As some of you know, I am the book review editor for H-Catholic, a listserv for those interested in Catholic Studies (www.h-net.org/~catholic). It is part of the H-Net consortium of lists. Yesterday a member of this list wrote that "H-Net reviews are apparently meant to please the publishers." This was written within moments of an offer that requested revisions in a submitted review (an offer that was declined).
It does not serve anyone's interest to go into the details of the review or the response of the reviewer. However I take exception to the notion that H-Net reviews are meant to please publishers--a claim as outrageous as it is false. I want to assure all of you who have either written reviews for H-Catholic or other H-Net listservs that this is not how anyone handles reviews. We want scholars to bring a critical eye to their reviews and we also want to observe the tenets of civility and decorum, too. That involves working with our reviewers to the extent that we can to produce reviews of high quality and reputability.
Anyone who has interest in reviewing for one of H-Net's lists may contact that list's editors/moderators. The H-Net policies for reviewing, together with an explanation of the process, are available on the H-Net website. Those of you on this list who are reviewing books for H-Catholic presently can be assured that I observe these policies as best that I can. Needless to say, I am NOT in the pocket or employ of any publishing house.
Lastly, I want to encourage the list to continue to contribute your knowledge to the H-Net project. It is one of the revolutionary aspects of our age to have so wide a readership that influences so many in the humanistic disciplines.
Patrick Hayes, Ph.D.
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
St. John's University
300 Howard Avenue - DaSilva Hall #311
Staten Island, New York 10301
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