Publishing with Plastics Information Direct

Information for Prospective Authors

Plastics Information Direct is known in the plastics industry as a convenient single source of the best technical books for the industry, selected from the leading publishers, and focussed specifically on plastics. From this position we are aware of the changing needs of the industry for high quality, up-to-date publications, and also able to identify those topics where new titles are most required. Our own publishing programme aims to address these gaps in the market, and we are very pleased to consider proposals from potential authors.

If you have an idea (or a manuscript) for a plastics-related title, we should like to hear from you.

• We are a specialist industry publisher focussed entirely on plastics. Our editors have the relevant subject knowledge and will work with you to achieve a high quality publication.
• We can provide good exposure and routes to market through the Plastics Information Direct bookselling operation. We are also a division of Applied Market Information, the highly regarded global market research consultancy for the plastics industry, and benefit from their excellent reputation and industry profile.
• We can offer competitive royalty rates and rapid publication.

• Key technologies and new developments. Where we identify a specific gap in the market, or an upcoming technology, we will approach respected authors and known experts with a view to commissioning relevant titles.
• We are particularly keen to publish books on topics covered by Applied Market Information’s conference programme and market studies. Before submitting a publishing proposal you are encouraged to study the relevant sections of the website to identify these areas of specialisation.
• Other technologies and applications. We acknowledge that we may not always be aware of the needs of every industry sector. Consequently we will consider proposals addressing any other plastics-related subjects; provided you can demonstrate that the title has technical merit and commercial value.

Our global client base comprises decision-makers who work mainly in the plastics industry and related sectors. They require practical guidance (technical or commercial) to support and enhance their businesses. Titles may address materials, processing technologies or applications for plastics, but they are unlikely to be highly academic.

• Expert Witness Series. These are techno-economic reports, providing statistics and expert analysis of a plastics industry sector or market. They may be global, or focussed on a specific continent or region. To contribute to the series you are likely to have worked in the relevant field for a significant time. You will present and review publicly available data in the light of your own specialist knowledge. The target audience for an Expert Witness Report could include commercial or general managers, who wish to maintain competitive awareness or evaluate new opportunities.
• Technical guides and handbooks. Written for a professional audience, these books will provide practical descriptions of modern technologies, processes and products. They may be written by a single author or a number of subject specialists. As an author (or the editor of a multi-authored title) you are likely to have recent hands-on experience gained in a commercial or research environment. Your target audience could include technical personnel wishing to optimise plant performance or product quality, new recruits to an industry sector, or sales personnel wishing to understand their clients’ needs.
• Other miscellaneous publications. These could range from collections of data intended for use on the shop floor, to general commercial advice for managers working in plastics. Titles might be distributed in printed or electronic formats. However, please note that your proposed title must have a relevant industrial focus. We do not publish general engineering or science texts, or management manuals. If your proposed title falls into this miscellaneous category you should clearly explain its importance to the plastics industry.

You should submit your proposal in writing, addressing as many of the following points as possible:

Information about yourself and any co-authors

• Full name and contact details.
• Relevant qualifications and career history. Please append a CV if you wish.
• Details of all previous publications (books, chapters, journal articles, conference papers and patents).
• For a multi-authored book, please indicate whether you have already identified any or all contributors.

Information about your proposed publication

• Title or subject matter. Please indicate whether this is an entirely new title, or a new edition of an existing publication.
• Outline of content. Please supply a provisional abstract or contents list.
• Style and format, e.g. techno-economic report (Expert Witness Series) or technical guide. Please indicate an approximate number of chapters and contributors.
• Brief justification. Please explain why this title is required now (e.g. advances in technology or changing market forces). If you are aware of competing publications please provide title/authors, and indicate how your proposed title will differ.
• Time required to complete your manuscript if your proposal is accepted.

Please send your proposal to Rebecca Dolbey, at the address below, or by email to rd@amiplastics.com. Providing all the information requested above will assist us in evaluating your proposal and giving you a prompt response.

Rebecca Dolbey, Technical Publisher
Applied Market Information Ltd
AMI House
45-47 Stokes Croft
Bristol BS1 3QP