On June 12th, 2024, aspiring authors and scholars gathered online to attend a highly informative workshop hosted by Jessica B. Burstream, M.A., titled “How to Get a Scholarly Book Review Published.” The workshop, which was free and offered limited slots, provided participants with a roadmap to navigate the complex landscape of academic publishing.

Expert Insights from Jessica B. Burstream

Jessica B. Burstream, a Ph.D. student in Language, Literacy & Culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and an experienced editor, led the workshop. Her roles as Associate Editor and Book Reviews Editor for Critical Studies in Media Communication have equipped her with unique insights into the editorial processes and what journals look for in book reviews.

During the session, Jessica covered a range of essential topics:

• Understanding the Role of Book Reviews in Academia: She explained how book reviews fit into the broader academic conversation and why they are a critical element of scholarly communication.
• Choosing the Right Journals: Participants learned how to select appropriate journals that align with their book topics and academic discipline.
• Writing Tips and Strategies: Jessica provided tips on structuring a book review, enhancing argumentative impact, and maintaining an engaging narrative.
• Submission and Editorial Process: She demystified the submission process, discussing common pitfalls and how to effectively communicate with journal editors.

Interactive Q&A Session

One of the highlights of the workshop was an interactive Q&A session where attendees engaged directly with Jessica, asking specific questions about their ongoing projects. This session allowed participants to gain personalized advice and clarity on navigating the publication process.

Participant Feedback and Future Opportunities

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the depth of knowledge Jessica brought to the topic and her approachable manner in addressing questions. Many expressed a newfound confidence in submitting their book reviews for publication.

Given the success of this workshop, the organizing body, MSDC, announced plans to continue offering similar educational events in the future. These initiatives are aimed at supporting scholars in their publishing endeavors and contributing to the advancement of academic scholarship.

Stay tuned to MSDC’s upcoming events to take advantage of these enriching opportunities designed to help you succeed in the world of academic publishing.