ACEC AUTHOR GUIDELINES

ACEC is happy to consider a book or manual at any stage of development. In order to consider a proposal, we must have the following:

1. A detailed table of contents with a brief paragraph or annotation describing topics that will be covered in each chapter.

2. Two sample chapters. If illustrations, graphs, or charts are important parts of your manuscript, you should provide samples of those as well. Chapters should be typed double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.

3. A prospectus. The prospectus for the book is your opportunity to explain why you are writing your book and for whom. It should explain the logic behind the premise that the book will address and why it should be published. It should also communicate the goals and function of the book so the acquisitions editor can make an informed decision on how the project is to progress.

The following section lists questions that your prospectus should answer. Please answer all questions that apply to your book and provide any additional information that will help us in our evaluation.

1. Why is the subject important to the engineering community?

2. Is the book a practical tool that professionals will use? Does it shed new light on current controversies? What is unique about this book?

3. Who is your audience? Be as specific as possible and identify both primary and secondary markets.

4. What other books have been published on this subject? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How will your book differ in organization, level, approach and content? How will your book relate to other books in the field?

5. What is the approximate length of the final typed manuscript? Assume it is 8.5 x 11 inch double-spaced pages with one-inch margins.

6. What elements will the manuscript include: charts, graphs, tables, photographs, glossary, index, bibliography, and so on? Please be as specific as possible.

7. When will the manuscript be complete?

Please submit your proposal to: publications@acec.org