Edited volume: Create and publish with impact

An edited volume, also called a collected volume, edited collection, multi-author volume or multi-contributor volume, is a book composed of chapters or essays written by different authors but compiled and organised by one or more editors. The editors typically oversee the book’s theme or subject, ensure cohesion between the contributions and may write an introduction or conclusion. Each chapter is usually written by an expert in the field, providing diverse perspectives on a particular topic.

Edited volume vs monograph
Function of an edited volume
Author vs editor in an edited volume
Creating an edited volume
Publishing an edited volume

What is the difference between an edited volume and a monograph?

The main difference between an edited volume and a monograph lies in their structure, authorship and purpose:

Authorship

The edited volume contains chapters or essays written by multiple authors, each contributing a different perspective or expertise to the central theme. The work is coordinated by one or more editors, who may also contribute chapters but primarily oversee the project. In turn, a monograph is written by a single author (or occasionally two) who presents a comprehensive and unified argument or study on a specific subject. It is typically more cohesive in style and perspective.

Structure and cohesion

In an edited volume, the chapters can be somewhat independent of each other, with each contributor addressing a different aspect of the broader theme. The editor’s role is to ensure overall coherence, but the chapters may vary in style, focus and argumentation. On the other hand, a monograph provides a continuous, in-depth analysis of a single topic, maintaining a consistent voice, style and argument throughout. It is usually organised in a way that builds upon a central thesis from beginning to end.

Purpose

An edited volume often serves to provide a broad, multifaceted perspective on a subject, bringing together the work of various experts. It is useful when a topic benefits from diverse approaches or viewpoints. In turn, a monograph focuses on providing a detailed, original contribution to a field through the author’s specific research or argument. It is more personal and usually intended to advance scholarly discourse on a particular topic.

Length and depth

In an edited volume, since a different author writes each chapter, the depth of analysis on specific topics can vary. Depending on the contributor’s focus, some chapters may explore topics in more depth than others. A monograph typically offers a deep and sustained analysis of one topic, with a clear and thorough exploration from start to finish.

What is the function of an edited volume?

Edited volumes promote academic research by facilitating collaboration, advancing discourse and disseminating diverse perspectives. Their importance in academia can be understood through the following functions:

Encouraging collaboration and cross-disciplinary research

Edited volumes often bring together researchers from different fields to explore a common theme and thus offer a multidisciplinary perspective. This promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, helping to integrate knowledge from various disciplines and foster innovative approaches to research. Furthermore, by inviting contributions from multiple experts, edited volumes encourage academic networking and collaboration, which can lead to further joint research projects and collaborations.

Disseminating diverse viewpoints

Edited volumes present a wide range of perspectives on a single topic. This diversity can reveal different approaches, methodologies and interpretations that might not be covered in a monograph or single-author work. Additionally, some research topics are too broad or complex to be covered comprehensively by one author. An edited volume allows multiple authors to tackle various aspects of a topic, offering a more comprehensive and balanced understanding.

Fostering emerging research areas

Edited volumes are often published to explore emerging research areas or address topics that have not yet been thoroughly studied. By gathering contributions from multiple scholars, they can showcase cutting-edge research and help define or shape new fields of study. Furthermore, edited volumes provide a platform for early-career academics to publish alongside established scholars, helping to promote their research and increase their visibility within the academic community.

Promoting debate and scholarly discourse

Edited volumes often contain chapters that present contrasting viewpoints or methodologies, stimulating debate and critical thinking within the academic community. This can lead to further research and publications that respond to or build upon the discussions presented. The wide range of contributions in an edited volume can introduce readers to new ideas and methodologies they may not have previously considered, broadening their intellectual horizons.

Providing comprehensive coverage of a topic

Edited volumes allow a single topic to be explored from multiple angles, providing a thorough and nuanced understanding. This makes them valuable resources for researchers, students and educators who seek comprehensive coverage of specific topics. Moreover, edited volumes often serve as key references for future research, particularly in fields that are still developing. They can summarise current knowledge, highlight research gaps and propose new directions for study.

Facilitating academic networking and knowledge exchange

By organising contributors around a common theme, edited volumes often facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among scholars who might not otherwise work together. This networking can lead to new research opportunities and academic partnerships. In addition, many edited volumes include contributions from researchers around the world, promoting the international exchange of ideas and fostering a global academic dialogue.

Supporting teaching and curriculum development

Edited volumes can serve as key texts in academic courses, particularly in interdisciplinary fields. They offer a range of readings on a central theme, making them valuable for structuring lectures and discussions. Academics developing new courses often use edited volumes to introduce students to various perspectives on a topic, helping to shape curricula and encourage critical thinking.

What is the role of an author and an editor in an edited volume?

In an edited volume, the roles of authors (contributors) and editors are distinct but complementary. In essence, the authors provide the content, while editors shape and refine the work into a unified, coherent volume.

Authors (contributors)

Subject matter experts: Authors contribute chapters or essays based on their expertise in a specific area relevant to the volume’s theme.
Autonomy: Each author writes independently, bringing their unique perspective, research or analysis on a particular aspect of the overarching topic.
Adherence to guidelines: While they have autonomy, authors follow guidelines set by the editors, including length, formatting and deadlines.
Responsibility for content: Authors are responsible for ensuring the academic rigour, accuracy and originality of their contributions.
Collaboration with editors: They may collaborate with editors during the review process to refine their work and align it with the volume’s objectives.

Editor(s)

Conceptual design: Editors define the overarching theme or focus of the volume, identifying key areas for exploration.
Contributor selection: They invite authors to contribute, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to provide a comprehensive view of the topic.
Cohesion: Editors ensure that the chapters, while independently written, form a cohesive whole. This may involve setting common themes, objectives or questions to be addressed.
Quality control: Editors oversee the review process, providing feedback to contributors to ensure clarity, rigour and consistency in the chapters.
Introduction and conclusion: Editors often write the introduction, outlining the volume’s purpose, structure and key themes. They may also write a conclusion to summarise the main insights and contributions.
Final compilation: They handle the final arrangement and publication process, ensuring the volume meets academic or publisher standards.

How to compile an edited volume?

Creating an edited volume involves several key steps, from conceptualising the theme to working with contributors and managing the publication process. Here is a structured approach to guide you through editing an edited volume:

1. Define the concept and scope

Identify the theme: Choose a central theme or topic that is significant, timely and interesting to your target audience.
Set objectives: Clearly outline the aims of the volume, the key questions it seeks to address and the potential contribution to the field.
Determine the audience: Understand whether the volume will target academics, professionals, students or a broader audience.

2. Develop a proposal

Prepare a draft proposal: This typically includes the volume’s rationale, objectives, potential structure and (possible) contributors list. The proposal may also include sample chapter titles and summaries.
Find a publisher: Submit the proposal to academic or professional publishers specialising in the relevant field. Some publishers may also invite proposals.

3. Identify and invite contributors

Select authors: Invite authors with expertise in the subject matter. Aim for a mix of established scholars and emerging voices to provide diverse perspectives.
Communicate expectations: Clearly outline the theme, deadlines, word count, formatting guidelines and the review process. Provide a writing brief, if necessary, to ensure all contributors are aligned with the volume’s goals.

4. Coordinate contributions

Set a timeline: Develop a timeline for chapter submissions, revisions and final drafts. Ensure contributors are aware of these deadlines.
Review submissions: As the chapters are submitted, provide constructive feedback to authors, suggesting revisions where needed. This may include clarifying arguments, improving cohesion or adjusting tone.
Maintain cohesion: Ensure that all chapters align with the overall theme. Consider how each chapter contributes to the broader narrative of the volume and how they connect with one another.

5. Provide feedback and revise

Peer review: Depending on the volume’s academic level, it may be useful to have chapters peer-reviewed for additional rigour and credibility.
Work closely with contributors: After peer review or your own initial assessment, return chapters to authors with feedback. Be clear but supportive in your requests for revisions.

6. Write the introduction and conclusion

Introduction: Write a comprehensive introduction that presents the purpose of the volume, summarises each chapter and discusses how they fit into the larger context of the subject.
Conclusion: Depending on the volume’s structure, you may also want to include a concluding chapter that synthesises the findings or discusses future research directions.

7. Submit to publisher

Prepare for submission: Ensure that the manuscript complies with the publisher’s guidelines regarding formatting, citation style and other technical requirements.
Submit the final manuscript: Once everything is polished, submit the final manuscript to the publisher along with any necessary supplementary materials, such as an index, acknowledgements or contributor bios. Ensure all permissions for images or previously published material are secured if needed.

8. Manage the production process

Respond to copyediting: The manuscript will go through a copyediting phase after submission. Be prepared to review and respond to editorial queries and suggested changes.
Proofreading: Once the manuscript is typeset, review the proofs carefully for any formatting, spelling or citation errors before the final printing. You may choose to do it yourself or engage a professional proofreader.
Coordinate with contributors: Keep your contributors informed throughout the production process, especially regarding the publication schedule and any final changes that may affect their chapters.

How to publish an edited volume?

Publishing an edited volume involves several steps, from preparing a solid proposal to working with a publisher and promoting the final product. To publish an edited volume, begin by preparing a strong proposal and identifying an appropriate publisher. After submitting the manuscript, engage in the review process and collaborate with contributors and the publisher through production. Effective promotion is key to ensuring the volume reaches its target audience and achieves a lasting impact.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the publishing process for an edited volume:

1. Prepare a proposal

Before approaching a publisher, develop a comprehensive proposal outlining the volume’s significance and potential contributions to the field. Key components of a proposal are the following:

Title and subtitle: A working title that clearly conveys the subject of the volume.
Rationale and scope: Explain why the volume is needed, its relevance to current research or practice and how it adds value.
Target audience: Identify the specific audience for the volume, such as academics, practitioners or students.
Table of contents: Include a tentative list of chapters and authors, along with brief summaries of each chapter.
Contributor list: Provide a brief bio of each contributor, highlighting their expertise.
Timetable: Indicate your expected schedule for the manuscript’s completion.
Competing titles: Identify similar books already published and explain how your volume differs or adds new insights.

2. Identify a publisher

Academic publishers: For scholarly volumes, consider university presses (e.g. Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press) or well-known for-profit academic publishers (e.g. Routledge, Palgrave Macmillan).
Specialised publishers: If your volume targets professionals or practitioners, look for publishers who specialise in your field.
Reputation and reach: Ensure the publisher has a strong reputation and distribution channels that match your volume’s target audience.
Direct submission: Many publishers have submission guidelines on their websites. Follow these carefully and submit your proposal through the appropriate channels.

3. Respond to the publisher’s feedback

Once you submit your proposal, the publisher will review it and may ask for additional information or revisions. This process can take several months as publishers evaluate the volume’s marketability, alignment with their list and overall quality. Common feedback may include:

Requesting a more detailed proposal, introduction or sample chapters
Asking for changes to the structure or approach

4. Negotiate the contract

If the publisher accepts your proposal, they will offer a contract. Key aspects to review include:

Royalties: The percentage of sales you (and contributors) will receive.
Copyright: Confirm whether you retain copyright or transfer it to the publisher.
Deadlines: Agree on submission deadlines for the complete manuscript.
Responsibilities: Ensure the contract specifies your duties as an editor, including coordination with contributors and any additional work required during the production process.
Author copies: Clarify how many copies will be provided to the editor and contributors.

5. Coordinate the manuscript submission

Gather final chapters: Ensure all contributors submit their chapters on time and according to the publisher’s formatting guidelines.
Review and edit: Perform final edits to ensure consistency across chapters, proper referencing and a cohesive structure.
Submit the manuscript: Follow the publisher’s requirements for manuscript submission, including format, citation style and any supplementary materials (e.g. tables, figures).

6. Work through the peer review and revision process

Peer review: The publisher may send the manuscript out for peer review. Be prepared to address feedback from reviewers, which may involve further revisions to individual chapters or the overall structure.
Revisions: After receiving feedback, work with contributors to revise and improve the manuscript as needed.
Final approval: Once revisions are complete, submit the final version of the manuscript to the publisher.

7. Production process

After the manuscript is approved, it enters the production phase, which includes:

Copyediting: The publisher’s in-house or outsourced copyeditors will ensure the text is grammatically correct and follows the publisher’s house style.
Typesetting: The manuscript is formatted for print or digital publication. You will be asked to review page proofs and check for any layout issues or errors.
Cover design: The publisher will design the cover, but you may be asked for input.
Indexing: Depending on the volume’s complexity, the publisher may provide indexing services, or you may need to arrange this.
Proofreading: You will receive the final proofs to carefully review for any remaining grammar, punctuation or formatting errors. You may choose to do it yourself or engage a professional proofreader.

8. Promote the volume

Collaborate with the publisher: Work with the publisher to promote the edited volume. They may offer some marketing services, but you can enhance visibility through:
Social media: Promote the volume through academic or professional networks.
Conferences: Present the book at conferences relevant to your field, either by organising a panel with contributors or presenting individually.
Academic reviews: Encourage colleagues or contributors to submit the volume for review in relevant academic journals.
Institutional support: Leverage your or your contributors’ academic or professional affiliations to promote the book within those networks.

Key takeaways

In conclusion, edited volumes offer diverse perspectives on a topic, fostering collaboration and advancing academic discourse. Their structure allows multiple experts to contribute, making them invaluable resources for comprehensive subject coverage. Editors play a critical role in ensuring cohesion, while contributors bring varied insights. These volumes support emerging research, encourage debate and facilitate knowledge exchange. Through careful planning, coordination and promotion, edited volumes significantly impact academic and professional fields.

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