SUZAIRI DAUD*
Understanding SpringerBriefs
SpringerBriefs is a unique book series by Springer that focuses on concise, focused research books, typically ranging from 55 to 125 pages. Unlike full-length monographs, SpringerBriefs allow authors to present cutting-edge research findings, practical applications, or emerging topics in a compact and accessible format. The series covers a wide range of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and education. Importantly, Springer considers submissions that are revised and enhanced versions of PhD theses or academic dissertations, provided they meet publication standards and are not publicly available in their original form.
Types of Research Books Published by Springer
The workshop highlighted several categories of books published by Springer, including monographs, contributed volumes, textbooks, reference works, proceedings, theses, lecture notes, and SpringerBriefs. Among these, SpringerBriefs stands out as an ideal option for early and mid-career researchers who wish to publish focused research without committing to a full-length book.
Identifying the Right Editorial Channel
A crucial step in the publication journey is identifying the correct editorial contact by subject area. Springer offers dedicated editors across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, engineering, materials science, and environmental sciences. Engaging the right editor early helps ensure that the proposed book aligns with Springer’s scope and readership expectations. Researchers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with existing SpringerBriefs titles in their field to better position their proposals.
Manuscript Guidelines and Requirements
The workshop outlined key manuscript requirements for SpringerBriefs. Manuscripts typically range between 24,000 and 52,000 words, inclusive of figures, tables, and equations. Each chapter should include references formatted according to Springer style, along with abstracts and keywords to enhance online discoverability. Consistency in terminology, high-resolution figures, and a clear book-oriented narrative are essential. Authors were advised to avoid thesis-style language and structure, instead adopting a professional book tone suitable for a global readership.
Stages in the Publication Process
The publication process begins with a book proposal, where authors outline the scope, objectives, target audience, and timeline of the book. Once the proposal is approved, authors proceed to manuscript preparation with guidance from Springer editors, including templates and formatting instructions. Upon submission, the manuscript undergoes production processes such as copyediting, typesetting, and indexing. The final book is published in print, eBook, and MyCopy formats, and authors can track progress through Springer’s online system.
Promoting and Sharing the Book
Beyond publication, Springer supports authors in promoting their books through dedicated book pages, metadata indexing, and usage analytics available on SpringerLink. Authors can monitor downloads, citations, and altmetric performance, providing insight into the real-world impact of their work.
Benefits for Researchers
Publishing with SpringerBriefs offers several tangible benefits. Publications contribute directly to academic KPI requirements, authors receive complimentary print copies and an eBook edition, and no publication fees are charged. In addition, authors may receive one-off payments or royalties, depending on the agreement, alongside valuable publishing experience and international recognition.
Concluding Remarks
The workshop underscored that publishing a research book is not reserved solely for senior academics. With proper planning, strategic positioning, and adherence to publisher guidelines, researchers can successfully transform theses, research projects, or specialised studies into impactful scholarly books.
SpringerBriefs provides an accessible and prestigious pathway for researchers to share knowledge, enhance academic profiles, and contribute meaningfully to their disciplines—turning years of research into a lasting scholarly legacy.
“One can measure the importance of a scientific work by the number of earlier publications rendered superfluous by it.”
David Hilbert
* Ts. Dr. Suzairi Daud is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Research Fellow at Laser Center, UTM.
