Information for Authors

The aim of The University of Adelaide Press is to make University of Adelaide research accessible globally, free and online.  It is anticipated that this will enhance the reputation of both the University’s scholars and the University itself. Readers world-wide, particularly in highly specialised fields, will have access to a wider range of knowledge.

The increase in readership for free electronic publications is substantial. The ANU ePress has found in its experience that in contrast to the average sale of just 350 copies world-wide of a traditionally published academic work, in 2007 one title alone was downloaded 62,408 times. [read the article]

The potential for authors to be cited more often, and internationally, is obvious. Readers will also have the choice of purchasing all titles as books in the form of high-quality perfect-bound print copies ‘on-demand’. Print On Demand digital technology allows us to print a small number of books quickly and inexpensively, at a quality which easily equals that of any trade paperback.  This technology is evolving rapidly, attracting world book-sellers such as Amazon.  More recently, the University of Michigan Press has changed to a digital model.

Without the need to recoup printing and distribution costs, books are accepted for publication based on the quality of their contribution to scholarship rather than on their commercial viability. The commercial decision to publish is taken by authors or their research units.

Once a title is accepted for publication by the Press, its final copy editing, proofreading and design will be negotiated with the author(s).

Submission Process:

1. An online form is available for ease of submissions. Please include the requested support materials.  Alternatively, download a Word version of the form.

2. The Proposal is discussed with the appropriate Advisory Committee members.  If considered of interest the Press will request the author/s to submit five potential external referees. The material can be then sent out for review and the decision to publish is based on the recommendations in these reports. View a description of the refereeing and assessment procedure.

3. If accepted for publication, a publishing contract is drawn up and a schedule agreed upon for receipt of the complete manuscript.

Publication Schedule:

1. Once the manuscript is complete, the author works with a professional copy-editor and proof-reader.  The final complete version is then typeset by a professional designer.  The copy-editing and design work may need funding support from the author/s or their school. 

2. The final PDFs (1 for web and 1 for print) are presented to the Press.

3. Final checks and online publication.  The printing process for titles for hardcopy publication.

4. Authors promote the book with the support of the Press. PDF edition's are available for free download and paperback editions are available for direct purchase on the website.