Authors are requested to submit an alt-text along with the captions for the images in their book in a separate Word file. They may find this brief but detailed guide helpful: Alt-text miniguide for authors.pdf.
In this miniguide, there are references to Brill's Author Guide (primarly written for authors of monographs and edited volumes; for alt-text, see on pp. 6, 15 and 18) and to Microsoft Support writing about the subject.
As of now, journal compositors are kindly requested to process alt-texts as submitted by the author. If unavailable, they please shall copy-paste the caption to obtain an alt-text for the figure (which is suboptimal).
Journal Instructions for Authors (IfA), issued by Brill on a per case basis, are being updated rolling since 1 March 2024, covering the matter of alt-text.
Please note that Brill will go over gradually. During the next 12 months, these instructions will be repeated and become more compelling. Currently, we will ask neither our PEs nor typesetters to remind authors explicitly (by an AQ in their proofs) to submit elements of alt-text. This may change towards the end of this year as EU regulations for this will be effective as of 28 June 2025.
XML JATS instructions:
| yes | Alternate Text Name. Word or phrase used to provide a very short textual name, description, or purpose-statement for a structure such as a graphic or figure. This element is to be included for accessibility purposes and as such is always required. In this element, repeat the text given in the relevant <caption>``<title> unless Brill provides a specific alt-text. |
[JATS instructions (brill.com) → Search on page (CRTL-F): alt-text]
Related pages:
How to Use Alt text for Images - PALLAS - Connect (brill.com) [ Brill internal ]
Brill - Alt-text miniguide for authors.pdf - All Documents (sharepoint.com) [ internal ]
Everything you need to know to write effective alt text - Microsoft Support
