NIAAH Press submission guidelines

What we publish

We consider original books, practical guides, professional education resources, edited collections, and public scholarship for general and professional audiences. Strong proposals explain why the work matters, who needs it, and how it contributes to African American health.

What to include in your proposal

1. Working title and contact informationProvide the proposed title and subtitle, each author’s full name, credentials, institutional or community affiliation, email address, telephone number, and the name of the corresponding author.
2. Project overviewIn approximately 500 to 1,000 words, explain the purpose, central argument, scope, evidence base, and connection to NIAAH’s mission.
3. Audience and contributionIdentify the primary and secondary audiences, the need the book addresses, and what readers will know or be able to do after reading it.
4. Comparable worksIdentify three to five recent books or resources that address related subjects. Explain how your project differs and what it adds.
5. Annotated table of contentsList every proposed chapter and provide a short paragraph describing its focus, main ideas, and practical value.
6. Manuscript planState the estimated final word count, current stage of completion, expected completion date, and approximate number of tables, figures, photographs, or other illustrations.
7. Author qualificationsInclude a biography of approximately 150 to 250 words for each author or editor. Describe relevant professional, scholarly, clinical, or community experience and any existing relationship with the intended audience.
8. Sample materialAttach one or two representative chapters or a substantial writing sample, preferably totaling 5,000 to 15,000 words.

Preparing your files

• Submit the proposal and sample material as Microsoft Word documents in .docx format. Do not send the text as a PDF.
• Use a clear 12 point font, double spacing, one inch margins, and left aligned text.
• Accept all tracked changes and remove comments, hidden text, and revision marks before submitting.
• Use italics for emphasis. Keep formatting simple and consistent.
• Use APA 7th edition for citations and references in scholarly health and social science work unless another style has been approved.
• Place tables and figure callouts in the text. Submit photographs, charts, and other artwork as separate files.
• Images intended for print should be the highest resolution available. A resolution of 300 dpi is preferred. Identify the source and permissions status for every image.
• Name files clearly, using the lead author’s last name and a short version of the title. Example: Goler_Caregiving_Proposal.docx.

Editorial and ethical standards

Authors are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of submitted work. Please disclose the following in the proposal:

• Material that has been published previously or is being considered elsewhere
• Financial, professional, or organizational interests that may affect the work
• Research involving human participants and the relevant ethics approval, when applicable
• Any permissions that will be required for quotations, images, instruments, tables, or other copyrighted material
• Any use of generative artificial intelligence in developing text, images, analysis, or research materials

Do not include identifiable patient information or confidential records. Health claims must be supported by credible evidence and presented with appropriate context. Authors remain accountable for every part of the submitted work.

What happens after submission

NIAAH Press will acknowledge receipt and review the proposal for mission fit, audience, contribution, quality, feasibility, and publishing potential. Selected projects may be sent for additional editorial or subject matter review.

If the proposal is a possible fit, we may request revisions, additional sample chapters, or a complete manuscript. Publication depends on satisfactory review, completion of required revisions, permissions clearance, and a signed publishing agreement.