Book publishing
Finding the right book publisher can be challenging! Here are a few suggested tools:
- Directory of Open Access Books - "indexes and provides access to scholarly, peer-reviewed open access books and helps users to find trusted open access book publishers. All DOAB services are free of charge and all data is freely available" (website March 2021).
- OAPEN OA Books Toolkit - "This toolkit aims to help book authors better understand open access publishing and increase trust in open access books" (website, March 2021).
- AskUP - Commons site on university-press related topics.
- Understanding and Negotiating Book Publishing Contracts by The Authors Alliance. Detailed guide on book negotiation and understanding book contracts.
Questions to ask before submitting your work
- Is the publisher well known? What are the experiences of peers with this publisher?
- Can the intended readership be reached with this publisher? Does the topic of your book fit into the publisher's profile?
- Does the publisher clearly specify how the quality control of your manuscript would be managed (e.g. peer review, editorial support)?
- Review the instructions for prospective authors
- What are the distribution channels? Are there promotional or marketing plans?
- How many copies will be printed initially? Will there be hardback, paperback, e-book versions?
- What is the copyright situation for the author?
- Can you easily contact the publisher (e.g. e-mail, website, phone, mail)?
- Did the publisher contact you? Quality publishers are unlikely to approach you, so beware of broadcast emails that offer publishing opportunities
(Thanks to Scholarly Communications: Book Publishing Researcher Guide and Publishing Academic Research)
