Editing Encyclopedias for Fun and Aggravation

Publishing Research Quarterly, Vol. 25, No. 3, 2009, pp. 159-169.

11 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2014 Last revised: 11 Jul 2014

See all articles by Jeffrey Ian Ross

Jeffrey Ian Ross

University of Baltimore - School of Law

Frank Shanty

Cobra Institute

Date Written: August 1, 2009

Abstract

This collaborative, retrospective autoethnography begins by offering an overview of the encyclopedias with which we have been involved, as both contributors and consulting editors, over the past decade. We then review our strategies for recruiting authors and maintaining their interest to ensure the highest quality entries; it also covers the mechanics of processing these entries. Next, we discuss the actual and perceived benefits of editing an encyclopedia, the most significant issues we encountered, and our solutions. Finally, we contextualize the previous information in light of recent changes in the scholarly publishing industry.

Keywords: book-editing, book publishing, contributors, encyclopedia, entries, HNET, online publishing, plagiarism, remuneration, research, scholarly publishing, Wikipedia, word counts

JEL Classification: L82, L86, L89

Suggested Citation

Ross, Jeffrey Ian and Shanty, Frank, Editing Encyclopedias for Fun and Aggravation (August 1, 2009). Publishing Research Quarterly, Vol. 25, No. 3, 2009, pp. 159-169., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2425721 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2425721

Jeffrey Ian Ross (Contact Author)

University of Baltimore - School of Law ( email )

1420 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
United States

Frank Shanty

Cobra Institute

P.O. Box 338
Abingdon, MD 21009
United States

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