difference between book chapter and research paper

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Journal or Book Chapter: Which is Better For My Research Paper?

In the labyrinthine world of academic publishing, researchers often find themselves standing at a crossroads, faced with a pivotal decision: Should they disseminate their hard-earned research findings through the pages of a research journal or as a chapter in a scholarly book? This choice, seemingly mundane at first glance, carries profound implications for the visibility, impact, and legacy of their work.

As the engines of innovation and knowledge generation continue to revolve, the landscape of academic publishing evolves in tandem, presenting scholars with an ever-expanding array of publication avenues. With each passing day, this decision becomes more complex, demanding a nuanced approach that considers multiple facets of the research, the intended audience, and the researcher’s long-term goals.

In this article, we embark on a journey to demystify this decision-making process. Drawing from the experiences of seasoned researchers, the insights of publishing experts, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the academic ecosystem, we provide a compass to guide scholars through the labyrinth of publication choices.

We understand that this decision can be a source of both excitement and trepidation. It represents the culmination of tireless research, the realization of scholarly ambitions, and the opportunity to contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity. However, it also poses questions of timing, audience engagement, and long-term impact.

To assist researchers in making informed choices, we have distilled the decision-making process into a series of critical parameters. By examining the scope and depth of your research, the target audience you wish to engage, the urgency of your findings, the potential academic impact, the peer review process, and the nuances of copyright and licensing, you will be equipped to make a decision that aligns with your research aspirations.

But this article is more than a checklist; it’s a conversation with the academic community. We present hypothetical case studies that illustrate how researchers have navigated this terrain, showcasing the diverse approaches to publication that exist within the academic tapestry.

In the end, the choice between a journal and a book chapter is not a binary one. Rather, it’s a decision that should reflect the essence of your research and your personal goals as a scholar. As we embark on this journey, we encourage you to engage with your mentors, peers, and publishers. Seek advice, ask questions, and explore the possibilities that lie before you. Your research is not only a contribution to knowledge; it’s a reflection of your academic journey. Let it shine in the publication medium that best suits its brilliance.

So, dear researcher, as we prepare to delve into the heart of this matter, remember that you are not alone in your quest to make this decision. Together, we will illuminate the path that leads to the most impactful and meaningful dissemination of your scholarly work.

Introduction

1. scope and depth of research, 2. target audience, 3. publication timeline, 4. academic impact, 5. peer review process, 6. copyright and licensing, case study 1: dr. yang, case study 2: dr. gomez, case study 3: dr. smith, case study 4 : dr. johnson.

Before We Close...

In the realm of academic research, one of the most significant decisions a scholar faces is determining where to publish their painstakingly crafted work. This choice often boils down to two main options: research journals and book chapters. It is a decision that carries profound implications, shaping not only how their research is disseminated but also its reach, impact, and long-term legacy.

Consider the case of Dr. Smith, a dedicated researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. Dr. Smith has spent years developing a groundbreaking algorithm that promises to revolutionize machine learning. Now, Dr. Smith stands at a pivotal juncture in their academic journey, faced with the choice of sending their research to a specialized journal for the AI community or opting for a chapter in an upcoming book on cutting-edge technologies.

This article serves as a beacon for researchers like Dr. Smith who find themselves at this crossroads. It offers a comprehensive framework that takes into account various parameters to guide scholars in making an informed and strategic choice. Rather than leaving this pivotal decision to chance or gut feeling, we will delve into the key factors that should inform your decision-making process.

Parameters for Decision-Making

When considering where to publish your research, one of the paramount factors to contemplate is the scope and depth of your work. In essence, this parameter revolves around the breadth and detail of the subject matter you have investigated.

Imagine Dr. Johnson, an environmental scientist, who has dedicated several years to studying the ecological impact of deforestation in a specific tropical rainforest. Dr. Johnson’s research encompasses a multitude of aspects, including the biodiversity of the region, the effects of deforestation on local communities, and potential solutions for sustainable land use. The depth of the research lies in the extensive fieldwork, data collection, and analysis conducted.

Dr. Lee, another environmental scientist, who has focused on a more narrow aspect of the same rainforest – the behavior of a particular species of rare birds in response to deforestation. Dr. Lee’s study is highly specific, delving deep into the behaviors, habitats, and conservation strategies related to this single bird species.

Explanation:

In the case of Dr. Johnson, whose research encompasses a broad spectrum of ecological, social, and environmental factors, the comprehensiveness and depth of their work make it better suited for a book chapter. A book chapter provides the necessary space to delve into multifaceted aspects and present a holistic view of the research.

On the other hand, Dr. Lee’s focused study on a specific bird species might be more appropriately disseminated through a research journal. The narrower scope of the research aligns with the concise format of a journal article, which often requires a more targeted approach.

In summary, the scope and depth of your research should guide your decision. Comprehensive, in-depth research is often a better fit for a book chapter, where you can provide a comprehensive exploration of your findings. Conversely, narrower studies may find a more suitable home in a research journal, where brevity and specificity are valued.

Determining the appropriate publication platform hinges on identifying and understanding your intended audience. Consider who will benefit the most from your research and who you wish to engage with your findings.

Let’s consider two computer scientists: Dr. Chen and Dr. Williams.

Dr. Chen is a machine learning researcher whose work focuses on the development of a highly advanced, novel neural network architecture for natural language processing tasks. Her research involves intricate mathematical models and algorithms, and it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of machine learning. The primary audience for her work consists of other machine learning researchers, deep learning practitioners, and experts in natural language processing. These individuals are well-versed in complex algorithms and eager for the latest advancements.

Dr. Williams , on the other hand, is a computer scientist whose research revolves around the development of a user-friendly software tool for educators to enhance virtual learning experiences. His work simplifies the process of creating interactive online content for teachers and requires minimal technical expertise. Dr. Williams’ target audience includes educators, instructional designers, and professionals in the field of online education. His research aims to bridge the gap between technology and education, making it accessible to a broad range of educators and learners.

In Dr. Chen’s case, her research serves a specialized audience of machine learning experts who are best reached through a research journal. The technical depth and complexity of her work align with the expectations of this niche community, and a journal provides the appropriate platform for detailed dissemination.

For Dr. Williams, whose research has broader implications for educators and the field of online education, a book chapter or a publication in an educational technology magazine may be more suitable. It allows for a more accessible and comprehensive discussion of his software tool, which can engage educators and instructional designers without deep technical backgrounds.

In summary, the choice between a research journal and a more accessible publication platform should reflect your intended audience. If your work targets a specialized audience of experts and addresses a specific technical gap, a journal is likely the right choice. However, if your research has broader applications and can benefit a wider audience, a book chapter or a publication in an industry-specific magazine may be the better option.

The publication timeline is a critical factor in deciding whether to publish your research in a journal or as a book chapter. Journals typically have faster publication turnaround times compared to books. This parameter revolves around assessing how time-sensitive your research is and whether it can accommodate the longer publication process of a book.

Example 1 – Dr. Anderson:

Dr. Anderson is a computer scientist who has developed a novel cybersecurity algorithm that can detect previously unknown malware in real-time. Given the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, Dr. Anderson’s research is highly time-sensitive. Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, and the sooner his algorithm can be disseminated and implemented, the better it can protect computer systems. Waiting for a book publication, which may take a year or more, is not ideal in this case. Therefore, Dr. Anderson opts to submit his research to a journal specializing in cybersecurity. The quicker publication timeline ensures that his groundbreaking work reaches the cybersecurity community promptly.

Example 2 – Dr. Roberts:

Dr. Roberts, another computer scientist, has conducted extensive research on the history and evolution of programming languages. Her work is comprehensive and spans several decades of programming language development. While her research is valuable and adds to the historical understanding of the field, it is not particularly time-sensitive. Programming languages do evolve, but not at the rapid pace of cybersecurity threats. Dr. Roberts decides that her research can wait for the longer publication process of a book, which will provide the space and depth required to present a thorough historical account.

In Dr. Anderson’s case, where the research addresses a highly time-sensitive issue like cybersecurity, a journal publication is the right choice. The quicker turnaround time of journals ensures that his research has a timely impact, potentially safeguarding computer systems from emerging threats.

Conversely, Dr. Roberts’ research, while valuable, is not constrained by time sensitivity. The longer publication process of a book is acceptable because the research focuses on a historical analysis that doesn’t depend on immediate dissemination.

In summary, the publication timeline should be evaluated concerning the urgency of your research in the field. If your research is time-sensitive and addresses rapidly evolving issues, a journal is the better option due to its quicker publication process. However, if your research is not bound by immediate time constraints, a book chapter can provide the depth and context needed for a comprehensive presentation.

The choice between publishing in a research journal or as a book chapter can significantly influence the academic impact of your work. It’s important to understand how each option may impact the recognition, citation, and long-term influence of your research.

Example 1 – Dr. Parker:

Dr. Parker is a computer scientist who has developed a groundbreaking algorithm for optimizing database queries. This algorithm has the potential to revolutionize the field of data management. Dr. Parker is keen on achieving swift recognition and wide dissemination of his work. He chooses to publish his research in a renowned database research journal. Journal articles are known for their quick publication and wide distribution within the academic community. As a result, his research gains immediate visibility and begins to receive citations from fellow researchers. This swift recognition bolsters Dr. Parker’s academic reputation and opens up opportunities for collaboration and further research funding.

Example 2 – Dr. Miller:

Dr. Miller is also a computer scientist, but her research focuses on the broader context of human-computer interaction. She has conducted extensive research on how the design of user interfaces impacts user engagement and satisfaction. Dr. Miller believes that her work will have long-lasting relevance and should be considered foundational in the field of human-computer interaction. To maximize the long-term impact of her research, she decides to publish a comprehensive book chapter in a textbook that serves as a standard reference in the field. While her work may not receive immediate recognition in terms of citations, it becomes a staple in university courses and research libraries. Over time, as new scholars enter the field, Dr. Miller’s research is consistently cited in their literature reviews and included in reference lists and bibliographies, contributing to its enduring influence.

In Dr. Parker’s case, where the research has the potential for immediate impact, publishing in a research journal is the right choice. Journal articles are more frequently cited, and the swift recognition they offer can benefit researchers whose work has the potential to reshape their field.

Conversely, Dr. Miller’s research is more focused on long-term impact. By contributing a book chapter to a foundational textbook, her work becomes a cornerstone of the field. While it may not receive immediate attention in terms of citations, it enjoys enduring influence through its inclusion in reference lists and bibliographies, ultimately shaping the research direction of future scholars.

In summary, the choice between a research journal and a book chapter should be aligned with your goals for academic impact. Journal articles are often cited more frequently and can lead to quicker recognition, while book chapters contribute to long-term impact through their inclusion in educational resources and reference materials.

The peer review process is a crucial aspect of academic publishing. It involves the evaluation of your research by experts in the field to ensure its quality, accuracy, and credibility. The stringency of this process can vary between journals and books.

Example 1 – Dr. Roberts:

Dr. Roberts is a computer scientist who has conducted groundbreaking research in quantum computing. She believes that her research findings are a significant contribution to the field and should undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure their accuracy and reliability.

Consequently, Dr. Roberts chooses to submit her work to a reputable journal known for its rigorous peer review process. Her research goes through multiple rounds of evaluation by experts in quantum computing, who provide constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement.

After several revisions, her paper is accepted for publication. The rigorous peer review process not only enhances the credibility of her work but also ensures that any potential errors or weaknesses are addressed before publication.

Example 2 – Dr. Patel:

Dr. Patel, another computer scientist, has developed a software tool that streamlines data analysis processes for researchers. While her work is valuable, she believes that the urgency of disseminating her tool to the academic community outweighs the need for an exhaustive peer review process.

Dr. Patel decides to contribute a book chapter on her software tool to a compilation of research tools in her subfield. The peer review process for book chapters in this context is less stringent compared to journals. Her work is evaluated for relevance, clarity, and potential contributions to the book, but it doesn’t undergo the same level of in-depth technical scrutiny as a journal article. As a result, her software tool is published more quickly, allowing researchers to benefit from it sooner.

In Dr. Roberts’ case, where the research is highly technical and its accuracy is of paramount importance, submitting to a journal with a rigorous peer review process is the right choice. The comprehensive evaluation by experts ensures the quality and credibility of her work, reinforcing its significance in the field.

Conversely, Dr. Patel’s decision to contribute a book chapter is based on the urgency of disseminating her research tool. While book chapters also undergo peer review, the process is typically less stringent and focuses more on relevance and clarity. This streamlined process allows her work to reach the academic community faster.

In summary, the choice between a research journal and a book chapter should consider the stringency of the peer review process. Journals often have a more thorough review, enhancing the quality and credibility of your work. Book chapters also undergo peer review but typically have a less stringent process, which can expedite publication when time is of the essence.

Understanding copyright and licensing agreements is crucial when deciding where to publish your research. The terms and conditions regarding these agreements can significantly impact your ability to reuse, distribute, and share your work with others.

Dr. Anderson, a computer scientist, has developed an innovative software algorithm for optimizing energy consumption in data centers. He’s keen on publishing his research in a journal known for its rigorous peer review process and broad readership. However, he carefully reviews the journal’s copyright and licensing policies and discovers that they require authors to transfer full copyright to the journal. In this case, Dr. Anderson would retain limited rights to reuse or distribute his work. Recognizing the long-term value of his research and his intention to develop commercial applications based on it, he decides to explore alternative options. Dr. Anderson identifies a publisher that offers an open-access model for journal articles. This publisher allows authors to retain copyright while making their work freely available to the public. He chooses this publisher, ensuring that he maintains control over his intellectual property.

Example 2 – Dr. Martinez:

Dr. Martinez, another computer scientist, has conducted research on cybersecurity practices in small businesses. She believes her findings would be valuable to a broader audience, including educators, policymakers, and small business owners. Dr. Martinez decides to contribute a book chapter on her research to an academic book aimed at disseminating knowledge to a diverse readership. The book publisher she selects offers authors the option to retain copyright and apply a Creative Commons license to their chapters. Dr. Martinez opts for this arrangement, allowing her to keep ownership of her work while granting others the freedom to share and adapt it for educational or policy purposes.

In Dr. Anderson’s case, the journal’s policy of transferring full copyright ownership would have restricted his ability to reuse and distribute his work. Recognizing the long-term value and potential commercial applications of his research, he chose an open-access publisher that allowed him to retain copyright while making his work widely accessible.

Conversely, Dr. Martinez’s decision to contribute a book chapter allowed her to have more control over her work’s copyright and licensing terms. She chose a publisher that permitted her to retain copyright and apply a Creative Commons license , thus enabling broader dissemination and use of her research.

In summary, understanding the copyright and licensing agreements associated with journals and books is essential. Journals may require authors to transfer copyright, which can impact their ability to reuse and distribute their work. In contrast, book chapters may offer more flexible copyright and licensing options, allowing authors to maintain ownership and control over their intellectual property.

For more details on copyrights and exclusive rights visit my article on” Copyright Transfer and Granting Exclusive Rights: Key Differences for Research Authors “

Case Studies

Dr. Yang, a computer scientist, has spent years developing a groundbreaking algorithm for secure data transmission in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Her research is comprehensive, with in-depth mathematical models, extensive simulations, and real-world testing. Dr. Yang believes her work has the potential to transform IoT security practices.

Parameters Considered:

Scope and Depth of Research: Dr. Yang’s research is comprehensive and in-depth.
Target Audience: She aims to reach a specialized audience of cybersecurity experts.
Publication Timeline: The research is time-sensitive due to the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats.
Academic Impact: Dr. Yang wants her work to have an immediate impact on IoT security practices.
Peer Review Process: She values a rigorous peer review to ensure the credibility of her work.
Copyright and Licensing: Dr. Yang wants to retain control over her work, including potential commercial applications.

Decision: Considering these parameters, Dr. Yang decides to publish her research in a reputable cybersecurity journal known for its rigorous peer review process. This choice aligns with her goal of quick recognition, timely dissemination, and the ability to maintain control over her intellectual property.

Dr. Gomez is a computer scientist specializing in natural language processing (NLP). His research focuses on sentiment analysis in social media data and its applications in marketing strategies. He believes his work can have long-term relevance in both the NLP and marketing fields.

Scope and Depth of Research: Dr. Gomez’s research is specialized but can have long-term relevance.
Target Audience: He aims to reach a broader audience, including marketers and NLP researchers.
Publication Timeline: While timely dissemination is important, his work is not tied to immediate cybersecurity threats.
Academic Impact: Dr. Gomez expects his research to be referenced and cited in the long run.
Peer Review Process: He values peer review but does not require the level of scrutiny associated with cybersecurity research.
Copyright and Licensing: Dr. Gomez wants his work to be accessible for educational and industry purposes.

Decision: Considering these parameters, Dr. Gomez decides to contribute a book chapter to an academic book that explores the intersection of NLP and marketing. This choice allows him to reach a diverse readership, retain copyright, and potentially have his work included in marketing courses and industry reports, contributing to its long-term impact.

Here’s the table with the research titles for both Dr. Yang and Dr. Gomez placed along with their respective author titles:

Dr. Smith is a seasoned researcher in the field of solar energy, boasting a distinguished career marked by a relentless pursuit of advancing the efficiency of solar cells. With years of expertise, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the solar technology landscape, known for his groundbreaking work in photovoltaic science. Dr. Smith’s passion for sustainable energy solutions has been a driving force behind his commitment to improving solar cell performance, an endeavor that transcends mere professional interest to become a personal mission.
Scope and Depth of Research: Dr. Smith’s research is a testament to his unwavering dedication. He embarked on a comprehensive journey, dissecting the intricate intricacies of photovoltaic technology to extract every iota of efficiency from solar cells. His work encompasses a wide spectrum, from fundamental material science to advanced engineering solutions.
Target Audience: With his extensive knowledge and innovative insights, Dr. Smith tailors his research for a specialized audience comprising solar energy researchers and engineers. These are the individuals on the front lines of transforming solar technology from a promising concept into a tangible reality.
Publication Timeline: In the ever-evolving realm of the solar industry, Dr. Smith recognizes the critical importance of disseminating his findings with expediency. His research directly addresses the pressing need for more efficient solar cells in a world increasingly dependent on clean energy sources.
Academic Impact: Dr. Smith’s ambitions extend beyond personal recognition. He envisions his work as a catalyst for immediate change within the solar energy community, anticipating that his research will drive innovation and shape the trajectory of solar technology.
Peer Review Process: Dr. Smith places immense value on the rigorous peer review process, seeing it as the crucible through which the purity and validity of his research will be confirmed. He welcomes the scrutiny of his peers, understanding that it is the linchpin of scientific credibility.
Copyright and Licensing: When it comes to copyright and licensing, Dr. Smith is open to traditional terms, aligning his approach with industry norms while ensuring his work’s rightful protection.

Considering these parameters, Dr. Smith makes a calculated decision to publish his research in a reputable journal. This choice aligns perfectly with his overarching goal of swiftly disseminating his research within the solar energy community and contributing substantially to the ongoing advancements in solar cell technology.

Dr. Johnson stands as an eminent figure in the realm of environmental science, recognized for his unwavering commitment to unraveling the intricate tapestry of ecological consequences stemming from deforestation in tropical rainforests. His journey as an environmental scientist has been marked by a profound dedication to understanding the complex web of interactions that define these unique ecosystems. Beyond being a researcher, Dr. Johnson is a conservationist at heart, and his work reflects a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility towards safeguarding the planet’s natural treasures.
Scope and Depth of Research: Dr. Johnson’s research represents a tour de force in the study of deforestation. His work encompasses a broad and comprehensive exploration of diverse facets, ranging from the ecological impacts on flora and fauna to the socio-economic implications on local communities. With meticulous fieldwork, data collection, and interdisciplinary analysis, his research is a testament to the depth and breadth of his commitment.
Target Audience: Dr. Johnson’s research isn’t confined to academic circles alone; it extends its reach to a diverse audience that includes environmental scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and even the general public. His findings hold relevance not only for the scientific community but also for those striving to make informed decisions about the future of tropical rainforests.
Publication Timeline: In his pursuit to address the ongoing crisis of deforestation, Dr. Johnson recognizes the urgency of timely dissemination. The ecosystems he studies are under constant threat, demanding immediate attention and action.
Academic Impact: While aiming for immediate recognition, Dr. Johnson’s aspirations transcend the here and now. He envisions his research as a cornerstone for long-term efforts aimed at preserving tropical rainforests and their rich biodiversity. His work is poised to influence not just contemporary policies but also the legacy we leave for future generations.
Peer Review Process: While valuing peer review, Dr. Johnson recognizes that the depth of scrutiny associated with specialized technological research may not be a necessity for his work. Nonetheless, he maintains a commitment to rigorous standards to ensure the credibility of his findings.
Copyright and Licensing: In line with his commitment to broad dissemination and education, Dr. Johnson is open to using a Creative Commons license, an approach that encourages widespread access to his research.

Considering these parameters, Dr. Johnson makes a well-informed decision to contribute a book chapter. This choice aligns seamlessly with his overarching mission to address the ongoing crisis of deforestation in tropical rainforests, allowing his research to reach a broader audience and contribute to the dialogue surrounding environmental conservation and policy-making.

This expanded description provides a deeper understanding of Dr. Johnson’s background and research, shedding light on the motivations and goals that lead him to choose a book chapter as the medium for his work.

These examples showcase how researchers in different domains make publication decisions based on the nature of their research, their intended audience, timeline considerations, academic impact goals, the peer review process, and copyright and licensing preferences. Dr. Smith opts for a journal publication to quickly reach the solar energy community, while Dr. Johnson chooses a book chapter to contribute to the long-term conservation dialogue.

Before We Close…

If you are planning to publish your research work as a journal then the following articles will help you to publish your article in reputed journals.

Writing an Effective Research Paper with 11 Major Sections

Avoiding Predatory Conferences and Journals: A Step-by-Step Guide for Researchers

How to Choose Right Journal Quartile (Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4) for My Research Paper?

In the intricate realm of academic publishing, the choice between disseminating research findings via journal articles or book chapters rests on a multifaceted interplay of parameters.

Researchers like Dr. Smith, grappling with rapidly evolving domains, might find journals to be conduits for swift recognition and immediate impact. In contrast, scholars like Dr. Johnson, investigating topics with enduring significance, might opt for book chapters to contribute to the collective knowledge over time.

The scope, audience, timeline, academic impact, peer review process, and copyright considerations significantly influence this critical decision. The journal’s rigorous peer review process ensures the credibility of research, while book chapters offer flexibility in copyright terms for broader distribution.

Ultimately, researchers must weigh these factors against their research’s unique attributes and objectives to determine the most fitting avenue for dissemination. Whether in the pages of a journal or a book chapter, the essence of research lies in its contribution to the ever-expanding tapestry of human knowledge, a testament to the evolving landscape of academia.

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Elevate your writing and move up in your career, the differences between academic articles and book chapters.

May 5, 2021
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This post is the third in our series on genre in academic writing. To read the introductory post you can click here ; the second post, on the difference between dissertations and monographs, is available here. In this post, we’re going to discuss three different genres: journal articles, chapters in edited volumes, and monograph chapters. We’ll discuss the goal of the genre, the format, the expectations, audience, and concerns for each genre.

EXPECTATIONS

One of the most frequent questions we get from clients is about the difference between articles and book chapters. Often, authors have been told to “write an article version of a chapter” or to “break off part of their book project for an article.” Sometimes, they’ve been advised to do the reverse, to “turn that article into a chapter.” Regardless, the general message is “these things are connected” but no one ever really spells out how. Well, here’s how!

Demystifying the journal article.

A journal article has clear, fairly narrow goals. Usually, an author’s most urgent concern is to get a publication. If you’re concerned with building out a job or tenure portfolio, getting your work out there, under review, and published is of paramount importance. Articles are an important way to get your work out there, receive feedback, and to make a contribution to your field. We like to think of articles as a specialized (or dare we say insider) conversation with other experts in your subject.

To make an effective intervention in your area, it’s essential to understand the format conventions of a journal article. Articles can make one, well-supported, argument. There are different norms in every field, so the details of how the article should be structured will often depend on the guidelines provided by a given journal. Journals are not a venue for formal creativity, they’re where you present your argument and analysis using a formula. For example, many journals in the Social and Natural Sciences use the IMRaD format: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. If the journal doesn’t explicitly share their expectations, you can use previously published articles to deduce a common structure.

The expectations for a journal article are, again, fairly narrow. You’re there to fill a gap, to demonstrate methodological innovation, and to present evidence to readers who share in your interests and work in your subject area. Narrow, however, doesn’t always mean easy! Journal writing requires precision, because strict word limits are a real concern. As Jane teaches in the Art of the Article, you must be judicious in your choice of data to share, literature to cite, analysis to expand upon, and so forth.

Thinking about your expectations means also considering your presumed audience. For a journal article, you should expect your readers to be experts in your field. They understand the context, the methodological and theoretical canon, and are already up to speed on disciplinary debates and terms.

Even once you’ve pinned down your format and readership, writing journal articles can still bring up a lot of questions. The biggest is often “where does this work fit best?” You may also be concerned about how long it takes to get the work reviewed, revised, and published. These questions should be answered with an eye to the requirements in your department as well as your own personal goals around publication and the conversations in which you’d like to engage.

Writing for edited volumes

Before we talk about monograph chapters, a good midway point for thinking about the relationship between articles and book chapters are chapters in edited volumes. Like articles, chapters in edited volumes are a great way to work toward meeting publication goals. The expectation is that you have something unique to offer to a broader conversation that can be read productively in conversation with other work on a subject. Often, the goal might be teachability — could an instructor pull a few chapters from this volume to use in an undergraduate course? That means that your audience is, again, going to be specialists in your field, but it may extend into more general, student readership. The format works very similarly to an article; you’ll want to introduce your subject, orient the reader in your methods, and then present your argument and supporting analysis. Here (depending on the volume), you might also want to explain how your chapter relates to the broader concerns of the book.

One concern we hear about chapters in edited volumes is if they’re “worth the time” and if they “count for enough” when it comes to tenure portfolios. Those are concerns you’ll need to evaluate in terms of your institutional expectations, workflow, and writing pipeline. You might also want to consider the relationships you stand to cultivate when contributing to an invited opportunity such as an edited volume. But generally speaking, the priority should be on your book — articles are good places to get work out and to gain a readership for your work. Editing volumes are slower and may take valuable time away from higher priority work.

Focusing on your book

Which gets us to monographs — to your book! The biggest question you may have at this point is “how am I supposed to have enough material left for my book?!” The goals of shorter publications don’t have to be at odds with your goals for your book.

The goal for a book chapter is that it supports your book’s main argument. The job of a chapter is to add detail, depth, and nuance to an overall narrative and set of claims. Each chapter is it’s own, contained, set of evidence, readings, or case study, but it’s always going to be related both to the book’s overall point, and to the other chapters in the book. Chapters are where you can focus on a particular sub-argument, aspect of your archive, text, or research question.

That means the expectation for a book chapter is that it adds something to the book’s overall objectives, while offering important detail, nuance, and specificity. Some chapters might be focused on necessary background or historical information that the reader needs in order to engage with your more specific focus and data; others might read one text closely or present a set of related questions from your field work. The point is that a chapter is always in relationship with both the book as a whole, and its companion chapters.

difference between book chapter and research paper

Who’s going to read your book chapter? Ideally, someone who is reading your entire book, from start to finish. Of course, though, we’ve all read and taught book chapters on their own. Maybe it’s because you’re teaching a course or doing research on a particular film or novel that the chapter is about? Maybe it’s the introductory chapter, where the author set up all of the major theoretical and methodological critiques and claims, or maybe it’s a chapter focused on a particular place or time period that’s relevant to the course or your research. No matter what, this range of possible readerships means that a chapter needs to balance its place as part of a whole, with being legible on its own. That can mean defining your terms, stating your questions clearly, and offering a clear introduction and conclusion.

Writers have some common concerns about monograph chapters. First, we often hear clients ask about how many future book chapters they’re “allowed” to publish as articles. Relatedly, a lot of people want to know how to write an “article version” of their book. The answer to the first question is, unfortunately, “it depends.” It will depend on whether this is your first book, on whether your field prioritizes articles or books, and on how many total chapters you’re planning to include in your book. Fundamentally, though, the way to think about it is as a publisher: What’s the point in publishing work that’s already been published? There needs to be enough “fresh” material in the book that it’s worth their investment of time and resources. Also, think about it from your perspective as a reader. Do you want to read a book that’s three or four articles you’ve already read put together? Our guess would be no!

To the second question, about “article versions” — there’s a long and a short version of that answer. The short version is “it probably looks a lot like your introduction,” or what Jane refers to as an anchor article . This is where you establish the stakes of your research and why your discipline should care about it. The long version is long because you can only summarize your book once you know what it’s about and what’s going to be in it — the big questions we teach you how to answer in Elevate.

In Elevate , we help authors develop what we call a “book ecosystem.” The book is at the center because it is the longest, most complex undertaking that exists in the ecosystem. Related to it are all of the writing projects that are similar in topic and analysis. These can include articles, grant proposals, syllabi, edited volume chapters, talks, public scholarship, and so forth. We understand these related projects not as slices of your book, but rather as pivots from the substance of your book. How you decide to go about these other projects is informed by the decisions you make about your book. For instance, you may have a complicated theoretical argument you want to share that is informed by the research you’ll analyze in your book. However, in the interest of reaching a broad audience (or whatever your concern may be), you don’t want to include an extended theoretical discussion in your book. You may instead choose to publish it in a journal. Another reason for adding to your book ecosystem (besides checking items off for your CV), is so you can receive expert feedback to inform how you approach the book. It can be a productive way to test an idea. Usually, journal or even conference presentation feedback will come from a scholar whose work is closely aligned with yours, and it can yield useful insights for you as you work on your book.

We think that a better question than “how much of my book can I publish in article form?” is “how can my articles, book, and other related writing projects inform and strengthen one another?” After all, you’re writing across genres because your goal is to establish yourself as an authority on your topic and engage in important intellectual conversations. Once you understand the differences between genres — which we hope we’ve explained in this series — the easier it will be to not only move between them but also see how they work together.

The difference between dissertations and books.

April 14, 2021

How to Make Time for Your Scholarship

September 10, 2020

Effective Writing Plans for Books

February 27, 2020

How Long Does It Take to Write an Academic Book?

February 20, 2020

How to write a book chapter

I was asked by Dr. Joanna Brown for guidance on how to write a book chapter. I wouldn’t say I’m the ideal person for this task, but since I have published many of these for several edited collections , I think I can offer some advice.

I’ve got a few single-authored chapters on the go for three books at the moment (one on bottled water in the context of a human right to water, one on ethnography as a research method in comparative policy analysis, and one in press on national policy styles ), and thus I wanted to share my experience writing these.

My relationship with writing chapters for someone else’s edited volume is simultaneously love-and-hate, as people who read my blog regularly may remember .

@raulpacheco any advice for writing an academic book chapter? I'm struggling with some imposter syndrome. — Dr. Joanna (@joannawbrownphd) July 3, 2018

The value that different institutions place on book chapters varies widely. My own institution prefers journal articles, but as I’ve said before, I have participated in edited collections because I believe in the project, and also because these are usually collective projects I’m interested in undertaking. I’ve published book chapters in both Spanish and English, and I’ve also edited books as well, so I’m fond of the model. You should, nonetheless, consider the pros and cons of writing a book chapter.

AcWri highlighting and scribbling while on airplanes

First of all, book chapters are different from journal articles as many of these aren’t peer reviewed and therefore aren’t subject to as many changes and corrections as you could expect from articles. I will fully admit having published peer-reviewed book chapters that these are as much of a nightmare as journal article manuscripts. I have one particularly awful experience (which isn’t over yet!) in mind.

But the most important element that an author needs to keep thinking about when writing a book chapter, in my view, is how your chapter contributes to the overall Throughline of the book (I’ve mentioned The Throughline previously – or as Scandinavian authors call it, The Red Thread ). I’ve also emphasized the importance of demonstrating cohesiveness and coherence throughout an edited collection, as the editors of Untapped did in their edited volume on the sociology of beer .

With Untapped, Chapman and coauthors explore the question of "what is sociological about beer?" pic.twitter.com/tVcf069LRm — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) April 14, 2018

This sample chapter on how to write books actually provides a great example of how to write a book chapter . Normally, I would create an outline of the paper ( this blog post of mine will tell you two methods to create outlines ), then follow a sequential process to create the full paper ( my post on 8 sequential steps may be helpful here ).

More than anything, I do try really hard to use headings to guide the global argument of the chapter. The outline/sequence looks something like this:

Introduction. – outline of questions or topics to tackle throughout the chapter, and description of how the chapter will deal with them.
Topic 1 – answer to question 1.
Topic 2 – answer to question 2.
Topic N – answer to question N.
Discussion/synthesis. – how it all integrates and relates to the overall book.
Conclusions, limitations and future work.
References.

As I write my chapter, I make sure to link its content with other chapters in the edited volume . This may be a bit tricky because of how editors have timed contributions. Sometimes they don’t have all the chapters readily available to be shared across authors. But I’ve found that normally they do, and so they’re willing to share across all authors.

This guideline to writing chapters may also be helpful. It’s also quite important that you follow both the press and the editors’ guide (style, punctuation, citation formatting, etc.). But more than anything, I strongly believe that the best approach to writing a book chapter is to think of it as a way to present a series of thoughts in a cohesive manner that doesn’t necessarily equal a journal article. Yes, there may be empirical claims presented, and yes, there should probably some theoretical advancement in there, but again, it’s NOT a journal article.

Hope this post helps those of you writing a book chapter. If you want to read some of mine, you can download some of them here or here (Academia.Edu) or here (ResearchGate).

You can share this blog post on the following social networks by clicking on their icon.

Posted in academia , research , writing .

Tagged with AcWri , book chapters , writing .

12 comments

By Raul Pacheco-Vega – July 11, 2018

12 Responses

Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post .

Can I reuse my own published papers in writing book chapters?

Reuse per se, perhaps not, republish maybe, with caveats, but you can use some text, yes.

In the book chapters, do we have to give results or only survey of others works will do ?

That depends on you and what the book editor expects!

Thank you, Sir. That was helpful.

As a research scholar I want to write a book chapter instead of writing a review paper. Can I do that? Do I need any special permission to write a book chapter?

This reminds me of the quote… “Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.” Thanks for posting this.

No special permission!

This is very useful. Thanks Raul.

will the book chapters will have references in the same manner as in manuscripts of journal

In book chapters, we have to do new research like (journal article ) or illustrate our ideas with already published work?

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Research guidance, Research Journals, Top Universities

Difference b/w journal paper, conference paper & Book chapter

This blog post aims to explain the difference between a journal paper, a conference paper, and a book chapter .

In the academic world, there are different ways of publishing research findings and results: journal papers , book chapters, and conference proceedings . Generally, both conference papers and journal papers undergo a peer-review process before being accepted for publication. Book chapters are written by new researchers. It does not include many research findings and results.

Also, read:

How to start a Ph.D. research program in India?
Tips for publishing in high-impact factor journals

Before understanding the difference between a journal paper, a conference paper, and a book chapter, let’s understand all individually.

Page Contents

Journal Paper

Research articles can be published on any subject, in any discipline, covering a wide range of topics. Usually, journals are published quarterly, bi-annually, or annually. The authors have to follow a specific format for submitting to the journal . Different journals, such as Elsevier , Springer , and Wiley , have different formats for presenting their articles. The review process for a journal may take a few weeks to a few months. The journals are ranked based on research metrics like impact factor, h-index , and the number of citations received by the journal in a particular year. Generally, journal papers are long pieces of writing ranging between 20-25 pages. It should include an abstract, an introduction, methodology, results and discussion, and conclusions. The researchers/authors can write either a review paper or an original research article for the journal.

Conference Paper

The research articles published through conference proceedings are short, precise, and contain a smaller number of pages. It is usually between 4-10 pages. Generally, conference proceedings are a collection of research papers presented at various conferences at the national and international levels. Conferences provide a great platform for interaction and exchange of ideas between fellow students, faculty members, scholars, and speakers. The researchers present only a part of their research study.

Book Chapters

They usually cover the details of the research study in brief. Book chapters can be written in 3000–4000 words. It is a summary of published research results on any particular topic. Each book chapter is given a title and a number that is easily citable by the readers. Generally, it improves the writing skills of new researchers.

The next section will be explaining the difference between journal papers, conference papers, and book chapters.

The difference between journal papers, conference papers, and book chapters

The major difference between a journal paper, a conference paper, and a book chapter lies in the length of writing articles. The journal paper is usually 20–25 pages, while the conference paper is usually less than 12 pages. On the other hand, book chapters should be written in a range of 3000-4000 words.

Research articles that are accepted for journal publication undergo a peer-review process. On the other hand, articles for publication in book chapters and conference proceedings undergo a general review process. Generally, the acceptance rate for conference papers and book chapters is comparatively higher than for journal papers. The conference papers have acceptance rates of between 40 and 60%.

Conference proceedings cover a wide range of subjects. They are generally multi-disciplinary in nature. On the other hand, book chapters should be written according to the title of a book given by the editor. It focuses on a particular topic.

The journal papers should be written in a systematic manner following strict guidelines as per the format. Secondly, journal papers are published in either open-access or closed-access categories. The open-access category involves article processing charges for each article. Journal papers are not collected in any conference proceedings books. whereas all the conference papers have online repositories and are collected in conference books. The authors need to pay registration fees for the conference. Only the registered authors will be allowed to submit the full conference paper upon acceptance.

Furthermore, the difference also lies in review speed and the number of revisions needed before acceptance. Generally, book chapters and conference papers ask for one or two changes before publication. The conference papers get fast review responses. But journal papers are asked to be revised multiple times, depending on the scope of the research. Sometimes, it may take anywhere from 6 months to a year to get published in a journal. The authors are asked to submit their research articles within a given deadline for both conference papers and book chapters. Book chapters and conference papers can be easily published. On the other hand, journal papers can be submitted throughout the year.

The journal paper requires more headings, subheadings, and sub-sections. The authors need to mention the abstract, keywords, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussions in detail. The book chapters and conference papers require only an introduction, the purpose of the research, the body of the paper, and conclusions. Apart from that, these book chapters are written without citations in the text, unlike journal papers. The review journal papers require 70-80 citations. On the other hand, conference papers are written with 20–30 citations.

The conference papers, upon selection, are allowed for oral presentations. Any one of the authors gets an opportunity to present his/her research paper at conferences. It is open to group discussions. It provides a platform for correcting or improving the researchers’ papers. The journal papers, upon acceptance, are directly published in high-quality journals.

Once the author has published a research article in a book chapter or conference proceedings, the same cannot be published in a journal. Sometimes the author may be asked for submitting extended versions of conference proceedings after getting selected. It increases the acceptance rate for publication in the journal.

Lastly, book chapters and conference proceedings get less recognition from academicians. Faculty and research scholars prefer to read published research articles rather than book chapters. It has been observed that journal articles get more citations than conference papers. Many universities do not accept conference proceedings for publication. Whereas journals are widely accepted and recognized worldwide. The journal papers have a high impact factor compared to the conference proceedings. However, writing book chapters increases the profile of the authors. Having a good ratio between book chapters and journal papers publications provides good job opportunities.

Thanks for visiting PhDTalks. We hope that the blog post helped you to understand the difference between journal papers, conference papers, and book chapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the conference papers are published in conference proceedings. However, many conferences publish their good research papers in specific journals.

Research articles that are accepted for journal publication undergo a peer-review process. On the other hand, articles for publication in book chapters and conference proceedings undergo a general review process. Generally, the acceptance rate for conference papers and book chapters is comparatively higher than the journal papers. The conference papers have acceptance rates between 40-60%.

1.4 Formats

Certain formats tend to be used for specific purposes. Because of this, many instructors will tell you exactly what types and formats to use (or avoid) for research assignments. Alternatively, they may tell you to use only peer-reviewed sources without specifying a format. Review your assignment requirements and select sources that meet those requirements. Here are some examples of formats you may encounter during your research.

Books tend to be much longer and, because of this, they can go into greater depth than articles. Books are great sources for providing a “big picture” perspective of a topic with background information and rich detail.

Book chapters

In a scholarly context, book chapters are typically research papers on a certain topic or theme that were written by different authors and brought together in a single book. Often there is an editor of the book who solicits and compiles chapter submissions. Many disciplines in the humanities and social sciences rely on book chapters for communicating their research findings and learning about their peers’ work.

Newspaper and magazine articles

Newspaper and magazine articles tend to be brief and to the point. They’re intended to keep us current with events and popular topics, and rarely go in depth or provide sources for further reading. Newspaper articles are a common example of a primary source, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

Conference proceedings

Conference proceedings are the compiled presentations and papers published after a scholarly or professional organization’s conference is over. This is done so there is a lasting record of the research ideas that were shared at the event. Some academic disciplines rely heavily on scholarly conferences as a means of quickly sharing and discussing new research and creative contributions by scholars in that subject area.

Journal articles

Scholarly journal articles tend to be several pages long and focused on very specific facets of a larger topic or research project. These papers are written by subject experts and published in scholarly journals. In the course of your studies, your instructor may tell you to use “peer-reviewed journals” in a writing assignment. Most of the time, what your instructor means is that you need to use individual articles published in a peer-reviewed journal, not the entire journal and all its contents.

Articles and journals: knowing the difference

There are specific tools and search techniques that help you find articles, and others that help you find journals. For this reason, it’s important to recognize the difference between articles and journals. Journals are publications typically focused on a particular topic or professional activity. They are published on an ongoing basis at regular intervals and contain the following elements:

Article: a single paper focused on one topic, most often the results of a single research project.
Issue: a set of articles published together on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.
Volume: a collection of all the issues published in a single year.

A printed journal article, a glossy cover of a bound collection of articles (an issue), and a pile of journal issues (volume)

The parts of a journal are easier to remember if you compare them to parts of a television show. An article in a journal focuses on a topic in the same way that a scene in a television show focuses on a plot element. A collection of articles forms an issue similar to the way scenes come together to complete an episode. Not all journal articles within the same issue will be on the exact same topic. They may just be loosely related within the same discipline. Think of a show with multiple plot lines or separate segments (e.g., Saturday Night Live sketches). A year’s worth of issues adds up to a volume in the same way episodes comprise a season. These volumes are part of a journal, like seasons are part of a series. Some have completed their run, and some are ongoing. Journals and the articles they contain are made available through indexes in a similar way to how series and episodes are made available by networks or distributors (e.g. CBS, Netflix, ESPN). You’ll learn more about indexes in Chapter 2.

Check your understanding

Library 160: Introduction to College-Level Research Copyright © 2021 by Iowa State University Library Instruction Services is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Is it an Article, a Book, or a Chapter in a Book? Identifying Citations: Introduction

Introduction
Journal Articles
Journal Article: APA, MLA, & Chicago Side-by-Side
Book: APA, MLA, & Chicago Side-by-Side
Chapters in Books
Chapter: APA, MLA, & Chicago Side-by-Side
Test Yourself!
Theses, Dissertations, Conference Papers

Is it a Journal Article, a Book, or a Chapter in a Book?

How can you tell if an item is a journal article, a book, or a chapter in a book with an editor instead of an author just by looking at a citation or reference? No matter which style manual you are using (APA, Chicago, MLA), you will need to be able to recognize what kind of resource you are citing. This guide will make it easier for you. For each of these three items, it identifies the individual elements that make up the citations, then goes on to give you real life examples of their appearance in database searches. For books and chapters in a book with an editor instead of an author, it also gives photos showing where to find citation elements on the printed items.

The APA, MLA, & Chicago Side-by-Side pages will show you all three citation styles for the same item.

Citations can also be for other kinds of items such as interviews, movies, tweets, etc., but journal articles, books, and chapters in books are the most common.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

Article Citations: How to Recognize Them
Book & Book Chapter Citations: How to Recognize Them

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Last Updated: Apr 6, 2023 8:16 AM
URL: https://libguides.csusb.edu/citations

Willy’s Publications
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Book chapter or journal article?

Willy's ELT Corner
Posted on March 30, 2022
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Willy A Renandya – 30 March 2022

Which one would you go for: writing a book chapter or a journal article?

This is not an easy question as the two types of writing serve different purposes. But let me try to explain the similarities and differences between the two.

A book chapter is typically a non-empirical piece of work that summarizes past research or an opinion piece (also known as a conceptual paper) that examines an important issue in language education or applied linguistics.

An example of this is a chapter that I co-authored with Prof Richard Day entitled “ The primacy of extensive reading and listening ”. We put forth compelling arguments that language teachers should seriously consider including extensive reading and listening in their teaching due to the numerous language learning benefits.

A journal article on the other hand is usually (but not always) an empirical study involving some quantitative and/or qualitative data collected in order to address an important research question. An example of an empirical journal article that I co-authored with my graduate student is Efficacy of written corrective feedback in writing instruction: A meta-analysis that appeared in TESL-EJ.

Conceptual, non-empirical articles do get published in journals but the number tends to be small. There are however a small number of journals in the field of ELT or Applied Linguistics that publish conceptual or theoretical papers only. Two of the most prominent journals that publish non-empirical papers are the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching.

The length of a book chapter varies depending on the guidelines provided by the editor of the book (who pretty much follows the guidelines provided by the book publisher). But usually around 5 to 6 thousand words. This is not much different from the average length of a journal article.

The review process for a book chapter is not as tough as that for a journal article. This is because chapter contributors are usually invited or selected from a smaller pool of potential writers. So there is a higher chance that your chapter will be published in the edited volume.

Journals however attract a lot more submissions. Top journals in particular attract hundreds of submissions from diverse groups of academics. Not surprisingly, some of these journals have a very high rejection rate (up to 90 or 95%). Examples of journals with high rejection rates include TESOL Quarterly, ELT Journal, RELC Journal and Journal of AsiaTEFL.

Which of the two is more citable ? A book chapter is generally less visible than a journal article. Because of that, it is often not as well-cited as a journal article. A journal article is usually more widely read and cited, especially if it appears in Scopus or SSCI indexed journals.

Finally, how long does it take to get a book chapter or journal article published? It varies quite a bit, but it normally takes 12 to 18 months (sometimes longer). A growing number of journals adopts a continuous publishing model, i.e., manuscripts get published as advance articles before they get included in a complete issue of the journal. This has made it possible to reduce the publication time.

So back to the question above: which one should we go for?

I will leave it to you to answer this question.

25 ways to make your research more visible and citable

Publishing Academic Research

Why Publish?
Choosing Quality - Book Publishers
Choosing Quality - Conferences
Understanding Publishers
Open Access
Journal Articles
Conference Proceedings
Books and Book Chapters
Publications in Your Thesis
Non-Traditional Research Outputs
Read and Publish Agreements 2023 This link opens in a new window

Checklist for assessing a book publisher

Criteria to examine when selecting a book publisher are:

Will publishing with this publisher enhance your academic career?
What are the publisher's copyright requirements - will I retain copyright ownership?
What quality control processes does the publisher use - will my work be professionally edited and formatted?
Will my work be sent out for review?
What is the standing of the editors?
How does the publisher distribute the books that it publishes?
Does the publisher require a financial commitment to publish my work?
Will I receive royalties for the sale of my work?
Does the publisher meet the specifications required for ERA?

It is common for JCU employees to receive unsolicited emails from publishers, inviting them to publish their thesis or other research.

Make sure you investigate these publishers before making any commitment. The information on this page and the Understanding Publishers page will help you.

Commercial Publishers

The requirement of commercial publication for ERA is used as a surrogate test of quality, comparable to the peer review requirement for journal articles and conference papers.

A commercial publisher is an entity for which the core business is producing books and distributing them for sale. Commercial publishers take on a financial risk when committing to publish a book. To minimise risk, they have a selection process. Once a manuscript is selected for publication, the publisher provides copy-editing and proof-reading editorial support. Once published, the publisher provides further investment by marketing the book.

Self publishing, vanity presses and companies that specialise in the publication of theses do not have a selection process, provide little or no editorial support or marketing and so do not meet the definition of a commercial publisher under the ERA specifications.

Definition of publishers unlikely to meet ERA criteria

Print-on-demand (POD) publishers use digital technology to print copies of a publication as they are requested. This is a cost-effective alternative because publications may be printed at the point-of-need, dispensing with the expense of warehousing and distribution. POD publishing is used by ERA eligible publishers and non-eligible publishers.

Self-publishing is when the author takes responsibility for publishing their work, independently of an established publisher. The Internet provides self-published authors with the opportunity to publish and promote their work.

Vanity presses usually charge authors a fee for publishing their work.

ERA eligibility - books and book chapters

In choosing where to publish your research as a book or book chapter, be aware that your decision will determine whether the work will be counted for ERA as a Traditional Research Output (TRO).

In order for a book or book chapter to be eligible for ERA (as a Traditional Research Output), it must :

meet the definition of research i.e. be substantial, original and scholarly. Textbooks and reference books that target professionals or students and creative works are not usually eligible.
be a major work of scholarship
must be written entirely by a single author, or by joint authors who share responsibility for the whole book

Books, for both the book and book chapter categories, must :

have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
be published by a commercial publisher or peer reviewed. An acceptable peer review process is one that involves an impartial and independent assessment or review of the research publication in its entirety before publication by independent, qualified experts before publication.

Types of books that are unlikely to meet the ERA eligibility criteria include:

anthologies
edited books
revisions or new editions
manuals and handbooks
theses (PhD, Masters and Honours)

Types of book chapters that are unlikely to meet the ERA eligibility criteria include:

chapters in textbooks
entries in reference books
revisions of chapters in edited books
forewords, brief introductions and brief editorials
literary or creative pieces such as collections of short stories
ERA 2018 Submission Guidelines ERA specifications for books and book chapters are explained on pages 31-33 of this document.
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Last Updated: Jan 18, 2024 9:21 AM
URL: https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/publishing

7 Steps of Writing an Excellent Academic Book Chapter

Writing is an inextricable part of an academic’s career; maintaining lab reports, writing personal statements, drafting cover letters, research proposals, the dissertation—this list goes on. However, while these are considered as essentials during any research program, writing an academic book is a milestone every writer aims to achieve. It could either be your urge of authoring a book or you may have received an invite from a publisher to write a book chapter . In both cases, most researchers find it difficult to write an academic book chapter.

The questions that may arise when you plan on writing a book chapter are:

Where do I start from?
How do I even do this?
What should be the length of book chapters?
How should I link one chapter to the following chapter?

These questions are quite common when starting with your first book chapter. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps on how to write an excellent academic book chapter.

Table of Contents

What is an Academic Book Chapter?

An academic book chapter is defined as a section, or division, of a book. These are usually separated with a chapter number or title. A chapter divides the overall book topic into topic-specific sections. Furthermore, each chapter in a book is related to the overall theme of the book.

A book chapter allows the author to divide their work in parts for readers to understand and remember it easily. Additionally, chapters help create structure in your writing for a better flow of ideas.

How Long Should a Book Chapter be?

Typically, a non-fiction book chapter should be small and must only include information related to one major idea. However, since a non-fiction /academic book is around 50,000 to 70,000 words, and each book would comprise 10-20 chapters, each book chapter’s word limit should range between 3500 and 7000 words.

While there aren’t any standard rules to follow with respect to the length of a book chapter, it may vary depending on the genre of your writing. However, it is better to refer your publisher’s guidelines and write your chapters accordingly.

Difference between a Book Chapter and Thesis Chapter

What makes a book excellent are the book chapters that it comprises. Thus, the key to writing an excellent book is mastering the art of writing a book chapter . You’d think you could write a book easily because you’ve already written your dissertation. However, writing a book chapter is not the same as writing your thesis.

The image below shares 5 major differences between a book chapter and a thesis chapter:

How to Write a Book Chapter?

As writing a book chapter is the first milestone in your writing journey, it can be overwhelming and difficult to garner your thoughts and put them down on a sheet at once. It takes time and effort to gain momentum for accomplishing this mammoth task. However, proper planning followed by dedicated effort will make you realize that you were worrying over something trivial.

So let us make the process of writing a book chapter easier with these 7 steps.

Step 1: Collate Relevant Information

How would you even start writing a chapter if you do not have the necessary information or data? The first step even before you start writing is to review and collate all the relevant data that is necessary to formulate an informative chapter.

Since a chapter focuses on one major idea it should not include any gaps that perplexes the reader. Creating mind-maps help in linking different sources of information and compiling them to formulate a completely new chapter. As a result, you can structure your ideas to help with your analysis and see it visually. This process improves your understanding of the book’s theme. More importantly, sort the ideas into a logical order of how you should present them in your chapter. This makes it easier to write the chapter without convoluting it.

Step 2: Design the Chapter Structure

After spending hours in brainstorming ideas and understanding the fundamentals that the chapter should cover, you must create a structured outline. Furthermore, following a standard format helps you stay on track and structure your chapter fluently.

Ideally, a well-structured chapter includes the following elements:

A title or heading
An interesting introduction
Main body informative paragraphs
A summary of the chapter
Smooth transition to the next chapter

Even so, you may not restrict yourself to following only one structure; rather, add more or less to each of your chapters depending on your genre, writing style, and requirement of the chapter to maintain the book’s overall theme. Keep only relevant content in your chapter. Avoid content that causes the reader to go off on a tangent.

Step 3: Write an Appealing Chapter Title/Heading

How often have you put a book back on the book store’s shelf right after reading its title? Didn’t even bother to read the synopsis, did you? Likewise, you may have written the most impactful chapter, but what sense would it make if its title is not interesting enough. An impactful chapter title captures the reader’s attention. It’s basically the “first sight” rule!

Your chapter’s title/heading must trigger curiosity in the reader and make them want to read and learn more. Although this is the first element of a chapter, most writers find it easier to create a title/heading after completing the chapter.

Step 4: Build an Engaging Introduction

Now that you have captured the reader’s attention with your title/heading, it has obviously increased the readers’ expectations from the content. To keep them interested in your chapter, write an introduction that keeps them hooked on. You may use a narrative approach or build a fictional plot to grab the attention of the reader. However, ensure that you do not deviate from the main context of your chapter. Finally, writing an effective introduction will help you in presenting an overview of your chapter.

Some of the tricks to follow when writing an exceptional introduction are:

Share an anecdote
Create a dialogue or conversation
Include quotations
Create a fictional plot

Step 5: Elaborate on Main Points of the Chapter

Impactful title? Checked!

Interesting introduction? Checked!

Now is the time to dive in to the details imparting section of the chapter. Expand your opening statement and begin to explain your points in detail. More importantly, leave no space for speculation in the reader’s mind.

This section should answer the following questions of the reader:

Why has the reader chosen to read your book?
What do they need to know?
Are their questions and doubts being resolved with the content of your chapter?

Ensure that you build each point coherently and follow a cohesive flow. Furthermore, provide statistical data, evidence-based information, experimental data, graphical presentations, etc. You could formulate these points into 4-5 paragraphs based on the details of your chapter. To ensure you structure these details coherently across the right number of paragraphs, calculate the number of paragraphs in your text here .

Step 6: Summarize the Chapter

As impactful was the entry, so should be the exit, right? The summary is the part where you are almost done. This section is a key takeaway for your readers. So, revisit your chapter’s main content and summarize it. Since your chapter has given a lot of information, you’d want the reader to remember the gist of it as they reach the end of your chapter. Hence, writing a concise summary that constitutes the crux of your chapter is imperative.

Step 7: Add a Call-to-Action & Transition to Next Chapter

This section comes at the extreme end of the book chapter, when you ask the reader to implement the learnings from the chapter. It is a way of applying their newly acquired knowledge. In this section, you can also add a transition from your chapter to the succeeding chapter.

So would you still have jitters while writing your book chapter? Are there any other strategies or steps that you follow to write one? Let us know in the comments section below on how these steps helped you in writing a book chapter .

Thank you I have got a full lecture for sure

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It has really helpful for beginners like me.

Very impactful and informative. Thank you 😊

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Writing about Quantitative Research in Applied Linguistics pp 162–169 Cite as

Publishing Research: Book Chapters and Books

Lindy Woodrow 2

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Sometimes researchers decide to publish their work in a book chapter in an edited volume, or they may decide to write a monograph or another type of book. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing to publish in book form. This section discusses the merits of publishing book chapters and books with a section on writing monographs based on PhD theses.

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

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A book review is a thorough description, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, often written in relation to prior research on the topic. Reviews generally range from 500-2000 words, but may be longer or shorter depends on several factors: the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review examines two or more books that focus on the same topic. Professors assign book reviews as practice in carefully analyzing complex scholarly texts and to assess your ability to effectively synthesize research so that you reach an informed perspective about the topic being covered.

There are two general approaches to reviewing a book:

Descriptive review: Presents the content and structure of a book as objectively as possible, describing essential information about a book's purpose and authority. This is done by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the study, often incorporating passages quoted from the text that highlight key elements of the work. Additionally, there may be some indication of the reading level and anticipated audience.
Critical review: Describes and evaluates the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and, in most cases, in contrast to and in comparison with the research of others. It should include a statement about what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well you believe the author has succeeded in meeting the objectives of the study, and presents evidence to support this assessment. For most course assignments, your professor will want you to write this type of review.

Book Reviews. Writing Center. University of New Hampshire; Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review. Writing and Style Guides. Libraries. Dalhousie University; Kindle, Peter A. "Teaching Students to Write Book Reviews." Contemporary Rural Social Work 7 (2015): 135-141; Erwin, R. W. “Reviewing Books for Scholarly Journals.” In Writing and Publishing for Academic Authors . Joseph M. Moxley and Todd Taylor. 2 nd edition. (Lanham, MD: Rowan and Littlefield, 1997), pp. 83-90.

How to Approach Writing Your Review

NOTE: Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach.

I. Common Features

While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:

A review gives the reader a concise summary of the content . This includes a description of the research topic and scope of analysis as well as an overview of the book's overall perspective, argument, and purpose.
A review offers a critical assessment of the content in relation to other studies on the same topic . This involves documenting your reactions to the work under review--what strikes you as noteworthy or important, whether or not the arguments made by the author(s) were effective or persuasive, and how the work enhanced your understanding of the research problem under investigation.
In addition to analyzing a book's strengths and weaknesses, a scholarly review often recommends whether or not readers would value the work for its authenticity and overall quality . This measure of quality includes both the author's ideas and arguments and covers practical issues, such as, readability and language, organization and layout, indexing, and, if needed, the use of non-textual elements .

To maintain your focus, always keep in mind that most assignments ask you to discuss a book's treatment of its topic, not the topic itself . Your key sentences should say, "This book shows...,” "The study demonstrates...," or “The author argues...," rather than "This happened...” or “This is the case....”

II. Developing a Critical Assessment Strategy

There is no definitive methodological approach to writing a book review in the social sciences, although it is necessary that you think critically about the research problem under investigation before you begin to write. Therefore, writing a book review is a three-step process: 1) carefully taking notes as you read the text; 2) developing an argument about the value of the work under consideration; and, 3) clearly articulating that argument as you write an organized and well-supported assessment of the work.

A useful strategy in preparing to write a review is to list a set of questions that should be answered as you read the book [remember to note the page numbers so you can refer back to the text!]. The specific questions to ask yourself will depend upon the type of book you are reviewing. For example, a book that is presenting original research about a topic may require a different set of questions to ask yourself than a work where the author is offering a personal critique of an existing policy or issue.

Here are some sample questions that can help you think critically about the book:

Thesis or Argument . What is the central thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one main idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world that you know or have experienced? What has the book accomplished? Is the argument clearly stated and does the research support this?
Topic . What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Is it clearly articulated? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? Can you detect any biases? What type of approach has the author adopted to explore the research problem [e.g., topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive]?
Evidence . How does the author support their argument? What evidence does the author use to prove their point? Is the evidence based on an appropriate application of the method chosen to gather information? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author's information [or conclusions] conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken, or just previous assumptions you had about the research problem?
Structure . How does the author structure their argument? Does it follow a logical order of analysis? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense to you? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
Take-aways . How has this book helped you understand the research problem? Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?

Beyond the content of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the general presentation of information. Question to ask may include:

The Author: Who is the author? The nationality, political persuasion, education, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the author is affiliated with a particular organization? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they wrote about? What other topics has the author written about? Does this work build on prior research or does it represent a new or unique area of research?
The Presentation: What is the book's genre? Out of what discipline does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or other contextual standard upon which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know this. Keep in mind, though, that declarative statements about being the “first,” the "best," or the "only" book of its kind can be a risky unless you're absolutely certain because your professor [presumably] has a much better understanding of the overall research literature.

NOTE: Most critical book reviews examine a topic in relation to prior research. A good strategy for identifying this prior research is to examine sources the author(s) cited in the chapters introducing the research problem and, of course, any review of the literature. However, you should not assume that the author's references to prior research is authoritative or complete. If any works related to the topic have been excluded, your assessment of the book should note this . Be sure to consult with a librarian to ensure that any additional studies are located beyond what has been cited by the author(s).

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Motta-Roth, D. “Discourse Analysis and Academic Book Reviews: A Study of Text and Disciplinary Cultures.” In Genre Studies in English for Academic Purposes . Fortanet Gómez, Inmaculada et al., editors. (Castellò de la Plana: Publicacions de la Universitat Jaume I, 1998), pp. 29-45. Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Suárez, Lorena and Ana I. Moreno. “The Rhetorical Structure of Academic Journal Book Reviews: A Cross-linguistic and Cross-disciplinary Approach .” In Asociación Europea de Lenguas para Fines Específicos, María del Carmen Pérez Llantada Auría, Ramón Plo Alastrué, and Claus Peter Neumann. Actas del V Congreso Internacional AELFE/Proceedings of the 5th International AELFE Conference . Zaragoza: Universidad de Zaragoza, 2006.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Bibliographic Information

Bibliographic information refers to the essential elements of a work if you were to cite it in a paper [i.e., author, title, date of publication, etc.]. Provide the essential information about the book using the writing style [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago] preferred by your professor or used by the discipline of your major . Depending on how your professor wants you to organize your review, the bibliographic information represents the heading of your review. In general, it would look like this:

[Complete title of book. Author or authors. Place of publication. Publisher. Date of publication. Number of pages before first chapter, often in Roman numerals. Total number of pages]. The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party's Revolution and the Battle over American History . By Jill Lepore. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. xii, 207 pp.)

Reviewed by [your full name].

II. Scope/Purpose/Content

Begin your review by telling the reader not only the overarching concern of the book in its entirety [the subject area] but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject [the thesis statement]. If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you find that the thesis statement is not well-developed, then you will have to compose your own introductory thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement should be no more than one paragraph and must be succinctly stated, accurate, and unbiased.

If you find it difficult to discern the overall aims and objectives of the book [and, be sure to point this out in your review if you determine that this is a deficiency], you may arrive at an understanding of the book's overall purpose by assessing the following:

Scan the table of contents because it can help you understand how the book was organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they were developed [e.g., chronologically, topically, historically, etc.].
Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?
From what point of view is the work written?
Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, or to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?
What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? If necessary, review related literature from other books and journal articles to familiarize yourself with the field.
Who is the intended audience?
What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? You can evaluate the quality of the writing style by noting some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, accurate use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, and fluidity [i.e., quality of the narrative flow].
How did the book affect you? Were there any prior assumptions you had about the subject that were changed, abandoned, or reinforced after reading the book? How is the book related to your own personal beliefs or assumptions? What personal experiences have you had related to the subject that affirm or challenge underlying assumptions?
How well has the book achieved the goal(s) set forth in the preface, introduction, and/or foreword?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

III. Note the Method

Support your remarks with specific references to text and quotations that help to illustrate the literary method used to state the research problem, describe the research design, and analyze the findings. In general, authors tend to use the following literary methods, exclusively or in combination.

Description : The author depicts scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. The description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many details as possible, the way persons, places, and things are situated within the phenomenon being described.
Narration : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually thematically or in chronological order. In general, the emphasis in scholarly books is on narration of the events. Narration tells what has happened and, in some cases, using this method to forecast what could happen in the future. Its primary purpose is to draw the reader into a story and create a contextual framework for understanding the research problem.
Exposition : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue clearly and as impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to describe and explain, to document for the historical record an event or phenomenon.
Argument : The author uses techniques of persuasion to establish understanding of a particular truth, often in the form of addressing a research question, or to convince the reader of its falsity. The overall aim is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue and aims to convince the reader that the author's position is valid, logical, and/or reasonable.

IV. Critically Evaluate the Contents

Critical comments should form the bulk of your book review . State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
What contributions does the book make to the field?
Is the treatment of the subject matter objective or at least balanced in describing all sides of a debate?
Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
Can the same data be interpreted to explain alternate outcomes?
Is the writing style clear and effective?
Does the book raise important or provocative issues or topics for discussion?
Does the book bring attention to the need for further research?
What has been left out?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text and, when possible, state the book's quality in relation to other scholarly sources. If relevant, note of the book's format, such as, layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there tables, charts, maps, illustrations, text boxes, photographs, or other non-textual elements? Do they aid in understanding the text? Describing this is particularly important in books that contain a lot of non-textual elements.

NOTE: It is important to carefully distinguish your views from those of the author so as not to confuse your reader. Be clear when you are describing an author's point of view versus expressing your own.

V. Examine the Front Matter and Back Matter

Front matter refers to any content before the first chapter of the book. Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book . Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i - xi ]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only necessary if you believe there is something that diminishes the overall quality of the work [e.g., the indexing is poor] or there is something that is particularly helpful in understanding the book's contents [e.g., foreword places the book in an important context].

Front matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Table of contents -- is it clear? Is it detailed or general? Does it reflect the true contents of the book? Does it help in understanding a logical sequence of content?
Author biography -- also found as back matter, the biography of author(s) can be useful in determining the authority of the writer and whether the book builds on prior research or represents new research. In scholarly reviews, noting the author's affiliation and prior publications can be a factor in helping the reader determine the overall validity of the work [i.e., are they associated with a research center devoted to studying the problem under investigation].
Foreword -- the purpose of a foreword is to introduce the reader to the author and the content of the book, and to help establish credibility for both. A foreword may not contribute any additional information about the book's subject matter, but rather, serves as a means of validating the book's existence. In these cases, the foreword is often written by a leading scholar or expert who endorses the book's contributions to advancing research about the topic. Later editions of a book sometimes have a new foreword prepended [appearing before an older foreword, if there was one], which may be included to explain how the latest edition differs from previous editions. These are most often written by the author.
Acknowledgements -- scholarly studies in the social sciences often take many years to write, so authors frequently acknowledge the help and support of others in getting their research published. This can be as innocuous as acknowledging the author's family or the publisher. However, an author may acknowledge prominent scholars or subject experts, staff at key research centers, people who curate important archival collections, or organizations that funded the research. In these particular cases, it may be worth noting these sources of support in your review, particularly if the funding organization is biased or its mission is to promote a particular agenda.
Preface -- generally describes the genesis, purpose, limitations, and scope of the book and may include acknowledgments of indebtedness to people who have helped the author complete the study. Is the preface helpful in understanding the study? Does it provide an effective framework for understanding what's to follow?
Chronology -- also may be found as back matter, a chronology is generally included to highlight key events related to the subject of the book. Do the entries contribute to the overall work? Is it detailed or very general?
List of non-textual elements -- a book that contains numerous charts, photographs, maps, tables, etc. will often list these items after the table of contents in the order that they appear in the text. Is this useful?

Back matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Afterword -- this is a short, reflective piece written by the author that takes the form of a concluding section, final commentary, or closing statement. It is worth mentioning in a review if it contributes information about the purpose of the book, gives a call to action, summarizes key recommendations or next steps, or asks the reader to consider key points made in the book.
Appendix -- is the supplementary material in the appendix or appendices well organized? Do they relate to the contents or appear superfluous? Does it contain any essential information that would have been more appropriately integrated into the text?
Index -- are there separate indexes for names and subjects or one integrated index. Is the indexing thorough and accurate? Are elements used, such as, bold or italic fonts to help identify specific places in the book? Does the index include "see also" references to direct you to related topics?
Glossary of Terms -- are the definitions clearly written? Is the glossary comprehensive or are there key terms missing? Are any terms or concepts mentioned in the text not included that should have been?
Endnotes -- examine any endnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Should any notes have been better integrated into the text rather than separated? Do the same if the author uses footnotes.
Bibliography/References/Further Readings -- review any bibliography, list of references to sources, and/or further readings the author may have included. What kinds of sources appear [e.g., primary or secondary, recent or old, scholarly or popular, etc.]? How does the author make use of them? Be sure to note important omissions of sources that you believe should have been utilized, including important digital resources or archival collections.

VI. Summarize and Comment

State your general conclusions briefly and succinctly. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter and/or afterword. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. If appropriate and to help clarify your overall evaluation, use specific references to text and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. If you've compared the book to any other works or used other sources in writing the review, be sure to cite them at the end of your book review in the same writing style as your bibliographic heading of the book.

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Gastel, Barbara. "Special Books Section: A Strategy for Reviewing Books for Journals." BioScience 41 (October 1991): 635-637; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Lee, Alexander D., Bart N. Green, Claire D. Johnson, and Julie Nyquist. "How to Write a Scholarly Book Review for Publication in a Peer-reviewed Journal: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Chiropractic Education 24 (2010): 57-69; Nicolaisen, Jeppe. "The Scholarliness of Published Peer Reviews: A Bibliometric Study of Book Reviews in Selected Social Science Fields." Research Evaluation 11 (2002): 129-140;.Procter, Margaret. The Book Review or Article Critique. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reading a Book to Review It. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Scarnecchia, David L. "Writing Book Reviews for the Journal Of Range Management and Rangelands." Rangeland Ecology and Management 57 (2004): 418-421; Simon, Linda. "The Pleasures of Book Reviewing." Journal of Scholarly Publishing 27 (1996): 240-241; Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Writing Tip

Always Read the Foreword and/or the Preface

If they are included in the front matter, a good place for understanding a book's overall purpose, organization, contributions to further understanding of the research problem, and relationship to other studies is to read the preface and the foreword. The foreword may be written by someone other than the author or editor and can be a person who is famous or who has name recognition within the discipline. A foreword is often included to add credibility to the work.

The preface is usually an introductory essay written by the author or editor. It is intended to describe the book's overall purpose, arrangement, scope, and overall contributions to the literature. When reviewing the book, it can be useful to critically evaluate whether the goals set forth in the foreword and/or preface were actually achieved. At the very least, they can establish a foundation for understanding a study's scope and purpose as well as its significance in contributing new knowledge.

Distinguishing between a Foreword, a Preface, and an Introduction . Book Creation Learning Center. Greenleaf Book Group, 2019.

Locating Book Reviews

There are several databases the USC Libraries subscribes to that include the full-text or citations to book reviews. Short, descriptive reviews can also be found at book-related online sites such as Amazon , although it's not always obvious who has written them and may actually be created by the publisher. The following databases provide comprehensive access to scholarly, full-text book reviews:

ProQuest [1983-present]
Book Review Digest Retrospective [1905-1982]

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

It can be challenging to find the proper vocabulary from which to discuss and evaluate a book. Here is a list of some active verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:

account for
demonstrate
distinguish
investigate

Examples of usage

"The evidence indicates that..."
"This work assesses the effect of..."
"The author identifies three key reasons for..."
"This book questions the view that..."
"This work challenges assumptions about...."

Paquot, Magali. Academic Keyword List. Centre for English Corpus Linguistics. Université Catholique de Louvain.

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Career Advice for Researchers

Q: Which is considered the highest academic publication among a book, an edited book, and a book chapter?

What is the difference among a book, an edited book, and a book chapter? Which one is considered the highest academic publication? This is about our national policy on award output wherein a book has higher value compared with an edited book.

Asked on 25 Feb, 2021

First, let’s ensure we’ve got your question(s) correctly. You wish to understand which is considered superior – an authored book or an edited book – because chapters are to be found in both types of books. It appears that the book chapter you are referring to is one that would be found in an edited book. So, let’s look at edited books and authored books in some more detail.

E dited books contain chapters usually written by different authors who are experts in their field. An editor (or a group of editors) puts together articles from various sources. While each chapter deals with the same topic, chapters may present diverse – sometimes even contradictory – perspectives, guided by the authors’ respective areas of expertise . Such collections of chapters focusing on a certain theme are particularly valuable to emerging fields. Contributing chapter authors are credited with their work within the text and through individual chapter-level citations, but edited books ultimately give the full publication-level credit to the editors when referencing the work .

An authored book is a book written by one or more individuals. Instead of having a collection of many different 'articles,' the book serves as a comprehensive treatise on the subject as a whole. The authors guide the reader through the entire subject, and all ideas are the authors’ own. Credit for the full publication is always given to the authors. Such books could have one or more authors, a corporate author [e.g., American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association] , or even no author [e.g., SPSSx: User’s guide . (1983). Chicago, IL: SPSS].

From the characteristics of both types of books, it is clear that they serve different purposes, making both crucial contributors to the scholarly literature.

Coming to your primary question, without knowing your country, it is difficult to comment on the education or research policies of the country on rewarding one over the other. However, having an entire book to one’s credit might appear to hold more weight over having authored chapters in one or more edited books, as the former would reflect the author’s expertise on a broad subject. Another parameter to consider would be the publisher of the book. A chapter in an edited book published by a well-known publisher might be considered more valuable than an authored book published by an obscure or unknown publisher.

Hope that answers your question(s).

Here are some other questions on the forum that you may find interesting or relevant:

How can one assess the quality of a book or monograph, especially that in the humanities and social sciences (HSS)?
How should I go about writing a book based on my published article?
How do I write an inquiry to a journal about publishing a chapter in their upcoming book?

Answered by Editage Insights on 03 Mar, 2021

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COMMENTS

How is a book chapter different from a research article
The research paper resemble more like reporting, while the book chapter is often written more like a story of how the research was done, as well as including the results. The book chapter require ...
Journal or Book Chapter: Which is Better For Research Paper?
If your work targets a specialized audience of experts and addresses a specific technical gap, a journal is likely the right choice. However, if your research has broader applications and can benefit a wider audience, a book chapter or a publication in an industry-specific magazine may be the better option. 3. Publication Timeline.
The difference in writing style between a book chapter and article in a
Also, importantly that book chapter does not have citation within the text, however, this is crucial in the review paper. In general, the audience of the book are interested but relatively new in the field, where the review paper audience are more specialised usually with previous knowledge and experience, so the writing style should take care of this.
The Differences Between Academic Articles and Book Chapters
One of the most frequent questions we get from clients is about the difference between articles and book chapters. Often, authors have been told to "write an article version of a chapter" or to "break off part of their book project for an article.". Sometimes, they've been advised to do the reverse, to "turn that article into a ...
How does a book chapter in an edited volume compare to a peer reviewed
In my field a peer reviewed article counts for a lot more than a chapter in an edited book. That said, a published chapter in an edited book counts a lot more for job searches than a working/submitted/under review/under revision manuscript. Often edited books lead to a publication in press much quicker than a journal. I would definitely look ...
How to write a book chapter
The outline/sequence looks something like this: Introduction. - outline of questions or topics to tackle throughout the chapter, and description of how the chapter will deal with them. Topic 1 - answer to question 1. Topic 2 - answer to question 2. Discussion/synthesis. - how it all integrates and relates to the overall book.
Difference b/w journal paper, conference paper & Book chapter
The major difference between a journal paper, a conference paper, and a book chapter lies in the length of writing articles. The journal paper is usually 20-25 pages, while the conference paper is usually less than 12 pages. On the other hand, book chapters should be written in a range of 3000-4000 words. Research articles that are accepted ...
PDF Publishing Research: Book Chapters and Books
lish their research in edited books. The most important issue is that book chapters are generally less prestigious than journal articles, and by writing a book chapter it may then not be possible to publish a journal article. Table 14.1 outlines the major advantages and disadvan-tages of choosing to publish a book chapter in comparison to a journal
In what way book chapter writing is different from Journal or
Book chapter is based on research works done by several author groups and summarizes a particular topic. Book chapter is analogous to a review paper to some extent. ... the difference between a ...
1.4 Formats
1.4 Formats. Certain formats tend to be used for specific purposes. Because of this, many instructors will tell you exactly what types and formats to use (or avoid) for research assignments. Alternatively, they may tell you to use only peer-reviewed sources without specifying a format. Review your assignment requirements and select sources that ...
Introduction
How can you tell if an item is a journal article, a book, or a chapter in a book with an editor instead of an author just by looking at a citation or reference? No matter which style manual you are using (APA, Chicago, MLA), you will need to be able to recognize what kind of resource you are citing. This guide will make it easier for you.
Book chapter or journal article?
The length of a book chapter varies depending on the guidelines provided by the editor of the book (who pretty much follows the guidelines provided by the book publisher). But usually around 5 to 6 thousand words. This is not much different from the average length of a journal article. The review process for a book chapter is not as tough as ...
How to Write a Book Chapter
At this point two approaches are feasible: 1. "The chain letter approach": One author writes a first draft of the chapter. This draft is forwarded to the next author, who adds content, revises the draft, and forwards the draft to another author. The order of authors can be adapted to experience and seniority.
Books and Book Chapters
In order for a book or book chapter to be eligible for ERA (as a Traditional Research Output), it must: meet the definition of research i.e. be substantial, original and scholarly. Textbooks and reference books that target professionals or students and creative works are not usually eligible. be a major work of scholarship.
7 Steps of Writing an Excellent Academic Book Chapter
Step 1: Collate Relevant Information. Step 2: Design the Chapter Structure. Step 3: Write an Appealing Chapter Title/Heading. Step 4: Build an Engaging Introduction. Step 5: Elaborate on Main Points of the Chapter. Step 6: Summarize the Chapter. Step 7: Add a Call-to-Action & Transition to Next Chapter.
Can I publish my research article in a journal AND as a chapter in a book?
The difference between a book chapter and a journal paper is not really relevant to the fact that journals will generally not republish texts that have already appeared elsewhere. (At least I am confident that this is how it works for journals that I am familiar with.)
Publishing Research: Book Chapters and Books
Abstract. Sometimes researchers decide to publish their work in a book chapter in an edited volume, or they may decide to write a monograph or another type of book. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing to publish in book form. This section discusses the merits of publishing book chapters and books with a section on writing ...
PDF APA Style Reference Guide for Journal Articles, Books, and Edited Book
Provide the title of the book in which the chapter appears. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word. For a two-part title, capitalize the first word of the second part of the title. Also capitalize proper nouns. Italicize the book title. Include the chapter page range. End with a period.
Writing a Book Review
Front matter refers to any content before the first chapter of the book. Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book. Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i - xi]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only ...
What are the difference between conference paper, journal paper and
Journal papers provide a platform for long-term archival and wide dissemination of research findings. The publication timeline for journal papers is typically longer than conference papers. Book ...
What is the difference between this "book" and a research paper?
I don't know a lot about the scientific research and its concepts. What is the difference between this book and any research paper?. From my understanding of the research world, I know that link.springer is a journal and journals publish research papers after reviewing. If that is the case, then what is that book doing in link.springer?
Which is considered the highest academic publication among a book, an
Contributing chapter authors are credited with their work within the text and through individual chapter-level citations, but edited books ultimately give the full publication-level credit to the editors when referencing the work. An authored book is a book written by one or more individuals. Instead of having a collection of many different ...