Perspectives on Science Early Careers Workshop #6: Content and Submission of Book Proposals
17 snips
Sep 22, 2025 
W. Patrick McCray, a Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a series editor for Johns Hopkins University Press, shares invaluable insights on turning dissertations into books. He discusses how to select the right press and approach editors effectively. McCray details the importance of crafting compelling proposals and outlines essential steps in the publishing process. He also touches on the risks of repackaging work and the nuances between journal and book editorial relationships, providing practical advice for emerging authors.
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Early Humbling Publishing Experience
- Patrick McCray sent his first manuscript to Johns Hopkins and was charged for referee reports, which he later learned was unusual.
- That initially bad experience shaped how he treats first-time authors as an editor.
Books Face An Open Door Compared To Journals
- Acquisitions editors are incentivized to publish, unlike journal editors who often reject to reduce volume.
- A strong, well-targeted proposal pushes against an open door at a press.
Court Acquisitions Editors Early
- Treat book proposals as courting an acquisitions editor because presses want to acquire books.
- Identify presses whose books you admire and approach their acquisitions editor early and respectfully.
