Publications update
Book publishing alive and well at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA
The Societies recently published updated versions of Harlan’s Crops and Man: People, Plants and Their Domestication (last year) and North American Agroforestry (earlier this year). Coincidentally, they are both third editions, but why publish these “classics” again? Was something wrong with the first two editions?
There was nothing amiss, but science evolves, new information surfaces, and methods change. These books, and many others like them in our 350-volume-strong collection are highly regarded educational and reference titles, but they need to be refreshed and updated. Recently, the Glossary of Soil Science Terms was updated from its last edition in 2009. A newer title, Industrial Hemp, originally released in 2018, is already in the planning stages for a second edition.
Changes to Better Serve You
Since 2021, we have been changing our book-publishing program to better serve our members and other audiences that depend on us for timely, relevant, and accurate books. We have increased the ways you can access our books. All new books are published in digital ePub format for our Kindle and other e-reader users. You can still order all new books in print, and if your institution subscribes to the Wiley Online Library, all our new books are available in the Wiley O-book format. Recently, we have spent considerable time creating a deliberate and targeted marketing initiative to increase the sales and use of our books. Book publishing continues to be an important element of the Societies valuable and relevant content collection. The outlook for book content is positive, and making our material available and usable by the widest possible audience of students, researchers, and professionals is a key goal of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
ALWAYS 20% OFF!
ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Member Books Discount Code: 3SA20
The member discount is provided for ASA, CSSA, and SSSA members to leverage membership and take 20% off book prices. Shoppers can begin their web search for Society books at www.wiley.com or by clicking the “Buy Print and Digital Books” link on the right side of any ASA, CSSA, and SSSA books web page on the Wiley Online Library. The code is 3SA20 and is only active for ASA, CSSA, and SSSA books on www.wiley.com. Please note that the discount code does not work with any other book reseller. The code is case sensitive and may not be combined with any additional discount codes. The discount code should be added on the shopping cart web page and applied before making payment. For more information, please contact books@sciencesocieties.org.
The Societies’ Publications Department is also investigating new ways to reach our audiences by offering material not just as a written page, but by utilizing video, audio, virtual reality, and other technologies to provide new ways to acquire knowledge and information. Rest assured, we are not abandoning the traditional words on paper and will continue to release new book titles in 2022 and beyond.
For many years, development of book titles progressed with the assistance of Society members. More recently, Richard Easby, the Managing Editor for Books, has developed a long-term plan to manage new titles and recommend updating many “classic” titles. This new task will add to the role of Book and Multimedia Publishing Committee. New titles and book series are accepted for publication after we assess the relevancy and usefulness of the title in the market. New book initiatives such as student textbooks and guidebooks to support practitioners are being considered.
Maintaining ‘Soil Methods’ as a Premier Resource
Additionally, the Methods of Soil Analysis (MSA) books and article collection, now published as part of the Soil Science Society of America Journal, will have an additional title, Soil Organic Matter, in 2023. The must-have MSA articles and books are well regarded and used extensively by scientific researchers; however many have not been reviewed and updated for many years. It’s time for an in-depth review so that our “Soil Methods” volumes remain a premier “go to” resource. The Societies’ Book and Multimedia Publishing Committee is moving these new initiatives forward, but successful scientific publishing requires the skills and experience of a broad selection of Society members to shape the impact of our books. Our leadership invites Society members at all levels to get involved, support the mission of the Societies, and make an impact on our sciences.
“If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”
—Toni Morrison
While work has started on re-organizing our book-publishing process, we can accomplish more at a faster pace with help from members like you. There are many ways to contribute. Why not become a member of the Book and Multimedia Publishing Committee or the Methods of Soil Analysis Committee? Or you may want to become a peer reviewer for books in development. In return, you will receive professional recognition. If you are interested, please contact Richard Easby, Managing Editor for Books, at Send Message.
Book and Multimedia Committee Member Focus
- Assess proposals and recommend next steps for 5 to 10 book proposals annually.
- Identify and engage qualified peer reviewers for books in development.
- Meet as a committee two to three times annually to forge the future of the book-publishing program.
- Provide technical and professional assistance to the managing editor for books when needed.
Methods of Soil Analysis Committee Member Focus
- Actively participate in the process of guiding the new volume, Soil Organic Matter, through the publishing process.
- Review proposals two to four times a year, assign project duties, and assess progress.
- Jump-start the complex review and modernization of pre-existing MSA book content.
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