Author's Guidelines

Limit query letters to a concise one- or two-page description of your proposed project, its unique qualities, and its intended audience. Be sure to include your name and address on the first page of any correspondence. Your query should be accompanied by a proposal that provides a general overview of your idea and offers a chapter-by-chapter outline of the book. Please include three to five sample chapters (including the first two chapters) to familiarize us with your writing style and the development of your ideas. State your qualifications for handling this topic, including a brief summary of your writing experience.

If the proposed title is to be heavily illustrated, please outline the content and source of the photographs and/or artwork. It is also helpful to provide sample illustrations. For color illustrations, please send 8 x 10-inch prints. Send only transparencies or prints-no originals. While we will take every precaution in the handling and safe return of transparencies and prints, we assume no financial responsibility for them.

Offer a marketing plan for your book. How would you suggest your book's publisher reach the potential audience? Are there magazines, clubs, or radio and television shows that target the same market? Be specific. If you cite a magazine or club, tell us its circulation or size.

Be sure to check Books in Print (available at most public libraries) to see if someone has already published a book similar to the one you propose. Include an analysis of the competition in your proposal-let us know what similar titles are out there and how your book will be different.

For those who have queried Howell Press and have been asked to submit manuscripts, we ask that you include a cover letter with your manuscript. On the front page, include your name, address, telephone number, and an accurate word count of the manuscript's length. The manuscript should be typed double spaced on 8½ x 11-inch white paper and have page numbers and at least one-inch margins on all sides. On the left margin, alongside key quotations, dates, figures, or other pertinent information, pencil in brief citations (author, book, and page) to direct us to the references for fact-checking purposes. If a source is not commonly available, please photocopy the relevant material and submit it with the manuscript.

Use the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide for proper punctuation, capitalization, and style. Tune your presentation to the popular reader rather than the scholarly one. Because quality illustrations and photography are a hallmark of our products, suggestions for obtaining illustrations to accompany your manuscript should be included.

All book proposals should be addressed to Ross A. Howell, Jr., President. No matter what materials you send, be sure to include sufficient return postage and a self-addressed envelope large enough to contain your materials if you want them to be returned. Manuscripts not accompanied by an SASE will not be returned. Do not send a check or cash for postage. If you do not wish to have your materials returned, please include a self-addressed No. 10 envelope with $.34 return postage for our response.

We will be in touch with you as soon as possible, but please keep in mind that it could take eight weeks or longer for us to adequately assess your submission and reach a decision.

Thank you for your interest.