PROPOSAL REVIEW GUIDELINES (for use by ASOR series editors)

(1) Thesis/Argument/Purpose. The author's proposal identifies and articulates the major objective (thesis, argument, or purpose) of the book envisioned here. Is this objective sound? original? creative? significant? persuasive? Does it have any major conceptual weaknesses?

(2) Organization/Structure. Is the organization and structure of the book as proposed here logical? coherent? sensible? Does it have any major gaps or flaws'? Does it include any unnecessary or extraneous elements? Does the book seem to flow or move naturally and easily from its beginning to its conclusion?

(3) Audience/Market. Has the author been realistic in identifying the target audience group(s) for this book? Does it have sign)ficant potential for use as a textbook-in a college/university or seminary setting? If so, in what courses? How will it be used&emdash;as a basic (required) text, or as a supplemental (recommended) text? Would you be likely to use it in your own teaching? Will it be of significant interest to pastors or other religious professionals? Will it appeal mainly to graduate students, senior scholars, and research libraries'? Does it have potential for reaching a broad general readership?

(4) Prompting Need. Has the author accurately assessed the need, concern, or interest of these target audience group(s)? Is that need, concern, or interest sufficiently strong to prompt them to purchase the book? Said differently, does anyone actually have the particular "itch" that the author proposes to scratch with this work?

(5) Comparison to Similar Works. Is the author's statement about where the book proposed here "fits" into the universe of previously published books accurate? Is it helpful? With what previously published works wouldyou compare this book? Is that comparison favorable or unfavorable?

(6) Qualifications of Author. Does the author appear to be aufficiently well qualified and adequately prepared to write (or edit) the book proposed here?

(7) Recommendation About Publication. Do you recommend the publication of this book by the SBL? If not, can you identify another publisher for whose program this book would be more suitable? What are the two or three primary reasons for yourrecommendation? Are you making this recommendation with any significant reservations or qualifications?

(8) Proposal Revision. If you do not recommend publication of the book proposed here, could the author revise the proposal in such a way as to address the concerns that you,have identified? What are the most important changes that you would like to see? Should the author be encouraged revise and resubmit the proposal?

(9) Other Comments. Do you have any other comments about this proposal?