ISBN-13: 9781250881656 Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) Publication date: 05/14/2024, Ages 10-14) Mountain of Fire is […]

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From the Archives (2012)

10 Perks of Being a Wallflower (by Heather B)

20 questions: teen librarian 101 part 2 with karen jensen, thinking out loud: marketing and the library lock-in, be inspired.

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Authors and publishers may submit review copies or promotional information relating to books (or materials in other formats) that they wish to be considered for purchase by The New York Public Library (NYPL). These materials must meet the criteria as stated in the Library's Materials Selection Policy.

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Picture Books

Chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels.

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SLJ ’s Best Books: 2021 ,  2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017

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