Resources

Book Reviews

Twelve guest book reviews are chosen each year. They are usually very special and would have broad appeal. The SW Bookshelf column is a monthly feature of New Mexico Magazine. There are two full-time reviewers who split the year. Charles Bennett deals with travel, western bios, Native American lit, history and nature. Miriam Sagan handles poetry, novels, art, SW bios & literature, cooking and gardening.

All books need to have a southwest or regional angle. Also New Mexico authors are considered even if the subject is not about the region per se.

We do not want unedited proofs, scripts, e-books, or unedited galleys. We usually want the finished copy. We also cannot return books once they are sent. Many books come in every month and we can never guarantee a review. So we don't want any of the writers to feel slighted. It is usually up to the individual reviewer, Charles or Miriam. Carol Kay and John Bowman make the decision on what 12 books are featured as the guest book review. Jon and Carol also look over the books sent in for a book excerpt occasionally.

If a book is chosen we contact the publisher beforehand if it is going to be a guest book review or book excerpt. If the book appears in the regular column we just send a copy of the issue when the magazine comes out. Since we work three months in advance, give it about 3-4 months if the book appears in the column. Today is March 24; the July 2005 column is already turned in so that will give you an idea of the lead time.

If your book is chosen we will happily let you buy additional copies for half the price which is $2.50.

Books should be sent to: Carol Kay, Bk Ed., NM Magazine, Lew Wallace Bldg., 495 Old Santa Fe Tr., Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone # is (505) 476-0200 or 827-7447.


-- Carol Kay has been with New Mexico Magazine since 1989. She came to New Mexico by way of New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta where she worked in the music and film industry. She is the book editor for New Mexico Magazine. Her list of book review tips were in a hand-out sheet at the March 24 meeting of the New Mexico Book Co-op in Albuquerque.