Review of Legal Resources: Information and Instructions for Book Review Authors

Policy

The Colorado Lawyer Board of Editors’ policy regarding book reviews is that the journal will publish reviews that highlight new books, electronic media, or other legal resources that would help Colorado Bar Association members practice law more effectively. Therefore, emphasis should be on resources that have some value to Colorado practitioners. If, in your opinion, the work you have been asked to review has no redeeming value, please call Leona Martínez at (303) 824-5324 before you write the review.

The reviewer will be asked to complete a License Agreement, which is submitted by all authors who are published in The Colorado Lawyer. The reviewer may keep the book or resource provided for review, unless the publisher requests that the book/resource be returned. A proof copy of the review will not be provided before publication, unless the editor finds it advisable.

Vital Statistics

Reviews must include the following information about the book or resource: title; author; date of publication; how the book or resource can be ordered, such as by writing the publisher, and the publisher’s address (phone, fax, and e-mail if available); number of pages (number of volumes if relevant); and the price.

Content

At a minimum, book reviews should discuss the book or resource in terms of the following: (1) substance of the material; (2) accuracy and completeness of the contents; (3) overall orientation; (4) readability and organization; (5) usefulness to practitioners; (6) cost-effectiveness; and (7) whether it can be recommended as an addition to a law firm’s or practitioner’s library. Although reviewers need not read books word-for-word, reviews should indicate more than a cursory read was done and that the reviewer understands the breadth of material.

Format

Reviews should be double-spaced and between two and three pages in manuscript, not to exceed 1,000 words. Reviews should be submitted in electronic form, preferably in MS Word or WordPerfect, by e-mail: leonamartinez@cobar.org.

Biographical Statement and Reviewer Information

Reviewers are asked to provide a three-sentence (max) biographical statement to print with reviewer byline, including name as reviewer wishes it to appear in the byline, title, firm affiliation, telephone, and e-address. Postal information should be included so that review copies can be mailed when available.

Deadline

Review deadline ordinarily is the first business day of the month, two months prior to publication; for example, February 1 for the April issue. Adjustments to the deadline and accommodations will be made on individual bases.