Standardization News

Consider Whether You Too Might Become an ASTM Book Author or Editor

The only comprehensive resource of its kind, Richard Kuntze's Manual 67, Gypsum: Connecting Science and Technology, bridges the gap in the literature between academic papers and applications.

Manual 18, Moisture Control in Buildings: The Key Factor in Mold Prevention, 2nd Edition, focuses on the major issues involved in the process of moisture-resistive construction (for more on this work, see page 70).Monograph 5, Black Box Data from Accident Vehicles: Methods of Retrieval, Translation and Interpretation, by William Rosenbluth, introduces detailed methods of analyzing information from automobile data recorders.

Like these authors, you too can combine your expertise with ASTM International's experience and reputation to publish your work, reach a large audience, add information to your field and gain professional authority on a particular subject.Perhaps you have an idea for a practical reference that could benefit your field, or you know a group of experts who would contribute chapters to a comprehensive work on a topic not currently covered. If these possibilities bring ideas to your mind, consider publishing with ASTM International. Does your idea or existing manuscript fall into one of these formats?

Manuals - Practical books offering hands-on, applied information with useful advice and detailed references for additional information, manuals may offer details on how ASTM International standards were developed and why as well as tips for using the standards.Monographs - Resources for specialists that cover highly technical topics, such as the automotive black box work, monographs focus on specific aspects of a larger topic or niche subjects; such works often offer valuable theory in one focused area to a technically sophisticated audience.Data Series - Detailed references for specific applications and compiled data, data series usually also include explanatory text.If you are interested in writing or editing an ASTM publication, your first step is to write a proposal, which compiles author qualifications, topic scope, estimated schedule, audience description, project strengths and any special features. A good proposal will help keep you focused while writing or editing the publication.Once you complete a proposal, ASTM International will coordinate its analysis and review. If you and ASTM proceed to an agreement, which includes compensation, staff will provide schedule reminders, confidential peer review, copyediting, publication design and marketing. Published work will be listed in the ASTM Standards and Engineering Digital Library, which counts libraries worldwide among its subscribers.

Each potential book project presents a unique opportunity, but the mechanism to publish that unique work is a well-oiled machine. Consider starting today.To learn more about publishing with ASTM International, please contact Kathy Dernoga, managing editor, ASTM International (610-832-9617; kdernoga@astm.org).