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

Policy

The Colorado Lawyer (TCL) serves as an informational and educational resource to improve the practice of law. TCL’s policy regarding book reviews is in keeping with that mission—to publish reviews that highlight new books, electronic media, or other legal resources to help Colorado Bar Association members effectively practice law or improve their practice of law. Therefore, emphasis should be on resources that have some concrete value to Colorado practitioners and their practice. If, in your opinion, the work has no redeeming value, please contact Leona Martínez before proceeding further.

The reviewer will be asked to complete a License Agreement, which is submitted by all authors who are published in TCL. 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 to the reviewer 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 that the review made more than a cursory read 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 to leonamartinez@cobar.org.

Biographical Statement and Reviewer Information

Persons interested in writing reviews are asked to submit and abbreviated resume to the managing editor, indicating expertise and areas of interest. This is for in-house use only, related to the Review of Legal Resources only.

Reviewers are asked to provide a three-sentence (max) biographical statement to print with reviewer byline, including first name, middle initial, and last name; professional title; firm affiliation; telephone number; and e-address. Please specify if contact information should not appear in print. Postal information should be included so that review copies can be mailed when available.

Deadline

Review deadline 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.