SUBMISSIONS

We accept both proposals and completed manuscripts.

Please include:

• A contents page, overall synopsis and chapter-by-chapter summary
• The full manuscript, or at least three sample chapters if incomplete
• A proposal or cover letter outlining:
  • The manuscript’s aims
  • Its place in the current literature
  • Intended audience
  • Whether illustrations or photos will be included
  • Your proposed writing timeline
• An up-to-date CV

Edited collections should also include:

• A detailed introduction outlining the book’s main themes and how the essays relate to one another
• A consistently formatted and logically structured manuscript
• A list of contributors and their affiliations

2026 submission deadlines:

• 15 January
• 13 March
• 7 May
• 8 July
• 10 September
• 5 November

Submissions received outside the closing dates will be held for the next reading period.

OUP Non-fiction submission form

Please submit:

• A full manuscript (minimum 72 pages)
• An up-to-date CV

The next reading periods for poetry are:
1 August to 31 October 2026
1 April to 30 June 2027

OUP Poetry submission form

• Click here to download and read the OUP House Style Guide (PDF) for spelling, punctuation and other conventions
• Submit as one Microsoft Word document using section breaks between chapters
• Include a contents page (no page numbers)
• Use 12pt Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing
• Do not attempt to design the manuscript — keep formatting simple
• Headings and first lines flush left; indent following paragraphs using styles (not tabs)
• Use sentence case for headings (e.g. ‘Chapter one: Introduction’)
• Differentiate subheadings using bold > bold italic > italic
• Use single quotes (double quotes only within quotes)
• Do not embed photos or illustrations in the manuscript
• For extracts, adjust the left margin — do not use tabs
• Notes and reference lists must use hanging indents (use your word processor’s settings)
• Use endnotes (not footnotes) at the end of each chapter
• Notes should begin with 1 in each chapter and use Arabic numerals only

Image specifications:

When supplying images please follow these requirements:

• Do not embed images in the manuscript
• Submit high-resolution files:
  • 300 dpi (photos)
  • 600 dpi (line art)
• Preferred formats: JPG or TIFF
• If digital files are unavailable contact us to discuss alternatives
• Clearly label and number all files
• Provide a caption list (with credit information)
• Indicate placement within the text using: <Insert pic 5 about here>
• Number tables in a separate sequence

Permissions:

Authors and editors are responsible for obtaining copyright clearance for any material protected by copyright. When requesting permission seek the broadest possible rights (e.g. worldwide rights for all editions in both print and digital formats). This applies to:

• Extracts from published works
• Complete poems or song lyrics (original or translated)
• Photographs, artworks and graphics
• Copyright durations:
  • New Zealand: Life of the creator + 50 years
  • UK / US: Life of the creator + 70 years

Turning your thesis into a book takes more than just editing – it’s a full rewrite for a new audience. While your thesis was written for a handful of examiners, your book should tell a clear, engaging story that speaks to a broader academic community. Start fresh. Step away from the formal framing and lead with your strongest ideas. Structure your argument around a compelling narrative — a book is not a step-by-step report. Choose your approach

• Full book: Best if your research appeals to a wide academic audience.
• Partial book: Combine sections of your thesis with new material, possibly co-authored.
• Book chapter: Contribute your most compelling chapter or arguments to an edited volume.

Know what publishers want

• Broad appeal: Reach beyond examiners – think across disciplines.
• Strong narrative: Avoid a step-by-step thesis format. Weave your argument throughout.
• Original work: Treat the book as a new project, not a recycled thesis.

Talk to others Seek advice from supervisors, colleagues and editors. Online academic communities – like X (formerly Twitter) and forums – can offer useful insights. Focus on your audience Your thesis is for specialists. Your book should be engaging and accessible to a broader scholarly audience.

• Cut exam-specific or overly technical sections.
• Write clearly and with purpose – keep your readers interested.

Revise your writing style

• Be concise – books are often shorter and less repetitive than theses.
• Lead with your key findings – don’t bury them under background material.
• Use dynamic chapter titles. Avoid generic ones like ‘Methodology’ or ‘Results’.

Contextualise your research Add an introduction and conclusion that show why your work matters – across disciplines or on a global scale. This highlights its impact and relevance. Get feedback Ask someone outside your field to read your draft. If they follow your argument and find it compelling, you’re on the right track. If not, revise until they do. Final thoughts Turning a thesis into a book is hard work – but it’s also a chance to refine your ideas, reach a bigger audience and make a lasting contribution. Approach it like a new research project, and enjoy the process. [Adapted from Emerald Publishing’s guide on converting your thesis into a book]