Book Review Submission Guide

Military Review publishes book reviews online by assignment only. If you would like to be considered as a potential reviewer, send a copy of your curriculum vitae with a letter indicating your specific areas of interest to the book review editor at usarmy.leavenworth.tradoc.mbx.armyu-aup-military-review-public@army.mil. Military Review publishes reviews of books provided only by publishers. The editor can offer no prior assurance as to whether or when a particular review will be published online. The reviewer retains the book.

The book review’s purpose is to inform readers of the publication of a book of professional interest, to briefly tell what the book is about, and to provide a concise evaluation of the book by a qualified observer. The review should be from 450 to 800 words.

Reviews should be able answer some of the following questions:

  • What type of book is it (biography, anthology, history, monograph, etc.)?
  • What does the book say?
  • How authoritative is it?
  • What are its special attractions, deficits, or other features? If it has flaws, point them out candidly.
  • Is the book worthwhile and relevant to the security community? If not, say so.

Reviews should be written with spirit and verve--maybe even occasional wit; do not bore the reader. If you decide the book is poorly written or you feel it has no application for Military Review’s audience, please email the editor with your rationale.

Remember, an adverse review requires specifics. If you challenge the style, content, authority, or objectivity of a book, back it up with examples and facts. We insist on printing quality reviews, but this does not necessarily mean we publish only laudatory ones. We have an obligation to warn readers about books that stir high expectations but promises more than they deliver.

The review should be typed, amply margined, and carefully edited. The review may be transmitted as an attachment to an email; do not submit material by fax or mail. In the review, include the title, author, number of pages, publisher, and date, and also include your name, organization, and location.

The editors reserve the right to edit and abridge reviews.