Editorial consideration
Library Journal
Public and academic librarians buying adult books
In short
Library Journal reviews adult books for the librarians who decide what public and academic libraries buy, with short reviews written by working librarians before the book is published. Those librarians read it specifically to choose what to order, so a review can put your book in front of hundreds of library buyers at once. Your publisher or another authorized submitter sends the copy, about six months before publication; ask whether yours did and when. Self-published titles are generally not reviewed in the main program.
Submission does not guarantee coverage. The outlet decides whether and what it publishes.
Library Journal reviews adult books for the librarians who decide what public and academic libraries buy. Reviews are short, written by working librarians and subject specialists, and appear before the book is published.
Submission does not guarantee a review. The editors choose which books to cover.
Why it may matter
Collection-development librarians read Library Journal specifically to decide what to order. A prepublication review here is one of the few things that can put a book in front of hundreds of library buyers at once.
Do not confuse this with
Library Journal's editorial reviews are separate from any sponsored or paid placements the publication offers. Only the editorial review is what librarians treat as a review.
Rules and deadlines change. We last checked this information on September 13, 2026. If you see something that needs updating, please tell us.
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