Writing a Book for IRA

IRA publishes professional development books that support the growth and advancement of classroom teachers, reading specialists, and other literacy professionals throughout their careers. Our priority is publishing books that successfully translate literacy research into practice through concrete strategies and techniques.

IRA is currently accepting and reviewing book proposals on an ongoing basis. IRA welcomes and encourages submissions from new and previously published authors. Please prepare your book proposal by following the submission guidelines outlined below.

Thank you for your interest in writing a book for the International Reading Association. We are always looking for well-written, engaging manuscripts focused on research-based, practical strategies and techniques that support the professional development of literacy professionals. Please submit your book proposal to our online manuscript submission site (Manuscript Central), where it will undergo a double-blind peer review as well as evaluation by our editorial staff. Please do not send complete manuscripts unless requested.

All submissions must be prepared as electronic files for uploading to Manuscript Central, our online manuscript tracking system; scroll down for specific instructions for accessing Manuscript Central. Submissions must follow “APA style,” as outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Book proposals should be double-spaced throughout in a 12-point font, including quotations and references. Headings and subheadings should be liberally and correctly used to indicate the organization of the manuscript.

Please include the following information in your book proposal:

Part I: Book Prospectus

Upload to Manuscript Central the following information as one document with file designation “Letter of intent.”

• Abstract or summary of your intended publication’s content. No more than 250 words. The abstract should be written as clearly as possible in adherence to APA style and should avoid long, complicated sentences and jargon.
• Overview/goal: Provide an overview of your book. What is the primary goal of the book? What type of book is this? (Research-based practical strategies for classroom use? Professional reference guide? Book for professional learning communities or private study? Book summarizing the research base for current educational issues?)
• Intended audience: Who do you see as the key readers of this book? In what type of educational settings do you anticipate that it will be used? Is there a secondary audience for the book? Please be as specific as possible when suggesting target audiences, including occupation, grade level assignment, areas of interest, and years of experience (if applicable).
• Research base: What are the primary research studies that support and influence your proposed book? Give a clear description of this research and how it provides a foundation for your book.
• Professional development extensions: Do you plan to develop supplementary, in-book, or companion professional development materials with the book? These might include PD study guides, video demonstration clips, podcasts, companion webinars, online learning tools, or in-school PD presentations based on the book.
• Anticipated schedule for completion: When do you anticipate being able to deliver a first draft? What is your timeline for completing the book?
• Competition: What do see as the competition for this book? Please provide the titles of three similar books and explain how your proposed book would differ and provide new information.
• Why is this book cutting edge? What makes your book stand out? How is this book unique relative to other books on this topic? Does it address necessary/notable current issues that were not covered in competing titles? Do you provide a unique perspective or approach to a well-covered topic?
• Why have you chosen IRA as a potential publisher?



Part 2: Details

Upload to Manuscript Central the following information as one document with file designation “Chapter files.”



• Table of Contents: Please provide a detailed table of contents for your book.
• Chapter-by-Chapter Outline: Include a one- or two-paragraph description of each chapter. Convey how you will present each chapter’s content and how the individual chapters contribute to the overall organization and plan for the book. 
• Features and formatting: Include any information you have on anticipated text features or special formatting (e.g., photographs, tables) you think the book might require.
• Other supplementary materials: Please include notes on any anticipated appendices, reproducibles, or other supplemental materials included in the book. (Do not include the actual materials, but a summary of your plans.)
• One sample chapter: Submit one complete chapter that demonstrates your writing style and approach to presenting the material.



Part 3: Author Information

Upload to Manuscript Central the following information as one document with file designation “Curriculum vitae.”




IRA is interested in developing new voices in the field and welcomes proposals from first-time authors. Please include any experience in publishing, such as books, articles, blogs, etc. This information will not be shared with reviewers, but is helpful for our editorial staff's evaluation.



• About the Author(s): A brief overview of your professional background including your teaching history and your work in this topic area.
• Condensed/Short Curriculum Vitae for yourself and any co-authors or editors.

1. Go to the Manuscript Central site
2. Create an account (if you haven’t done so already)
3. Log in to your account with your username and password, and select “IRA books” from the drop-down menu
4. Click the Author Center link
5. Click on the blue star and follow the instructions provided
6. A confirmation e-mail will acknowledge our receipt of your manuscript