Submission Guidelines for The John Whitmer Historical Association Journal Book Reviews
The John Whitmer Historical Association Journal publishes reviews of books that contribute to the study of Latter Day Saint history and related faiths, cultural, and social movements. We welcome reviews of monographs, edited volumes, biographies, and other works that engage with themes relevant to the Restoration traditions and broader religious history. Our goal is to provide insightful, balanced, and critical evaluations that will be of interest to scholars, students, and general readers of religious history.
Selecting Books for Review
Books are selected for review by the JWHA Journal book review editor. We welcome recommendations from authors and publishers, but unsolicited reviews will not be accepted. If you would like to suggest a book for review, please contact the book review editor at journaleditor@jwha.info before submitting a review.
Assignment of Reviews
The JWHA Journal commissions reviews from scholars with expertise in the subject matter of the book. If you are interested in reviewing books for the journal on a regular basis, please send a curriculum vitae or resume, including your areas of interest and expertise, to the JWHA book review editor.
Formatting and Submission Guidelines
- Length
- Standard book reviews should be between 800 and 1,200 words.
- Review essays (covering multiple books on a similar theme) may be 2,000–3,000 words and should be discussed with the book review editor before submission.
- Manuscript Format
- Reviews should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
- Include a header with your last name and the book title.
- Citation Style
- Reviews should follow the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition.
- Do not include footnotes; if citations are necessary, incorporate them into the text using parenthetical references (e.g., Smith, Book Title, 45).
- The first mention of the book should appear at the top of the review in the following format:
[Author Name]. Book Title. [Place: Publisher, Year]. [Number of pages]. ISBN [if available]. Ebook [Indication of Ebook availability if any.]
Example:
John Doe. History and Faith: A Study of Early Mormonism. New York: University Press, 2023. 320 pp. ISBN 978-0-123456-78-9. Ebook.
- Tone and Content
- Reviews should be balanced, fair, and critical. While reviewers are encouraged to engage with the book’s arguments, they should avoid personal attacks.
- Reviewers should avoid including their own experiences or opinions related to the topic of the book that are not directly addressed by the book’s author.
- Consider the following aspects in your review:
- The author’s main thesis and approach.
- The book’s contribution to the field of Latter Day Saint and religious history.
- Strengths and weaknesses in research, argumentation, and methodology.
- How the book compares to other works on the same subject.
- Its accessibility and usefulness to different audiences (scholars, students, general readers).
- Where applicable, note any errors, biases, or overlooked perspectives, but do so constructively.
- Deadline and Submission
- Reviews are typically due within 8–10 weeks of assignment. If you anticipate delays, please inform the book review editor as soon as possible.
- Submit completed reviews via email to the book review editor at journaleditor@jwha.info.
Editing and Publication
- All reviews are subject to editorial review and revision before publication. The JWHA Journal reserves the right to edit for clarity, length, and style while maintaining the reviewer’s original intent.
- Reviewers will receive a copy of their edited review before publication for final approval.
Compensation and Copyright
- The JWHA Journal does not provide monetary compensation for reviews.
- Reviewers retain copyright over their review, but by submitting, they grant JWHA the right to publish the review in print and digital formats.
- JWHA will provide a complimentary PDF copy of the journal to reviewers at the time of publication.
Contact Information
For inquiries, suggestions, or to express interest in reviewing, please contact:
