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
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: Suggested Citation