This subsection looks at the publication process: how it relates to the research life cycle, what options authors have when considering to publish an open access book, how to find publishers that meet your needs, the services that you can expect from publishers, the peer review process, explanations of the legal context of publishing (the book contract, licensing, rights management), how open access books are made discoverable and how they can be re-used.
Open access books are assigned a Creative Commons (CC) licence which is a public copyright licence that enables the free distribution of otherwise copyrighted work. In other words, it describes how others can share, reuse and build upon your research.
When discussing the terms of your publishing agreement with a publisher, it is important to be aware of open access requirements from your institution or research funder, and to pay close attention to the terms specific to making the work open access, such as copyright retention and the particular open licence.
The articles in this section offer essential insights into the publication process, guiding authors on how to select suitable publishers, anticipate potential delays and manage costs efficiently.
The significance of understanding various digital formats – including PDF, HTML, EPUB and Kindle – is underscored as each presents unique advantages and accessibility features. Furthermore, considerations regarding copyright, peer review processes and discoverability are explored, ensuring authors are well-equipped to make informed decisions.
The articles also delve into the complexities of self-publishing that offers more control and speed but lacks the support and peer review process offered by established publishers. The different types of publishers are also discussed, including commercial, university and academic-led presses, all offering different services.
Finally, services like the Directory of Open Access Books and OAPEN help find suitable publishers for open access books.
This section focuses on the digital and print publication of your book, providing a few essential hints to help you identify suitable publishers, predict and avoid delays, reduce cost and minimise the time it will take you to publish your manuscript.
As with any book proposal, when choosing a publisher for your open access book you should consider whether they publish high-quality work in your subject area, but also explore important issues including licensing, fees, and discoverability.
In the evolving landscape of academic publishing, ensuring the discoverability and dissemination of open access works is paramount for authors and publishers alike. The articles in this section explore how open access publications can reach a wider audience, examining the critical role of various platforms, library systems and digital tools in enhancing visibility. They will highlight the importance of effective metadata – including persistent identifiers such as DOI and ORCID – and strategic marketing, as well as the value of self-promotion by authors.
By leveraging these methods, researchers can significantly amplify the impact of their work, facilitating greater engagement and accessibility in an increasingly interconnected scholarly environment.
Authors expect publishers to ensure that their works are as widely disseminated as possible. This article examines the various methods readers can use to discover and access your research.
After your open access book has been published, how will your publisher market and promote your work?
The quality of peer review is independent of whether a book is published open access or not, with reputable publishers ensuring high standards regardless. Authors should check the credentials of publishers to ensure that proper peer review and editing is undertaken.
In this article, tools are discussed that can help authors identify trusted publishers, like ‘Think, Check, Submit’ and the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). Peer review practices vary across disciplines and countries and there are ongoing discussions about improving peer review, including experimenting with open peer review models.
Peer review, selective submission standards, editorial support and other attributes of prestigious publication are independent of the openness of the publication. Some open access publishers apply the highest standards of quality control, some non-open access publishers publish low-quality works and vice versa. When publishing your book open access, always check the credentials of the publisher.