TEXAS WESTERN PRESS

Texas Western Press's mission is to publish works related to the El Paso Borderlands and the surrounding area in both the United States and Mexico. During the Press's long and distinguished history we have published numerous histories as well as literary criticism, social science monographs, and art and photography books related to the region, and occasional literary works by area authors. We are unable to consider manuscripts on topics that do not fall within our mission statement.

We at Texas Western Press appreciate your interest in publishing with us. To best convey your book's concept and strengths to us, please submit a proposal and completed sample chapters using the following guidelines rather than submitting entire manuscripts for first consideration.

Your proposal should include the following:

1. A cover letter of no more than two pages that provides
   1. a brief explanation of what makes your project original, interesting, and important;
   2. suggested expert readers, including those who might have already read the manuscript; and
   3. delivery information, including projected completion date and availability of entire manuscript for review.
2. Your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of other publications and professional standing, if relevant.
3. Two or three completed sample chapters that give a good indication of the manuscript as a whole.
4. A description of the manuscript as a whole, including:
   1. Discipline (e.g., Mexican history, sociology, etc.);
   2. Readership or audience: please define whom the book is written for and what level of readers would most appreciate the book. (If the book is aimed at students primarily, define which level of students, e.g., graduate students, entry-level college);
   3. The book's principal purpose or argument and an explanation of what makes it important.
   4. Total projected length of the book. This projection should include front matter (such as preface and introduction, if applicable) and back matter (such as appendices and endnotes), as well as the manuscript's text itself.
5. A list of similar or competing books with which you compare and contrast your manuscript and discuss the competing books' strengths and weaknesses, particularly in relation to your own.
6. Table of contents that includes a brief summary of the planned content and length of each chapter and lists any expected front matter or back matter elements (such as an introduction, glossary, appendix, etc.).
7. Description of special features that includes number and type of illustrations, maps, photographs, and figures. Please include photocopies of 1-3 pieces (no more, please) of artwork, if any, that you hope to include with the manuscript. Always keep originals and/or copies for yourself, of course.
8. If this book could be used in college classes, please explain
   1. which courses (and at what level) would be most likely to use the book;
   2. what the estimated enrollment of such courses might be (you might consider this in terms of a percentage of students at a given institution); and
   3. whether or not developments in the field, which might lead to changes in course content, are likely to affect the marketing or use of such a book.
9. A self-addressed stamped envelope that we can use to respond to your proposal. Please note that we are unable to return proposals, so be sure to send photocopies only of all materials.

Please double check all of the items listed here and make sure that they are included in your proposal. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that we can respond to your proposal.

We look forward to reviewing your project. For additional information, please contact Texas Western Press.

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Version of 25 July 2003