How to Publish a Literature Review
The publishing world can be a brutal place. Only a tiny percentage of articles, whether literature reviews or other writings, get published in major journals or magazines. Fortunately, the Web has made self-publishing a viable platform for reaching audiences directly. Consider your publishing options dispassionately, systemically and thoughtfully.
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Instructions
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Define the goal of your literature review. For instance, some reviews intend to promote the value of a significant literary work. Other analyses may critique the work in terms of its political or cultural assumptions. Or a book review may just be a starting point to discuss a wider cultural issue or phenomenon. Of course, your article may do some or all of the above.
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Define your audience. If you have written a literature review steeped in poststructuralist and psychoanalytic theory, your audience will be composed mainly of scholars. Sports fans will want to read a review of a book about baseball. If necessary, consider your audience's political or social orientation. Not only may that impact their interest in the literature under review, but it could also affect their expectations of your review
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Make a list of all publications based on your audience, both offline and online, where you will submit your review. Even if it covers the subject matter in your article, a magazine or journal that does not include a section for literature reviews will not be a good candidate for publication.
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Send a letter of inquiry with the review to all publications that you deem receptive to your article. Your letter of inquiry should summarize the goals you defined earlier. It also should give a brief description of your background and qualifications. For instance, if you have a Ph.D. in French History, your review of a novel about Louis XIV will carry more weight. Also, you should give a brief synopsis of your review. Assume the editor will not read your review unless your abstract captures his attention. In the event you know someone who works at a desired publication, diplomatically ask her to show your review to a decision maker in the organization. Personal connections often prove more effective than cold submissions.
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Submit your review to all names on your list. Do not let a few rejection letters dissuade you. If you cross off everyone on your list, self-publish your work. A personal blog gives you complete editorial freedom and, ultimately, can attract a larger audience than legitimate, or well-known, publications.
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References
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