Tue Oct 18

Moi University Press

Written by David Vugusu
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Introduction

Message from the Chair of Department

MUP is an extension of its parent institution, Moi University, and is also a key player in a more general network-including learned societies, scholarly associations, and research libraries- that make scholarly endeavour possible. Like the other nodes in the network, Moi University Press is charged with serving the public good by generating and disseminating knowledge. To this end, the Press contributes to the variety and diversity of cultural expression and of global mergers and consolidation in the media industry.

MUP therefore, promotes the mission and vision of Moi University through acquisition, publication and distribution/dissemination of research results from the schools and faculties to both the academics and the general public. The University Press acquires, develops, designs, produces, markets and sells books, journals, and serials both within and without Moi University.

While commercial publishers focus on making money by publishing for popular audiences, the Moi University Press’ mission is to publish work of scholarly, intellectual, or creative merit, whether for a large or small audience of specialists.

MUP balances commercial and scholarly aims, and strives to offer readers excellent, innovative publishing; and give authors the support of a stable long-term relationship.

Background

Moi University Press was established in June 1989 as a Desktop Publishing Unit (DTP) on the recommendations of the Senate, to publish textbooks in support of the courses taught at Moi University and at prices affordable to the university community. The press was also supposed to encourage the writing of textbooks and other publications by the academic staff of Moi University.

MUP supports and promotes Moi University mission and vision: to preserve, create and disseminate knowledge, conserve and develop scientific, technological and cultural heritage through quality teaching and research; to create an environment conducive to work and learning; and to work with stakeholders for the betterment of society.

Since its inception, Moi University Press has so far published some of the best titles targeting the tertiary students’ niche. The titles are generally sold at prices affordable to the students. The publications are being marketed through the Marketing section within the Press and through other leading bookstores.

Besides books, Moi University Press publishes inauguration lectures, citations, journals, bulletins, magazines, graduation booklets, policy documents, brochures and banners and any other publications by the university.

The press also undertakes typesetting, editing, design and layout as well as illustrations of all types of publications on behalf of the university administration, schools, staff, student’s organization and individuals.

The press is housed at the Margaret Thatcher Library Building being a department in the School of Information Sciences. The Press is managed by an Editorial Board that comprises the academic staff from various schools and faculties, mostly from Moi University.

MUP enhances the image of the university as a publisher besides teaching and research. It also brings the advantage of recognition as a publisher with all the attendant benefits to the authors, the university, and the publishing industry in the country. The press is a member of the Kenya Publishers’ Association (KPA) and through KPA the consortium of the African Publishers Network.

Vision, Mission and Objectives

Vision

To be the leading publisher of scholarly knowledge and information and through publishing carry the Moi University imprint into the world in all its forms.

Mission
MUP is committed to publishing knowledge and information within and across frontiers for the advancement of scholarship, research, teaching, and service to society.
Objectives
The objectives of MUP are:-
i) To promote authorship and scholarly communication through publication of research results in journals, books, monographs and any other such publications considered viable by MUP.
ii) To enhance the sharing of knowledge among researchers, scholars, industry, policy makers and the general public through publication of affordable works.
iii) To contribute to the development of academic libraries beyond the physical limits of the university.
iv) To facilitate publications of university documents such as Policy documents, graduation booklets, calendars, Strategic Plans, Newsletters and Magazines, Guide books among others.
v) To offer internship and practical training for students taking Publishing, Communication, and media courses both from Moi University and from outside.

Core Values

a) MUP priority is in the pursuit and dissemination of all forms of knowledge that informs research and development.
b) All the titles published by MUP are selected purely on merit based on rigorous vetting and review process.
c) MUP publishes for all audiences as part of the contribution to the achievement of mission and vision of Moi University.
d) MUP only publishes works that encourage lawful activities, and or ensure equity and tolerance for all members of society.
e) MUP reserves the right to review, edit or delete any material posted by authors, which it deems defamatory, unlawful, threatening, abusive, sexually explicit, obscene, homophobic, or otherwise objectionable.

f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, MUP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any material communicated by any other party through its publications.

Category of Publications

MUP publications are either in print and/or digital formats or both. The various categories of MUP publications include, but not limited to:
a) Serial publications: Include Journals, Inaugural lectures, conference proceeding, Magazines among others.
b) Textbooks: Include course books, and trade books.
c) Reference works: Include Manuals, guide books, Dictionaries, Thesaurus, University calendars, policy documents among others.
d) Self learning Instructional Materials (SLIMs)/ Modules

Publishing Process

Publishing Process Flow-chart

The chat below summarizes the publishing process at MUP

The publishing process diagram summarizes the stages a manuscript undergoes from acquisition to finally printing and distribution.

This process is ONLY for books that are either Solicited (Commissioned); Unsolicited and private works.

The process does not APPLY to Journals, University Documents, Magazines and Newsletters, Policy documents, Conference proceedings, Inaugural lectures and any other publications that satisfy the Editorial Board of the need to skip some stages.

Author Guidelines

Solicited/Commissioned Manuscripts
MUP commissions authors with talent, skills and knowledge to write on a specified area within a specified duration of time. The author(s) is/are contracted for that work only and the contract expires immediately the work is complete. In doing so, MUP is guided by the following process.
• MUP carries out market research to determine gaps in publishing and come up with publishable ideas.
• The marketing department then sells the idea to the editor who then scouts for skilled authors with the credential to write the book/ manuscript.
• MUP then sells the idea to the author, and if the identified author is willing to take up the task of writing, then the author will be provided with the synopsis of the expected work. The author may make suggestions on how to improve the content of the proposed manuscript.
• Contract details are then openly discussed with the author prior to the author embarking on the project. If the contract details are agreeable to both MUP and the author, the author is assigned the work and contract details are signed.
• The author is expected to submit the work in batches as he/she continues with the work. This enables the Editorial Board to assess the author’s ability to conform to the required details.
• In the event that the author fails to meet specifications, the author is informed of the anomaly for corrective actions. However, if the author is not cooperative, the contract is terminated under the terms specified in the contract.
• MUP pays the commissioned author an agreed amount for the work done. The copyright for the commissioned works will be owned by MUP and by extension Moi University. The name of the author, will however appear as the author of the manuscript.

Non Commissioned Manuscripts
MUP also receives manuscripts from non commissioned authors to consider for publication provided the right procedure is followed. Note that these are the majority of the manuscripts and hence have low rate of acceptance. The procedure for presentation of non-commissioned works is as follows:
• The prospective author MUST first send a proposal/ query letter to MUP Editorial Board about the intended work. The inquiry may be sent to MUP via e-mail, surface mail or hand delivered. The query letter/ proposal should describe the project briefly and concisely. The proposal should include sufficient information to enable the Editorial Board to evaluate the merits of the project. The content must include:
• Book’s title- must be clear, concise, and descriptive of the content;
• Book content, highlighting formal synopsis of chapter outline with major headings and sub-headings;
• The book’s anticipated length (in A4, double spaced, times roman, font size 12 in MS word or PDF or in terms of number of words);
• The book’s intended audience, readership size, location and accessibility;
• The author’s writing and professional background including academic qualifications. The author must list any previous books or papers published in professional journals or by reputable publishers. This helps in decision making, but is NOT a major determinant on the acceptability of the manuscript. MUP helps to mentor NEW authors, without previous authorship background to publish.
• The author must attach two or three sample chapters (Chapter 1(one) MUST be included among the sample chapters sent.) to accompany the query letter. MUP does not require the whole work at this stage and if the work is in a single medium, then authors are advised not to send their original works.
• The MUP Editorial Board will respond as promptly as possible (within a period of two (2) weeks). After the proposal is assessed and evaluated, the author will be sent a reply via e-mail on whether MUP is interested or not interested. Note that the proposal may be accepted subject to the author(s) agreeing to amend some areas (where necessary). The author may also be requested to appear in the editorial office for a verbal discussion concerning the submitted proposal work.
• If the proposal receives favourable report from the acquisitions editor, then the author will be expected to submit two bound copies of the whole manuscript (to act as reference) plus a soft copy in CD or via e-mail to be submitted to MUP via registered post, hand delivery or via e-mail. The fact that a manuscript has been requested at this stage does not guarantee it will be published.
• The copies will be duplicated and checked to conform to the proposed manuscript. After verification, copies will be made and sent to reviewers (subject specialists) for review. This will take at least 12 (twelve) weeks to get the review reports back. Note that the review is blind and the author details are deliberately removed from the copies sent for review. There are cases where the author may be requested to advice on who the potential reviewers maybe.
• If 12 (twelve) weeks pass, from the date of submission of the manuscript, without being informed of MUP decision, a polite note of reminder from the author is in order. Phone calls on the status of the manuscript are strongly discouraged. Authors who feel unsatisfied with our procedures or the amount of time being taken to reach a decision are free to request a manuscript withdrawal at any time.
• If a manuscript receives two or more favourable reviews, the Editorial Board will discuss this in a meeting and a collective decision is made on whether to publish it or not. Rejection is subject to other factors, in addition to review report. Rejected manuscripts will be immediately sent back to the authors, even if they have favourable reports.
• If the manuscript is accepted for publication, the author will be contacted to sign a publishing contract. Details of agreement are laid down, and if both parties are satisfied with the terms, the manuscript will then be processed.
• The details of such a contractual agreement are, however, not discussed until the manuscript has been officially accepted for publication. In addition, no monetary transactions are carried out before publishing contract is signed.
• Once the contract is signed, the publishing process begins with technical editing, design and layout, and marketing taking place almost at the same time.
• MUP absorbs the entire cost of publishing and marketing accepted works. The authors are only requested to help market/ publicise the book to potential readers. MUP will also sell books to authors at 60 per cent off cover price.
Privately Sponsored Works
• MUP will also publish works which are privately sponsored by the authors.
• The authors will meet the costs of the publishing process, starting from editorial, typesetting, design and layout, and finally printing.
• Such privately sponsored works shall be owned by the author and MUP will only help with marketing and distribution at author(s)’ request.
• MUP will enter into agreement with the authors of such works on the terms of sales and promotion. Currently stands at 40% of the selling price retained by MUP.
• The privately sponsored works shall be presented using the same procure described in “The submission guidelines.”
• MUP will only publish privately sponsored works if and only if they meet the minimum standards set by the Editorial Board.