Starting Small: How My First Publication Was a Book Review and Why It Can Be a Great Place to Begin

When I was first trying to break into academic publishing, I’ll be honest—I was nervous. Like many early-career scholars, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to publish, unsure of where to start, and worried that my work might not be "good enough." What helped me dip my toes into the world of academic publishing was something relatively simple: a book review. In fact, my first publication was a review of someone else's work, and it turned out to be a fantastic way to get my foot in the door.

Here’s why starting with a book review can be a great first step if you’re feeling nervous about publishing, along with some tips to help you get started.

Why a Book Review?

Publishing a book review is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to enter the world of academic writing. It offers a lower-stakes opportunity to get your name out there, engage with current scholarship, and start building your academic profile. Here’s why it’s a solid place to begin:

1. Familiar Territory: You’re engaging with someone else’s work, so you don’t need to produce original research. This takes some of the pressure off because your task is to critically evaluate and summarize a book’s contribution to the field.

2. Short and Sweet: Book reviews are typically shorter than full research articles. This makes them a manageable first project, especially if you’re still figuring out how to structure your academic writing.

3. Build Your Reputation: A well-written book review signals that you’re knowledgeable about the field, can engage with scholarship thoughtfully, and contribute to academic conversations. This is particularly helpful early on as you start to build your reputation.

4. Learn the Publishing Process: Writing and submitting a book review familiarizes you with the journal submission and peer review process. It gives you a taste of what it’s like to work with editors, revise your work, and go through the formalities of academic publishing—without the length or intensity of a full article.

How to Get Started with Book Reviews

If you’re feeling ready to try your hand at writing a book review, here are some tips to help you find opportunities and make the most of this first publishing experience:

1. Keep an Eye on Journals You’re Interested In

Many academic journals regularly publish book reviews, and they’re always on the lookout for reviewers. Start by identifying journals in your field that interest you—these should ideally be journals you’d like to publish in one day with your own research.

Most journals have a section dedicated to book reviews or will put out calls for reviewers on their website. Some journals even offer a list of books available for review. Pay attention to those calls, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the editor expressing your interest in reviewing a book in your area of expertise.

2. Be Proactive—Contact Editors

If you see a recently published book in your field that you’d love to review, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the book review editor of a journal. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the book, and ask if you can submit a review. Editors appreciate when scholars show initiative, and you may be offered other review opportunities if your first one goes well.

3. Pick a Book That Aligns with Your Interests

When choosing a book to review, try to find one that aligns with your research interests. Not only will this make the review more enjoyable to write, but it also allows you to engage more deeply with scholarship that’s relevant to your own work.

Reviewing a book that fits within your research area means that your review can demonstrate your expertise in the field and contribute to ongoing academic conversations.

4. Stay Critical but Constructive

A good book review isn’t just about summarizing the book; it’s about critically engaging with the author’s arguments, assessing the book’s strengths, and discussing its limitations. But remember: your critique should always be constructive. Point out what the author did well and where improvements could be made, without being harsh or dismissive. The goal is to contribute thoughtfully to the field, not to tear down someone’s work.

5. Follow the Journal’s Guidelines

Each journal has specific guidelines for book reviews, including word limits, structure, and formatting requirements. Make sure you read and follow these guidelines carefully. This ensures that your review will meet the journal’s expectations and helps avoid unnecessary revisions later on.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small

Writing a book review may seem like a small step, but it’s an excellent way to start building your academic profile. It allows you to get published, gain experience with the publishing process, and make connections with editors and other scholars in your field. Plus, it can boost your confidence, making you feel more prepared when you’re ready to submit your own research down the line.

So, if you’re feeling nervous about publishing, don’t hesitate to start with a book review. Keep an eye on journals that interest you, be proactive in reaching out, and take that first step into the world of academic publishing. You’ve got this!