Submissions

It is always best to inquire (see "Inquiries" above) before sending a manuscript unannounced to any press. (A submission made without an inquiry is sometimes referred to as having come in "over the transom," a jocular reference which suggests that such a submission is somehow like tossing the manuscript into the office through the vent above the door.) Whether announced or not, however, the West Virginia University Press will look at every manuscript we receive, and we shall try to respond to the author within a month. (Although we are careful with author's works, we won't accept responsibility for the damage or loss of an unsolicited manuscript, of course.)

Whether solicited or unsolicited, manuscripts should be sent to us only in printed form at first. If we choose to publish a work, we shall then work with the author to assure that the proper electronic files are provided to hasten production, but only printed copy which we know to have been approved by you is useful to us for the first reading of the book. Nor should you try to lay out your manuscript, but simply print the texts as appropriate.

If we need to see photographs or artwork to appreciate the text, please make up three sets of inexpensive hard-copy reproductions of the pertinent materials for our office and readers' use. These do not have to be perfect reproductions, but only suggest the image your text would contain. Label the reproductions according to a simple scheme and note the labels in the appropriate place in your manuscript.

The manuscript should be double-spaced, and it should include all prefaces, introductions, table of contents, and other front matter as well as all appendices, bibliographies, and other back matter (excepting the index). You may use the reference style appropriate to your subject matter, or if you are in doubt about the proper style, use the Chicago Manual of Style.

Send the manuscript to:

The Editor
The West Virginia University Press
PO Box 6295
West Virginia University,
Morgantown, WV 26506