NASW Press publishes high-quality professional books of relevance to social workers and other professionals in social welfare and the human services. We welcome proposals for books on a variety of topics and seek submissions for several different types of publications. In general, NASW Press focuses on publishing books that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in social work.
NASW Press publishes five major types of books:
- scholarly works
- textbooks
- reference works
- practice books
- guide books
Authors are invited to submit proposals that fit any of these categories.
Scholarly Works
One of the foci of NASW Press is the publication of scholarly works that capture high-level expertise that contributes to the core knowledge of the profession. These works are based on sound theories supported by rigorous research applicable to education, practice, and policy.
Textbooks
NASW Press books are widely used as required and recommended reading in schools of social work. To be accepted, a proposal should demonstrate exacting scholarship, good writing, and the potential to fill an existing need in the field.
Reference Works
NASW Press is recognized as the premier publisher of social work reference works, including the highly regarded Social Work Dictionary and The Encyclopedia of Social Work (the 20th edition of which was co-published with Oxford University Press). We encourage proposals for other reference works, particularly those that would advance social work education and practice. To be accepted, proposed books must meet the highest standards of expertise and scholarship and be a significant contribution to our unparalleled reference works collection.
Practice Books
Designed for the busy professional, practice books are concise, evidenced-based, and accessible. The finished product should be relatively short and visually appealing. Strong preference will be given to manuscripts that are distinguished by innovation and creativity. “How-to” manuscripts are particularly well suited for this category.
Guide Books
NASW Press seeks proposals for pocket guides and study guides including, but not limited to, the areas of credentialing, licensing, and other standardized exams. Proposals for guide books must demonstrate a clear, strong potential for use and instruction.
Proposal Elements
The quality of a book proposal is a key factor in selling the project to a publisher. The information should be succinct, yet comprehensive enough for a thorough review. Even if the author submits a full manuscript, he or she also should submit a book proposal that describes the book’s purpose, the potential audience for the book, and the author’s qualifications to write the book. If these guidelines are not followed, the author will be asked to revise and resubmit.
NASW will not review the following:
- fiction or other materials intended for a general audience
- dissertations or master’s theses*
- curriculum guides for schools
- “readers” or other collections of previously published materials
- general conference proceedings.
*Doctoral dissertations or master’s theses must be reworked to meet the criteria for a book before they will be considered for publication.
Proposals must be in 12-point type, double-spaced, and in Microsoft Word. Please send one electronic copy, via e-mail, to press@naswdc.org. Please type “Book Proposal” in the subject line.
Prospectus
The prospectus should be no longer than six pages, containing only vital information about the book. It should have a clear purpose and describe implications for social work. The author must demonstrate that he or she has enough comprehensive, valid material to justify a book, rather than a journal article. Features that make the book unique should be described.
The book prospectus should include an accurate assessment of the market for the book, as well as a critique of existing books now competing in the market. Reviewers will weigh the author’s identification and assessment of competing books carefully. In addition to determining whether a market exists, reviewers use the assessment to gauge the author’s knowledge of the literature in the area. The author should include the title, author, publisher, and year of publication of competing books. He or she also should describe the strengths and weaknesses of each book and indicate how the proposed book will be superior or different.
The prospectus should include an estimated timetable for the completion of the manuscript. Estimated completion dates should be realistic, but not so far in the future that timeliness would be affected. In addition, the author should estimate the number of manuscript pages, including artwork and tables that the final manuscript will contain. NASW Press policy limits manuscript page counts to 450 double-spaced, 12-point typed pages.
Book Outline
A detailed outline and draft table of contents should accompany the prospectus. Authors should include sufficient information in the outline so that reviewers can easily see the flow of the book and the major points covered in it. If the book is intended to be a collective work, the editor should provide the names of the prospective authors, as well as the titles of chapters they are expected to write.
NASW Press requests an introductory chapter for the initial review. Reviewers will look to this chapter to evaluate the author’s writing style and to determine the skill with which the subject is developed. If the final manuscript does not accurately reflect the outline and table of contents in the proposal, NASW Press reserves the right to terminate any contractual agreements.
Author’s Background
Full curriculum vitae for all authors should be included with the book prospectus.
Review Process
Proposals received at NASW Press are entered into our automated database, and an acknowledgment is mailed to the author. The Publisher and the Managing Editor review all proposals to determine that they meet the basic criteria for the book program. The proposals are then reviewed by the Book Committee, which decides whether they merit formal review. The chair of the Book Committee and at least two reviewers read and rate proposals; they consider whether the proposal
- demonstrates a contribution to social work knowledge
- meets NASW Press standards for presentation
- is consistent, the concept clear, and the documentation precise
- is readable
- appears to have a sufficient potential audience
- contains timely material
- is innovative, of professional significance, and of broad interest
- has comparative materials available
- contains subject matter relating to NASW priorities.
The Book Committee
The Book Committee, a subcommittee of the Publications Committee, articulates policy and reviews proposals. The chair of the Book Committee sits on the Publications Committee; the chair and all members of the Book Committee must be published authors who are members in good standing of NASW. Book Committee members read and rate manuscripts, advise NASW Press staff on content, and make recommendations for publication. In addition, NASW Press invites published authors with strong subject expertise to review completed manuscripts.
Acceptance
If the proposal is accepted for publication, the author will receive the Book Committee’s feedback, which may include requests to adapt or change the manuscript as necessary. Should the author agree to revise and resubmit according to the reviewer’s comments, a binding contract will be extended.
Author Royalties
NASW Press pays competitive royalties to authors. The standard royalty schedule is as follows:
- first 3,000 copies—10 percent of net sales
- 3,001 to 6,000 copies—12.5 percent of net sales
- over 6,000 copies—15 percent of net sales.
If there is more than one author or editor, royalties are divided on a percentage basis to be determined by the authors. Royalties are based on net annual sales and are paid within 90 days of the end of NASW’s fiscal year, which ends June 30. The Press does not pay royalties to authors of articles in a collective work of original articles.
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