All texts should be appropriate for undergraduate students, especially freshmen and sophomores. Stand-alone introductory texts should be appropriate for use as the main core required text. Supplements should be appropriate for use in addition to the core textbook, in combination with a number of other books instead of a core text, or in popular electives and required courses for theology or religious-studies majors.

Saint Mary's Press college publishing division is dedicated to finding and publishing textbooks that strengthen students' religious literacy and knowledge of Christian culture. The production staff pays keen attention to the visual appeal of the book, the course objectives of instructors, and the learning goals of students. Through the efforts of award-winning in-house staff and leading book production houses, each book receives individualized care and attention—from development to bound book.

Vigorous promotion and marketing strategies bring the word of Saint Mary's Press books to more instructors and professors.

Using a combination of direct mail, conference exhibits, complementary copies, journal advertising, campus visits, and an interactive Web site, Saint Mary's Press marketing staff has the capacity to reach virtually all instructors who may be interested in a particular title for their course. In addition, the highly regarded customer-care representatives are readily available for answering or directing questions.

The steps for submitting a textbook proposal to Saint Mary's Press college publishing division.

Send your proposal by e-mail as a Word document. Do not send a manuscript unless it is requested. Include the following information in your proposal:

1. Your contact information: name, college, phone, e-mail address.
2. Working title of your project.
3. Your qualifications: Describe why you are qualified to write this book, including your education, prior publications in this area, and experience teaching this course.
4. Description of content: In a maximum of 250 words, describe the purpose of the book, its thesis, and the need for your book.
5. Table of contents and outline.
6. Estimate the length of your textbook.
7. List course areas for which your book could be adopted as a primary or supplementary textbook. What is the enrollment in each course?
8. Describe any technological or pedagogical features of your book.
9. Anticipated manuscript completion date.
10. List any competing books (author, title, and publisher). How does your book compare to recent books published on this topic?
11. Please submit a writing sample, minimum 5-10 pages, that demonstrates ability to write for undergraduate students. Ideally, sample will be representative of project you are proposing. Sample will be evaluated on approach to content, tone, mechanics, and general appropriateness for introductory coursework in theology or religious studies.