How new writers can get a book published by IMarEST
The challenges and possibilities faced by a new generation of maritime authors.
“Publishing a book is like launching a brand-new product in the market but without having engaged any industrial processes,” opens author Professor John Prousalidis.
Prousalidis is reflecting on the challenges that today's young writers face in the publishing industry – he himself has authored or co-authored five books, as well as many class-notes.
On his background, Prousalidis explains: “I have studied electrical engineering, but in the last 25 years I have been devoted to marine electrical engineering issues. I have also served as book reviewer as well as scientific consultant to maritime publications. Finally, in the last decade, I am a member of the IMarEST PSB (Publications Supervisory Board), being mostly responsible for the book publications of IMarEST.”
But in today's more competitive world, there are more difficulties for up-and-coming book writers. While – as Prousalidis says “the beginning of writing the text of a book is a major milestone” – maintaining the momentum can be more of an issue for those writing a book. “Having self-discipline and continuing to keep writing even when one is bored is also a challenge. Keeping the coherence of the contents can be another one.”
Once finished, Prousalidis says that the printed version in the writer's hands is: “Like getting a baby just born. By all means, it is an art like creating a painting, a sculpture.” However, it is the publisher who then takes over and looks after the rest.
Initial publication cost a challenge
“This can be covered (partially or fully) by a publisher helping the junior author to pave the first steps,” Prousalidis states. “Moreover, promoters of books (but also other goods) like Amazon can provide multiple ways of support from editing, printing or even up to advertising through their web applications addressed to big target groups and contribute to the successful outcome.”
With companies such as Amazon in mind, a more recent trend is the eBook, which can be downloaded to an electronic reader at the press of a button. But are they as popular as printed equivalents? Prousalidis says: “I do not think that eBooks have become popular at all.
“One key issue is that people who like reading books, they keep preferring the printed material, which has a specific feeling and smell, [as] it can be folded, thumbed, and, in general, treated on a more personified manner.
“The second issue is that the eBook requires a special electronic device, which is, of course, very light and handy, but, unlike other electronic applications, this has not been incorporated, at least up to date, into the mobile phones.”
When asked about advice for new writers, Prousalidis has some positive news and advice: “Currently, there are many publishers who are looking for authors and make specific campaigns to this end. It is not difficult to come across them.
“On the other hand, the perspective author must keep [themselves] focused on [their] target to attain [their] goal. Reading other books with the same or similar subject so that [they] get ideas of the contents, the way that the subject is covered, would certainly help.”
And on a last note, Prousalidis has some words for any potential authors seeking to use modern technology as a convenient short cut: “Within this context, I am closing with a wish that authors are not tempted to misuse AI and write their books using this new invention.”
IMarEST is looking for authors across its whole field of expertise, from marine mammals to naval engineering. If you think you have a book in you, reach out to [email protected] with a brief synopsis and someone can discuss its potential with you.
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Image: globe with bookshelves in the background; credit: Shutterstock.
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