Jason Aronson Publishers, Inc.

Just wanted to share an incident that happened to me in my pursuit of an academic publisher for a book idea that could serve students as a recommended text or professionals in the field. After sending the proposal, the acquisitions editor asked for a little more information -- classes in which the book would be used, professional organizations for marketing, etc. -- and I was so happy to share : ) A week or two later, I receive an email from the ed letting me know that the publisher is going to mail me an offer to publish the book. Happy dance, etc. The offer & contract arrive -- they would LOVE to publish the book, but economic times being what they are, they need the authors to cough up the money to typeset the book, at approximately $5 a page!! Insult continues -- royalties not to start until 1000 books had been sold.

Needless to say, I had to pass on the offer -- economic times being what they are at my own home!! Happy ending -- 2 weeks later, another publisher offers a contract, gives me 2 more months than I had stated I'd need to complete the book, and offers royalties as decent as any in the academic world! Gee, they'll even typeset the book for free. Who'd thunk?

Thanks for the links -- very interesting and useful information. My own univ. has traditionally focused on teaching as its primary mission. However, they are trying to move it to a more research oriented environment, but whereas the expectations regarding scholarly work have grown, financial/resource support has not. But after reading the links you shared, it seems like Jason Aronson Publishing is following the path of traditional, highly respected university presses.

Thanks!