Propose your book idea
Guidelines on how to propose a new book idea to us
It is important that you complete the book proposal form thoroughly, and provide as much detail as possible to help reviewers understand your idea and increase the likelihood of favourable reviews.
On this page
Process overview
Click to see a step-by-step overview of the lifecycle of a book, from preparing a proposal to printing the finished book.
- Prepare a book proposal and submit. You complete our Book proposal form. The form will guide you through the information needed for proposing a book idea.
- Proposal sent for peer review. We arrange for the proposal to be reviewed by subject specialists and researchers working in the field. We discuss with you all feedback that we receive from the reviewers, working with you to address any concerns where necessary.
- Proposal presented to the RSC. The proposal, together with the reviewers鈥� comments and any response from you, is collated by the commissioning editor and presented to the RSC books review board for consideration and final acceptance.
- Contract offered. We offer you a contract for the book, which sets out your rights and responsibilities in detail.
- Book prepared. The book is written. Our editorial team is on hand to offer support and guidance during this time. The final and complete manuscript is submitted to us. Note: timescales for writing a book vary depending on the type of book and whether it is authored or edited.
- Typescript submitted. We assess the submitted manuscript and ensure all necessary materials have been supplied. See Prepare and submit your manuscript.
- Book enters production. The manuscript is passed to the production team. They will arrange for the manuscript to be copy-edited and typeset. Once this has been completed you will be sent the proofs to check and correct.
- Indexing. We arrange for an index to be created.
- Publication. The eBook and print book are published. The eBook versions available vary depending on the type of book.
- Sales and marketing. We market your book worldwide. See also Promote your book.
How to prepare a book proposal
It is important that you complete the Book proposal form thoroughly, and provide as much detail as possible to help reviewers understand your idea and increase the likelihood of favourable reviews. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare the form.
Title
Keep titles succinct, and include keywords that potential readers will be using to find content on this topic.
Series
Look through our list of book series and, where applicable, indicate to which series you feel your book would be a valuable addition.
Authored or edited?
Edited volumes feature chapters written by key researchers in the field, who can provide specialist knowledge that may be beyond the experiences of the book editors. Authored volumes are written by a single author or multiple authors, and provide a coherent overview of the subject.
Content and scope
What do you expect to cover in the book? What are the key topics? If there are specific topics that you want to focus on in the book, or topics that you have decided to omit, explain your reasons for doing so.
Motivation
Why do you feel this book is needed?
Table of contents
Provide a provisional table of contents, including chapter titles and two or three sentences summarising the chapter content. For edited books you'll also need to include proposed contributors.
Selling points
What's unique about your book? What makes it stand out against others on this topic?
Competition
What existing books will yours compete with? These should be books aimed at a similar audience and covering similar topics; how does your book differ from these?
Readership
Who is the primary audience for your book?
Length of the book
How long do you expect the book to be? Think about the number of chapters you are proposing; how long would you expect these chapters to be?
Images
How many images will the book contain? Consider how many on average would be needed in each chapter. Do they need to be in colour? Will colour add scientific value to the book, or would the figures be just as understandable in black and white?
Timescale
When do you expect to deliver the final and complete typescript? Be realistic - consider existing demands on your time. An edited book typically takes 18 months be submitted; authored books may take longer than this.
Commissioning editors
We have a team of commissioning editors, each with a dedicated portfolio of subject areas, that you can contact with your book idea.
Janet Freshwater
Analytical and food chemistry
- New developments in mass spectrometry
- New developments in NMR
- Detection science
- Specialist periodical reports
- Food chemistry, function and analysis
- 浪花直播 student guides
- Practical and technical guides for laboratory-based chemists
Merlin Fox
Applied materials and engineering
- Biomaterials science
- Soft matter
- Inorganic materials
- Optical, electronic and magnetic materials
- 浪花直播 in agriculture
Matt Caffrey
Materials science
- Nanoscience and nanotechnology
- Polymer chemistry
- Sustainable energy
Helen Armes
Physical chemistry and sustainability
- Issues in environmental science and technology
- Catalysis
- Green chemistry
- 浪花直播 in the environment
- Theoretical and computational chemistry
- Advances in chemistry education
Katie Morrey
Biochemistry and medicinal chemistry
- Drug discovery
- Drug development and pharmaceutical science
- Chemical biology
- Professional development
- Issues in toxicology
Get in touch
Contact one of our commissioning editors about a book idea. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact our books team
We're here to help. Get in touch with our books team with any queries regarding our books.
Related pages
Prepare and submit your manuscript
Guidelines for book editors, book authors and chapter authors.
Promote your book
What you can do to raise awareness of your book and how that helps us promote it too.
Book policies and ethical guidelines
Ethical guidelines and codes of conduct for authors, editors and series board members.