Guidelines for Submitting titles

Here is a guide to what we would like in a book proposal - not every point in it will apply to every proposal. Three to four sides of A4 is usually sufficient. Note that Trentham does not bid against other publishers. We assume the proposal is with us alone and we’ll try to give you an answer within the month. But when we feel that the proposal is clearly unsuitable for us, we try to let you know within a few days so you can try elsewhere right away.

1. Start with a working title and a sentence or two outlining the main thrust of your book.

2. Set out the contents. You may do this chapter by chapter.

3. Say how long the book will be, to the nearest 5,000 words - our preference is for books of 55,000 to 60,000 words.

4. Identify the intended market(s)

· Avoid Uncle Tom Cobleigh sentences ("this book is intended for classroom teachers, middle management, senior management, ITT students and their tutors and mentors, researchers, lecturers, advisers, administrators, policy-makers..."). Your book might well appeal to a number of groups but it helps us if you distinguish between main and subsidiary audiences.

· Quantify the market as far as possible. For example, if your book is aimed at a certain type of course, how many such courses are there? And how many students are there on each course? And is it a core text or is it recommended reading?

· Explain how your book would appeal - e.g. through contributors, references, case studies - to different national markets, e.g. Scotland, Ireland, EU, North America, Australia.

5. Analyse the competition

· What comparable books are there?

· How is your book different from / better than the books you name?

· If there isn't a comparable book, suggest why there isn't

· Say what makes your book irresistible.

6. You, the author

· Give your title, affiliation and relevant qualifications

· Give a brief bibliography of your relevant publications, annotated to identify the kind of audience if this isn’t obvious

· Mention any relevant networks you’re involved in (e.g. conferences you attend, associations you belong to)

· Explain your affective involvement: Why does this issue matter to you? What is at stake for you?

7. When could you submit the manuscript by? Avoid good intentions here and be realistic - then add 3 months.

8. Would the book need illustrations? If so, roughly how many and of what type - photos? Diagrams? Can you provide camera-ready copy?

9. Finally, summarise what the book offers to the reader. Much of this will already be covered, but it is worth spelling out what's in it for the reader.



Please include your contact numbers, including fax and e-mail.

Proposals can be submitted electronically to Gillian@trentham-books.co.uk

or in hard copy to:

Trentham Editorial Office
28 Hillside Gardens
London
N6 5ST

If you want the proposal returned, enclose a sae.

If you send your proposal by email, the file must be labelled with your name - not ‘Trentham’ or ‘proposal’.

That should do it! We look forward to receiving your proposal.

© Trentham Books Limited
Westview House, 734 London Road, Oakhill, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 5NP, UK
Telephone +44 (0) 1782 745567/844699 Facsimilie +44 (0) 1782 745553
tb@trentham-books.co.uk