- Why should I bother to write a book in English?
- University of Tokyo academic staff are scholars in one of the leading universities in the world and the work you do is important. Publishing a book in English will have benefits not only for the university but also for your career and personal esteem. It is also important that staff at the University of Tokyo take up their role to provide an alternative to Western perspectives that have dominated academia for too long.
- Are publishers really interested in my work?
- Yes, they are keen to receive manuscripts because they have pressures to produce new titles every year. Moreover, there is a strong recent trend to include non-Western voices in the publication lists of top publishers. This is a golden opportunity to get published in English.
- Can I translate an existing book of mine into English?
- Yes. In principle, it is often better to start writing in English from the beginning but an existing book in Japanese can be used as the basis for a new and improved publication in English.
- Can I take an existing series of articles and publish it as an English language book?
- Yes, that is how some of the best books were created but it will take some editing and engagement with editors to bring the material up to book standard.
- Books are not important in my field of research so wouldn't it be a waste of time?
- The top scholars in all fields publish books and it contributes to their standing in the field. This includes economics, law and other fields where the main form of publication is the journal article. (If you do not believe it, then look at the profiles of the top scholars in any department of the major universities). Books allow you to engage a topic in scope and depth not possible in journal articles so that you will be more likely to be recognized as a leader in your field.
- Is it too early in my career to put an effort into an English language publication?
- Quite the opposite. A book on your c.v. from a major publisher can be the key to future employment and promotion.
- Is it too late for me to publish in English as I am nearing retirement?
- Experienced academics has an outstanding level of mature experience and depth of knowledge built up over many years that means they can produce especially valuable work. A book in English as your final achievement will leave a lasting legacy for the future.
