Peer review

We have a rigorous peer review process at OBP. We invite prospective authors to submit their book proposal to our Managing Director, Dr Alessandra Tosi (a.tosi@openbookpublishers.com) using our Book Proposal Form. Proposals are carefully reviewed by Dr Tosi with the support of our editorial board and any relevant series boards. If the proposal is of interest, we will ask for the full manuscript and we will send this for external review by at least two experts in the field. We offer careful evaluation of any book proposal or sample material, and constructive advice throughout the period of publication.

The Review Process

Initial review: All submissions are first considered by the Managing Director to determine if they are suitable, in consultation with others, including members of the Editorial Board, as necessary.

Assignment: Having determined suitability, the Managing Director informs the Board of Directors of this and is responsible for sending the complete, or near-complete, book manuscript to at least two recognized experts for review.

Peer review: Referees are asked to consider the following: (1) overall quality; (2) originality (its contribution to the field); (3) academic standards; and (4) success of synthesis between areas for those submissions purporting to be interdisciplinary. We are also interested in comments on whether the manuscript provides balanced coverage of the topic in terms of race, gender and fair representation more generally. Referees will recommend one of the following options: (1) accept outright for immediate publication; (2) accept subject to minor modification; (3) accept subject to major modification; (4) reject outright. Referees are asked to submit reports within 2-3 months where possible.

Revision: Authors will usually be sent anonymised copies of referee comments. However, after we have made a decision about publication, we do invite our referees, if they wish, to make their name available to the author and the wider community. If they agree, the referee feedback is passed on with their name attached, and they are credited in the book for their work. Authors are responsible for considering the referee's suggestions and ensuring that necessary amendments are carried out.

Recommendation: Revised manuscripts may be returned to referees or may be reassessed solely by the Managing Director (having reference to the review and recommendations by the referees). Based on referee reports and her own assessment, the Managing Director will make a recommendation on publication to the Board of Directors, which has final responsibility for each decision on each submission. The author will then be informed of this decision by the Managing Director.

Our referees

If our referees wish to make their name available to the author and the wider community, we pass their name to the author with their feedback, and we credit them in the book they have refereed. Since May 2025, we have also begun recording their names here on our website. Whether they choose to be named or prefer to remain anonymous, we are very grateful to the generous and invaluable contributions of our referees, who give their time and expertise freely to help ensure the academic rigour of our books.