Research publication in any manner allows for the dissemination of knowledge and increased visibility. Publication as a book chapter can be worth it, depending on individual goals.
In this blog post, we will share our thoughts when it is valuable to contribute a chapter to an edited book. We will discuss the following points.
- Benefits of Publication
- Types of Publication
- Book Chapter Publication: Pros & Cons
- Difference between a Chapter Publication and a Journal Publication
- Researchers’ Views regarding Chapter Publication
Benefits of Publication
Publications are essential for career advancement. A minimum number of research publications is often required for selection as an Assistant Professor or similar roles. Moreover, publications play a crucial role in promotions to positions such as Associate or Senior Professor. Additionally, research grants are often awarded based on the quality and quantity of published work.
Publications increase researchers’ citations.
In many universities, publications are required for completion of a PhD.
Publications demonstrated leadership in research.
Research Publications establish researchers’ expertise.
Types of Publication
Research Publications are mainly categorized into Journal Publications, Book Publications, and Conference Publications.
A journal publication is a peer-reviewed research article published in an academic journal.
An edited book is compiled and organized by an editor that includes chapters from various authors.
Researchers presents their research work at conferences and their work is published in proceedings. Proceeding are collections of conference papers.
Types of research articles: Check them one by one
Book Chapter Publication
Chapter Publications are considered good if published by reputed publisher (e.g., Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis etc;)
Benefits:
- Book Chapter Publications add weightage to researchers CV.
- If a research paper is repeatedly rejected by journals, it can be considered for publication as a book chapter. There is a higher chance of acceptance, as many book chapters do not undergo rigorous peer review.
- It helps in collaboration with other researchers.
- Chapters are useful for early-stage researchers to get feedback and for motivation.
- Book chapters are mostly covered without any publication fees.
- Book chapters often have relaxed deadlines.
Disadvantages
- Most of the book chapters are not peer reviewed.
- They have a slow publication process that can take years to publish due to coordination among contributors.
- Book Chapters have low visibility and hence fewer citations than journal publication.
Difference between a Chapter Publication and a Journal Publication
| Chapter Publication | Journal Publication |
|---|---|
| Book chapters are less recognized in institutions / promotions. | Journal Publications are highly recognized when they are indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, etc; Journal publications are essential for PhD completion (in many universities), Faculty promotions (as per University guidelines). |
| Book chapters are less peer reviewed. | Journal Articles are peer reviwed. |
| Indexed in databases like Scopus, Web of Science, SCI, PubMed, etc | Indexed in databases like Scopus, Web of Science, SCI, PubMed, etc |
| Easy to publish | Takes effort to publish. |
| A book chapter is written as part of an edited book. | Published in volume & issues of journals. |
| Chapter Publications are mostly published with no publication fee. | Open Access Journal Publishers demand researchers to pay fee. |
Researchers’ Views regarding Chapter Publication
1) My views (Dr. Sunny Sharma)
I give my first preference to journal publications over book publications.
No doubt, journal publications demand time and sweat.
Journal publications require significant effort, including the preparation of a quality research paper, submission to a journal, and ongoing communication with the editorial team. Often, the paper gets rejected and needs to be submitted to another journal. The manuscript is then revised based on suggestions from two or more reviewers (may be as many as six). After incorporating these changes, the paper is eventually published.
Many times, we have abandoned or rejected papers from journals. I often submit these papers for book chapter publications. Frequently, we receive calls for chapter contributions through social media, emails, or our professional network. In such cases, we prepare the chapters within a short time and submit them. The rest of the process is usually managed by the book editor.
Other researchers’ views on the value of book chapter publications
2) Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, an Independent researcher says on ResearchGate “Book chapters are often very similar to journal papers, and some regard chapters to be less important than publications in journals, although this will but this can vary from case to case“.
3) Another Researcher’s answer on Reddit:
4) Scientist Jean-Pierre Jost’s Views on ResearchGate:
FAQs
Yes, publishing a book chapter is worthy. While it may not carry the same weight as journal publications, it strengthens your research profile and enhances networking and collaboration opportunities.
Book chapters do not have an impact factor. The impact factor is a metric calculated for journals only
A book chapter counts as a publication and recognized as a valid academic contribution, especially when published by reputed publishers (e.g., Springer, IEEE, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis).