How to submit a Proposal
In the first instance you should contact one of the Series Editors to discuss your potential proposal. WUP is only soliciting proposals within these Series parameters at the present time.
Once you have done so, and they agree that your proposed title is something they are interested in within their Series, you can submit a formal proposal document. This should be organised under the headings outlined below. The proposal you submit will be the basis on which we judge the book’s suitability for publication. We would suggest a proposal of between 3-4 pages in length, although this should be supplemented by sample chapters, or a draft manuscript, and an up-to-date CV.
The title of your proposed work
500 Word Rationale: An outline of the rationale behind the book:
- What is it about?
- What are its main themes and objectives?
- What are you doing differently from, or in a more innovative way, or better than, existing books in the subject area?
- What evidence is there that there is a market for your book?
Outline of content and form, chapter by chapter
A more detailed synopsis. Please list working chapter headings and provide a paragraph of explanation on what you intend to cover in each chapter.
- Indicate length of each chapter. If sample chapters, or a draft manuscript are available, please send them or let us know when they will be available.
- How many tables, diagrams or illustrations will there be (approximately)?
- How many thousand words in length will your book be (approximately)?
Schedule to date of completion
Outline timetable of work and indicate when you will be able to deliver the completed typescript.
Context/competing titles/expected readership
Contextualise your book in relation to existing competing titles, indicate how you go beyond them and offer a description of your expected readership. Say why you think that Winchester University Press is an appropriate publisher for your book.
In the first instance your proposal should be sent to the editor of the Winchester University Press Series that your work fits within. They will produce a report which will then be passed to the Commissioning Editor for further consideration.
How we evaluate your proposal
If approves by the Series Editor, the proposal is then evaluated by the Press’s General Editors, who each produce a report. If the Editors are satisfied that the proposal meets content, quality and market criteria, then the next stage is for the proposal to be sent to two independent readers who each produce reports. If the independent reader reports are supportive of publication, the proposal is discussed again and if approved, a draft contract is issued.
We publish in single paperback format only and our title list is based around strands or Series of publication that relate to the disciplinary expertise of the University as a whole.
We are able to offer:
Quality production values, limited production costs, efficient production, and marketing within a defined international system. Our target market is the leading research libraries of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Submission of Completed Manuscripts
Click for more detail on how to submit manuscripts and style sheets.