Merril Press specializes in books that have alternative markets. They are the kinds of books that challenge conventional wisdom — books that major publishing houses would like to ignore or even blacklist. We select manuscripts by the most qualified writers and work with them to create a readable, factual and remarkable finished product.
WHO WE WANT
We look for authors publicly engaged in the field of their subject, preferably with a history of influence on actual outcomes. We expect you to have substantial experience in your field, to know people who can serve as resources for your writing, and to possess the interview and research skills necessary to make use of those resources. We want good storytellers.
WHAT TO DO
Submit a letter or email of inquiry with an outline and two sample chapters. In your letter, tell us who you are and who you think your audience is. Tell us what other books on your subject have been published. Tell us why the world needs another one. If there aren’t any others, why not? Briefly tell us why readers would want to spend $15 to $25 to put in their head what is in your head and why you are the right author to put it there. Tell us about any parties that might purchase bulk quantities of your book, such as professional or trade groups, companies, organizations, clubs, etc. Tell us whether you are available for author tours, talk shows and lecture circuit engagements.
WHAT NOT TO DO
We do not accept complete manuscripts, so don’t send them. You won’t get them back. We do not publish fiction, religious tracts, defamatory or libelous material or work based solely on opinion unless the author is a published opinion leader. Don’t include photographs in your text. We won’t use them.
WHAT IF IT’S A GO?
If your proposal is accepted, we will sign a letter of agreement with you and assign an editor who will instruct you on how to complete the work to our standards. You will likely have to conduct interviews, perform news and literature searches for quotes, and write many drafts of the entire book. You will be required to provide a bibliography and an index. You maybe asked to provide an Author’s Preface. Final approval of the title and subtitle rests with Merril Press. All book materials must be submitted in computer files.
WHAT IF IT’S NOT A GO?
Chalk it up to experience for your next submission.