Author Guidelines

Manuscript Preparation Instructions (PDF)

Artwork Specifications (PDF)

Submission Guidelines

1. Authors send us a formal prospectus (we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts or unrevised dissertations): an abstract outlining the project and current curriculum vitae specifically indicating why they are qualified to write on this topic and why they feel that a book on this topic is needed. In addition, authors may choose to send a sample chapter, table of contents, or introduction.

2. If the response is favorable, after an initial screening by the Acquisitions Editor in charge of the proposal and in-house discussion by the Acquisitions department committee, we ask the author to send 2-3 unbound, single sided copies of the full manuscript, including with our request a Manuscript Information Sheet for the author to complete and return to us. We only review manuscripts on an exclusive basis at this point.

3. Once we have received these materials we first review the full manuscript in-house. If that review is positive, we then usually send the manuscript to two outside readers (and to any relevant series editors) for their evaluation. These reports are solicited sequentially, not simultaneously to allow the author a chance to respond and revise. We allow our readers 4-8 weeks to generate a report, depending on the nature of the topic and the time of year.

4. Copies of these reports (blind) are sent to the author along with each reader’s recommendation: to publish (typically with some revisions); to have the author resubmit with substantial revision; or to decline the opportunity of publishing. We request the author to respond, in writing, to each reader's report.

5. The Acquisitions Editor in charge of the project then prepares a formal proposal using the reader's reports and the author’s written responses to these reports, and then submits the proposal to the Press's Director for approval.

6. If approved, the manuscript is placed on the docket for the Editorial Committee’s consideration. This committee meets anywhere from two to four times a year, depending on numerous factors. At that committee meeting, the Editor will make a case for the importance of publishing the manuscript. Readers’ reports and author’s responses are again used, as well as salient excerpts of the manuscript, précis/abstract (prepared by both the author and the Acquisitions Editor handling the project), reasons for publishing, likely market, possibilities for course adoption, and possibilities of subvention. The manuscript is then voted upon.

7. If the manuscript carries the vote, the Editor in conjunction with the Director will negotiate a contract with the author, delineating the author’s responsibilities (such as obtaining permissions, paying for and obtaining illustrations, and preparing the manuscript and illustrative matter according to Press specifications) and the Press’s responsibilities (payment of royalties, registration of copyright, etc.). The author will also receive a Manuscript Preparation Instruction booklet detailing Syracuse University Press’s specifications for final manuscript submission. The Acquisitions Editor of the project will oversee the author’s preparation of the manuscript for transmittal to the Editorial Department, where final copy-editing of the manuscript begins.