Book Review Guidelines

NOTE: THIS IS AN OUTDATED PAGE. WE ARE NO LONGER PUBLISHING REVIEWS ON OUR WEBSITE. (6/9/16)

We publish short (750-1,000 word) reviews of book-length fiction (novels, short story collections, plays, and graphic novels), literary nonfiction, and poetry in our online reviews gallery. Please note that we are not currently accepting reviews for our print edition. Our intention is to help new and emerging writers develop an audience.

Reviewers are not required to query first; simply follow the guidelines below and submit online.

If you are an author requesting a review of your work, please note that the Iowa Review staff does not write or solicit book reviews. All our reviews come through our regular submission process. However, you are welcome to send us a review copy, if you like—we can add it to our office shelves, which potential reviewers often browse. 

General Guidelines

• Do not review books written by your friends or former teachers/students. We prefer books from small presses, but a book published by a large press and written by an emerging author is acceptable as well. If you’re uncertain as to whether a book/author qualifies, please e-mail us. We do not currently accept reviews of e-books or chapbooks. 
• If you query via e-mail and we approve your proposal, please understand that this does not consitute acceptance: we cannot guarantee publication until we review and accept the final piece. 
• If you find nothing redeeming about a book, please don’t review it. We are neither looking for completely negative reviews nor for fawning praise, but rather an honest assessment backed up with evidence.
• A good review should tell the reader what the book is about (without giving away the ending), whether or not the author is successful in his/her intent, and why the book should be read. The review should be an involved and informed response to the book’s style, theme, and content.
• If you're reviewing a translated book, please read these guidelines compiled by Susan Bernofsky, associate professor and director of literary translation at Columbia University.
• Please do not contact the publisher or author of a book when you are submitting a review to TIR.

Formatting and Submission Guidelines

• Reviews should be 750 to 1,000 words.
• Follow the most recent Chicago Manual of Style. TIR editors will make minor editorial alterations, if necessary.
• At the top of the first page, include the following information:

1. Title of book (include subtitle, if any)
2. Author/editor/translator/illustrator/photographer
3. Publishing house and publication year
4. Price (indicate hardcover or paperback)
5. ISBN
6. Number of pages

• At the end of your submission, include a bio/byline of up to 30 words.
• Submit your review as a Word document via Submittable.

Publication and Payment

Compensation for pieces published online is $50 per review, paid upon publication. These reviews will appear on our website, iowareview.org.