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

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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]”

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)

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

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

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 →

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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