Q: Does the Academy of Management Journal (AMJ) feature book reviews?

It is interesting that you are looking to do a book review. You are perhaps keenly interested in academic reading and writing, with a special bent for book reviews. For those at an early stage of their research career, book reviews offer a somewhat easier way to get started on one’s academic publishing journey.

Coming to your question, AMJ does feature book reviews, and has been doing so for a long time. Here is one of their more recent review pieces. If you are interested in writing for some other journal(s), you may look for relevant journals using the appropriate keywords.

When writing a book review, you need to keep the following points in mind:

• Some journals may have a designated book review editor. So, you may need to specifically contact this editor rather than the Editor-in-Chief (EiC).
• Book reviews are usually solicited (commissioned) by the editor. However, if the book sounds interesting, they may be open to unsolicited pieces as well.
• Do not submit a ready article when writing to the editor the first time. Instead, suggest a book, and if they are interested and give you the go-ahead, only then go ahead with the review. This will save you time and effort.
• Along with the introductory mail, you may need to include a CV (or credentials in some form), establishing your expertise in reviewing books. If you don’t have such a CV (in case you are starting off in your career), you may need to include other relevant samples of your writing.
• After going through your mail and credentials, it may be that the editor suggests a different book from the one you proposed. If so, you may need to be open to reviewing this book rather than the original one.

For more guidance on writing book reviews, you may also go through the following resources:

• How to write a book review
• Perspectives from a book review editor: Part 1, Part 2
• What is the process for publishing a book review?