Info for Authors

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Mission:

Cape Breton University Press publishes works with a primary focus on Atlantic Canada, with particular interest in Cape Breton Island.

CBU 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.

Since 1974, CBU Press has published both fiction and non-fiction for all audiences:

PLEASE NOTE: AT THE PRESENT TIME, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING NEW SUBMISSIONS

  • Non-fiction: CBU Press publishes regional and national research in the areas of Social, Economic and Community Development in keeping with the University’s international reputation in the fields.
  • The greatest portion of our publishing program has been devoted to Atlantic Canadian Culture and History including, but not limited to, language, tradition, biography, music and transportation.
  • We have a special interest in expanding our list to include more Acadian, Aboriginal and Celtic/Gaelic works.
  •  Fiction: CBU Press publishes Atlantic Canadian fiction for adults and young adults, including historical and contemporary fiction and poetry. Over the years, we have also published numerous children’s books.

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, while we are currently publishing YA fiction, we are not presently accepting proposals for children’s literature or children’s illustrated books.)

  • 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, 16th Edition and requires Canadian Oxford Dictionary (2nd edition) English spelling and punctuation with few exceptions. See the following CBU Press Style Guides.

*Both CMS Notes-Bibliography and CMS Author-Date styles are used, depending on the nature of the book. The editor will stipulate which format is to be used for any project.