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Scholarly Publishing Help Guide

Choosing Your Publisher 

  1. Submit widely: Start by submitting proposals to three or four publishers to avoid delays. 

  1. Consider prestige: While big-name presses often publish quality work, lesser-known ones can also produce excellent books. 

  1. Aim for broader appeal: Well-known presses or university presses from prestigious institutions are favored. 

  1. Lower-tier options: If top publishers reject your work, consider less prestigious ones based on urgency and career needs. 

  1. Rejections: After 8-12 rejections, consider revising or abandoning your project. Each review takes 2-3 months. 

  1. Established authors: For established authors, focus on editorial quality and royalties rather than prestige. 

  1. If you receive multiple offers: 

  • Consider prestige. 

  • Use less prestigious offers as leverage. 

  • Negotiate for higher royalties, increased marketing, or more author copies. 

  1. Royalty Negotiations: Publishers often match competing royalty offers unless the difference is substantial. 

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part II: Choosing a publisher. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-ii-choosing-a-publisher/ 

 

 

 

The Two Main Submission Methods for a Book Project 

  1. Submit a completed manuscript.  

  • This is through a one-time review process. 

  • There is a higher chance of acceptance. 

  1. Submit a book proposal (10-12 pages).  

  • This is easier and less time-consuming. 

  • Allows for early feedback and revisions. 

  • Minimizes time lost if project fails. 

  • May require second review of completed manuscript. 

The Best Way to Submit 

  1. Find the appropriate subject-matter editor at your target publisher.  

  • Check the publisher's website. 

  • Ask colleagues who have published with the press. 

2. Submit directly to the editor via email  

  • Increases chances of serious consideration 

  • Avoid submitting to other officials or using postal mail. 

  1. Consider simultaneous submissions.  

  • Submit to 3-4 publishers at once. 

  • Disregard advice to submit to only one at a time. 

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part III: Getting your proposal accepted. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-iii-getting-your-proposal-accepted/

Drafting the Book Proposal 

A successful book proposal includes these elements: 

  1. For complete manuscripts: Include key proposal elements in a cover letter. 

  1. Successful proposals can vary in structure, but should answer crucial questions about the book: 

  • What is the book about? Key points: 

  • Why is this subject important? 

  • What are you saying that is new? 

  • Why are you the right person to write this book? 

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part III: Getting your proposal accepted. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-iii-getting-your-proposal-accepted/

 

The Key Components of a Scholarly Book Proposal 

Before submitting a book proposal, read and follow the target publisher's submission guidelines, including font, spacing, and other details. 

This image below explains the basic elements of a book proposal.  

  • These are typical elements but be sure to include everything the publisher requests.  

  • Publisher needs vary. If they have questions, they will contact you. 

 

References 

How to write an academic book proposal — Manuscript works. (2022, August 21). Manuscript Works. https://manuscriptworks.com/blog/building-blocks 

The Peer Review Process 

This is what you can expect during the peer review process: 

  1. Academic publishers typically subject proposals or manuscripts to a peer review before acceptance.  

  1. If the initial editor rejects the proposal due to content misalignment, it ends there.  

  1. Otherwise, the editor forwards it to two (sometimes three or four) peer reviewers for evaluation. 

  1. Editors may request the author's suggestions for reviewers, preferably well-known scholars familiar with the author's work.  

  1. Avoid suggesting colleagues from your own institution to prevent conflicts of interest. 

  1. Review feedback usually takes two to three months.  

  1. Editors provide anonymized reviewer reports and request a response from the author.  

  1. Positive feedback might suggest minor revisions, while highly negative feedback could lead to rejection.  

  1. Often, feedback is mixed, recommending significant revisions alongside praise. 

This peer review feedback is an opportunity to refine the proposal for acceptance. Your response to the reviewers is important. Try to be open-minded about the feedback, especially if you do not agree with it. 

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part III: Getting your proposal accepted. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-iii-getting-your-proposal-accepted/ 

 

Writing the Book 

Getting the Book Done on Time 

Writing a book requires significant time, and procrastination is tempting. Publishers usually allow six months to a year for completion, with some flexibility for extensions.  

However, frequent delays can lead to loss of confidence and project cancellation. To avoid this, try not to extend beyond a few weeks past the deadline.  

Plan strategies to manage time effectively and consult resources on overcoming procrastination. 

Organizing Your Book 

There is no single way to organize a book; it depends on the topic and the writer's strengths. However, these are general guidelines that apply to most academic books: 

  • Clearly state your thesis. 

  • Ensure each chapter connects logically.  

  • Provide an overview in the introduction. 

  • Link chapters together. 

  • Summarize key points in the conclusion.  

  • Do not make the introduction and chapter beginnings mere roadmaps.  

  • Use dramatic stories and examples to captivate readers and illustrate your points.  

  • If advocating a controversial view, anticipate and address counterarguments by familiarizing yourself with opposing perspectives. 

  • Consult your editor for valuable insights and suggestions. 

Tips on Writing Style 

Avoid long, complicated sentences and paragraphs to prevent confusion. Simplicity is key but use complex structures when necessary. Simpler and shorter is better.  

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part IV: The writing process. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-iv-the-writing-process/ 

Improving Your Argument 

These are general strategies to strengthen your argument. 

  1. Anticipate Criticisms:  

  • Anticipate potential criticisms of your thesis.  

  • For controversial issues, consider what defenders of the opposing view might say.  

  • If possible, have someone with opposing views read your draft and provide feedback. 

  1. Develop Rebuttals:  

  • Addressing counterarguments makes your work more persuasive and credible, even to those who disagree.  

  • Engaging serious objections enhances the depth of your work. 

  1. Seek Expert Feedback:  

  • For highly specific advice, consult other experts in your field.  

  • Their insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and refine your arguments. 

Remember, you cannot address every possible objection, but dealing with the most likely and significant ones will greatly improve your book. 

  1. Admit Necessary Concessions: Acknowledge valid counterarguments to enhance credibility. 

  1. Prioritize Objections: 

  • Address key objections from experts. 

  • Consider common public arguments for broader appeal. 

  1. Avoid Overloading with Issues: 

  • Focus on issues essential to your main thesis. 

  • Avoid adding issues that detract from your core argument or invite unnecessary criticism. 

  1. Explain Omissions: If you omit a significant issue, explain why to prevent confusion. 

By following these guidelines, you can strengthen your argument and make your book more persuasive. 

References 

Somin, I. (2022, May 31). Writing an academic book, part IV: The writing process. The IHS. https://www.theihs.org/blog/writing-an-academic-book-part-iv-the-writing-process/ 


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