Publish or perish: it’s a common—and scary—refrain in the academic world. But even when the phrase is softened to “publish and flourish,” the mechanics of publishing too often remain a mystery. The Academic Editor’s Desk is devoted to demystifying the academic publishing process for newly-minted PhDs and seasoned scholars alike.
Who am I?
My name is Leanne Silverman, and for over a decade I worked behind an academic editor’s desk.
Over the years, I’ve had several scholarly friends ask, independently and in hushed tones, the sorts of etiquette questions that could almost as easily appear in dating-advice columns: How do I get a publisher to talk to me? How long should I wait to call my editor after I’ve sent him my proposal? Should I thank my publisher in the acknowledgements? Do I have to take my second book to my first publisher?
The frequency of these questions led me to contribute a chapter on the etiquette of publishing to a volume put out by the American Political Science Association—but in writing the chapter, I realized there was much more to say than space allowed. Hence this blog.
I’ll discuss many of the questions that junior scholars face as they first scale the mountain of book publishing. I also hope to offer insight that will benefit PhDs at any stage of their career. Although my experience is primarily with the social sciences, as far as I can tell the etiquette of publishing remains essentially the same across disciplines. I’m hardly The Last Word on all things academic publishing, but I am happy to offer my two cents (and gather opinions from fellow editors at various presses when possible). Of course, and as with any piece of advice, trust your own judgment/your mileage may vary.
Want more?
If there’s something you’d like me to cover in more detail, please ask. If you’ve got a burning question or want to see a topic addressed, let me know.
Comments or questions are always welcome.
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