Already a Corwin Press Author?
Please prepare your manuscript according to the Corwin Press Manuscript Guidelines.
For Permission and Copyright information and documentation, please go to our Author Permissions page.
Information for Prospective Authors
Corwin Press publishes leading-edge books that offer fresh insights, conclusions, and recommendations for action. We do not publish textbooks that simply summarize existing knowledge; nor do we publish popular books intended for a mass market audience. Our goal is to publish substantive and practical books that contribute to practitioners' knowledge while also being readable and useful.
What is an "ideal" Corwin Press book?
- It is based on theory, research, and/or practical experience.
- It discusses the implications of that theory, research, or experience for universal practice.
- It draws on real-world examples and practices to illustrate points.
- It offers practical, hands-on advice to educators who want to be successful in their chosen careers.
- Most often, it is authored or coauthored, rather than an edited book.
- Our audiences need substantive works that are also 'user-friendly' and tailored to their busy schedules.
Physically, our publications are designed to meet the needs of the audiences being addressed. Corwin Press books vary in size from 6" x 9" and 7" x 10" editions up to 8½" x 11" workbook formats. Usually we publish simultaneously in paperback and hardcover (the latter are specially bound library editions), and we also offer a limited number of CD-ROMs and videotapes.
How to Prepare a Book Prospectus
The prospectus for a book focuses the author's thoughts and helps guide the publisher in that it emphasizes the rationale of the book why it is being written and for whom. The prospectus provides more information than an outline (which offers only an overview of the content and organization).
In essence, a good prospectus sets forth all the information necessary to allow a publisher to adequately evaluate a project's potential.
Please use the following three-part guidelines in preparing your prospectus keep these areas separate, as it will make it easier for us to understand your intentions about the book. Feel free to add any additional items or categories you feel are necessary.
Part 1: About the Project
Rationale: Why are you writing the book? What will it accomplish? Why do people need help on the topic at this time? Is the topic of increasing importance rather than passing or declining importance? How does the book meet the need you have identified?
Knowledge Base: What is the research or experience base for the information in the book? Briefly describe any special studies or previous work relevant to the content.
Nature of Content: Do you provide a "broad brush" approach or a detailed, comprehensive treatment of the topic? How will the book be applicable to practice?
Alternative Title Possibilities: Along with your current working title, please suggest several alternative titles. We strive for titles that clearly communicate to all audiences the topic, purpose, and usefulness of our publications.
Competing or Related Works: Please list the author, title, and publisher of the main competing or related books, and tell us how your book would differ or be superior.
Special Materials: Describe any elements in the book that will help illustrate the textual discussions (for example, cases, flow charts, forms, summaries, annotated bibliography, glossary, and so on). How many tables, figures, and exhibits do you anticipate using?
Length and Schedule: How many double-spaced, typewritten pages do you anticipate the manuscript will have? Include special materials, tables, figures, and the reference section in the page count. When do you expect to have your manuscript ready? (Please be realistic in planning your schedule.)
Other Publishers: Which other publishers are considering your project?
Author: What experience, background, or other qualifications do you have that make you uniquely qualified to undertake this project? Please attach your vita or résumé.
Part 2: About the Contents
Outline of Contents and Chapter Descriptions: Please provide an outline with all part and chapter titles indicated. Also, include a few sentences about the purpose and contents of each chapter along with specific details and examples.
Sample Chapters: Do not wait until the manuscript is completed to submit the prospectus. Instead, send it with one or two sample chapters. When we learn of projects in the early stages, we can point out potential problems and offer editorial suggestions. Of course, if the manuscript is complete, or nearly so, then send copies of all that is available.
Part 3: About the Market
Primary Audience: What is the primary market for the book? Professionals in what specific field/subfield? What associations or specific divisions of professional organizations or professional journals would provide highly targeted mailing lists for promoting your book?
Secondary Audience: Are there other audiences that might be interested in the book, but to a lesser degree? Please be as realistic and as specific as possible in describing who will buy the book.
Uses: What would the book help the audiences do, understand, improve, carry out, etc.? Distinguish between the uses for the practitioner audiences and the uses for training workshops or whatever other distinction is most meaningful.
Potential Course Adoptions: In addition to sales to individual practitioners and academics, Corwin Press books are often used as supplements in college and university courses, staff development workshops, and other training settings. If your book has the potential for such use, please provide as much specific information as possible as to the types of courses and approximate enrollments.
Suggestions for Developing Your Manuscript
- Write in the active voice in short, jargon-free sentences, grouped into short paragraphs.
- Use plenty of headings as signposts to your discussion.
- Use lists, checklists, figures, and other devices to present information interestingly and succinctly.
- Keep chapters relatively short, in the range of 20-25 double-spaced manuscript pages.
- Summarize points at the ends of chapters.
- Select only the most pertinent references to cite in text and to list at the end of the book.
- Consider including an annotated bibliography or suggestions for further reading (these are more useful than long, undifferentiated lists of literature citations).
- Keep the overall manuscript as concise as possible. It's difficult to communicate well in few words, but your readers will appreciate the effort! Do include necessary, supportive, or background information.
A Note About Writing Style: If you would like to publish with Corwin Press, please pay particular attention to how you put words on paper. Our readers are busy professionals who appreciate writing that is clear, straightforward, and to the point.
We look forward to receiving your proposal. For additional information, contact us by phone at 805-499-9734 or by e-mail to the addresses listed below.
Robb Clouse, Publisher and Editorial Director
Telephone: (805) 410-7143
E-mail: robb.clouse@corwinpress.com
Hudson Perigo, Executive Editor
Telephone: (805) 410-7284
E-mail: hudson.perigo@corwinpress.com
Allyson P. Sharp, Executive Editor
Telephone: (805) 410-7287
E-mail: allyson.sharp@corwinpress.com
Jessica Allan, Senior Acquisitions Editor
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, EARLY LITERACY, SCHOOL COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH
Telephone: (908) 277-1447
E-mail: jessica.allan@corwinpress.com
Dan Alpert, Senior Acquisitions Editor
STAFF DEVELOPMENT, DIVERSITY, ELL, ASSESSMENT & RESEARCH METHODS
Telephone: (415) 753-2129
E-mail: dan.alpert@corwinpress.com
Arnis Burvikovs, Senior Acquisitions Editor
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TECHNOLOGY
Telephone: (847) 394-1139
E-mail: arnis.burvikovs@corwinpress.com
Carol Chambers Collins, Senior Acquisitions Editor
TEACHING METHODS & LITERACY
Telephone: (914) 862-4428
E-mail: carol.collins@corwinpress.com
David Chao, Acquisitions Editor
SPECIAL EDUCATION & GIFTED EDUCATION
Telephone: (805) 410-7408
E-mail: david.chao@corwinpress.com
Cathy Hernandez, Acquisitions Editor
LITERACY, CONTENT & CURRICULUM
Telephone: (805) 410-7146
E-mail: cathy.hernandez@corwinpress.com
Kathleen Hex, Executive Editor
CORWIN PRESS CLASSROOM
Telephone: (805) 367-6146
E-mail: kathleen.hex@corwinpress.com
Debra Stollenwerk, Senior Acquisitions Editor
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TECHNOLOGY
Telephone: (614) 268-0682
E-mail: debra.stollenwerk@corwinpress.com