Division 35 Book Proposal Guidelines

Have you been thinking about a book you would like to edit or author that is relevant to the psychology of women or gender? Do you think it is worth exploring the possibility of doing this book as part of the Division 35 Book Series?

Division 35 Book Proposal Guidelines

Your book proposal should follow the following format, which covers information that publishers find essential in evaluating the project for publication consideration. Please submit an email attachment of the proposal and any sample chapters. The objective of the Division 35 Book Series is to increase the dissemination of strong feminist scholarship; all proposals are evaluated with respect to this priority. The following considerations are part of any good proposal.

  1. Need. Why is the book being written? Why do people need help on the topic at this time? How is the topic of increasing rather than passing or declining importance?

  2. Purpose. What is the book designed to accomplish? How does it meet the need you have identified?

  3. Contribution. What new is offered? In what ways would the book add to current knowledge and practice related to the psychology of women, gender, or sex roles?

  4. Related competing books. Please list the author, title and publisher of the main related and competing books; describe why they are not adequate to meet the need you have identified; and tell how your book would differ or be superior.

  5. Intended audiences. Be specific and describe the primary, secondary and other audiences with respect to discipline, institutional affiliation and position or title.

  6. Uses. What would the book help the audiences to do, understand, improve, carry out and so on? Distinguish between the uses for the practitioner audiences and the uses for the academic audiences — or whatever other distinction is most meaningful.

  7. Potential textbook adoptions. In addition to sales to individual practitioners, academics and policymakers, Division 35 books may also be intended for use as textbooks in college and university courses and corporate and government training courses. If your book would have such textbook use, please describe the level, titles and average enrollment of courses for which it would be appropriate, the kinds and approximate number of institutions with such courses, and competing textbooks.

  8. Alternative title possibilities. Along with your current working title, please suggest several alternative titles. The title should clearly communicate to all audiences the topic, purpose and utility of books.

  9. Knowledge base. What is the research or experience base for the information in the book? Briefly describe any special studies or previous work relevant to this book.

  10. Outline of contents and chapter-by-chapter description. Provide a brief abstract about the purpose and contents of each chapter, giving specific details and examples as well as general statements. Also explain the logic of the book's organization.

  11. Special materials. Briefly mention the purpose and approximate number of tables, figures, forms, supplements, appendices and any other special materials to be included.

  12. Length. How many double-spaced, typewritten pages do you anticipate the manuscript will be?

  13. Timetable. What schedule is envisioned for preparing sample chapters (if not already included), the complete draft manuscript and revisions of the manuscript?

  14. Sample chapters. Do not wait until the manuscript is completed to submit the plan. Instead, submit the plan with two or three sample chapters. If you would like some feedback before you prepare the sample chapters, send the plan without them, and we will offer an initial reaction. We prefer to learn of projects in their early stages to point out potential problems and offer editorial suggestions. Of course, if the manuscript is nearly completed already, then send an email attachment of the available manuscript.

  15. Other publishers. Has the manuscript been sent to other publishers for consideration? If so, which ones? Note that Division 35 has no objection to your informing other publishers that we are considering the proposal.

  16. Background information. Please attach your complete vita, resume or biography detailing your professional and educational background, including prior publications. If there are secondary or contributing authors, please include a brief 200-word biography on them as well.

If you have an idea for a book and would like to discuss its appropriateness for the book series and the process and procedures involved, please get in touch with Division 35 Book Series Editor: Linda J. Beckman, PhD.

Send materials electronically to:

Linda J. Beckman
Editor, Division 35 Book Series
Telephone: (626) 270-3302