OMP Monograph Submission: Complete Guide for Single-Author Books

This guide walks authors through the complete process of submitting a monograph (single-author book) in Open Monograph Press (OMP). Whether you’re submitting a research monograph, revised dissertation, or scholarly book, this step-by-step guide covers everything from preparation to submission.

What is a Monograph? #

A monograph is a scholarly book written by a single author or a consistent team of co-authors. Unlike edited volumes (collections of chapters by different authors), monographs present a unified argument or comprehensive treatment of a subject from a single authorial perspective.

Characteristics of Monographs:

• Single author or co-author team throughout
• Unified voice and argument
• All chapters attributed to the same author(s)
• Original scholarly contribution
• Typically 60,000-100,000 words

Common Types:

• Research monographs
• Revised dissertations
• Scholarly studies
• Theoretical works
• Historical accounts

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Part 1: Before You Submit #

Choosing the Right Press #

Before submitting, ensure the press is appropriate for your work:

Check the press website for:

• Subject areas and scope
• Types of books published
• Recent publications (are they similar to yours?)
• Open access vs. subscription model
• Author fees (if any)
• Typical publication timeline

Signs of a good fit:

• Press publishes in your field
• Your work aligns with their catalog
• Reputation matches your goals
• Terms are acceptable

Reviewing Submission Guidelines #

Carefully read the press’s author guidelines:

Look for requirements on:

• Manuscript length
• File format (Word, PDF, etc.)
• Formatting style
• Reference format (Chicago, APA, etc.)
• Image specifications
• Required sections (abstract, keywords, etc.)

Note any specific requirements:

• Blind review preparation
• Cover letter expectations
• Sample chapter options
• Proposal vs. full manuscript submission

Preparing Your Manuscript #

Manuscript Components:

Typical monograph structure:

1. Title page (may be removed for blind review)
2. Abstract
3. Table of contents
4. Acknowledgments (may be added later)
5. Introduction
6. Body chapters
7. Conclusion
8. Notes/Endnotes
9. Bibliography/References
10. Index (usually added in production)
11. Appendices (if applicable)

Formatting Basics:

• Standard font (Times New Roman, 12pt typically)
• Double-spaced text
• 1-inch margins
• Page numbers
• Chapter headings consistent
• References in required style

For Blind Review:

If the press uses anonymous review:

• Remove your name from document properties
• Remove self-citations or make anonymous
• Remove acknowledgments mentioning identifiable colleagues
• Replace identifying information with [AUTHOR]

Preparing Images and Figures #

Technical Requirements:

• High resolution (300 DPI for print)
• Appropriate format (TIFF, PNG, or high-quality JPEG)
• Clear and legible
• Properly labeled

Permissions:

For images you don’t own:

• Obtain written permission
• Document permission for press
• Prepare credits/acknowledgments
• Note any restrictions

Image Files:

You may submit images either:

• Embedded in manuscript (for review)
• As separate files (for production)

Check press preference.

Writing Your Abstract #

Your abstract is crucial for discovery. Write 150-300 words covering:

• Main argument or thesis
• Scope and approach
• Key findings or contributions
• Significance to the field
• Target audience

Effective Abstract Tips:

• Start with your main argument
• Avoid jargon (or explain it)
• Include searchable keywords
• Be specific about contribution
• Make it compelling

Selecting Keywords #

Keywords help readers find your book. Choose 5-10 terms:

Include:

• Subject area terms
• Methodological terms
• Geographic scope (if relevant)
• Time period (if relevant)
• Key concepts from your work

Good vs. Poor Keywords:

• ✓ “Victorian literature”
• ✓ “feminist literary criticism”
• ✓ “Charlotte Brontë”
• ✗ “books” (too broad)
• ✗ “interesting study” (not searchable)

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Part 2: Creating Your Account #

Registration #

1. Go to the press website
2. Click Register
3. Complete the registration form:

Required Information:

• Given name
• Family name
• Email address
• Affiliation (institution)
• Country
• Username
• Password

Optional but Recommended:

• ORCID iD (links your scholarly identity)
• Bio statement (for publication)
• Homepage URL

4. Select Author under registration role
5. Agree to privacy statement
6. Click Register

Email Verification #

Some presses require email verification:

1. Check your email inbox
2. Find verification message (check spam if needed)
3. Click verification link
4. Your account is now active

Logging In #

1. Go to press website
2. Click Login
3. Enter username and password
4. Click Login

You’ll arrive at your author dashboard.

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Part 3: Starting Your Submission #

Initiating Submission #

1. From your dashboard, click New Submission
2. The submission wizard opens

Step 1: Prepare #

Select Submission Type:

Choose Monograph for single-author books.

Important: This selection affects how OMP handles authorship. For monographs, all chapters share the same author(s).

Language:

If the press is multilingual, select your manuscript’s primary language.

Submission Requirements:

Read and check each item to confirm compliance:

• [ ] The submission has not been previously published
• [ ] The submission is not being considered elsewhere
• [ ] The file is in acceptable format
• [ ] Text follows style guidelines
• [ ] References are properly formatted
• [ ] (Other press-specific requirements)

You cannot proceed without checking all boxes.

Comments for the Editor:

Use this field to communicate important information:

• Special circumstances
• Suggested reviewers
• Prior contact with editors
• Funding information
• Conflict of interest declarations

Example:

“This manuscript developed from my dissertation at [University], which won the [Award]. I have previously corresponded with [Editor Name] about this project. I suggest [Expert Name] as a potential reviewer, though I request that [Name] not review due to a competing project.”

Privacy Consent:

Read and acknowledge the privacy statement.

Click Save and Continue.

Step 2: Upload Files #

Uploading Your Manuscript:

1. Click Upload File or drag your file into the upload area
2. In the popup:
   • Article Component: Select “Book Manuscript”
   • Review the filename
   • Add description if helpful
3. Click Continue
4. Review details
5. Click Complete

Uploading Additional Files:

Upload any supplementary materials:

• Figures: Select “Figure” component
• Tables: Select “Table” component
• Appendices: Select “Appendix” component
• Data files: Select appropriate component

For each file:

1. Click Upload File again
2. Select appropriate component
3. Complete upload

File Naming:

Use clear, descriptive names:

• ✓ Smith_Monograph_March2024.docx
• ✓ Figure_1_Map_of_Region.tif
• ✗ final_final_v3.doc

Uploaded Files List:

After uploading, review your files list:

• All files present?
• Correct components selected?
• Files open correctly?

Click Save and Continue.

Step 3: Metadata #

Title:

Enter your full book title.

• Use title case or style per press guidelines
• Include subtitle if applicable

Subtitle:

Enter subtitle in separate field if provided.

Example:

• Title: “The Digital Divide”
• Subtitle: “How Technology Shapes Social Inequality”

Abstract:

Paste your prepared abstract (150-300 words).

Check for:

• No formatting issues from copy/paste
• Complete and accurate
• Compelling opening

Contributors:

Adding Yourself:

1. Click Add Contributor
2. Enter your information:
   • Given name
   • Family name
   • Email
   • Affiliation
   • Country
   • ORCID (if available)
   • Bio statement
3. Select role: Author
4. Check Principal Contact (you’re the corresponding author)
5. Check Include in Browse Lists
6. Click Save

Adding Co-Authors (if applicable):

For co-authored monographs:

1. Click Add Contributor again
2. Enter co-author information
3. Select role: Author
4. Set Principal Contact for only one author
5. Click Save
6. Reorder authors by dragging if needed

Keywords:

Enter your prepared keywords:

1. Type a keyword
2. Press Enter or click Add
3. Repeat for each keyword
4. Add 5-10 relevant terms

Categories:

Select subject categories that apply to your book:

• Check all relevant categories
• Consider both primary and secondary subjects

Series:

If your book belongs to a press series:

1. Select from dropdown
2. Enter series position if known

If unsure, leave blank—editors can assign later.

Additional Metadata:

Complete any additional fields:

• Coverage (geographic, temporal)
• Type
• Source
• Rights information

Click Save and Continue.

Step 4: Confirmation #

Review your entire submission:

Check:

• [ ] Submission type is “Monograph”
• [ ] All files uploaded correctly
• [ ] Title and subtitle are accurate
• [ ] Abstract is complete
• [ ] All authors listed correctly
• [ ] Keywords are relevant
• [ ] Categories selected

Making Changes:

Click on any section heading (Prepare, Upload, Metadata) to return and edit.

Submitting:

When everything is correct:

1. Click Submit
2. Confirm in the popup dialog
3. Your submission is complete

Confirmation:

You’ll see a confirmation message and receive an email with:

• Submission confirmation
• Submission ID number
• What to expect next

Save this email for your records.

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Part 4: After Submission #

What Happens Next #

Typical Timeline:

1. Acknowledgment: 24-48 hours (automatic)
2. Initial assessment: 2-8 weeks
3. Peer review: 2-6 months
4. Decision: After reviews complete
5. Revisions: Timeline varies
6. Production: 2-4 months after acceptance

Possible Outcomes:

• Send to Review: Manuscript proceeds to peer review
• Request Revisions: Changes needed before review
• Decline: Manuscript doesn’t fit press (desk rejection)

Tracking Your Submission #

Checking Status:

1. Log in to the press
2. Go to your Dashboard
3. Find your submission under My Submissions
4. Click to view details

Status Indicators:

• Submission: Awaiting editorial review
• Internal Review: Being evaluated by press editors
• External Review: With peer reviewers
• Copyediting: Accepted and being edited
• Production: Being prepared for publication

Responding to Communications #

If contacted by editors:

1. Check your email regularly
2. Log in to view full discussions
3. Respond promptly (within 1-2 weeks)
4. Use the Discussion feature for formal responses

Common Requests:

• Additional information needed
• Preliminary revision requests
• Reviewer suggestion requests
• Timeline questions

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Part 5: The Review Process #

Internal Review #

Press editors evaluate whether your manuscript:

• Fits the press scope
• Meets quality standards
• Merits external peer review

Duration: 2-8 weeks typically

Possible Outcomes:

• Proceed to external review
• Request preliminary revisions
• Decline (scope mismatch or quality concerns)

External Peer Review #

What to Expect:

• 2-3 reviewers typically
• Anonymous review (usually)
• 2-4 months for reviews
• Detailed feedback

Review Criteria:

Reviewers assess:

• Originality and contribution
• Argument quality
• Research methodology
• Writing clarity
• Scholarly significance
• Suitability for audience

Receiving Your Decision #

Decision Types:

Accept: Rare for initial submission. Manuscript accepted as-is.

Minor Revisions: Small changes needed. No re-review.

Major Revisions: Substantial changes needed. May be re-reviewed.

Revise and Resubmit: Extensive revision required. Will be re-reviewed.

Decline: Manuscript rejected. May include feedback.

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Part 6: Revising Your Manuscript #

Understanding Feedback #

When you receive revision requests:

1. Download all reviewer comments
2. Read thoroughly before responding
3. Take time to process feedback
4. Create a revision plan

Types of Comments:

• Substantive (argument, evidence, structure)
• Stylistic (writing, clarity)
• Technical (formatting, citations)
• Specific (particular passages)
• General (overall impressions)

Creating Your Revision #

Approach:

1. Address all comments systematically
2. Make changes in your manuscript
3. Track your changes (use Track Changes if requested)
4. Document your responses

Response Document:

Create a point-by-point response:

REVIEWER 1

Comment 1: "The theoretical framework in Chapter 2 needs more development."

Response: I have expanded the theoretical discussion on pages 45-52, adding engagement with [Scholar]'s recent work and clarifying the relationship between X and Y.

Comment 2: "Citation needed for claim on page 78."

Response: Added citation to [Source], page 78.

[Continue for all comments]

REVIEWER 2

[Same format]

Submitting Revisions #

1. Log in and open your submission
2. Navigate to the appropriate stage
3. Find the Revisions panel
4. Click Upload File
5. Upload revised manuscript
6. Select “This is a revision of an existing file”
7. Complete upload
8. Upload response document as supplementary file
9. Notify editor via Discussion:

Example message:

“Dear [Editor],

I have uploaded my revised manuscript along with a detailed response to reviewers. I have addressed all reviewer comments as outlined in the response document. Key changes include [brief summary].

Thank you for the opportunity to revise.

Best regards, [Your name]”

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Part 7: Production and Publication #

After Acceptance #

Congratulations! After acceptance, your manuscript enters production:

Production Steps:

1. Copyediting
2. Author review of copyedits
3. Layout and typesetting
4. Proofreading
5. Publication

Reviewing Copyedits #

When you receive copyedits:

1. Download the copyedited manuscript
2. Review all changes carefully
3. Check that edits don’t change meaning
4. Answer any copyeditor queries
5. Return by deadline via Discussion

Focus on:

• Accuracy of changes
• Technical terms correctly handled
• Your intended meaning preserved
• All queries answered

Proofreading #

When you receive proofs:

1. Download PDF proofs
2. Read through completely
3. Check for errors only (not new revisions)
4. Note corrections with page numbers
5. Submit corrections by deadline

Common Issues to Catch:

• Typos and misspellings
• Missing or incorrect text
• Image quality and placement
• Table formatting
• Running headers
• Page numbers

Publication #

When your book is published:

• You receive notification
• Book appears in press catalog
• DOI becomes active (if assigned)
• Book is discoverable online

Post-Publication:

• Share your publication link
• Update your CV and profiles
• Promote through professional networks
• Deposit in institutional repository (if permitted)

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Troubleshooting #

Upload Problems #

File won’t upload:

• Check file size (may be too large)
• Try different format (convert to PDF)
• Clear browser cache
• Try different browser
• Contact press for assistance

Account Issues #

Can’t log in:

• Reset password
• Check username spelling
• Clear browser cache
• Contact press support

Not receiving emails:

• Check spam/junk folder
• Verify email address in profile
• Add press domain to safe senders

Submission Questions #

Not sure about something:

• Check author guidelines
• Contact press before submitting
• Use “Comments for Editor” field
• Start a Discussion after submission

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Checklist: Monograph Submission #

Before Submission:

• [ ] Manuscript complete and formatted
• [ ] References in required style
• [ ] Images high resolution with permissions
• [ ] Abstract written (150-300 words)
• [ ] Keywords selected (5-10)
• [ ] Author guidelines reviewed

During Submission:

• [ ] “Monograph” selected as type
• [ ] All requirements checked
• [ ] Manuscript file uploaded
• [ ] Supplementary files uploaded
• [ ] Title and abstract entered
• [ ] All authors added
• [ ] Keywords and categories selected

After Submission:

• [ ] Confirmation email received
• [ ] Submission ID saved
• [ ] Timeline expectations understood
• [ ] Email monitored for updates

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OMP Support from Altechmind #

If your press needs help improving the author submission experience or optimizing OMP workflows, Altechmind Technologies provides comprehensive support services.

Explore OMP Services →

Contact Us →

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About This Guide #

This guide is based on OMP 3.5. Interface elements may vary by press configuration. For official documentation, visit the PKP Documentation Hub.

Related Guides:

• OMP Book Publishing Guide: Complete Workflow
• OMP Author FAQ
• OMP Book Metadata: Best Practices for Discoverability