Perspectives on Science Early Careers Workshop #6: Content and Submission of Book Proposals
17 snips
Sep 22, 2025 
W. Patrick McCray, a Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a series editor for Johns Hopkins University Press, shares invaluable insights on turning dissertations into books. He discusses how to select the right press and approach editors effectively. McCray details the importance of crafting compelling proposals and outlines essential steps in the publishing process. He also touches on the risks of repackaging work and the nuances between journal and book editorial relationships, providing practical advice for emerging authors.
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Books Face An Open Door Compared To Journals
- Acquisitions editors are incentivized to publish, unlike journal editors who often reject to reduce volume.
- A strong, well-targeted proposal pushes against an open door at a press.
Court Acquisitions Editors Early
- Treat book proposals as courting an acquisitions editor because presses want to acquire books.
- Identify presses whose books you admire and approach their acquisitions editor early and respectfully.
Craft A Tight Ten‑Page Proposal
- Write a clear 10-page proposal with a succinct summary, significance, chapter-by-chapter outline, mechanics, competition, and author note.
- Specify word count (notes included or not), image use, and audience to avoid later clashes.
