What Does a University Press do?

You’ve probably heard about a university press but you might wonder what a university press actually does.

Major publishing houses certainly have a stronghold on the industry.

Still, the humble university press has proven time and time again that they are capable of everything that commercial heavyweights can do.

While university presses perform the same tasks as their commercial counterparts on a basic level, they also prove that they can do more. University presses are known for their quality control, peer reviews, thorough research and the ability to dabble in the commercial world.

They do so while maintaining quality and advancing writers’ careers to a high-esteemed status.

University presses have cemented their role as distributors of scholarly work meant to enrich the lives of students and even those unable to attend post-secondary school. But there’s a common misconception that existing outside the world of academia means you have no chance of being published by a university press.

The truth is, hopeful writers are learning that a university press may be their best bet for achieving the dreams of turning their manuscript into a fully realized book.

What is a University Press?

Some think a university press is for publishing school newspapers, yearbooks and your semester’s syllabus.

This is false, as university presses are publishers.

A university press is a publishing house that produces a wide range of academic, professional, and creative books. University presses also publish critically acclaimed trade books for retail stores.

Trade Publications vs. Scholarly Publications

A university press’ forte will always be scholarly publications or written works by researchers and academics in a particular field. Scholarly books must contain citations, undergo peer review, and use specialized vocabulary.

Many university presses will also strive to release trade books.

These are usually nonfiction publications written by experts in a particular industry.

They differ from scholarly books as they do not require advanced research and can contain snippets of public opinion, current news, and trends.

Commercial publishers, like Bloomsbury and Penguin Random House Canada, also publish trade books.

A nonfiction author who doesn’t teach at a university can decide which publishing route to take.

What Does a University Press do?

A university press will integrate into two worlds: the for-profit world of commercial publishing, and the world of academia, maintaining its scholarly reputation and integrity along the way.

Distributing scholarly knowledge in fields like the humanities, science, and social sciences is a top priority for all university presses.

They publish many works, including both digital and print, and encourage scholarly communication.

Although they dabble in the financial side of publishing, a university press is less concerned with commercial sales and more with literary value, appealing to various niches.

A university press will hand select topics and expert perspectives and publish monographs, otherwise known as a single scholarly subject.

For the natural sciences, a university press can publish academic journals. They also have a strong reputation for publishing creative pieces, like poetry.

A university press will follow three quality-assurance steps in daily operations before publishing a scholarly piece.

First, an editor will meet with a prospective author who sent a letter of inquiry or their complete manuscript.

The relationship between a university press and a hopeful author is a two-way street; sometimes, the author seeks the press, and other times the press editors will seek an author.

Peer reviewing is the next critical component of choosing whether or not to publish.

The publisher will send a completed manuscript to hand-selected individuals known for their academic prowess and credentials.

This will usually be two or three people; their job is to read and scan the manuscript for publishing potential.

The editorial board will take a final look when the peer review is complete.

The board consists of faculty members who have the final say over whether or not to proceed with publication.

Many university presses will also have a trade program for releasing books that appeal to a broader audience who don’t participate in niche academic fields. Trade programs also offset the costs of the university press’ scholarly program.

What is the Best University Press in the World?

That’s a tricky question to answer, considering how different associations take different aspects of each press into account when they rank them. Furthermore, the “best” university press may not be the press you should strive to connect with.

Your work could be better suited for a specific press, regardless of global standing, and your location is a significant factor.

That said, the two oldest university presses in the world are Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press. They are also known as two of the best on the planet.

Cambridge’s press is the oldest, dating back to 1534.

It has published world-renowned figures, including Stephen Hawking and Isaac Newton, and has over 40 publishing hubs to this day.

Oxford University Press is currently the largest and has a printing history dating back to the 1400s.

It was allowed to print books in 1586, and there are presently several offices worldwide, namely in the United States and India.

Considering factors like subjective impressions by the scholarly community, analyses of prize winners and publisher reputations, university presses are often ranked by various associations and groups.

Associations like the American Political Science Association and the Research School for Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment consistently include the following presses in their rankings, in addition to Cambridge and Oxford:

• University of Chicago Press
• Columbia University Press
• Harvard University Press
• MIT Press
• Princeton University Press

As far as Canadian presses go, the University of Toronto Press is the most significant scholarly publisher in the country and is often a part of global rankings. McGill-Queen’s University Press is also a heavy hitter, with over 1800 published works. The University of British Columbia is the largest in western Canada, having 500 books under its belt and publishing around 50 per year. Notably, the University of Ottawa has the only bilingual university press in Canada.

What Can a University Press Publish?

A university press can publish an extensive list of literary works, but some of the most common are textbooks, scholarly journals, monographs and commercial trade books.

Textbooks

University presses publish most textbooks. They contain comprehensive information on a certain subject and usually adhere to a certain level of knowledge.

For example, a textbook for a first-year psychology student will be tailored to their beginner status.

Academic Journals and Books

University presses often publish periodical academic journals and books about a specific academic discipline.

They are extensively peer-reviewed and thoroughly researched.

They serve as a means of presenting research, scrutiny and offer thought-provoking ideas and inspiring discussion.

According to Henry Oldenburg, the purpose of an academic journal is to give researchers a platform to bounce knowledge back and forth and “contribute what they can to the Grand design of improving natural knowledge, and perfecting all Philosophical Arts and Sciences.” 

Monographs

A monograph is a specialist work of writing written by a singular author or artist that focuses on one scholarly subject.

A monograph may also focus on a limited aspect of a single subject.

For example, a book explaining vitamins is a monograph, but so is a book explaining vitamin deficiency.

Notably, university presses also consider novels to be monographs.

Trade Books

University presses are not limited to scholarly, academic work. Many have trade programs to broaden their horizons and secure more revenue.

A loose definition of a trade book is any book published for a general audience.

Trade books range from best-sellers to modest, unknown books. A university press will not publish any trade book, such as a cookbook, self-help books, or celebrity memoirs.

A trade book from a university press is more likely to be a history book or another nonfiction book.

How to get Published by a University Press

A scholar or writer’s first written manuscript may stem from a dissertation, or they may present a manuscript to turn into a trade book.

The trajectory from proposal to publication may be long, short, or not come to fruition, depending on the topic and manuscript quality.

You know your manuscript will have to impress an editor first, peer reviews, and board members.

University presses offer quality control that extends beyond what a commercial house can do.

So it’s essential to ask yourself several questions before you begin the lengthy process.

First, ask yourself, how many times have you revised this manuscript, and is it ready for judgment?

What will the individuals selected for the peer review think of your work?

Is it better to start with a letter of inquiry and continue to polish the manuscript throughout the selection process?

These are difficult questions to answer, as you can’t read anyone’s mind.

But you can take steps towards giving yourself a better chance at impressing the critics who have your publishing potential in their hands. An excellent way to do this is by seeking comments from your dissertation committee that discuss the pros and cons of your work.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate the role of your introductory chapter.

The first page, paragraph and even sentence can make or break an author in terms of securing interest in their writing. It must be clear what you will discuss in depth from the first chapter.

A lack of clarity on the reader’s behalf can quickly cause them to lose steam and not want to continue with the book.

You can also get to know the editor of the university presses you will attempt to connect with.

You can find this information on the university press website or by calling them.

Try to present your inquiry directly to the editor and address all follow-up communications and questions to the editor.

Ensure you have the basics for a written inquiry to the press.

You’ll need all documents that explain your credentials and reputation, such as a c.v., cover letter and a brief explanation of your project. You can also preemptively inform them of details like the table of contents and a sample introductory chapter.

University Press Vs. Commercial Press

Understanding some advantages of going the university press route may steer you in that direction and away from the commercial press. It’s also important to understand the value of a university press and the positive impact their work has on society. 

Similarities

• Both university and commercial presses publish works in different formats, like e-books, audiobooks and online books.
• Commercial, trade and university presses can all publish nonfiction work.
• Commercial and university presses can both publish books that sell in retail stores.
• Most reputable publishers can offer editorial support before a book launch.
• Both publishers can publish fiction and nonfiction, though the fiction market may heavily lean towards the commercial world.

Differences

• Often, commercial presses think only of the handful of topics that are popular at that moment in time. This bias may arise when you’re trying to get published.
• Simply put, a university press can help people learn from accredited sources. Those unable to attend a post-secondary institution for any reason can still consume scholarly works published by a university press.
• Arguably more often than a commercial press, a university press will publish works by underrepresented cultures.
• University presses focus on value, accuracy and enriching the reader’s lives. A commercial press also provides this, but marketability can often be their main priority.
• Commercial publishers have no affiliation with an academic institution.
• Commercial publishers have a for-profit business model. Excess money from operating costs can often be paid to shareholders. University presses receive funding, and excess money is often sent back to the school.
• A university press requires extensive peer, board and editorial reviews before decision-making.
• University presses don’t care too much about what other university presses are doing. But the commercial publishing industry is ripe with competition. Furthermore, a handful of large, powerful corporations completely dominate the commercial publication world. According to the University of Chicago Press, the “big five” commercial publishing houses are Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House.
• Most books on “best-seller” lists will be from commercial publishing houses.
• Commercial publishing hopes to reach a wide range of people quickly. University publishing hopes to reach the right number of people over a set period.
• Many university presses have a reputation for showing people the world, which is not necessarily the main focus for commercial publishers.
• Commercial publishing houses cannot publish academic journals or secure a prestigious promotion for a university employee, such as a professor.

Is a Commercial Press or Academic Press Better for my Book?

According to Fordham University Press, if you work in a university and want a promotion, such as tenure, you should seek publication from an academic press.

The protocol they have in place for scholarly works (peer and board review) allows your colleagues to see your manuscript, boosting your chances of career advancement.

In other words, if tenure or prestige is what you’re looking for, go this route if you’re associated with the university in the first place.

After publication, you may also get bonus paid gigs like speaking at conferences, leading seminars and symposia, and even paid travel opportunities with the school.

If you’re writing a trade book, you have more of a dilemma.

Since trade books do not follow strict academic protocols, a university press will consider how to sell them since it falls outside the realm of a scholarly market. However, most university presses can accommodate this.

Furthermore, if you don’t make your living with the university, you can go the commercial route.

But remember, most universities have a trade program, so don’t count them out!

A commercial press will rush to get your book on the shelves, but sales can quickly drop off after reaching a certain point. Furthermore, a commercial press will often neglect to print more copies unless sales maintain a certain level.

Generally, a university press will feature a trade book in their catalogues for much longer than a commercially published book will last in a store.

The downside of going to a university?

You may have to bear the brunt of promotion and “sell” the appeal of your book on social media.

Commercial presses tend to have a leg up on their university counterparts regarding marketing.

At the end of the day, you have a choice if you write a nonfiction piece.

If you work for a university or are more concerned with credibility than money, you can try a university press.

They will keep your book in circulation for longer, and while it may be on a smaller scale, people will have access to it.

Try a commercial press if you believe your book will become a best-seller, but remember, this is a rarity.

How do University Presses Make Money?

University presses have not-for-profit status and rely on funding.

However, some presses earn a substantial profit, and hopeful authors can discuss the book’s potential markets.

Some presses, such as Oxford, Yale, Princeton and Harvard, have significant endowments that push them ahead of the pact.

But of course, the presses struggle to receive this type of help and have to rely more on sales, fundraising, subsidies and sponsors from other institutions.

Arguably, textbooks are the most lucrative publication a university press will produce.

Academic writers and publishers make substantial revenue from publishing texts for students, as they will always be in circulation.

The university curriculum and syllabus will require students to purchase them.

Many university presses have to withstand frequent budget cuts. As a result, they must sometimes focus more on the production of trade books and commercial success to earn more money.

Historians.org notes that a focus on the business side of publishing became inevitable after a series of budget cuts in the 1970s and 1980s.

The lack of subsidies and mass shrinkage of library budgets mean that many university presses now point to sales as a source of finances.

This does not mean the institutions must sacrifice integrity and quality; it simply means they now have more opportunities to become business-savvy. 

How Will I Earn Money With a University Press?

The amount of money you earn will depend on the commercial value of your book, as well as your contract.

Earning royalties will almost always depend on net receipts rather than the list price. Net receipts refer to the amount received by the publisher from wholesale distributors and bookstores. A well-known writer may also be able to negotiate a payment advance as part of their contract with the university press.

Why you Should Consider a University Press for Your Book

You do not have to be affiliated with a university to consider press publishing for your book. University presses are also known for publishing trade nonfiction works, some of which achieve substantial success and praise.

You may want to consider a university press if you’re close to finishing your manuscript. Let’s explore the reasons why.

It’s all About the Book

First, commercial publishing houses often get swept up in the same disingenuous marketing strategies as other media outlets.

Perhaps you don’t want your book to be affiliated with work you consider subpar.

And sadly, some big publishing houses will sacrifice integrity for a quick buck; think self-help books, celebrity memoirs, and the like.

Many writers don’t care about becoming a best-seller and simply want to find a “loving home” for their manuscript.

They want to see the pages transform into a package, but the wheeling and dealing with publishing houses whose primary concern is selling out within the first week can be intimidating and not align with your goals.

Writer Integrity

Additionally, university presses are known for boosting name recognition.

They offer a certain level of credibility and respect that a commercial house can often not match.

Even the most renowned university presses are modest when you pit them against major publishing houses.

But that’s okay!

A university press can ensure the people who want to see what you have to offer will, whereas a publishing house will only see dollar signs and movie-making potential.

Sharper Skills

By going through the standards set by the university press, you can guarantee a better future as a writer.

Commercial publishing houses don’t have the same “fact-checking” process as a university press, which only serves to sharpen your skills.

Dipping your toes in the academic world can allow you to take a closer look at your ability as a writer and find improvements you never knew you could make.

A university press with academic history and solid trade publishing background may be the best bet. Securing a publishing deal with one will give you just as much career boost and professional confidence as a big-name publishing house.

Enriching the Public

If you’re all set to undergo publishing with a university press, congratulations, you’re about to contribute immensely to society as a whole.

It’s a true honour to be associated with a university press since their main goal is always to provide the public with extensively reviewed knowledge.

In essence, this is why university presses are granted non-profit status by the government.

In-Demand Work

It’s a common misconception that a university press book will just sit on a shelf and collect dust. When you publish a book with a university press, there is a certain group of people that will always want to purchase it.

Since university press books are often filled with concentrated research, whether it’s scholarly or trade, it will attract people who are also interested in that topic. Expert knowledge will always be naturally sellable, and the buying power of a niche community may surprise you. 

Do University Presses Publish Fiction?

Not every university press will carve out a fiction niche, but some will absolutely publish outside of the nonfiction world.

If you’re looking to publish fiction, you may have to travel to another country or region to strike a deal with a university press.

It’s a common myth that university-published work must always be entirely fact-driven. Some university presses will publish a wide array of fiction genres, like dystopia, mystery, fantasy and more.

Again, since they are less profit-driven than commercial presses, many authors will seek out a university press if a company like Harper or Penguin House outright rejects them.

A university press’ reputation shines by publishing different perspectives.

If commercial publishing was the only route available to writers, there would be a severe lack of creativity and ideas, and readers would often filter through the same trends and best-sellers, never broadening their horizons.

Furthermore, many university presses will publish fiction that they translate from another language, as well as other general interest topics like poetry and narrative history.

Some universities around the world that publish fiction include, but are not limited to:

• UWA Publishing
• Victoria University Press
• University of Michigan Press
• University of Toronto Press
• North Dakota State University Press
• Northwestern University Press

University Presses, Regional Culture and Marginalized Groups

University presses have a lot to offer.

Likewise, one area where they shine in particular is their incentive to showcase local and regional authors, as well as cultures and viewpoints from marginalized groups.

Traditional commercial publishing has always had a problem with representation.

In late 2020, New York Times declared that white people wrote over 95% of books published by traditional publishers. Unfortunately, this lack of representation is mirrored by who is in charge of these major publishing houses. There tends to be a lack of diversification amongst the heads of the company, as well as the editors.

For commercial publishing, the prevalent inequality is clear.

But these habits are extremely damaging, as a lack of representation can impact the joy of reading.

The sad fact is that readers are begging to consume literature that speaks to their own experiences, and the diversity in the reading community isn’t matched by what commercial publishing is willing to produce.

Underrepresented voices have a better chance of enhancing the literary world by seeking a university press or by self-publishing.

What’s more, university presses are more likely to showcase different perspectives of infamous events and time periods.

This encourages a wider readership from people anxious to learn every angle of history, not just the mass-produced, watered-down version.

University presses seek to expose readers to a variety of unique perspectives.

They also have a tendency to zero in on the local cultures of the region and publish a wide array of distinct, one-of-a-kind material that readers crave.

To a marginalized writer, this is what all publishing houses should strive to achieve.

Marginalized groups have a tough time getting published; this much is clear.

If the choice is between self-publishing or a university press, it’s a good decision to seek publishing from a university.

Academic publishing gives the author unique merits and achievements since they had to go through the process of extensive reviewing.

It can also present the writer with the opportunity to speak at various conferences, giving the audience even more exposure to the viewpoints of underrepresented writers.

There are also several challenges to self-publishing that must be taken into consideration.

For one, there is a strong financial incentive not to take on all of the publication costs yourself. A university press will give you the financial resources you need to make the publishing process go smoothly.

If you’re going through the hassle of self-publishing, you can also neglect the project that matters the most: the manuscript itself. If you try to do it all yourself, you may give up before anyone has the chance to read your writing. 

What University Press Should I Choose for my Book?

All university presses offer the same benefits, but they do vary slightly in some areas.

Some have a stronger reputation in certain areas, while some have more experience with commercial publishing.

The best way to determine which university press to choose is to answer several questions and embark on a journey of thorough research.

First, ask yourself what your goals are.

• Are you trying to reach a broad audience and achieve a substantial level of success? Try looking at university presses with a longer history of trade publications. They may also have strong reputations for crossover titles.
• Are you hoping to publish a book that reaches a marginalized audience? Try looking at university presses known for publishing underrepresented groups.
• Are you publishing a niche, nonfiction book from an expert perspective? Try looking at what university presses have published some of your favourite related material.
• Are you looking for a promotion? You should try to reach out to publishers who are highly valued by others in your field, including colleagues who already have tenure. Remember, if you are in academia, you are expected to publish with a university press, and you should not consider the commercial alternative.

Then, consider your audience and peers.

• Seek out a publisher who has already built a reputation for publishing for the same audience you want to reach.
• Consult with the books you already own. Who published them, and who were they for?
• Consider who you are as an audience member and mould and shape it into who your audience will be. Chances you, you are a member of your own audience. Consider what you like to read and who publishes the books you enjoy.
• Many writers surround themselves with other like-minded authors who have already been published by a university press. Ask your peers what institutions they have published with and what they recommend for your book.

You must also look at regionality.

• If you’re writing from the perspective of a certain place, and if you’re from there, definitely consult with universities in your area first. Many strive to publish a certain amount of regional and local work.

Key Takeaways

University presses are the most critical means of producing knowledgeable literary works for students, professors, researchers and other university community members.

But it doesn’t stop there, and the value of the university press is truly unlimited.

They also proudly give a platform to marginalized communities and focus on enriching society as a whole by devoting time to regionality and local culture. A university press can also publish fiction work and creative prose.

Without university presses, commercial powerhouses would have an unfair monopoly on the publication industry, potentially stifling the voices of experts and prohibiting learning for profit.

As a result, it’s important for hopeful writers to weigh all of their publishing options, making not only the best decision for themselves but the best decision for the future of literature.

It’s understandable to feel intimidated when you approach a university press, but be confident in what you have to offer.

If you’re seeking tenure or prestige, you can rest assured that you’re taking the right steps by bringing your fresh manuscript to a place you know all too well.

But you should also seek university press publishing if you don’t have a scholarly manuscript to offer. University presses work hard to manage their trade book programs and are often able to generate substantial commercial and financial success by nurturing this sector.

Remember, several types of writers are able to become a part of the university press community. The only real requirement is that your writing follows quality guidelines and you’re willing to put the time and effort into perfecting your manuscript. You don’t have to be a member of the academy to feel passionate about the university press’ learning mission. After all, readers learn with more than a textbook. They learn by absorbing a variety of unique perspectives, exposing themselves to countless topics and enjoying a wide range of authors and topics.