Inside Report (6)

What next for Jimmy Carter?

He'll hit the spotlight in the next few weeks with the publication of his book, ''Keeping Faith'' and a round of media interviews. Advance excerpts indicate he'll dwell on his role as Middle East peacemaker to try to change his image from a symbol of defeat to an ex-chief executive whose greatest successes have been overlooked. Reports are that he'll also help form a public policy center at Emory University. Future runs for office? Not likely, say those close to the former president.

But he'll be active in Democratic politics - maybe even in '84, if Ted Kennedy is not the party's nominee. m