Developing your research career: publishing a book Catherine Gray Publisher, Social and Professional Studies Palgrave Macmillan

The commissioning process starts with the commissioning editor: Principal gatekeeper for what gets published Sells the books to colleagues in-house Owns and drives company publishing strategy

Dont be afraid to… Find out the name of the editor you need to send your proposal to Pick up the phone and sound them out on your project Adjust your proposal in light of their comments Tell them if youre sending your proposal to more than one publisher at once

Editors first question: who is the audience? Are the authors claims about the audience credible? Is the audience a buying market? (and under what circumstances?) What are our channels to market? Are there any barriers to market entry?

Editors second question: who is the author? What writing track record does the author have? What other expertise do they bring? (e.g. teaching, professional, etc) Do they have market influence, or contacts, that might help marketing and sales? Can they organise and communicate their ideas effectively for the market?

Editors third question: what about the content? Is this a subject we have published on successfully before? Does the content align with the needs of the market? Will this topic travel beyond the UK? Are there any other cost considerations?

What are our business criteria in making publishing decisions? Profitability (1 st printing and beyond) Likely sales volume Level of risk Business or strategic targets Profile-raising? (academic or commercial)

The commissioning process 1.Proposal arrives in-house. 2.Initial assessment by editor. 3.Feed back to author; pass to another colleague; or send out for review. 4.Collate advisers feedback for author, including guidance on market positioning. 5.Author and editor agree final revisions to proposal. 6.Editor costs project through and presents for internal approval. 7.Once approved, editor makes offer of contract.

What kind of book is your research- based book? A scholarly presentation of your research findings or new theory aimed primarily at your peers? A new way of thinking about a subject of widely recognised importance in teaching, training or practice? A unique/compelling study of an intriguing topic with genuine popular appeal?

How long will it take? 1-6 months to agree final proposal with publisher (incl review process) 1 month to negotiate contract 1-3 years to write 3-8 months to agree and implement final revisions to typescript (incl review process) 6-8 months through production

Why are books still special? Big statements The product of serious investment (time, expertise, cost) Put your name and work in wider circulation Open doors for you…