If you’re a nonfiction writer who specializes in academic or specialized work, you may want to look into publishing via a university press. Scholarly authors who focus on a specific field of study or research may already be familiar with alternative forms of publishing, but how do you know whether it’s right for you? Although there are many advantages to traditional or self-publishing, certain works are best suited to a university press for many reasons.

Let’s break down what these academic publishing houses do and how they could benefit you.

A Look Inside of University Press Publishing

A university press specializes in publishing specialized, academic work through a parent university. As long as your project explores an in-depth analysis or argument on the basis of original research, it is a likely contender for publication at these presses. Generally, such works are supported by a long writing and research process and have been peer-reviewed by other scholars in your field.

There are a few exceptions to the rule, so see below for a comprehensive list of accepted written works. For example, if you have a novel that you feel would fit a particular demographic of readers, this alternative publishing method could serve you well!

Written Works They Consider

• Monographs
• Scholarly journals
• Peer-reviewed academic works
• Trade books
• Textbooks
• Reference works
• Cookbooks
• Reprintings or translations
• Photography books
• Essay collections
• Poetry
• Historical nonfiction
• Memoirs
• Short story collections
• Novels
• Magazines
• White papers

This list includes common and less common types published by most university presses. If you don’t see your work type listed, don’t fret! Every publisher is different, so be sure to double check a given publisher’s website to see a full list of acceptable submission types.

10 Signs a University Press is Best for You

There are many factors that help an author decide on the best publishing path for them. Yes, traditional and self-publishing offer unique benefits for many fiction and nonfiction writers. When you opt for a smaller press, you may be committing yourself to more heavy lifting on both the creative and professional sides of publication. But this could well be worth it if your work would flourish in academic or alternative circles.

Your work is a great fit for a university press if you resonate with any of the following:

1. Your work makes a concrete, research-backed argument within academic discourse.
2. Your writing is supported by scholarly research and findings that span a significant period of time. Perhaps you’ve even made discoveries throughout months or years that have shifted your argument.
3. Your book subject has a small yet devoted audience.
4. Your platform isn’t notable or widespread–whereas many publishers give your online presence a lot of weight, academic presses often don’t.
5. You are a teacher, scholar, or researcher who operates in professional and personal communities that value small press publication.
6. You desire more personal attention from your publisher. You also want to have more creative decision-making power when it comes to production and marketing.
7. You are not represented by a literary agent.
8. You are looking to secure further academic credibility and a more impressive reputation within your field–advantages not yielded by traditional or self-publishing due to exposure solely in general markets. 
9. Your publisher will focus on your academic audience, yet your work will also be available on a broad scale in standard bookstores and online retailers.
10. Your written work is not academic, but it would have a higher chance of publication in the smaller pool of specialized applicants that submit to university presses. For example, your work is a cookbook, textbook, or commercial trade book.

Essentially, if larger publishers have told you that your platform, audience, or content need to drastically improve and expand, you may prefer a publisher who welcomes your specialized book idea with minimal enhancement. In this instance, a university press is both better suited to your work and more likely to consider publishing it!

How to Research and Select the Right University Press for Your Book

Okay, so you’ve discovered that a university press is the publisher for you! Now, how do you go about finding one that aligns with your specialization, values, and academic audience? The first step is to consult a university press directory to find one that meets your needs.

Look for these 5 green flags as you research your options:

1. A strong reputation in your academic specialization that will highlight your book among similar works in your field.
2. Impressive academic standing that will undoubtedly enhance your credibility and increase the reach of your book. 
3. A peer-review framework that aligns with your process. 
4. Royalties, advances, rights, and distribution systems that sound satisfactory to you.
5. Fair promotional and marketing support from the press. Alternatively, fair expectations on your part.

Finding a university press to which you can entrust your work is no small feat. But if you take the time to research and discover a great match, the publishing process for your specialized work will be more rewarding than you ever could have dreamed.