Kathryn Conrad on the Vital Role of University Presses
I think university press publishing is more important than ever because university press books are the source of long-form research that's been vetted and that is of the facts in the media than ever before.
Think university presses are just about dusty academic tomes? Think again. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction, and Recovery', Marshall Poe chats with Kathryn Conrad, president of the Association of University Presses. They dive into the indispensable role these presses play in shaping our understanding of history, science, and culture. From providing the bedrock research that popular non-fiction books rely on, to pioneering new digital initiatives, university presses are unsung heroes in the publishing world.
Kathryn explains how university press books undergo rigorous peer review, ensuring that what you read is not just well-written but also thoroughly vetted. This is crucial in today's era of misinformation, where solid research is more important than ever. She also touches on the marketing challenges these presses face and how they are tackling them head-on with innovative strategies to boost discoverability.
You'll hear about the exciting new directions university presses are taking, including multimedia projects and enhanced metadata to make their research more accessible. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of engaging with UP editors early if you're working on a scholarly book. The episode wraps up with a call to support these vital institutions by purchasing their books and advocating for their significance in public discourse and policy-making.
If you're curious about the hidden machinery behind some of your favorite non-fiction reads or want to understand how robust academic research reaches the public, this episode is a must-listen.