Submission Guidelines

Mission:

Cape Breton University Press publishes works with a primary focus on Cape Breton Island and works of a broader academic nature.

The Press supports Cape Breton University’s pursuit of excellence in education, research, service and innovation, recognizing and celebrating diverse contributions to the community and expanding connections with wider global communities.

CBU Press strives for a balance of titles for publication each year to fulfill our priority streams. Our current priorities include:

  • Community Development
  • Social Justice
  • Culture
  • History
  • Children’s literature (We are not accepting proposals for children’s literature, for the time being.)
  • Biography
  • Music
  • Poetry
  • Fiction
  • Drama

We are grateful for all submissions that fit within the terms of our vision. The following criteria must be included in all proposals for publishing.

 (Please note, we are not accepting proposals for children’s literature, for the time being.)

  • On a separate sheet of paper, author’s name, address and other contact information.
  • A resumé including previous publications.
  • Covering letter introducing the proposal.
  • An indication as to which area of our publishing the project fits-how and why?
  • A description of the work including a proposed table of contents, its length, its current status (i.e., in progress, complete, in proofing).
  • A hard copy of a portion of the manuscript (at minimum an introduction and two chapters) on 8.5 by 11 inch paper, typed and double spaced.
  • An outline of why the work is important, what literary need it satisfies.
  • Evidence of research to find out what has already been published in the subject area and how the project fits within that-how it enhances current literature.
  • Details and description of the author’s previously published works or demonstrated experience in carrying out a project of this nature.
  • A list of those qualified persons who have already reviewed the manuscript (if applicable) and some suggestions as to who should review it.
  • Explanation of who would be interested in such a work, suggestions as to how the work may reach its intended audience and a description of how you would help with that.

While it may not be relevent to projects in the proposal stage, proponents should be aware that CBU Press requires that referencing follow the Chicago Manual of Style* and requires Canadian Oxford Dictionary (2nd edition) English spelling and punctuation with few exceptions. See the following CBU Press Style Guides.

*Both CMS Humanities and CMS Scientific styles are used. The editor will stipulate which format is to be used for any project.