Washington State University Press, a member of the Association of American University Presses, invites manuscripts focusing on the American West, particularly the prehistory, history, environment, politics, and culture of the greater Northwest region.
The Press publishes in a wide variety of genres, including scholarly and trade monographs, reminiscences, essays, and biographies. We seek imaginative works that tell the story of the West in innovative ways. We are not at this time accepting novels, poetry, or literary criticism.
The secret to publishing with WSU Press is to write with the reader in mind. The WSU Press adheres to the belief that good scholarship and good writing are compatible. We are unlikely to spend much time with a manuscript exhibiting extensive academic jargon. On the other hand, when you write a work that requires documentation, we expect to see evidence that your research has been thorough and sound.
The Press publishes an average of 8 titles each year. First-time authors are encouraged to submit proposals. The majority of our submissions come from unagented authors, but we also accept agent queries. We respond to queries within two months; simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please tell us if you are making a multiple submission. On average we publish 12 to 18 months after a contract has been finalized for a manuscript. In general, royalities start on the sale of the first book, and graduate up according to sales.
When querying the Press about a possible manuscript, please submit a cover letter, chapter outline, and sample chapter or chapters. Please do not send the entire manuscript or original artwork/photographs at the query stage. Although we will respond to general questions via e-mail, we prefer that manuscript submissions be submitted via regular mail.
Send queries to:
Glen Lindeman
Editor-in-Chief
WSU Press
P.O. Box 645910
Pullman, WA 99164-5910
Voice: 509-335-3518
Fax: 509-335-8568