Policy Press

Editorial overview

Our team of editors are happy to hear from authors at any stage of their thinking or writing and welcome discussions which develop projects from initial idea through to contract. We believe the work that is put into a book at the beginning can really help to ensure it maximises its potential and a personal author service, which is at the heart of our publishing, starts with the feedback we provide at the proposal stage.

Our peer review process allows us to gather valuable insights from experts in the field to help authors as they consider the content, structure, framing and overall messages of their work. As we publish across a range of different formats we also talk to authors about their target audience and the best way to reach those people when thinking about the options for their book.

Below is a brief overview of the different stages of the process through to contract but please do get in touch with us if you have any queries or if you are looking for a fast-track schedule due to the topicality of your work. Note that we do publish our Shorts in a reduced time-frame and can expedite the review process where necessary (and with the help of our fantastic network of peer reviewers).

Proposal to contract 

  • Initial conversation with subject Commissioning Editor.
  • Submit book proposal. Find out more on ‘Submitting your proposal’.
  • Anonymous proposal peer-review – approx. 4–6 weeks.
  • Commissioning Editor will send comments to author/editor for response.
  • Publishing Committee Meeting for contract decision (meetings take place every 2 weeks) – Commissioning Editor presents book proposal, reviewer comments, author response and business case to the committee.
  • BUP board meeting sign-off.
  • Contract offer sent to author/editor by Commissioning Editor – includes agreeing key dates for draft typescript delivery, final typescript delivery and proposed publication date.
  • Contract issued.

 

Contract to Production

  • New title added to BUP internal systems.
  • Dedicated Editorial Assistant will keep in regular contact with authors/editors during the writing stage to ensure draft typescript is delivered by agreed deadlines.
  • Draft typescript delivery.
  • Anonymous typescript peer-review stage – 6–8 weeks.
  • Commissioning Editor will send reviewers' comments to author/editor for response and confirmation of final typescript delivery date.
  • Author/editor has time to revise the typescript in line with what has been agreed with the Commissioning Editor.
  • Final typescript delivery.
  • Editorial Assistant will check that the files delivered in line with Editorial and Production guidelines including that all figures and tables are supplied as separate files, the typescript is within the contracted word count, all third-party permissions have been cleared.
  • Editorial Assistant and Commissioning Editor hand the whole project over to the Production Editor who will become the main point of contact until book publication.