Want
to Edit a Book?
Division 35 Book Series
Series Editor: Arnie Kahn, Ph.D.
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?
Thirteen years ago, Division 35 witnessed
the publication of the first book in its book series, Bringing
Cultural Diversity to Feminist 
Psychology:
Theory, Research, and Practice, edited by Hope Landrine. Since
then, more excellent books have appeared in print as part
of the Division 35 Book Series. All of the
books in the series are published by APA so the product, as well
as the content, is of the highest quality. To
read more about these books, please click here.
One-half of the royalties from the books go to the author or editor and the other half to the Society. The Book Series Committee works closely with
prospective authors and editors. If nurturing and guidance is
needed, we give it.
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 policy makers 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.
So, 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 me.
Send Materials To:
Arnie Kahn, Ph.D.
Editor, Div. 35 Book Series
Psychology MSC 7704
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
kahnas@jmu.edu
540 568 3963
fax: 540 568 3322
For more information about this site,
contact Kelly Kadlec, Division 35 webmaven.
