Welcome and Thank You for Considering History Compass as Your Publisher

We welcome your proposal for a primary source-based U.S. history book, play, biography, or work of historical fiction. We also enjoy hearing from illustrators.

At History Compass, we are dedicated to publishing well-researched U.S. history books that rely on primary sources and that tell a compelling story. Please take a look at our website to see our extensive collection. In author submissions, we look for interesting historical subjects, strong credentials, solid and fresh writing, attention to detail, and energy and commitment.

If you have written a book that fits our criteria and wish to consider History Compass as your publisher, we welcome your submission. You do not have to have a literary agent. We ask that you follow the submission process we outline below. Once we receive your submission, we will consider it for publication. We do read all submissions.

Your Submission:

Please mail us the following (we do not accept email, faxes, or disks):

► Query Letter.

A query letter with complete contact information that discusses, as detailed below, the content and vision, your background, and marketing ideas.

Please describe your topic, major themes, the source materials on which you rely, the photographs and other graphical materials you would include, and your vision or approach. Who is the intended audience, including, if relevant, grade levels or ages? Make the strongest case you can as to why we should publish your book and who would buy it.

Please tell us about your writing and professional background, qualifications, and experience. Feel free to include a resume or C.V. What else have you published? Have you presented or taught the material you are submitting? Are you connected with any academic or historical institution? Tell us why you are qualified to write this book.

Since you know your topic best, please tell us about three to five books with which your book will most directly compete. Include title, author, publisher, date, and price. What do those competitors do well? What sets your book apart? Tell us why a reader would buy your book.

How would you market your book? We're not looking for a marketing plan. That's our responsibility. But we would like your ideas about the market and how to appeal to readers and buyers. Will you be obtaining endorsements or a foreword from someone well-known in the field. What can we highlight in our marketing campaign? Tell us what engages the reader.

► Table of Contents.

► Outline or Sample Chapter or Both.

Please send an outline or a sample chapter, or both. Send what represents your best work and gives us a good idea of what you plan to write. Sample chapters do not have to include photographs or illustrations, though we encourage them where appropriate as they can help us understand your approach. Whether or not you include graphical materials, you should indicate what the source materials would be. Please make sure footnotes and credits are accurate and that you have or are seeking permissions where necessary.

► Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope.

Suggestions to Help Both of Us:

Do NOT send original artwork or the only copy of your materials.

Do NOT fax or email submissions. We will not accept them. Do not send a disk. We will not open it.

If you want a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you do not include a SASE, you will not get a response. If you want your material returned, make sure to include enough postage.

All submissions must be typed. Query letters should be single spaced, sample chapters double spaced.

Our strong preferences: 12 point Times New Roman (or similar) type, one inch margins, left justify only.

Please be sure that your contact information is on your manuscript.

Let us know the expected book length in double-spaced pages (most of our books are 64-72 pages), photographs or other graphical materials that you would include, and permissions you would need to get.

Let us know if you are submitting to more than one publisher, and please keep us posted on the status of those submissions.

If you would like more extensive advice on the process, check out Susan Rabiner and Alfred Fortunate's Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Serious Non-Fiction – and Get it Published (Norton, 2003).

Considering Your Submission

We read all submissions. We will respond as quickly as we can and will usually let you know within a month if we are interested in pursuing your project. Because of the volume of submissions we receive and the consideration we give to author submissions, with review by our editorial board and sometimes sales and marketing departments, it may take longer before you hear back from us. If you have not heard from us within six weeks, feel free to mail us a note. If there is a fit, we will request a full manuscript and will work closely with you to prepare your book for publication.

As we mentioned, we look for interesting historical subjects, strong credentials, solid and fresh writing, attention to detail, and energy and commitment. How committed are you to the book and the topic? We want to see that you have done the research, selected your material carefully, taken time to write a compelling book, taken time to proofread your manuscript, and have thought about innovative ways to market your book. We want your energy and expertise when it comes time to market your book. We want your book to succeed.

We look forward to reading your submission.

Please send your proposal package to

History Compass, LLC
Attn.: Submissions
25 Leslie Road
Auburndale, MA 02466

Thank you,
History Compass