Resources for Writers
Berkshire Publishing has had the privilege and pleasure of working with thousands of scholars, some of them famous for major books, and others at early stages of their academic careers. They sometimes come to us with book proposals or to ask for advice about bringing a book back into print. Some international contributors are interested in publishing in English-language academic journals. This page consists of recommended resources for anyone who wants to write more easily and publish more widely.
Advice for academic (and other) authors
When we are asked for advice on getting published, our invariable answer is to check JaneFriedman.com You’ll find a great variety of free information at this website, as well as various services including webinars and manuscript review. Jane’s explanations of how commercial publishing and self-publishing work are excellent, and she includes checklists to help you decide if your idea makes sense as a book or might be more effective as a blog or other type of publication.
The Public Intellectuals Program of the National Committee on US-China Relations has a host of impressive China experts as its alumni.
The Last Intellectuals: American Culture In The Age Of Academe by Russell Jacoby (Basic Books 2000). Another oldie, but one we especially value because amongst Jacoby’s public intellectuals is Lewis Mumford.
Messaging – Framing
We have a lot more planned on this topic, which is central to publishing as well as to politics. This is the list of resources we’re collecting in a Zotero library to share:
What to do about your older books
Reclaim your rights
Tips from the Authors Alliance
Foreign rights
“Selling Your Books Internationally” by Jane Friedman
Copyright basics
Organizations
Authors Guild (USA) – especially valuable for legal advice and webinars, with a focus on trade/general books and professional authors (that is, people who make a living as writers).
Authors Alliance (USA) – new organization with a focus on Creative Commons and Open Access, relevant to academic authors who are not concerned about income from their writing.
Society of Authors (UK) – great legal advice, with an academic authors group.