A famous scholar sent me an unpublished draft of hers. Then she died. I think her work should be published. What should I do?Who benefits from the anonymity of the peer review process?Before proposing reviewers, should I notify them?What should I do if I accepted a review request based on paper title, but then found out it touches on topics I don't know?Is it necessary to have a background in philosophy in order to get a position in logic in philosophy departments?Is it acceptable to say that a reviewer's concern is not going to be addressed because then the paper would be too long?
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A famous scholar sent me an unpublished draft of hers. Then she died. I think her work should be published. What should I do?
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A famous scholar sent me an unpublished draft of hers. Then she died. I think her work should be published. What should I do?
Who benefits from the anonymity of the peer review process?Before proposing reviewers, should I notify them?What should I do if I accepted a review request based on paper title, but then found out it touches on topics I don't know?Is it necessary to have a background in philosophy in order to get a position in logic in philosophy departments?Is it acceptable to say that a reviewer's concern is not going to be addressed because then the paper would be too long?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
Everything is in the title. Who should I contact?
peer-review philosophy
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
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|
show 1 more comment
Everything is in the title. Who should I contact?
peer-review philosophy
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
4
What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
3
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
2
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Everything is in the title. Who should I contact?
peer-review philosophy
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Everything is in the title. Who should I contact?
peer-review philosophy
peer-review philosophy
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Damián BeanatoDamián Beanato
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
2562 silver badges6 bronze badges
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Damián Beanato is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
4
What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
3
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
2
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
4
What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
3
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
2
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago
4
4
What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
3
3
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
2
2
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
2
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
2
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
The first thing to do is to contact her estate. You can probably reach someone through her last affiliation. I assume that they have control over all of the papers and effects of the deceased.
Since you say she is famous, there my be some posthumous attempt to honor her in some collected publication, but the estate, possibly a spouse, should have knowledge of that. Her last employer might also.
But start there.
And, of course it is possible that it has already been submitted somewhere and publication is in process. The estate might even welcome contact with interested people in finalizing publication as needed.
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
If the author has coauthored work with someone recently, that coauthor can be a good first contact. For one thing, they might know someone in the family and perhaps know who is executor for her estate. They might also be in possession of other partially finished works and you might work together toward a common solution. Coauthors sometimes know a scholar better than those in the department. If you are lucky she has a google scholar page you can use to identify recent collaborators.
If she published primarily alone, you are left with contacting her publisher, department, family and estate, former graduate students. It is as Buffy said: if you were close enough to be sent a manuscript, you can't be more than a few degrees of separation from someone who can help.
Best of luck.
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
Probably there's nothing you need to do because anyone who is dealing with making decisions about what to do with her unfinished work already has access to her physical computers and so already has this draft.
If there's some reason why you think other people won't have access to this material, here's how I'd suggest figuring out who to send it to. Talk to someone you know who is closer to the deceased than you are and ask that person who you should contact. Then email their suggestion and ask "are you the right person to ask this, or should I talk to someone else?" In either one or two steps you're going to end up with the person (if they exist) who is dealing with these kinds of things (likely a spouse, a relative, or a former student, it will depend on things like whether they have close relatives in the field). I would wait at least a few months after the person has passed, since the people close to the deceased are going to have more important considerations than the paper. If in the meantime there's an announced memorial conference or similar,
skip all of this and just email one of the organizers of the conference.
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The first thing to do is to contact her estate. You can probably reach someone through her last affiliation. I assume that they have control over all of the papers and effects of the deceased.
Since you say she is famous, there my be some posthumous attempt to honor her in some collected publication, but the estate, possibly a spouse, should have knowledge of that. Her last employer might also.
But start there.
And, of course it is possible that it has already been submitted somewhere and publication is in process. The estate might even welcome contact with interested people in finalizing publication as needed.
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
The first thing to do is to contact her estate. You can probably reach someone through her last affiliation. I assume that they have control over all of the papers and effects of the deceased.
Since you say she is famous, there my be some posthumous attempt to honor her in some collected publication, but the estate, possibly a spouse, should have knowledge of that. Her last employer might also.
But start there.
And, of course it is possible that it has already been submitted somewhere and publication is in process. The estate might even welcome contact with interested people in finalizing publication as needed.
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
The first thing to do is to contact her estate. You can probably reach someone through her last affiliation. I assume that they have control over all of the papers and effects of the deceased.
Since you say she is famous, there my be some posthumous attempt to honor her in some collected publication, but the estate, possibly a spouse, should have knowledge of that. Her last employer might also.
But start there.
And, of course it is possible that it has already been submitted somewhere and publication is in process. The estate might even welcome contact with interested people in finalizing publication as needed.
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
The first thing to do is to contact her estate. You can probably reach someone through her last affiliation. I assume that they have control over all of the papers and effects of the deceased.
Since you say she is famous, there my be some posthumous attempt to honor her in some collected publication, but the estate, possibly a spouse, should have knowledge of that. Her last employer might also.
But start there.
And, of course it is possible that it has already been submitted somewhere and publication is in process. The estate might even welcome contact with interested people in finalizing publication as needed.
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
BuffyBuffy
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
84.3k21 gold badges254 silver badges367 bronze badges
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
How do you contact someone's estate? I have no idea. Also, let's suppose that for some reason, they don't publish it. Would it be ethical to make the work available online anyway?
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
1
1
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
If she worked at a university or such, they will have information about next of kin. From there you can go to the executor of the estate if necessary, but a close kin is probably enough to make proper contact. I would hesitate to publish it on my own authority in any venue unless you have permission from her family. That may, of course, already have been granted to others, such as her colleagues. As a last resort, a collective enterprise to bring it forward would be better than any individual one.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
And, let's suppose I want to reference something in this draft (our areas of research are related), how do you cite that? As "personal communication"?
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
4
4
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
A famous scholar may have appointed a literary executor specifically to deal with manuscripts, unpublished works etc.
– Owain
7 hours ago
1
1
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
I think most universities will still be able to contact family. Colleagues of hers probably know the family. You probably have no more than two degrees of separation from someone with responsibility.
– Buffy
7 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
If the author has coauthored work with someone recently, that coauthor can be a good first contact. For one thing, they might know someone in the family and perhaps know who is executor for her estate. They might also be in possession of other partially finished works and you might work together toward a common solution. Coauthors sometimes know a scholar better than those in the department. If you are lucky she has a google scholar page you can use to identify recent collaborators.
If she published primarily alone, you are left with contacting her publisher, department, family and estate, former graduate students. It is as Buffy said: if you were close enough to be sent a manuscript, you can't be more than a few degrees of separation from someone who can help.
Best of luck.
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
If the author has coauthored work with someone recently, that coauthor can be a good first contact. For one thing, they might know someone in the family and perhaps know who is executor for her estate. They might also be in possession of other partially finished works and you might work together toward a common solution. Coauthors sometimes know a scholar better than those in the department. If you are lucky she has a google scholar page you can use to identify recent collaborators.
If she published primarily alone, you are left with contacting her publisher, department, family and estate, former graduate students. It is as Buffy said: if you were close enough to be sent a manuscript, you can't be more than a few degrees of separation from someone who can help.
Best of luck.
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
If the author has coauthored work with someone recently, that coauthor can be a good first contact. For one thing, they might know someone in the family and perhaps know who is executor for her estate. They might also be in possession of other partially finished works and you might work together toward a common solution. Coauthors sometimes know a scholar better than those in the department. If you are lucky she has a google scholar page you can use to identify recent collaborators.
If she published primarily alone, you are left with contacting her publisher, department, family and estate, former graduate students. It is as Buffy said: if you were close enough to be sent a manuscript, you can't be more than a few degrees of separation from someone who can help.
Best of luck.
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
If the author has coauthored work with someone recently, that coauthor can be a good first contact. For one thing, they might know someone in the family and perhaps know who is executor for her estate. They might also be in possession of other partially finished works and you might work together toward a common solution. Coauthors sometimes know a scholar better than those in the department. If you are lucky she has a google scholar page you can use to identify recent collaborators.
If she published primarily alone, you are left with contacting her publisher, department, family and estate, former graduate students. It is as Buffy said: if you were close enough to be sent a manuscript, you can't be more than a few degrees of separation from someone who can help.
Best of luck.
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
Terry LoringTerry Loring
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
2241 silver badge4 bronze badges
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
I know one of her coauthors. I don't even know what a estate executor is, but thanks!
– Damián Beanato
7 hours ago
2
2
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
When someone dies with non-trivial assets it takes time to value the assets, pay debts, pay taxes, and organize distribution to the heirs. Rather than the assets going directly to the heirs, they are owned by the "estate of XXX", and the person in charge of the estate is called the "executor". Alternatively, there may be a trust and trustee. If you want to publish her paper before the copyright has been transferred to whoever inherits it, you need permission from the executor or trustee.
– Patricia Shanahan
6 hours ago
3
3
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
@PatriciaShanahan, let me suggest slightly better phrasing: "If you want to see her paper published...." rather than "If you want to publish her paper...". The OP can't actually publish the paper. That is up to others. The OP can help, of course. In theory, the estate could even transfer rights to the OP.
– Buffy
6 hours ago
1
1
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
@Buffy That wording is better.
– Patricia Shanahan
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
Probably there's nothing you need to do because anyone who is dealing with making decisions about what to do with her unfinished work already has access to her physical computers and so already has this draft.
If there's some reason why you think other people won't have access to this material, here's how I'd suggest figuring out who to send it to. Talk to someone you know who is closer to the deceased than you are and ask that person who you should contact. Then email their suggestion and ask "are you the right person to ask this, or should I talk to someone else?" In either one or two steps you're going to end up with the person (if they exist) who is dealing with these kinds of things (likely a spouse, a relative, or a former student, it will depend on things like whether they have close relatives in the field). I would wait at least a few months after the person has passed, since the people close to the deceased are going to have more important considerations than the paper. If in the meantime there's an announced memorial conference or similar,
skip all of this and just email one of the organizers of the conference.
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Probably there's nothing you need to do because anyone who is dealing with making decisions about what to do with her unfinished work already has access to her physical computers and so already has this draft.
If there's some reason why you think other people won't have access to this material, here's how I'd suggest figuring out who to send it to. Talk to someone you know who is closer to the deceased than you are and ask that person who you should contact. Then email their suggestion and ask "are you the right person to ask this, or should I talk to someone else?" In either one or two steps you're going to end up with the person (if they exist) who is dealing with these kinds of things (likely a spouse, a relative, or a former student, it will depend on things like whether they have close relatives in the field). I would wait at least a few months after the person has passed, since the people close to the deceased are going to have more important considerations than the paper. If in the meantime there's an announced memorial conference or similar,
skip all of this and just email one of the organizers of the conference.
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Probably there's nothing you need to do because anyone who is dealing with making decisions about what to do with her unfinished work already has access to her physical computers and so already has this draft.
If there's some reason why you think other people won't have access to this material, here's how I'd suggest figuring out who to send it to. Talk to someone you know who is closer to the deceased than you are and ask that person who you should contact. Then email their suggestion and ask "are you the right person to ask this, or should I talk to someone else?" In either one or two steps you're going to end up with the person (if they exist) who is dealing with these kinds of things (likely a spouse, a relative, or a former student, it will depend on things like whether they have close relatives in the field). I would wait at least a few months after the person has passed, since the people close to the deceased are going to have more important considerations than the paper. If in the meantime there's an announced memorial conference or similar,
skip all of this and just email one of the organizers of the conference.
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
Probably there's nothing you need to do because anyone who is dealing with making decisions about what to do with her unfinished work already has access to her physical computers and so already has this draft.
If there's some reason why you think other people won't have access to this material, here's how I'd suggest figuring out who to send it to. Talk to someone you know who is closer to the deceased than you are and ask that person who you should contact. Then email their suggestion and ask "are you the right person to ask this, or should I talk to someone else?" In either one or two steps you're going to end up with the person (if they exist) who is dealing with these kinds of things (likely a spouse, a relative, or a former student, it will depend on things like whether they have close relatives in the field). I would wait at least a few months after the person has passed, since the people close to the deceased are going to have more important considerations than the paper. If in the meantime there's an announced memorial conference or similar,
skip all of this and just email one of the organizers of the conference.
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
edited 5 hours ago
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
answered 6 hours ago
Noah SnyderNoah Snyder
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
18.5k2 gold badges45 silver badges84 bronze badges
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
Regarding her family being in possession of her computer, I'm not sure how families handle this. I think every time an important intellectual dies, their family should invite a couple of specialist in the deceased's field to inspect the deceased's computers, hard drives and online accounts to salvage anything of value.
– Damián Beanato
5 hours ago
2
2
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
Having access to a computer and recognizing of many files what is worthwhile scholarship that should get published is a different thing. It is possible that there's nothing they need to do but "probably" may be overestating how likely that is.
– JoshuaZ
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
@JoshuaZ: It's not OP's role to make the decision of what should be published in the deceased's name. If there's someone close to the deceased who is making that kind of decision then they're likely to have access to the computers. That is, even if the person who inherited the computers isn't the one making this kind of academic decision, they're likely in communication with each other. At any rate, this isn't the kind of decision that should be made by someone who isn't close enough to the deceased to know the executor of their estate.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
I have clarified the first paragraph of my answer in response to @JoshuaZ's comment.
– Noah Snyder
5 hours ago
1
1
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
I worry that the person who "thinks they are the right person" may have it wrong. You have to reach the actual right person. But it is a place to start, anyway.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Damián Beanato is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Damián Beanato is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Damián Beanato is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Damián Beanato is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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What's the condition of the draft? Does it need heavy editing, or is it almost ready to publish as is?
– Anyon
8 hours ago
3
I would say ready/almost ready.
– Damián Beanato
8 hours ago
2
Anyway, I commend you for wanting to see this done. Good luck with it.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
And, of course, the situation is just the same if the person is not famous. If the paper is worthy of publication, its authorship is of less importance than the contribution itself. Maybe even more important for a non-famous person, though, to have the work properly attributed just as if they were alive.
– Buffy
5 hours ago
2
Following up on Buffy, another reason it might be more important if the person is not famous is that the work of someone famous is likely known about, and if really famous, will probably come to light in one form or another when that person's academic belongings have been gone through (or at least archived at their university library or something), whereas anything by someone not all that famous is likely to disappear. For someone not famous, maybe it'll be rediscovered in some form at a later time, but the actual work in it's original form by the person who died will be completely lost.
– Dave L Renfro
4 hours ago