Directed specifically to the needs of academic authors, this realistic
handbook is a guide to publishing success for both beginning and
seasoned scholars. Robin Derricourt uses an immensely readable series of
informal letters to provide a fund of practical advice: an up-to-date
manual on how to plan and prepare a book, approach a publisher, secure a
contract, and build a reliable author- publisher relationship that will
last throughout the process of publication and marketing. Informed by
rare common sense, and a sense of humor, the book speaks clearly about
the most recent developments in the rapidly changing world of electronic
publishing, clarifying what can and cannot be achieved with word
processors. From the possible negative responses of a publisher to the
questions implied by success--new editions and subsidiary rights--An
Author's Guide to Scholarly Publishing is indispensable reading for
academics in every field.Derricourt's candid yet encouraging suggestions
will be useful at any stage of book preparation, including the process
of writing, when focusing on purpose and audience benefits both the
author and the future publisher, not to mention the future reader!
Furthermore, his "letters" include those on various kinds of
books--standard monographs, technical books, conference volumes, edited
volumes, collected papers, textbooks, and works built on dissertations.
A reference of "nuts and bolts, " this book is also quick and
entertaining reading when perused from cover to cover.
