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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ Topics

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On Reprint Books (Special Issue Reprints/Topical Collection Reprints/Selections)

  • What are Reprints?

    A Reprint is a reproduction of a journal article or collection of articles.

    MDPI Books offers the opportunity to produce reproductions of articles previously published with MDPI in book format. Currently, we offer two types of Reprints:

    • Special Issue/Topical Collection/Topic/Proceedings Reprints and
    • Selections.

    Important: Reprints are not traditional 'books'. They are, however, assigned an ISBN and DOI and are freely available in our Library. Selections are not assigned an ISBN or DOI and are not stored in our Library.

  • What are the requirements for Special Issue/Topical Collection/Topic/Proceedings Reprints

    You can download the requirements for Reprints here: requirements-reprint-faq.pdf

  • What is the difference between Selections and Reprints?

    Reprints are a collections of articles from a journal and a specific Special Issue, Topical Collection, Topic or Proceedings. The Guest Editor can request the publication of closed Special Issue, Topical Collection, Topic or Proceedings in book format. Every Reprint is made available in open access format online and as a physical book via print-on-demand.

    Selections can, however, include any paper published with MDPI and are not necessarily related to one specific journal or Special Issue. They may be an interdisciplinary book, focused on a particular theme or an author collection.

    While Reprints always qualify for online publication with MDPI Books, Selections are direct-to-customer books. Selections are usually NOT published and distributed with an ISBN. This means distribution through sales platforms and online visibility (in our library) are usually not essential. We try to avoid publishing the same papers repeatedly in different books, which is why we cannot host Selections in our online library.

  • What are the benefits of Reprints?

    Reprints are a collection of previously published articles selected by a guest editor. With a Reprint, we can achieve higher visibility of the Special Issue, Topical Collection, Topic or Proceedings beyond the journal market. We distribute the publication worldwide with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and assign a DOI. The title information of Reprints is sent to international indexing databases and archives.

  • What are the benefits of Selections?

    Users can assemble Selections according to their specific needs and purposes:

    • To promote academic research via an author collection book
    • To bring together teaching resources
    • To create a yearbook with contributions from an institution
    • To produce handouts for conferences, symposiums, or meetings
  • Who can compile Reprints or Selections?

    Reprints can be compiled and requested by the respective Guest Editors. Only the GE can request the publication of such a Reprint via Book Builder Tool. Please always contact your managing editor before you compile your reprint.

    Selections can be compiled by anyone. The individual Selections can be downloaded, and print copies can be ordered after compilation (optional). Selections are usually NOT published and distributed with an ISBN.

  • Can we include additional material in the Reprint?

    The Guest Editor(s) can write a preface and biographical notes that can be added to the book’s front matter. Unfortunately, we cannot add additional articles from other Special Issues, from other journals, or from other publishers.

  • Can I submit a cover image for a Reprint? What are the image guidelines for the cover?

    Yes, a cover image can be submitted. The following criteria must be met:

    • A minimum resolution of 1180 × 1475 pixels is required;
    • A maximum size of 100 Mb is allowed;
    • Only photographs are permitted on Reprints covers. Images that contain computer-generated images and multi-picture cover images will not be accepted;
    • The copyright must be cleared. It is absolutely essential that you obtain permission to reproduce any work for which you do not hold the copyright. You will be asked to upload a ‘Permission Letter’.


    Please note that our design team will:

    • adapt the color to match that of the journal;
    • adapt the size and details to fit the cover; and
    • adapt the image to fit our corporate design.
  • Can I submit a cover image for a Selection?

    For Selections, it is not possible to submit a cover image. However, you can choose between a variety of designs and colors.

  • Can I request corrections to the whole Reprint?

    Please note that we cannot edit already published articles, and the content must therefore be the same as the published article on the journal webpage. We can only edit newly added content: description, preface, and/or biographical notes.

  • Is it necessary to obtain the consent of all authors?

    The consent of other authors is not necessarily required as the individual articles are licensed under CC BY. However, we encourage editors to inform the respective authors about the Reprint project to prevent misunderstandings.

  • How far in advance do I have to order a Reprint if I need it for a special occasion?

    Currently, Reprints should be ordered two (2) months in advance for a timely delivery. In case you need a book urgently, please also contact us directly at bookbuilder@mdpi.com.

  • When compiling my Reprint, an article is missing. What can I do?

    Please email us at bookbuilder@mdpi.com

  • After I ‘Request Publication’, what are the next steps?

    Your submission will be approved if everything is in order, i.e., complete biography and all of the articles compiled. It will then be sent to the English Editing Team and to the Graphic Design Team. Afterwards, your Reprint manuscript will be returned to you to proofread, and if desired, you can request minor changes. Once you are content with the manuscript, you can request that it be published via your dashboard in Book Builder. 

  • Can I change the title of the Reprint?

    We cannot change the title in the Reprint. If desired, you need to request the change with the journal so they can change the original title. 

  • Can I add pictures of the Guest Editors in the Reprint?

    We do not add pictures of Guest Editors in the Reprint.

  • Can I change the color of the Reprint cover?

    The Reprint cover will be in the color of the respective journal.

  • Can I add an Editorial?

    Your Editorial has to be *submitted and published* in the journal first, and we can then add it in the Reprint. Please submit it as a regular submission. Alternatively, you can write a preface. It is possible to add both, an editorial and a preface. 

  • What do I write in a preface?

    A preface is written by the editor of the book and should inform the reader what they are about to read. It also serves as an explanation or justification of why the Reprint exists. The preface does not belong to the body of the Reprint and is a separate part in the beginning before the actual content of the Reprint.

  • I want to translate a Special Issue. What are the requirements?

    In order to translate the Reprint, you have to give proper credit to the authors of all the articles. Moreover, it is advisable to get permission from the authors first before translating the Reprint. There are no further requirements.

  • What is a permission letter for?

    A permission letter is needed if you wish to add an image to a Reprint cover for which you do not hold the necessary copyrights. It is very important that you obtain permission first. If you submit a cover image proposal, you must also submit the corresponding confirmation. 

  • What does it cost to produce a Reprint/Selection?

    The compilation service is free of charge for both Reprints and Selections.

On Open Access and Open Access Books

  • What is open access?

    Open access is a publishing model for scholarly communication where:

    • research is freely available to the reader without subscription or price barriers, and
    • literature is immediately released without an embargo period.
  • Are there different kinds of open access?

    Yes, there are several types of open access, including:

    • Gold OA
    • Green OA
    • Delayed Open Access
    • Hybrid
    • Bronze OA
    • Gratis OA
    • Libre OA
    • Diamond OA

     

    At MDPI Books, we publish our books as Gold OA, with no embargo period of 6 to 24 months, as opposed to Green OA, a popular choice by other publishers. With Gold OA, the final published versions of articles are permanently and freely available worldwide under an open access license (Creative Commons license) immediately upon publication by the publisher. Gold OA operates without any pay- or timewall for the reader. Publications are usually paid for by authors/editors, their institutions, or funds that support open access publications. Open access publication is supported by the authors' institutes or research funding agencies by payment of a comparatively low processing charge (BPC/CPC/APC) for accepted manuscripts.

  • Does open access lead to a loss of quality and prestige?

    Open access does not result in a lack of quality. Open access publishers basically have the same quality controls as non-open access publishers, from editorial processes (such as pre-check, peer review, revision, editor decision) to production processes (layout, English editing, figure editing).

    MDPI Books pays close attention to the quality of its published manuscripts, we value our contributors’ efforts in publishing their research and findings, and we aim to add quality contributions to the academic discourses of any discipline. 

    Prestige is a different matter and can differ between disciplines but, in any case, most publishers prioritize the quality of research over their prestige or brand.

  • Does open access mean the end of print?

    Print can coexist with open access; even ‘fully’ open access publishers also produce print copies and consider them equally important as online versions.

    At MDPI Books, we also recognize the value of print copies, and our authors and editors receive complimentary copies of their published books. Furthermore, we send print copies to conferences as well as libraries, and a copy of each of our books is held in the Swiss National Library.

    Print copies are available for purchase from our library.

  • What are the benefits of open access for books?

    Publishing your book in open access form means high availability and visibility as well as wide sharing—and, therefore, increased citations—without limitations. Anyone from anywhere with access to an internet connection can read your publication. No paywall hinders readers from accessing your research and insights. Furthermore, open access opens up academia, research, and knowledge while breaking down hierarchies associated with gaining knowledge. 

  • How does an open access book differ from an open access journal article?

    Whereas academic journals publish the very latest research according to their subject area, academic books are more of an invitation to pause for a moment and reflect. This reflection may take the form of an extensive discussion in short-form or a full-length monograph, including doctoral theses from all fields, or it can take place as an academic conversation with other experts within edited volumes. These may be academics from different disciplines, students, or interested members of the public.

    Furthermore, it allows alternative needs of the journal to be met. An open access book allows the authors/editors to expand on their thoughts and findings beyond a 20–30 page limit. Open Access Books thus allow us to serve all publication needs authors and editors may have.

On the MDPI Books Program

  • What types of books do you publish? What is the scope of MDPI Books?

    Open Access Books are books containing articles describing original research that have not previously been published in a journal. We currently accept the following book types:

     

    Multi-author books/Edited books:

    Edited books contain chapters usually written by different authors who are experts in their field. The chapters in an edited volume are original works (not republished works). One or more editors are responsible for the book as a whole.

    Edited volumes present different viewpoints and experiences on a common theme.

     

    Monographs:

    Comprehensive/In-depth contribution to a single scholarly subject, or an aspect of a subject, written by a single or small group of authors.

    We accept both short-form (70–110 pages) or full-length monographs.

    This also includes PhD monographs based on doctoral theses from all fields.

     

    Textbooks:

    A textbook contains a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining this branch or a particular sub-branch. It contains detailed information about a subject for people studying that subject.

     

    Project Reports:

    A project report is the formalized recording of project progress and project results.

     

    Book Series:

    Book series are series of Original Open Access Books covering the same subject area.

     

     

    MDPI Books offers academic authors the possibility to publish their work in various book forms.

    Whereas academic journals publish the very latest research according to their subject area, academic books are more an invitation to pause and reflect. This reflection may take the form of an extensive discussion in short-form or a full-length monograph, or it can take place as an academic conversation with other experts within edited books. The latter, in particular, provides an opportunity for inter- and transdisciplinary exchange between or beyond different academic disciplines, respectively—the kind of exchange called for in view of the complex challenges we face today and in the future. A book chapter in an edited book allows you to directly engage in a specific academic discussion.

    The nexus of science, other modes of knowledge, and their orientation toward a sustainable future lie especially near to the heart of MDPI Books—as reflected, e.g., in our book series. Book series are particularly well-suited for continuously recording scholarly endeavors regarding a particular question.

    In addition, MDPI Books publishes Reprints (such as Special Issue/Topical Collection/Topic/Proceeding Reprints). Selections are usually not published.

     

     

  • Which languages do you accept for publication?

    MDPI’s books are generally published in English.

On Publishing Proposal

On Manuscript Formatting

  • In what formats do you publish books?

    Your book will be published on the MDPI Books platform in PDF format, where it will be freely available to download and read. Additionally, hardback copies can be ordered from the webpage of the book via a print-on-demand service.

     

  • In what format do I have to submit my manuscript? Do you have book/chapter formatting templates available?

    The manuscript preparation guidelines and a template file for preparing your manuscript for submission in MDPI Books, as well as other supporting documents, can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/books/publish_with_us

  • What reference style do I need to use in my manuscript?

    We use two reference styles in our manuscripts, the MDPI ACS (American Chemical Society) or MDPI Chicago style, depending on authors’ or editors’ requirements. Within an edited book, the same reference style must be used.

    https://www.mdpi.com/authors/references

  • Does MDPI provide support with the manuscript formatting?

    Our in-house assistant editors provide support during the whole manuscript process, which includes manuscript formatting. The extent to which support can be provided depends on the agreements made in the respective contract. 

    Basic Formatting and Typesetting will be applied if the MDPI Books template was used and only minimal formatting is required. Regular edit of layout and a reference check is included.

    Comprehensive Formatting and Typesetting include major adjustments to formatting and references/sources.

    Full Reformatting is needed if the manuscript is not submitted in an MDPI-approved format (Microsoft Word or LaTeX) and must be formatted from scratch.

  • Can I request individual formatting and layout for my book?

    At MDPI Books, we aim to be flexible with setting up the book, and this includes the formatting and layout of the book. We are happy to discuss any visions that you may have for your book to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome of the publication. However, we do recommend that you use our manuscript preparation guidelines in order to keep the publication process as rapid and simple as possible. Please also note that highly individualized formatting and layout come at an extra charge. Please discuss any specific wishes with us when you submit your book proposal.

On Book / Chapter Submission

  • Where can I submit my book manuscript?

    Once your monograph is ready for submission, please register and sign up to our submission system B-JAMS (https://mdpibooks.jams.pub/). Manuscripts should always be submitted online through B-JAMS. Here, you can select ‘Submit Book Manuscript’.

  • Where can I submit my chapter manuscript?

    If you would like to submit a chapter or a chapter abstract to an open edited book, please see our ongoing edited books and submit online. To submit a book chapter for a specific edited book, you will need to register with our submissions system B-JAMS (https://mdpibooks.jams.pub/). Here, you can select ‘Submit Book Chapter’ or ‘Submit Abstract’. Once you have selected ‘Submit Book Chapter’or ‘Submit Abstract’ you can choose the specific edited book for which you would like to submit your chapter or chapter abstract.

  • What information do I have to provide when submitting my manuscript?

    The required information when submitting your book manuscript is as follows:

    • Title
    • Subtitle (If applicable) 
    • Keywords
    • Subject
    • Description (Brief content and scope description/Target audience/What is your approach?)
    • Key Features (What are the particular benefits of your project compared to existing work? What are the key benefits for readers? If you wish to contribute to a book series, please state why it is relevant to the series.)
    • Outline of the individual chapters (Please provide a logical structure of your project by outlining the main topics to be covered in each chapter, including the main references.)
    • Referees (Potential referees with the appropriate expertise—3 topic-relevant publications in the last 5 years—to review the manuscript and their detailed contact information.)
    • Publication History (Please provide detailed information if the content of the proposed book, or part of it, has been submitted or published elsewhere. If another publisher has rejected it, please state the issues raised and how you addressed them.)
    • Word Count
    • Number of Authors
    • Status of Manuscript (Final manuscript/Draft)
    • Author Information

On Production

  • Which production steps does my manuscript go through?

    For all manuscripts that are accepted for publication with MDPI Books, the Editorial Office carries out production, consisting of formatting and typesetting, language editing, cover design, figure editing (if requested), creating a book index (if requested), and conversion to a machine-readable XML format.

  • What happens after my manuscript has been submitted?

    To ensure the best possible service, we provide personal support throughout the entire production process. Immediately after submission, our Editorial staff will conduct the initial check and get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.

  • How long will the individual production steps take?

    Basic formatting for chapters: 1–2 working days

    Basic formatting for books: 3 working days

    Comprehensive formatting for chapters: 2–3 working days

    Comprehensive formatting for books: 6 working days

    Full Reformatting for books: depends on the publication project and will be estimated upon manuscript submission

     

    Standard English Edit for chapters: 1–2 working days

    Standard English Edit for books: 5 working days

    Extensive Edit for chapters: 3–4 working days

    Extensive Edit for books: 7 working days

    Specialist Edit for chapters: depends on the publication project and will be estimated upon manuscript submission (ca. 6 working days)

    Specialist Edit for books: depends on the publication project and will be estimated upon manuscript submission (ca. 10 working days)

     

    Cover Design: ca. 3 weeks from request to drafts. However, this will be done in parallel with the other production steps.

     

    Creating Book Index: 3–4 weeks

     

    Conversion for chapters: 2–3 working days

    Conversion for books: 4–7 working days

  • Will my book get a book index?

    Whenever requested, we can add a book index to your book. Book indexes are not automatically added to the book but can be added to the back of the book whenever requested. The book index will come at an extra cost, based on the number of pages in the book. Generally, we do recommend incorporating a book index in academic books as this helps readers to determine the essence of the book quickly in addition to helping them find the information they may need.

  • Who decides the cover of a book? Do authors/editors have a say in the covers of their books?

    We work closely together with the authors and editors of a book to determine the design of the book cover. Therefore, please do send us any ideas, visions, or graphics you may have for the cover of your book. Our design team will then take this into account and generate drafts from which you can choose.

  • Can I include videos, images, or sound files?

    Elements such as conference slides, video sequences, and software can be included with the submission and published as supplementary online material. Videos, images, or sound files relevant to the book publication may also be added to the book webpage.

  • How and in what format do I have to submit illustrations?

    Figures must be included in the manuscript file and, additionally, provided in a single zip archive at a sufficiently high resolution (minimum 1000 pixels width/height or a resolution of 300 dpi or higher). Common formats such as TIFF, JPEG, EPS, and PDF are preferred.

    For illustrations, where figure editing is requested, we need the original (editable) files whenever possible. 

  • How and in what format do I have to submit tables?

    Tables should be prepared in MS Word/Excel table format and cannot be inserted as images as they must be editable by MDPI staff.

  • Can I include an annex to my manuscript?

    Yes. If some types of data or information are not suitable for inclusion in the main text they may be included as supplementary material or in an Appendix.

  • What will be the final format of my book?

    Every book we publish is available to read online for free in PDF format. In addition, printed versions are available through a print-on-demand service.

  • Why are there blank pages in the book?

    Blank pages are needed for the content to start on the right hand side of the book. Each chapter normally starts on the recto or front side.

On Review

  • What mode of review do MDPI Books receive?

    Manuscripts submitted to MDPI Books are thoroughly reviewed by experts following strict ethical policies and standards to ensure publication of high-quality scholarly work. Please see the MDPI Editorial Process: Review (https://www.mdpi.com/books/publish_with_us) for more information.

    If a book is only reviewed by the editor, this will be clearly stated on the book webpage. 

  • What does the role of a reviewer include?

    Reviewers are asked to evaluate the quality of the manuscript and to provide a recommendation on whether a manuscript can be accepted, requires revisions, or should be rejected.

    We ask invited reviewers to:

    • accept or decline any invitations quickly based on the manuscript title and abstract;
    • suggest alternative reviewers if an invitation must be declined;
    • request an extension in case more time is required to compose a report;
    • let us know if anyone else, such as a student, will participate in writing the review.

     

    As part of the assessment, reviewers will be asked to:

     

    • rate the originality, significance, quality of the presentation, scientific soundness, interest to the readers, overall merit, and English level of the manuscript;
    • look at the reference list of the manuscript and check if there are inappropriate self-citations;
    • provide an overall recommendation for the publication of the manuscript;
    • provide a detailed, constructive review report.

     

    We ask reviewers to inform the Editorial Office if they hold any conflicts of interest that may prejudice the review report, either in a positive or negative way. The Editorial Office will check for this as much as possible before sending an invitation, though we appreciate the cooperation of reviewers on this matter. 

    Reviewers should keep the content of the manuscript, including the abstract, confidential.

  • What policies does MDPI Books have on reviewer invitations?

    Neutral reviewing is a requirement for most funding agencies.

    In order for someone to be invited to be a reviewer, the following requirements must be met:

    A neutral reviewer is defined as

    • not belonging to the same affiliation as the author/s;
    • not having published with the author/s in the last five years; and
    • having the necessary expertise, i.e., minimum of 3 topic-relevant publications in the last 5 years.
  • How much time does a book or chapter reviewer have to provide a review report?

    MDPI aims to provide an efficient service to authors and to the scientific community. Thus, we ask reviewers to assist by providing review reports in a timely manner—for chapters of edited books, this is a period of weeks, for monographs, a period of months.

  • Does the book or chapter reviewer know the author's identity and vice versa?

    MDPI Books usually operates with single-blind peer review, where the reviewer identities are not known to authors. Reviewers should be careful not to reveal their identity to the authors, either in their comments or in the metadata for reports submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format. We have established the single-blind peer review in order to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest between the author and the reviewer.

    In exceptional cases, and if previously discussed with all parties involved, an open review can also be applied.

  • What exactly does major revision mean?

    This means the manuscript needs to be substantially improved before it can be accepted. The acceptance of the manuscript depends on the revisions made. The author needs to provide a point-by-point response and provide a rebuttal if some of the reviewer’s comments cannot be addressed.

    Authors will be asked to resubmit the revised chapter within 3 weeks and revised monographs within 4–8 weeks and the revised version will be returned to the reviewer for further comments. Chapter authors are given 4 weeks and monograph authors are given 8 weeks for major revisions, unless otherwise agreed in the contract. 

     

  • What exactly does minor revision mean?

    The paper is, in principle, accepted after revision based on the reviewer’s comments (corrections to minor methodological errors and text editing). Chapter authors are given 2 weeks and monograph authors are given 4 weeks for minor revisions, unless otherwise agreed in the contract. 

  • What if a submission receives a reject report?

    If a paper receives one high-quality reject report, an additional two review reports will be gathered. If two of the three reviewers suggest revision as opposed to rejection, the author is given the option to significantly revise their paper in line with all three reviewers' comments. When possible, the revised paper is sent back to all three reviewers for a follow-up review before a final decision is made. If a paper receives more than one reject report it is rejected without the possibility of revision.

  • What if I do not agree with the reviewer's comments?

    It is absolutely fine to disagree with a reviewer's comments. Authors can provide either a point-by-point response to the reviewer’s comments or a rebuttal if some of the reviewer’s comments cannot be addressed. For edited books, the editor will take into consideration whether your viewpoint is justified. For monographs, we rely on multiple peer reviews and will make a decision on the manuscript based on these reports. We may ask our Advisory Board for help for particularly difficult cases.

  • Can an author suggest reviewers?

    Authors will have the possibility to suggest potential reviewers during the first submission of the manuscript to the MDPI Books. Suggested reviewers cannot, however, have any conflicts of interest with the publishing author. Please note that the MDPI may choose not to approach these referees.

On Copyrights and Plagiarism

  • Who owns the copyright of a book?

    The authors retain the copyright of their work and grant MDPI the non-exclusive right to publish it.  

  • Can I include third-party material in an open access book?

    Third-party material, such as text, graphics, tables, and figures taken from previous publications, can be included; however, please note that the following requirements must be met:

    • Permission must be secured from the rights holders to be able to use the material in an open access publication.
    • It is important to indicate in each caption/credit both the copyright holder and the terms under which the material is shared. In general, it is possible to share the material under a different license from the rest of the book, e.g., if the permission for publishing under CC BY cannot be obtained. Whenever possible, third-party material should be shared under the same license as the rest of the book.
  • Who is responsible for obtaining rights of any third-party material?

    It is absolutely essential that authors obtain permission to reproduce any work that does not fall into the public domain, or for which they do not hold the copyright. Authors are responsible for obtaining the rights for third-party material. If agreed in the contract, the responsible assistant editor may be able to assist you with administrative tasks.

  • Are manuscripts subjected to a plagiarism check?

    All submitted manuscripts go through a thorough plagiarism check. MDPI’s in-house editors use the industry-standard software iThenticate to check for text duplication. If plagiarism is detected during the peer review process, the manuscript may be rejected. If plagiarism is detected after publication, we may publish a correction or retract the chapter or book.

  • How do I specify the original image/text/source in my manuscript?

    When the figures, tables, graphics, etc., have been adapted or copied directly from another source, a reference to the original source must be added. Reuse of text that is copied from another source must be between quotes and the original source must be cited. If a study's design or the manuscript's structure or language has been inspired by previous works, these works must be explicitly cited.

On Book/Chapter Processing Charges

  • What does it cost to publish a book with MDPI and when does the fee need to be paid?

    For chapters in edited books, MDPI applies a Chapter Processing Charge (CPC) of 1200 CHF for each accepted manuscript.

    For monographs, MDPI applies a Book Processing Charge (BPC) from 8000 CHF for each accepted manuscript. The price depends on the number of pages in the book as well as the requested services. All fees must be paid after acceptance of the manuscript for publication. Please refer to the cost calculator to calculate the estimated publication costs for your monograph. Payments to MDPI are due after review and official acceptance of the manuscript.

  • What do the open access ‘processing charges’ (CPC, BPC) cover?

    Authors pay a one-time Chapter Processing Charge (CPC) or Book Processing Charge (BPC) to cover the costs of:

    1. Peer-Review coordination among editors, authors and external reviewers.
    2. Checks for plagiarism using the industry-standard software iThenticate.
    3. Professional production of manuscripts in PDF and print versions.
    4. Dissemination of the published manuscripts in various venues.
    5. Convenient submission via our online submission system BJAMS.
    6. DOI assignment (DOIs are assigned at book and chapter level.
    7. ISBN assignment (Two ISBNs, print and online, are assigned at the book level. Metadata is delivered to Crossref.)
    8. Basic Formatting and Typesetting. Regular edit of layout and references check is included.
    9. Standard English Editing: checks grammar, spelling, punctuation, phrasing and conformation to the MDPI house style.
    10. Hosting of the book on mdpi.com/books.
    11. Basic marketing and promotional services.
    12. Custom cover design by our experienced designers in agreement with the corporate style and in coordination with the author.
    13. Publication of the accepted manuscript in electronic form (PDF), in full open access, under a Creative Commons by Attribution license.
    14. Distribution and Print on Demand Service. All books will be available to view or purchase directly from the MDPI Books website.

     

    The following additional services can be provided at additional costs:

    1. Figure Editing: Revise and format charts, graphs and illustrations to guarantee books are visually pleasing. This includes figure size, resolution, colors, fonts, labelling, and file formats.
    2. Send out call-for-chapters to potential authors.
    3. Extensive English editing, such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, phrasing and conformation to the MDPI house style as well as phrasing and clarity of expression.
    4. Virtual Book Launch
    5. Book index prepared by a professional indexer.
    6. Comprehensive Formatting and Typesetting: Major adjustments to formatting, references/sources, and figure descriptions.
    7. Full Reformatting: The manuscript will be formatted from scratch. References/sources must be reformatted (possibly in a different style).
  • Can additional costs be incurred?

    Additional costs can be added after the originally discussed amount at the beginning of the publication process. As we work with the manuscript and depending on the review, additional costs may become apparent, e.g., for extensive English editing, figure editing, or additionally required services such as a Virtual Book Launch. Any additional costs are first discussed with the author/editor before they are applied.

  • How can I keep the costs for my publication as low as possible?

    To keep the costs for your manuscript as low as possible, the following criteria need to be met:

    • Figures: Well-prepared figures, which do not require further figure editing from us can keep the costs down. Furthermore, authors should ensure that permission is given and submitted to us for any third-party figures as early as possible. 
    • Format and Typesetting: Download our manuscript preparation guidelines and follow the provided manuscript instructions. Ensure that all references and the full information for all references is provided. 
    • English Edit: Ensure you have conducted a language check of your manuscript before submitting it to us. If you are not a native English speaker or feel that your English level is not on par with a native English speaker, please ensure that your manuscript has been read and edited by an expert.
  • When do I have to pay the charges?

    All fees must be paid after acceptance of the manuscript for publication. Payments to MDPI are usually due within 10 days of sending the invoice to the customer.

  • Can costs be incurred even though my manuscript was rejected for publication?

    There are no charges for rejected manuscripts.

  • I have a discount voucher and I want to apply it to my chapter/book. How do I proceed?

    Discount vouchers will be shown under the Submissions Menu in the Discount Vouchers list in your SuSy account. If you have any vouchers and would like to use them for your book/chapter submission, please contact your acquisition editor or assistant editor directly to incorporate these vouchers. Note that vouchers cannot be used after an invoice has been issued. In case of rejection, the voucher can be reapplied in your next submission. If you are not sure how to apply the voucher, please contact the assigned editor.

  • Does MDPI offer any discounts or waivers on the BPC/CPC?

    MDPI may grant discounts and waivers in exceptional cases but reserves the right to decline such discounts and waivers without specifying a reason.

  • Does the MDPI Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) membership also apply to MDPI Books?

    Yes, IOAP associated authors receive a 20% discount on book purchases and a special discount on BPCs/CPCs. For more information and a full list of members, visit the IOAP page: https://www.mdpi.com/ioap. Please also contact your institution directly for any specific deals that MDPI may have with your institution for publication discounts. 

  • What payment methods/currencies do you accept?

    MDPI currently supports the following payment methods:

    Wire transfer in Swiss Francs (CHF)

    Wire transfer in Euros (EUR)

    Wire transfer in US Dollars (USD)

    Wire transfer in Pound Sterling (GBP)

    Wire transfer in Japanese Yen (JPY)

    Wire transfer in Canadian Dollars (CAD)

    Payment with Credit Card

    Online Payment by PayPal

    Cheques Payable to MDPI

  • What if I accidentally pay more or less than the invoiced amount?

    If your initial payment was incomplete (e.g., not including the 5% fee for PayPal payments), another invoice will be issued to you for the remaining amount. In cases where you have accidentally paid more than invoiced by MDPI, please contact us and we will refund the overpaid amount, minus any bank or transaction charges.

On Funding

  • Does MDPI support authors with the search for funding options?

    MDPI Books offers support with finding funding for your publication. However, open access book publications are not as well established yet as open access journals. If you are looking for funding options, the first thing to do is to contact your institutional librarian. They are good point of contact for either funding from your institution or in finding funding elsewhere. We are also happy to share with you any funding experience we may have.

On Rights

On Book Printing

  • What does the printed book look like?

    We usually print books and reprints in hardcover format.

    We offer color printing on high-quality paper in 244 mm × 170 mm (6.69 in × 9.61 in) format with a matte (for reprints) or glossy (for books) laminated cover.

    Each book will receive its own individualized cover, which will be discussed with the author beforehand.

  • Where are MDPI’s books and Reprints printed?

    Original MDPI Books and Reprints are printed in the UK, the US, and Australia. 

  • What is print-on-demand?

    Print-on-demand (POD) is a digital printing technology that allows books and other printed materials to be produced in small quantities, in response to customer demand. With POD, the printing process is initiated only after an order has been placed. POD eliminates the need for publishers to order large print runs in advance and store large inventories of printed materials. This makes it a cost-effective way to publish. POD also ensures that books are never out of stock and offers rapid printing and delivery.

On Book Orders

  • How much does it cost to purchase an MDPI book?

    MDPI Books cost from ca. 45–160 CHF excluding shipping. We offer special prices to contributors, members of our Institutional Membership Program, libraries, and resellers.

    A 10% discount is applied for bulk orders. Discounts can be requested by simply sending us an email (bookorder@mdpi.com).

  • How can I purchase a printed copy?

    Our books can be purchased via our Online Library: https://www.mdpi.com/books/search

  • How long does the printing and shipping take?

    Generally, we use Premium shipping with an estimated delivery time of 7–12 business days. Please note that shipping time does not include the time for placing and processing the order and printing. For this, an additional turnaround time of 10 working days should be expected. 

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in case there are any issues with your order or you would like to know the current order status. For any queries regarding your ordered book, please contact bookorder@mdpi.com. 

  • When do I have to pay?

    The payment for the book is due immediately upon ordering the book. The book will only be sent for printing and shipping once we have received the payment. 

  • I want to order a print copy, can I use my reviewer voucher?

    Review vouchers cannot be used when ordering a book on our website.

  • Why do you need a phone number?

    In order for your book to be shipped, our delivery partner requests a phone number. In case of delivery issues, you will be contacted via phone.

On Complimentary Copies/Discounts

  • Am I eligible to receive a complimentary copy?

    Upon publication, each Guest Editor receives one (1) complimentary print copy of their Special Issue Reprint to showcase at conferences or seminars.

    Unfortunately, we cannot offer a free copy to the individual authors of a Reprint. 

     

    Complimentary copies for editors and monograph authors are defined in the agreement. Normally, each editor or monograph author will receive two (2) complimentary copies upon publication.

    For edited volumes, the publisher grants the first author of a book chapter one (1) complimentary printed copy.

  • As a contributor, i.e., author or editor, of an MDPI book, can I profit from a discount on my purchase?

    Authors and editors profit from a 20% discount on the purchase of the book they contributed to. 

  • When will I receive my complimentary copy?

    The complimentary copy will be submitted to the printing partner, where it will be checked so it can be released for printing. This usually takes a minimum of 2 weeks. The complimentary copy will be sent automatically once approved. In addition, the turnaround time for placing and processing the order, printing, and shipping is 17–22 working days. 

     

  • Is there a discount for bulk orders?

    Yes, a 10% discount is available for bulk orders. For bulk orders, the minimum number of ordered books (of the same title) is 21. The discount is automatically applied when ordering online.

On Marketing and Database Indexing

  • How will my book be distributed? In which databases and platforms will my book be listed?

    Due to our global network and well-known channel partners, we ensure maximum visibility and broad dissemination. Our books are freely available to be viewed or purchased via our Online Library and are also accessible through established channel partners. Furthermore, your book will be added to the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB), the Verzeichnis lieferbarer Bücher (VLB) and the title information is sent to the Swiss National Library and Library Discovery Systems, such as ExLibris. If the book has undergone thorough peer review, it will also be registered with OAPEN and submitted to Web of Science's Book Citation Index (BKCI) and PubMed, where appropriate. All our books can be found on Google Books and World Cat. 

     

    Reprints will be added to our Online Library and are listed in the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). We work with a major distribution service to ensure our reprint titles are listed on important wholesaler and retailer sites.

  • How will MDPI market my open access book?

    We work with a major distribution service to ensure our titles are listed on important wholesaler and retailer sites and that the title information is sent to relevant libraries and institutions. Thanks to our global network (including in the USA, Europe, and Australia) and well-known channel partners (including Amazon), we ensure maximum visibility and broad dissemination.

    We help authors to promote their work effectively with campaigns that include blogs, interviews, video abstracts or recorded book launches. 

  • My book has been posted online but the DOI does not exist.

    The DOI numbers have to be registered first, which takes a while. If the registration time seems unreasonably long to you, please report this to us at bookorder@mdpi.com.

On Royalties

  • Do editors and authors of books receive royalties on book sales?

    Royalties will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and are agreed to in the contract. If your book has been published free of charge, at the expense of MDPI, you will receive no royalties.

    We usually pay the Author royalties of five percent (5%) of the retail price once copies exceed 500 items. Royalties will be paid on a yearly basis, or after 5 years if the threshold of 500 copies has not yet been reached.

    Book editors are not entitled to royalties.

  • Do editors and authors of Reprints receive royalties on Reprint sales?

    No royalties are paid for Reprints (Special Issue Reprints, Topical Collection Reprints, or Selections). The books are freely available and PDFs can be downloaded. Therefore, we only occasionally sell printed copies. The generated income guarantees sustainability for the free service. 

On Roles and Responsibilities of Editors

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