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Scholarly Publishing : Book Publishing

This guide points users to information on academic publishing, covering topics such as measuring journal impact and quality, the peer review process, selecting the appropriate journal for publication, and more.

Overview

Publishing a book can be a significant milestone in an academic career. This page provides resources for both academic and trade publishing.

Types of Academic Books

Type Description Primary Audience
Monograph Single-author original research Scholars and graduate students
Edited Collection Chapters by multiple contributors, curated by editors Scholars in a subfield
Textbook Instructional material designed for classroom use Undergraduate or graduate students
Professional handbook / reference Applied knowledge for practitioners or researchers Professionals, advanced students

Types of Publishers

Model Traits Examples
Academic (University Press) Peer-reviewed, non-profit, focused on scholarship University of Chicago, Princeton, MIT
Commercial Academic Press For-profit, broader reach, quicker turnaround Routledge, Palgrave Macmillan, Springer
Open Access Press Free to read online UCL Press
Trade Press Non-academic, aims for public readers; often requires an agent Viking, Harper

 

Finding the Right Academic Publisher

Strategy Tools & How-To Links What You'll Find
University presses Locate presses by discipline; download individual house guidelines
Commercial academic presses Discipline-specific proposal forms, timetable expectations, and contact information for editors for large for-profit publishers
Open-access book publishers Identify OA-friendly presses, check funding models/BPCs
Evaluate trustworthiness Vet a press for peer review, ethics, and reputation

Who's publishing in my field?
  • Scopus “Book Titles” source list → filter by subject
  • WorldCat Collection Analysis (search recent titles + publisher)
 Discover publisher frequency in your field; pinpoint homes for your book

Common steps to academic publishing:

  1. Research comparables: Find recent scholarly books on similar topics. 
  2. Identify appropriate publishers: Explore university presses and academic imprints that publish in your discipline. 
  3. Assemble a full proposal: Typically 10–25 pages.
  4. Submit proposal to an editor: Contact the appropriate acquisitions editor at your chosen press (most do not require agents). 
  5. Revise based on editorial and peer review feedback
  6. Editorial board review: After successful peer review, your project typically goes before the press’s editorial board for final approval. 
  7. Receive and negotiate a publishing contract: The editor offers a contract detailing royalties, rights, manuscript delivery dates, etc. 
  8. Write and deliver the full manuscript: Once under contract, complete and submit your manuscript on the agreed timeline. 
  9. Book production and launch

Publishing Popular (Trade) Books

What academic-based books may count as "trade"?

  • Narrative nonfiction based in scholarship (e.g., The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee)
  • Science or history for lay readers
  • Memoir with academic foundation or perspective
  • Professional/practical guides (e.g., leadership, pedagogy)

Differences between Academic and Trade Publications

Academic Trade
Target: scholars, students Target: general readers
Sales: libraries, university book stores (most commonly) Sales: bookstores, retail
Peer review Agent/editor vetting
Small print run Larger print run

Common steps to trade publication:

  1. Research comparables: Find 5-10 recent titles for the same audience; note publisher, tone, length, price.
  2. Write a query letter: One-page email with brief project overview, bio, and 2-3 comparable books.
  3. Assemble a full proposal: Typically 20-40 pages.
  4. Query and secure a literary agent (if needed): Submit the query (and proposal, if requested) to agents who handle your genre; revise until one offers representation.
  5. Revise with agent feedback: Strengthen positioning, narrative voice, and market angle before editors see it.
  6. Agent submits to editors: Agent pitches 6-12 editors at suitable trade imprints.
  7. Negotiate contract: Agent handles rights, delivery schedule, publicity expectations, etc.

Trade Books: Publishing Houses & Imprints (U.S.)