How to Write a Literature Review
Structuring an engaged review of prior work that supports the manuscript's contribution
An effective literature review identifies the gap the work addresses, surveys the relevant prior work, and engages critically with it. The goal is to position the contribution, not to exhaustively catalogue the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many references should a literature review cite?
It varies. Research articles typically cite 20–60 references in the literature review section; standalone reviews cite many more. The relevant question is depth of engagement, not count.
How recent should references be?
At least 50% should be from the last 5 years where applicable. Foundational older work is fine; missing the recent conversation is not.
What if there is no prior work in the area?
Genuinely novel areas are rare. Usually the relevant prior work is in adjacent fields or uses different terminology. Spending an hour searching for analogous work in adjacent areas usually reveals 5–10 relevant sources.
Can I cite preprints?
Most journals now allow preprint citations, particularly for recent work. Confirm the journal's policy. Preprints should be cited as such ("preprint" labelled) so readers know the work has not been peer-reviewed.
Should I cite my own prior work?
Yes, where directly relevant. Self-citation in moderation is normal and expected. Excessive self-citation (where most references are to the author's own work) is sometimes flagged as a quality concern.