Recently, our editorial team officially signed an Editor Agreement with IET Academic Books for a new book project titled “IET_EditorAgreement_PBPO299_FPV SIGNED“. I’d like to share some key insights and experiences from this process, which might be helpful to fellow academics and aspiring editors.
What is the Project?
The book focuses on different aspects of floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology, including panels, mooring systems, converters, power electronics, floating structures, and design/modeling. It also highlights the specific challenges and opportunities of integrating FPV with hydropower—an area of growing interest in Asia, particularly Vietnam. The content will also cover regulatory, economic, and policy issues, with Vietnam used as a key example.
Editor Roles & Responsibilities
As editors, we are responsible for:
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Commissioning expert contributors for specific chapters,
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Providing contributor information before the first deadline,
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Reviewing, editing, and ensuring the technical quality and timely submission of all contributions,
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Preparing additional materials, introductions, or forewords when necessary,
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Submitting the entire manuscript and figures following IET’s technical specifications and deadlines.
Copyright & Contribution
All copyright in the book is assigned to IET, with editors retaining only moral rights (such as being credited for editorial contributions). For any material from third parties, we must obtain proper permissions and give credit.
Royalties & Compensation
IET offers an industry-standard royalty:
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10% of net receipts from book sales (or reasonable proportion if bundled with other works),
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Royalties are equally split among all three editors,
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Editors receive free copies and may purchase additional copies or other IET books at a discount.
Timeline & Delivery
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Outline and contributor information are due on November 1, 2025,
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The finalized manuscript is due on December 1, 2026,
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All submissions must be made electronically, adhering to strict formatting guidelines.
Production, Publication & Revision
IET controls all decisions regarding production, publication, and marketing. As editors, we are entitled to review and correct proofs before publication. We may also be asked to revise or update the book for future editions.
Legal and Practical Considerations
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Editors must warrant the originality and legality of their contributions,
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In the case of breach or inability to deliver, IET may appoint another editor,
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Both parties have clear termination rights under certain circumstances (e.g., non-delivery, legal risk, insolvency),
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Any legal disputes are governed by English law.
Conclusion
Signing the agreement with IET marks a significant step for us and sets clear expectations for both sides. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey, and we hope the final work will contribute valuable knowledge to the renewable energy field.
If you are considering editing or contributing to an academic book, carefully review the agreement, understand your responsibilities, and always communicate proactively with your publisher and your contributors.
