What to Do When You Are Asked to Write a Chapter

Abstract

When you receive an invitation to contribute a chapter or section of a book, allow yourself 10 minutes to feel flattered. Then, read the letter again and try to figure out exactly what the editor or senior author wants you to do. Most invitation letters are rather vague because, for understandable reasons, the inviting editor does not want to give away too much information about the project before gaining a prospective author’s agreement to participate. Before you answer the invitation, ask yourself a few specific questions and try to answer them honestly.