Contributing a Chapter to a High-Quality Edited Book: Recommendations for Academic Authors

Abstract

Many scholarly publishers and leading professional associations publish books that are a collection of chapters written by various academic authors. This practical article begins by delineating the criteria for a high-quality edited book project. It then discusses possible benefits for chapter authors and argues that the edited collection is a unique genre in academic writing. Next, it challenges outdated assumptions about edited books and describes how scholarly publishing has changed to make chapters more searchable, accessible, and impactful. The final portion of the article outlines phases in book chapter development that include (1) conducting a self-assessment, (2) locating a suitable outlet, (3) writing an abstract, (4) rewriting the manuscript many times, (5) revising in response to peer review/editorial feedback, and (5) completing the production process. The concluding argument is that there is value in joining a community of experts capable of delving into a significant topic, trend, issue, or controversy and examining it from multiple perspectives. At its best, the edited book is more than a compilation of individual chapters. It is a cohesive entity that not only deepens insights but also furthers readers’ understandings. At their best, edited book can perform a valuable service within the discipline of education generally and for the field of early childhood education in particular.