West Virginia University Press is the only university press, and the largest publisher of any kind, in the state of West Virginia. A part of West Virginia University, we publish books and scholarly journals by authors around the world, with a particular emphasis on Appalachian studies, history, higher education, the social sciences, and interdisciplinary books about energy, environment, and resources. We also publish works of fiction and creative nonfiction, and collaborate on innovative digital publications, notably West Virginia History: An Open Access Reader.

Titles published by West Virginia University Press have received reviews and attention in the New York Times, the New York Review of Books, the Atlantic, O: The Oprah Magazine, Smithsonian, Publishers Weekly, Vox, and the Huffington Post, among many other regional and global outlets. You can find our books at major retailers, both on- and offline.

At West Virginia University Press we strive to extend and enhance the reputation of WVU as a major research institution by publishing the very best work in our areas of specialization. 

Publish with WVU Press

Authors who would like West Virginia University Press to consider their work for publication should contact WVUPress@mail.wvu.edu.

General guidelines for proposals are below. Email inquiries only. Please do not phone the office to discuss proposals or submissions, and please do not mail hard copies of your proposal or manuscript. We will not return mailed submissions. 

Guidelines for literary short fiction, fiction, and creative nonfiction submissions are here. Email inquiries only. Please do not phone the office to discuss proposals or submissions, and please do not mail hard copies of your proposal or manuscript.

Preparing a Book Proposal

Proposals should include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. An overview of the book including:
   • A summary of the book’s main argument, themes, and goals
   • A comparison of your book to others
   • A description of the target audience for your book
2. An annotated table of contents
3. Sample chapters, preferably including the introduction and at least one substantive chapter
4. Current curriculum vitae or biographical information
5. Manuscript specifics, including estimated length, delivery date, and any special requirements (e.g., artwork, tables, photographs, film stills)
6. Contact information for you, including mailing address, phone, and e-mail address

We make every effort to respond to inquiries promptly, but please expect an average response time of four weeks. Email inquiries only. Please do not phone the office to discuss proposals or submissions, and please do not mail hard copies of your proposal or manuscript.