HOW TO PUBLISH A RESEARCH BOOK IN SPRINGERBRIEFS SERIES
SUZAIRI DAUD
Focusing solely on publications in indexed and non-indexed journals, research book publishing is equally vital for the sustainability and growth of today’s academics. Selecting a reputable and trustworthy publisher poses a significant challenge. The SpringerBriefs series stands out as a leading platform for research book publications. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the steps that need to be carefully considered throughout the research book publishing process, offering insights to help ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Initial Planning
The first step is to visit the Springer website at https://www.springer.com to review the manuscript guidelines for publications under the SpringerBriefs series. The manuscript length should range between 24,000 and 52,000 words, inclusive of figures, tables, equations, and other supplementary content. References must also adhere to Springer’s formatting standards. Most importantly, abstract and relevant keywords must be provided for each chapter as well as for the entire book. This is crucial, as it serves as a key selling point during the book’s promotional phase. One of the most important steps is to connect with the appropriate editor aligned with the subject area of the book. This is to ensure accurate and relevant information throughout the publishing process.
Book Publishing with SpringerBriefs
The journey starts with submitting a book proposal, outlining the working title, target audience, contributors, and expected timeline. Once accepted, authors will receive a comprehensive manuscript preparation, including templates, multilingual tools, and step-by-step guidance to streamline the process. After submission, the manuscript undergoes formatting and typesetting to produce in three versions: eBook, print, and MyCopy. Authors can monitor progress through an online tracking system. Upon publication, the book benefits from effective marketing strategies to maximize visibility. Performance metrics, such as citations and Altmetric scores, are accessible via SpringerLink to measure the book’s reach and impact.
Creation of the Letter of Intent (LoI)
To ensure a smooth publication process, it is essential to ensure that all required components are properly organized. The complete manuscript (in Word or LaTeX) should follow, properly formatted according to the publisher’s guidelines. Key elements include the title page with author details (i.e., names, affiliations, and contact information), a table of contents, and lists for both tables and figures. Additionally, all figures should be labeled appropriately, and both a general abstract for the book and individual abstracts for each chapter, along with relevant keywords, need to be included. Supplementary sections such as appendices, forwards, prefaces, acknowledgments, and an index must be included. Ensure all metadata (i.e., author names, affiliations, sequence, marketing text) and “About the Authors” sections are accurate. Complete the submission with a bibliography and properly formatted references. Following these steps will enhance the professionalism of the work and improve its chances of successful publication.
Practical Advice
Before contacting the publisher, it is advised to ensure all necessary materials, including the manuscript, book proposal, abstracts, and other required elements, are fully prepared. Only email the publisher once everything is ready for their review, and make sure to include all relevant documents in the submission. Respond promptly to every email from the publisher and carefully read their instructions to avoid missing any details. It’s also essential to proofread the manuscript thoroughly before submission to minimize revisions. Staying organized and prepared will help streamline the process and leave a positive impression on the publisher.
Outcomes
Upon acceptance of the publication, the authors will receive an eBook, which is two copies of the book for each author, and valuable experience throughout the process. There is no publication fee, but there will be some one-off payment to the main author. Additionally, authors will earn royalties from their contributions.
Ts. Dr. Suzairi Daud is a Senior Lecturer at Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Research Fellow at Laser Center, UTM