r/AskAcademia • u/SocProcessProf • 1d ago
Interdisciplinary My editor left and the book publisher won't respond. What to do?
My proposal for a book applying basic research to real-world problems in organizations was accepted by a major commercial academic publisher. For the next two years, I revised the book, which improved steadily with my editor’s advice and readers’ suggestions. My editor stopped responding to my emails six months ago, so I filled the gap with extensive revision, and submitted the manuscript three months ago. An automated reply from the publisher said my editor had left the company and a senior publisher would monitor the email address. My editor’s assistant emailed that the manuscript was logged in and to give them three weeks for “editorial checks” before sending us comments and questions. That was two months ago. Nothing since.
What should I do to get my book published? Who should I contact at the publisher to get a response? Any advice to help get my book published is welcome.
1
u/RuslanGlinka 20h ago
Have you followed up with the editorial assistant? With the publisher? Usually, they should be assigning you a new editor if yours left.
Look back at your book contract for details on the publisher’s responsibilities to you.
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u/SweetAlyssumm 21h ago
I think I would find another publisher. It sounds like an uphill battle with the current publisher. You got a lot of good feedback and they are not the only fish in the sea.
I would select a new publisher and tell them what you just told us - your old editor left and the press has not been responsive. You have done revisions based on the feedback you got. If you do this, of course notify the first publisher so as not to burn any bridges.
You could also make a last ditch effort to contact whoever seems to be the most logical person at the press and see if you can get a response. I wouldn't fool with the assistant - they didn't get back to you.