A little history and reasons for publishing with Siri Scientific Press
Siri Scientific Press was set up by Dr David Penney FRES in 2008 for a book he had written on the palaeobiology of fossil spiders preserved in amber from the Dominican Republic. The book had been submitted to various publishers and was sent out to review by a major university press. However, despite receiving excellent reviews recommending publication it was rejected on the grounds that it would probably not make sufficient profit for them. Since publication the book has sold several hundred copies and received excellent reviews in professional and amateur newsletters and journals.
It thus became apparent that there was an opportunity for mutually beneficial co-operation with other potential authors who would like to get their work out in the broader public domain in addition to circulated amongst academics, but who would presumably be rejected by the larger publishers for the same reason that I was. Hence, a monograph series was established, which aims to publish relatively short print runs of semi/specialized topics aimed at forming basic reference works for academics whilst also being accessible to the educated layperson. This is an excellent opportunity for early stage researchers who would benefit immensely by having a published volume on their cv, particularly in the current highly competitive academic environment.
We also publish compiled edited volumes, field guides and more general works with relevance to the natural or physical sciences. Contributions from colleagues in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, USA, Australia and Lebanon have already been published or are in various stages of preparation.
Why publish with Siri Scientific Press?
What sets us apart from other publishers is that all projects are produced by a highly experienced scientist who understands the nature and demands of academia. We take a personal, yet highly professional approach to all projects submitted, which are always dealt with speedily and comprehensively. There is no cost to authors and we can deal with all stages of production if necessary, but are equally happy to receive print ready pdf files. Whereas some publishers can take up to two years (or more) to publish a book following the initial submission of manuscript and figures (often making the information out of date by the time it becomes available) we have a turn around time of as short as one month from submission to receipt of the final product.
All our books are listed on the Nielsen Book database and are taken by most major academic and museum libraries around the world. They are also distributed via specialist natural history and entomology book dealers (e.g. NHBS, Pemberley Books, etc.). We also export to major retailers overseas. All titles are available online through our shop or through major online booksellers such as Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell etc.
Our logo, which will appear on titles from 2012 onwards was kindly designed by Richard Hartley. It consists of the letters SSP, the words Siri Scientific Press and a line drawing of a fossil insect wing belonging to the species Sympherobius siriae in Eocene Baltic amber.
If you are a potential author, we would be happy to hear about your ideas, regardless of the stage of production you are at. Please email Dave Penney at
books@siriscientificpress.co.uk
In addition to running Siri Scientific Press Dave Penney is an Honorary Lecturer in the Faculty of Life Sciences (Preziosi Lab) at the University of Manchester.
Click here for a list of his publications.
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