Frequently Asked Questions for Book Chapter Authors - Publishing Process - Contracts, Credentials, Permissions, and Production

Aug 29, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions for Book Chapter Authors outlines the full workflow from writing through publication, including typical timelines, communication during the publishing process, and points of contact. It explains required paperwork such as W-9 and Conflict of Interest forms, rules for adding coauthors after contract signing, credential presentation order, and responsibilities for obtaining permissions. The guide also covers where to send completed chapters and permission documents, how to handle reused tables/figures during revisions, and what to do if authors are unavailable during production and copyediting.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Publishing Process

Contracts, Paperwork, and Credentials

Permissions

Production/Copyediting Process

Postproduction and Book Release

Frequently Asked Questions for Book Chapter Authors Publishing Process How long does the entire publishing process take? In total, expect about two years from the time you begin writing until the book is published. This can be longer or shorter based on author and editor adherence to deadlines, length of manuscript, and completeness of final submission. If you have questions regarding the status of the project during the publishing process, please contact Dave Burns ([dburns@ons.org](dburns@ons.org) ; 412-859-6306). Contracts, Paperwork, and Credentials Why do I need to complete W-9 and Conflict of Interest forms? The W-9 form is necessary to process payment for your work. The Conflict of Interest form enables us to compile relevant information that needs to be disclosed to readers in the book’s front matter. Can I add a coauthor to my chapter after I’ve signed my contract? If you have already signed your contract and wish to add an author, please contact your editor. They will evaluate the addition and communicate any authorship changes to ONS; if the coauthor is approved, ONS has the right to assign a coauthor to the chapter and will develop a revised contract. Please note that once the deadline to submit the chapter to your editor has passed, authors cannot be added. ONS does not limit the number of authors listed on a chapter; however, each author should have participated sufficiently in manuscript preparation. Contributors, such as those who provide technical help or general support, should be listed in an acknowledgment. Where do I send my chapter? Send your completed chapter and any graphics and required permissions directly to your editor. If your book has multiple editors and you’re unsure which one should get your chapter, please contact Dave Burns. How should I present my credentials? ONS recommends following the preferred order of the American Nurses Association/American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANA/ANCC) for listing credentials: • Highest earned degree (e.g., PhD, MSN, BS) • Licensure (e.g., RN, LPN) • State designations or requirements (e.g., APRN, CNS) • National certifications (e.g., ANCC, RN-BC) • Awards and honors (e.g., FAAN) • Other recognitions (e.g., EMT-Basic/EMT) More information on displaying credentials in the proper order can be found here. Credentials may be subject to editing for style and length in ONS publications. Permissions Do I have to get permission to reprint or modify tables or figures from other sources I want to use in my chapter? As your contract outlines, authors are responsible for obtaining permission toreprint or modify (adapt) tables or figures published elsewhere, whether in print or online. Permission must include print and e-book use. If my chapter is a revision, do I still need permission to use tables or figures from other sources published in the previous edition? Yes, even if you had permission for a previous edition, you need to get permission fora new edition. How do I obtain permission to use material from other sources? • For print materials, check the publisher’s website, which often will include information about requesting permission. You may be redirected to RightsLink, a website where you can quickly and easily submit permission requests directly to publishers. See the Requesting Permission to Reprint document for more detailed information. • For online materials, check the site for information regarding copyright and how to obtain permission. Contact Dave Burns ([dburns@ons.org](dburns@ons.org)) if you have questions. • Authors are responsible for any fees associated with a permission request. Where do I send copyright permissions? Permission documents should be sent to your editor with your chapter. Please do not send them to ONS. A table or figure in my manuscript is original, but I was asked to provide permission when my manuscript entered production. What do I do? If we cannot definitively de

FAQs

How long does the book publishing process take for a chapter author?

Expect about two years from when writing begins until the book is published. Timing can vary depending on adherence to deadlines, manuscript length, and the completeness of the final submission.

Why must authors complete the W-9 and Conflict of Interest forms?

The W-9 is required to process payment for the work. The Conflict of Interest form supports compiling information disclosed in the book’s front matter.

Do authors still need permission when revising a chapter for a new edition?

Yes. Even if permission was granted for a previous edition, permission must be obtained again for a new edition.

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Nguyễn Văn Học