Finding and learning about journals and publishers: Finding a Book Publisher

These resources (heavily European) may help you find an open access book publisher.

In many areas of academia, especially the humanities and social sciences, a published book (or monograph) is still widely considered the gold standard of scholarly output. It’s very important that faculty find the right publisher – right in terms of subject fit, editing, marketing/publicity, prestige, and other factors. 

Some general tips:

• First, be honest regarding your motivation and expectations in wanting/needing to publish.  It will determine what to look for in a publisher.
• Look at the publishers of the books YOU read in your field/subject area.  Investigate whether authors of chapters, articles, etc. in your field/subject area have published books, and with whom.
• At conferences and other professional meetings, talk to researchers who have had books published, even if their areas are not exactly yours.  They can give you invaluable information based on their experiences. Also, visit the publishers’ booths and talk about your book.  Don’t miss the opportunity to get advice and direction from these experts; they don’t operate in a vacuum, so even if they’re not the right publisher for you, they can probably suggest others.
• Seek advice/guidance from professional/scholarly organizations.
• Start a conversation in your department – one-on-one, group (maybe an agenda item for a regular department meeting).
• When ready to make contact with a publisher, write a letter to a person (not just sir, madam, editor) asking about possible interest in your project. Do not include a proposal or manuscript with your initial contact.