OMP Author FAQ: Common Questions Answered
On this page
This FAQ addresses the most common questions authors have when submitting and managing their book manuscripts in Open Monograph Press (OMP). Whether you’re a first-time author or experienced academic writer, these answers will help you navigate the submission and publication process.
Getting Started
What is OMP?
Open Monograph Press (OMP) is free, open-source software used by scholarly presses to manage book submissions, peer review, and publication. It’s developed by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP), the same organization behind Open Journal Systems (OJS).
If a press uses OMP, you’ll submit your manuscript through their OMP-powered website and track its progress through the editorial workflow.
How do I create an account?
- Go to the press website
- Click Register (usually in top navigation)
- Fill in your details:
- Name
- Email address
- Affiliation
- Country
- Username and password
- Ensure Author role is selected
- Click Register
- Check your email for verification (if required)
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
- Go to the press login page
- Click Forgot your password?
- Enter your email address
- Check your email for a reset link
- Click the link and create a new password
Can I have multiple accounts?
No, you should have only one account per press. If you have multiple accounts, contact the press to merge them. Duplicate accounts create confusion in the editorial process.
Submission Questions
What types of books can I submit?
OMP supports two main submission types:
Monograph: A single-author book (or book with co-authors who share credit for all chapters).
Edited Volume: A collection of chapters by different authors, organized by a volume editor.
Check the press submission guidelines for specific requirements about content, length, and subject areas.
What file formats are accepted?
Most presses accept:
- Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) — preferred for editing
- PDF — for formatted documents
- RTF — Rich Text Format
For images:
- JPEG, PNG, TIFF — high resolution preferred
Check the press author guidelines for specific requirements.
How large can my files be?
File size limits vary by press. If your upload fails:
- Compress images within your document
- Split large files into chapters
- Contact the press about alternative submission methods
Should I submit one file or separate chapter files?
For Monographs:
Usually one complete manuscript file is preferred, though you may upload figures separately.
For Edited Volumes:
You can submit either:
- One complete manuscript file
- Separate chapter files (useful for associating different authors with each chapter)
Check press guidelines for their preference.
How do I add co-authors or chapter authors?
During submission:
- In the Metadata step, go to Contributors
- Click Add Contributor
- Enter co-author details
- Select their role (Author, Chapter Author, etc.)
- Repeat for each contributor
For edited volumes with chapter authors:
- Add chapters in the Chapters step
- Within each chapter, add chapter-specific authors
What metadata do I need to provide?
Required typically:
- Book title
- Abstract (150-300 words)
- Keywords (5-10 terms)
- Author/contributor information
Often requested:
- Chapter information (for edited volumes)
- Subject categories
- Series (if applicable)
Complete metadata helps readers discover your book.
What if I make a mistake during submission?
Before submitting, you can go back to any step and make corrections.
After submitting, contact the editor to request changes. Use the Discussion feature in your submission or email the editor directly.
Can I submit to multiple presses simultaneously?
This depends on each press’s policy. Many academic presses prohibit simultaneous submissions. Check the press submission guidelines before submitting elsewhere.
I submitted but haven’t heard anything. What should I do?
Normal timeline:
- Acknowledgment email: Within 24-48 hours
- Initial decision: 2-8 weeks
- Peer review: 2-6 months
If you haven’t heard back:
- Check your spam folder
- Log in to check submission status
- After 2-3 weeks, send a polite inquiry via Discussion
Tracking Your Submission
How do I check my submission status?
- Log in to the press website
- Go to your Dashboard
- Click Submissions or My Submissions
- View your submission status
What do the different stages mean?
Submission: Your manuscript has been received and is awaiting editorial assessment.
Internal Review: Press editors are evaluating whether to proceed with peer review.
External Review: Your manuscript is being evaluated by peer reviewers.
Copyediting: Your accepted manuscript is being edited for language and style.
Production: Final publication files are being created.
Published: Your book is live in the press catalog.
How long does the review process take?
Timelines vary significantly:
- Initial assessment: 2-8 weeks
- Peer review: 2-6 months
- Revisions: Depends on extent of changes
- Production: 2-8 weeks
Total time from submission to publication: 6-18 months typically.
Can I withdraw my submission?
Yes, you can request withdrawal at any stage before publication:
- Open your submission
- Start a Discussion with the editor
- Formally request withdrawal
- Wait for confirmation
Note: Withdrawal after reviews wastes reviewer time—only withdraw if truly necessary.
Revisions and Resubmission
What does “Revisions Required” mean?
The editor is asking you to modify your manuscript based on feedback. This is common and doesn’t mean rejection.
Types of revisions:
- Minor revisions: Small changes, no re-review needed
- Major revisions: Substantial changes, may go back to reviewers
How do I submit revisions?
- Log in and open your submission
- Download reviewer comments from Discussions or Review panel
- Make requested changes to your manuscript
- Log back in to OMP
- Navigate to the appropriate stage
- Upload your revised manuscript:
- Click Upload File in the Revisions panel
- Select your revised document
- Label it clearly (e.g., “Revised Manuscript – March 2024”)
- Respond to the editor via Discussion explaining your changes
Should I respond to every reviewer comment?
Yes. Create a response document that:
- Lists each reviewer comment
- Explains how you addressed it
- Notes page/line numbers of changes
- Explains if you disagreed and why
Upload this as a supplementary file.
What if I disagree with reviewer feedback?
You don’t have to accept every suggestion. In your response:
- Acknowledge the reviewer’s point
- Explain your reasoning for disagreeing
- Provide evidence or rationale
- Be professional and respectful
The editor makes final decisions about required changes.
How many rounds of revision might there be?
Most manuscripts require 1-2 rounds. If extensive revision is needed:
- First round: Major revisions
- Second round: Minor adjustments
- Rarely: Third round if significant issues remain
During Production
What happens after my book is accepted?
After acceptance, your manuscript enters:
- Copyediting: Language editing for grammar, style, and consistency
- Author review: You review copyedits for accuracy
- Production: Conversion to PDF, EPUB, and other formats
- Proofreading: Final check of formatted files
- Publication: Book goes live in catalog
Will I see copyedits before publication?
Usually yes. The editor will send you the copyedited manuscript to:
- Review changes for accuracy
- Answer copyeditor queries
- Approve the edited version
Respond promptly—delays affect your publication timeline.
What are galleys/proofs?
Galleys (or proofs) are the final formatted versions of your book before publication. You’ll review them for:
- Formatting errors
- Missing content
- Image quality
- Typos missed in copyediting
This is your last chance to catch errors.
How do I submit proofreading corrections?
When you receive proofs:
- Review carefully (print if possible)
- Note corrections with page numbers
- Respond via Discussion or as instructed
- Make only essential corrections (not new content)
- Meet the deadline—delays affect publication
Can I make major changes during proofing?
No. Proofing is for error correction only. Major changes:
- Delay publication
- Require re-layout
- May incur costs
Address substantive changes during revision, not production.
After Publication
How do I access my published book?
- Go to the press website
- Navigate to the catalog
- Find your book (search or browse)
- Access publication formats (PDF, EPUB, etc.)
Or use the direct link provided by the press.
Will I receive printed copies?
This depends on press policy. Many OMP presses are digital-only. Ask your editor about:
- Author copies
- Print-on-demand options
- Purchase discounts
Can I share my book openly?
Check your publishing agreement for:
- Self-archiving rights
- Repository deposits
- Personal website sharing
- Social media sharing
Many open-access presses allow wide sharing. Subscription presses may have restrictions.
What if I find an error after publication?
Contact the editor immediately:
- Open your submission in OMP
- Start a Discussion
- Describe the error and location
- Request correction
For minor errors:
The press may issue a corrected file.
For significant errors:
A new version may be published with correction notice.
How do I track downloads and views?
OMP tracks usage statistics. You may be able to:
- View stats in your Dashboard (if enabled)
- Request reports from the press
- Access public statistics (if displayed)
Ask your editor about available metrics.
Will my book be indexed?
Indexing depends on press setup. Common indexing includes:
- Google Scholar: Usually automatic
- DOAB: If press is registered
- Library catalogs: Via ONIX distribution
- WorldCat: Via library holdings
Ask your press about their indexing and distribution channels.
Technical Issues
I can’t upload my file. What should I do?
Try these solutions:
- Check file size (may be too large)
- Try a different browser
- Clear browser cache
- Save in different format
- Compress images in document
- Contact press technical support
The website is slow or not responding.
- Wait a few minutes and try again
- Check your internet connection
- Try a different browser
- Clear cache and cookies
- Contact the press if problem persists
I’m not receiving email notifications.
- Check spam/junk folders
- Add press email to contacts
- Verify your email address in profile
- Check email preferences in settings
- Contact press to verify email configuration
I can’t find my submission.
- Make sure you’re logged in
- Check you’re on the correct press website
- Look in all submission tabs (My Queue, Archives)
- Check if you used a different email to register
- Contact the press for assistance
Account and Profile
How do I update my contact information?
- Log in to the press
- Click your username (top right)
- Select Edit Profile or View Profile
- Update your information
- Click Save
Can I change my username?
Usually no. Usernames are typically permanent. Contact the press if you need a change for compelling reasons.
How do I add my ORCID?
- Go to your profile
- Find the ORCID field
- Enter your ORCID iD (format: 0000-0000-0000-0000)
- Save changes
If the press has ORCID integration, you may be able to authenticate directly.
I’m registered but can’t submit. Why?
You may not have the Author role:
- Go to your profile
- Check your roles
- If Author isn’t listed, register as an Author or contact the press
Policies and Rights
Who owns the copyright?
This varies by press. Common arrangements:
- Author retains copyright: You keep rights, grant license to publish
- Copyright transfer: Press owns copyright
- Shared copyright: Joint ownership
Check the press policies and your publishing agreement.
What license will my book have?
For open-access presses, common licenses include:
- CC BY: Attribution only, maximum reuse
- CC BY-NC: Attribution, non-commercial use
- CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution, non-commercial, no derivatives
Check press policies for licensing options.
Can I publish parts of my book elsewhere?
Check your agreement for:
- Pre-publication sharing (preprints)
- Post-publication adaptation
- Anthology inclusion
- Article derivation
When in doubt, ask your editor.
Can I include previously published material?
You must:
- Have rights to reuse the material
- Obtain permission if needed
- Properly cite/credit original publication
- Disclose to the press during submission
Previously published material may affect peer review and open-access status.
Quick Reference: Author Checklist
Before Submitting:
- [ ] Read press guidelines
- [ ] Prepare manuscript per requirements
- [ ] Format references correctly
- [ ] Prepare high-resolution images
- [ ] Complete all required metadata
During Submission:
- [ ] Choose correct submission type
- [ ] Upload all files
- [ ] Add all contributors
- [ ] Complete all metadata
- [ ] Review before final submit
After Submission:
- [ ] Save confirmation email
- [ ] Note your submission ID
- [ ] Monitor email for updates
- [ ] Check dashboard regularly
- [ ] Respond promptly to requests
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here:
- Check the press website’s author guidelines
- Contact the press editor via Discussion
- Email the press contact address
- Consult the PKP documentation
OMP Support from Altechmind
If your press needs help improving the author experience, streamlining submissions, or optimizing OMP, Altechmind Technologies provides comprehensive support services.
About This Guide
This FAQ is based on OMP 3.5. Features and interface may vary by press configuration. For official documentation, visit the PKP Documentation Hub.
Related Guides:
Last updated on March 27, 2026