| Periodicals | ||||||
| Book | Scholarly Journal | Professional/Trade | Magazine | Newspaper | Web Site | |
| Purpose | Many purposes from self-help to detailed research | Detailed research usually for a specific discipline | Practical information to help reader become better at his/her job or profession | To inform general public of current events, popular culture, or entertainment | Similar to Magazine with focus usually on local interests | Defined by the web site creator(s) (can be misleading) |
| Publisher | Commercial publishing houses and university presses | Scholarly associations and commercial publishers | Professional associations and commercial publishers | Commercial publishers | Commercial publishers | Web site creator(s) |
| Frequency | Once (although some books have revised editions at unpredictable intervals) | Yearly, quarterly, or monthly (usually less frequent than magazines) | Usually monthly | Monthly or weekly | Daily | Whenever the creator(s) get around to updating |
| Author(s) | Varies from professional writers to experts in specific disciplines | Scholars/experts in the discipline covered by the journal | Staff writers or invited guest writers | Staff writers/correspondents | Staff writers/correspondents and external news sources (AP, Reuters, etc.) | Web site creator(s) |
| Review Process | Authors submit manuscripts to publisher (sometimes through a literary agent) | Rigorous review of submitted manuscript by editorial boards of other experts in the discipline | Staff editors review staff or guest articles | Articles reviewed by staff editors | Articles reviewed by staff editors | No review process |
| Time to Publish | Lengthy 2-3 years or longer | Less time than books but can still be 1-2 years (or possibly longer) | Staff writers usually have articles for each issue (months or less) | Staff writers usually have articles for each issue (months or less) | Constant writing stream, short time between article creation and publication | However long it takes creator(s) to create content |
| Content Style and Length | Divided by chapters can be very long (hundreds of pages) | Systematic presentation of content. Articles are longer than other periodicals, about 10 pages | Less formal style than scholarly journal, includes book reviews, job announcements | Style is informal/journalistic to attract readers, length is typically short with very short accompanying inserts | Simple presentation of facts and information, short in length | Depends on the creator(s) |
| Audience | Varies depending on purpose (general public to experts/students in a specific discipline) | Scholars/experts and students in the discipline | Professionals/members of the professional/trade assoiciation | General public | General public | Anyone with a computer and internet connection |
| Illustrations and Advertisements | Depends on purpose (can include detailed illustrations, charts, tables, photos, etc.). No advertisements | Most illustrations represent data discussed in articles (tables, charts, etc.). Few, if any advertisements | More design elements (photos, etc.) than scholarly journal. Advertisements related to trade/profession | Proliferation of design elements and advertisement for general audience | Less design than magazines (many photos) with advertisements targeted for the general reader | Depends on the creator(s) can include annoying pop up advertisements |