Publish with us

Review this page for information on how to submit a proposal to Corwin. If you wish, you can download these guidelines as a Word document.

Corwin’s Publishing and Professional Learning Program is committed to working hand-in-hand with both new and seasoned authors and consultants to design, develop, and deliver effective professional learning solutions that empower educators and the students they teach. We firmly believe that compelling content—that which is both research-based and extremely practical—lies at the very heart of these solutions. This content has the potential to take shape in a range of modalities and to ultimately take on a life of its own, effecting real change in schools and in the communities in which they are situated.

What we believe

• We believe that all children can learn and that all means ALL 

• We believe that knowing our impact is a privilege and a responsibility 

• We believe that education is the cornerstone of a just, stable, and thriving society 

• We believe in the fierce urgency of now - it is reflected daily in our work and our actions 

• We believe that every child deserves a great education, not by chance, but by design  

Proposal considerations

Our editors

Corwin editors are experts in their subject matter areas. Meet our editors to learn which editor would be the best fit for your work.

Ideal Corwin content

Ideal Corwin content:

• Is rooted in evidence-based practice 

• Offers practical, hands-on advice to educators 

• Includes tools and templates for educators to put to immediate use in their settings 

• Draws on real world examples to illustrate points 

• Has depth and substance while also being user-friendly and accessible 

Content formats

Depending on the publishing strategy, Corwin content is generally first delivered as a book or book series. Most of our books are delivered in print and in e-book formats and we often house ancillary materials on a companion website accessible to book purchasers. Some professional learning content is also delivered in a hybrid print and digital format.

Proposal objectives

A well-developed proposal is a vehicle for you to position your ideas and yourself to Corwin with clarity and thoroughness. The proposal helps both reviewers and Corwin staff fully understand and appreciate your vision. It also helps them make informed decisions about the potential for collaboration. A proposal should be brief (approximately 8-10 pages) and cover the points listed below, preferably in the order in which they are listed here. Be sure you carefully check the spelling, grammar, and punctuation in all items you submit to avoid diverting attention from the more important consideration of content.

A note about AI

The proposal is a way for us to evaluate your writing style. Please do not use AI tools to craft any of the elements of your proposal. If you use AI to generate content within the sample chapters, you must identify where you used it, what AI contributed, and why you used it. View the Sage GenAI Disclosure Requirement.

You are required to inform us of any AI-generated content appearing in your work (including text, images, or translations) when you submit any form of content to Sage or Corwin, including journal articles, manuscripts and book proposals. This will allow the editorial team to make an informed publishing decision regarding your submission.

Suggested resources

Here are some tools you might find helpful in thinking through your proposal and assembling it for delivery:

• Theory of Action:  Word document |  PDF
• Scribe Method:  Word document |  PDF
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion guidelines for Corwin authors

Components of the prospectus

Part I: About the project: Brief overview and rationale

• Title & subtitle. This can be a tentative title, but as the first thing a prospective buyer or reader sees, think “short, clear, and to the point.” You want your title to be memorable, but not overly “cute” if being catchy compromises clarity. It should frame the most important aspects and goals of your book and be devoid of academic jargon. It should leverage the same kind of key words educators would search for online.

   

• Overview. Include 1-2 introductory paragraphs describing the proposed project, what it covers, its approach, and your purpose and goals in creating such content. Why are you creating this content? How will it help change what the reader knows, understands, and will be able to do as a result of reading your book? Why is it needed at this time?
• Audience. Identify and describe the audience(s) for your project in as realistic and specific a way as possible. What types of professionals would be interested in the content? What problem (acknowledged by a significant number of educators) or need does the project solve?
• Funding (optional). How is the proposed book a match for grants or government funding initiatives?
• Associations. What associations would be interested in your content?
• Potential Course Adoptions. If your content has the potential to be used in university courses, please list the course names.

Part II: Positioning your work in the market

• Approach, Features, and Length. Think about what the reader will experience as they read your book. What will the tone and approach be? What features and tools will help convey your message? Some examples might be real life stories and examples from educators around the country/world, examples of student work, opportunities for reflection, reproducible worksheets, lesson plans, videos, checklists, etc. How will the structure and design help the reader apply your content in their practice? What scaffolds will you use to enhance understanding and application? How long do you anticipate the book will be?
• Research Base. What research informs your topic? How are you contributing to the broader conversation on this topic? What important findings have come before you? What educators have influenced your ideas?
• Schedule. When do you expect to have a first draft of the book?
• Artwork and Design. Explain any planned use of figures, tables, photographs, etc. If you are planning to include artwork, specify the estimated number of graphics you plan to submit. Also include any thoughts you have, or your vision for, the look and feel of the final product.
• Competing or Related Works. List three (3) of the top competitors for your proposed content: author, title, and publisher. Tell us how your product would differ, add to the conversation in your discipline, or improve upon current market offerings.
• Your Author Bio. What experience, background, or other qualifications do you have that make you uniquely qualified to undertake this project? What articles or books have you previously published and where? In what professional associations are you active and at which conferences do you present? Please attach your résumé. If you are an educational consultant, please also provide details about the nature of your work.
• Marketing. Marketing and selling your book is a collaboration between Corwin and the author. What will you do to promote your book, enhance your visibility in the market, and ensure sales? It is helpful for us to see your plan so that we can understand your strengths and work with you to develop strategies that will ensure your book is successful.
• Other Publishers. To which other publishers have you submitted your project?

Part III: Sample materials

• Outline of Contents (annotated table of contents). Provide an outline of the content with all part and section titles indicated. If possible, also include a few sentences about the purpose and nature of each part and section.
• Provide an Introduction or additional sample chapter
• Provide a completed sample chapter
  

Submitting your proposal

Once you have identified an appropriate acquisitions editor, please send proposal documents as email attachments to that editor. We will not be able to access your work via live web links.