The MEaP Academy Scholars’ Publishing Programme (MaSPP) is an innovative initiative delivered by the MEaP Academy Community Training & Research Institute (MaCTRI) in partnership with Palgrave Macmillan.
The programme supports emerging and established scholars in developing a strong book proposal with the aim of securing a publication commission from Palgrave Macmillan. Once commissioned, participants receive structured support to write, complete, and submit their manuscript in line with Palgrave Macmillan’s given publishing schedule and deadlines. Your published work will contribute to Palgrave Macmillan’s Studies in Decolonisation book series led by Dr Ornette Clennon.
Scholars are also supported in collating and preparing a portfolio of materials during the programme, which they can independently use to apply for a PhD by publication route with a suitable university following their book’s publication.
Participants come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds and are typically engaged in community-based or practice led research. Prior academic publishing experience is not required—what matters is a commitment to exploring decolonial practice and producing work with both academic rigour and community relevance.
Programme Structure including PhD by Publication Support
The MaSPP programme is designed to guide scholars through the full publishing cycle, with built-in support for those considering a PhD by publication following the release of their book.
Year 1
- Scholars receive dedicated support to develop and submit their book proposals, with the aim of securing a publishing contract with Palgrave Macmillan.
- A progress review takes place at the end of Year 1 to determine each participant’s readiness to continue into Years 2 and 3, during this period we will also assist you with your yr 1 grant application.
Years 2 & 3
- Scholars are guided through the writing, editing, and completion of their book manuscript, working closely with the Series Editor.
- As the book nears publication, scholars also receive structured support in compiling the necessary documentation for potential PhD by publication applications.
- Annual reviews for years 2 and 3 will also be used to assist you with grant applications for these years
Following publication, the programme concludes. At this stage, scholars will have assembled the required materials and insights to independently apply to a suitable university offering the PhD by publication route.
- Please note: While many universities offer this pathway, not all accept external candidates or independently produced work. MaCTRI carefully signposts only those institutions that recognise and support this route.
For example Portsmouth University: PhD by Publication Guidance Notes
Fees & Duration
- The MaSPP programme spans three years, with a total fee of £10, 908 (£3, 636 per year)
– This is payable in monthly installments of £303 per month over 36 months for the entire programme. - We will be able to support you with funding for each year
Year 1 – We will help you to apply for the Developing Your Creative Fund from the Arts Council of England This fund will help you with the structuring of your book proposal, as you research and have a think about the intellectual foundations for your book.
Year 2 – Once you receive your contract with Palgrave Macmillan, we will help you to apply for the Work in Progress Grant from the Society of Authors This fund will help you with the associated costs (in terms of ring-fenced time) involved in writing a book.
Year 3 – As you draw towards the end of writing your book, we will help you prepare for its community dissemination and community application by assisting you with an Arts Council National Project Grant
Editorial Mentoring & Support
All enrolled scholars work under the direct mentorship of Dr. Ornette Clennon, Series Editor and Head of MaCTRI. Dr. Clennon offers one-to-one support throughout the programme, including:
- Monthly meetings (and other agreed check-ins) to discuss research progress and challenges.
- Guidance on writing, research design, and aligning work with the themes of the Community Decolonisation series.
- Ongoing availability via email for questions, feedback, and review of submitted work.
- Tailored advice to support the preparation of PhD by publication application materials, if desired.
- Where needed, Dr. Clennon will assess each scholar’s development needs and may draw in additional expertise to support specific areas of research or writing.
About the Series Editor
Dr. Ornette Clennon is a widely published author and an expert in decolonial theory, community research, and critical race studies. He is a visiting professor at UFAM and has extensive experience supporting scholars and practitioner-researchers at the intersection of academia and community.
His published works include:
- Alternative Education and Community Engagement: Making Education a Priority (Palgrave
Macmillan, 2014) - Urban Dialectics, The Market and Youth Engagement: The Black Face of Eurocentrism?
(Nova Science, 2015) - International Perspectives of Multiculturalism: The Ethical Challenges (Nova Science, 2016)
- The Polemics of CLR James and Contemporary Black Activism (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017)
- Black Scholarly Activism between the Academy and Grassroots (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018)
- Decolonising Public Health through Praxis: The Impact on Black Health in the UK (2022)
- Decoloniality in the Grassroots and The Re-emergence of the Black Organic Intellectual
(2023)
Dr. Clennon is deeply committed to mentoring scholars to produce work that is both academically rigorous and grounded in lived community realities.
E-Library & Research Resources
Once enrolled, scholars gain access to MaCTRI’s E-Library, an internal collection of over 1,000 curated resources, including books, book chapters, journal articles, and research reports.
Areas covered include:
- African Philosophy
- Decolonial Theory
- Critical Theory
- Sociology
- Critical Race Studies
- Community Psychology, and more
In addition, scholars benefit from complimentary access to major academic platforms providing millions of articles and publications—including access for those working in complementary and alternative medicine fields.
Community Learning & Engagement Opportunities
As a MaSPP scholar, you’ll become part of an active and supportive community of fellow researchers, writers, and practitioner-scholars connected through MaCTRI. This network offers valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share learning, and build lasting professional relationships. You’ll be invited to join online and in-person sessions throughout the year, including themed discussions, research development workshops, and periodic in-person meetings. These sessions offer space to share works-in-progress, receive peer feedback, and explore emerging questions in your research. Events are scheduled in response to the evolving priorities and interests of our scholar community. Participation in these sessions is encouraged as part of the broader commitment to collaborative learning and mutual support. Looking ahead, MaCTRI is developing a dedicated annual learning event — currently envisioned as a Summer Seminar Series — which will provide scholars with a platform for presenting their work, deepening their reflections, and engaging across disciplines. This emphasis on community engagement complements the structured, one-to-one mentoring scholars receive throughout the programme and reflects MaCTRI’s wider commitment to bridging academic work with grounded community practice.
For more details, please contact Dr Ornette D Clennon at ornette@meap.org.uk