Scholarly book publishing practice: The ALPSP survey findings

Abstract

In summer 2009 ALPSP undertook the first industry-wide survey into scholarly book publishing practice. This article covers the key findings and attempts to describe the current scholarly book and e-book publishing landscape. Publishers' development of e-books varies considerably from early experimentation to being a standard component of their publishing programme. However, publishers of all shapes and sizes have developed some common policies and practices despite the rapid evolution of an emerging element of scholarly publishing. E-books currently make up a small, if growing, proportion of total book sales, although they are currently one of the most talked about developments in the entire publishing industry. © Laura Cox 2010.