Medical Student, Brighton, Sussex
How did you find out about the student reviewer programme?
I first heard about the programme from a poster in the medical school advertising for medical student reviewers.
What do you see as the key benefits of being a reviewer?
For me, the main benefit has been the discount offer and the entitlement to keep the books that are sent for review. They have been very helpful for reference and also for general interest.
How often have you reviewed for us?
Over the past year I have completed two or three book reviews as well as a number of surveys on book and journal use.
Are you given adequate guidance on how to complete the reviews?
I’ve always felt well supported knowing that advice is available if I need it. Also, the surveys are generally quite structured and easy to fill out, and there is also the opportunity to expand your thoughts with a sentence or two.
How long do you spend on an average review?
It really depends on the book and what the survey is asking for. Generally it takes an hour or so to get a feel for the book and the chapters, but you aren’t expected to read every word of the book. Then after this, it might take another hour or so to fill out the survey and think about the questions with reference to the book. It’s actually quite good practice for skimreading, which is an important skill for getting through a lot of material quickly. After you’ve had a basic flick through, some questions ask you for your specific thoughts on each chapter, so it’s helpful to have a rough idea of which chapters were particularly useful and which might need some improvement.
Would you recommend joining the scheme?
Yes, definitely. The discount means that you can get a decent amount off books which you’d probably be considering anyway, and being allowed to keep the books means you can also have the benefit of an additional reference text.
Medical Student, East Anglia
"Writing reviews for Blackwell has been an invaluable experience. I have been able to provide critique on entire books for new editions, review single chapters for new books and provide feedback on book proposals. It’s great to think that the input of student reviewers can have an impact on the end product for publication.
Since reviewing for Blackwell I have helped out with providing feedback on a wide variety of topics from medical statistics, social sciences and organ transplantation.
The amount of time dedicated to a review varies depending on whether you are reviewing an entire book, a chapter or a proposal with anything from a few hours to a few days. With this in mind the team at Blackwell are extremely helpful with the type of review they may ask from you depending on how busy you are. There is never any pressure to do a review and they are always very helpful if you need any assistance. There is always a structure provided for your review in the form of questions requiring explained answers or online questionnaires to get your views on the material. This makes the process very easy.
It’s fantastic to be able to have the opportunity to provide my opinions on future publications and very rewarding. I would highly recommended it to anyone who is considering writing reviews for Blackwell. In addition, they reward your kindness with discounted books! Just what every medical student needs!"
Medical Student, University of Miami
"I found out about the student review program while shopping on the Wiley-Blackwell student website. I applied and it was approximately six months before I heard back for a assignment. The key benefits of participating in the program include first views at new editions of popular medical textbooks, an insight into editorial work, and the opportunity to share your view as a student on textbooks which are geared directly towards us.
I have reviewed three times thus far for the program; generally the materials are well matched to the student-reviewer’s educational level. For example I was assigned to review medical textbooks for the medical student clinical level. Often the books are from popular series so I have come across titles in the series (example: At a glance) before.
The guidance for completing the reviews is very thorough and makes the process effortless. The adequate time, close directorship by the editorial staff and well explained directions made it easy for me to review while reading the books for my courses.
The average review takes a hour to few hours per day, over a week. This includes time that I spend studying for my courses from that book as well as completing the surveys. I would recommend this program to students who are interested in bettering publications geared towards medical student studies. It is seamless, and gratifying experience."
5th Year Medical Student, University of Birmingham
"After having seen a poster calling for student reviewers, I thought that joining up would offer a chance to influence the outcome of textbooks aimed at me, plus get a few free books along the way! I’ve done four or five reviews over the last 18 months – all books for undergraduate medical students on topics of interest to me.
These have included a review of a proposal for a basic radiology text, a review of the first edition of a psychiatry book, and testing the appeal of an A&E "choose-your-own-adventure"-style game. For each of these I’ve taken around three hours to read the material and give my views on its suitability, potential improvements and appeal.
This is written up in an extended questionnaire. There’s been no obligation to take on the reviews so I’ve been able to accept books that I’m interested in, and only if it’s convenient.
Also, deadlines for returning work are negotiable and really flexible. I’d recommend reviewing if you want the opportunity to get a preview of books written for medical students, give feedback on pre-published work (so hopefully we all end up with books that we’ll actually find useful) and get discounts on Wiley-Blackwell books."
Graduate, Imperial College, London
"I signed up as a student reviewer several years ago whilst a medical student, and have continued to take part ever since, despite spending periods overseas. I am only asked to review books that are deemed to be of interest and use to me, and to date, have never turned down a request to review a book.
There is no pressure or obligation to say yes, but the books tend to be so well selected for your level and interests that it is hard to say no. The books I have reviewed to date cover a broad range of medical subjects from haematology to radiology to PACES revision guides, all of which I have found enormously beneficial.
Not only has it aided with revision, but it has helped improve my critiquing skills and focusing on what actually is important and useful - an essential skill to develop when time is of the essence.
The reviews are all structured giving you good guidance on what kind of feedback has been requested, with plenty of scope for you to make additional comments. All of the comments are kept completely anonymous if you wish, which means you can make constructive comments freely.
The length of time taken to complete each review will vary depending on the length of the book and the amount of feedback requested, but it is never something I have found to encroach on my busy schedule.
The remuneration is extremely useful - so much so that some of my friends have decided to sign up too."
