E-book Criteria

Step 1: Initial Proposal 

Project Sponsor must submit to the Publications Chair, with copies to the Forum Chair and Forum Chair-Elect, the following information:

• Topic Scope: A written description of the subject matter of the proposed book, outlining, in general terms, the subjects to be covered by the book.
• Target Audience: A description of the specific market(s) at which this book would be aimed.
• Book Format: A description of whether the book would be a treatise, deskbook, monograph, etc.; whether the book would contain extensive illustrations, drawings, pictures; whether the book would be updated on a periodic basis; and if so, the planned frequency of updating.
• Market Analysis: The Project Sponsor must determine what other publications exist in the market addressing the same or similar topics, and include a listing of the publications, their publishers, primary authors/editors, and copyright date. For publications which are regularly updated, the description should also state the frequency of updating and the date of the most recent up-date. In addition, copies of the Tables of Contents of each publication must be submitted as well.
• Project Sponsor: A description of the primary authors/editors, and a statement of whether one or more Forum Divisions are sponsoring the project.

Step 2: Publications Committee / Governing Committee Go-Ahead 

The decision of whether the Forum will support the proposed publication project will first be considered by the Publications Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Governing Committee. For projects which receive the support of the Publications Committee, the recommendation to the Governing Committee will include the proposed assignment of a Publications Committee Liaison for the project. Upon consideration, the Governing Committee will decide whether to give the Project Sponsors approval to proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Further Project Development 

Assuming the Governing Committee gives its initial approval to the project, the Publications Committee Liaison shall work with the Project Sponsor(s) to prepare the following:

• a detailed Outline / Table of Contents for the publication, including both chapter and subchapter headings;
• a listing of proposed authors for each segment of the publication; and
• a realistic schedule for the writing and editing of the publication.

These materials shall be submitted by the Publications Committee Liaison to the Publications Chair, with copies to the Forum Chair and Forum Chair-Elect.

Step 4: Final Go-Ahead 

Again, the project will be considered by the Publications Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Governing Committee regarding whether to proceed. Upon consideration, the Governing Committee will decide whether to give the Project Sponsors approval to proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: Writing, Editing, and Production 

Upon receipt of final approval by the Governing Committee, the Project Sponsor, with the assistance and guidance of the Publications Committee Liaison, shall proceed with the writing and editing of the publication, in accordance with the approved production schedule. The Liaison shall keep the Publications Chair of any slippage in the schedule, so that production and marketing issues can be tracked. As the writing and editing proceeds, the Project Sponsors, Liaison, and Publications Chair shall work with ABA staff to develop:

• a Marketing Plan, including brochure copy and identification of mailing lists to be utilized for marketing;
• Pricing; and
• Cover and Brochure designs.

If appropriate, the Publications Chair will also work with ABA staff to investigate whether printing and order fulfillment should be done through ABA Publications, or other alternative sources. Upon completion of the manuscript, the Publications Chair and Liaison will work with ABA Staff to (a) produce a galley proof for review by the Liaison and Project Sponsors, (b) put the final copy into production, and (c) launch and coordinate the marketing campaign.