The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishes books about Krishna and devotional service to Krishna. We take great care to ensure that whatever we publish is in accord with the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures, as understood through the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
We're always looking for good writers, and we occasionally accept manuscripts for publication. Please do not submit completed manuscripts to the BBT. Rather, send an initial query letter and an author's proposal, as outlined below. Please note that it may take up to three months for the editors to review your proposal. The more completely you fill out the points in the author’s proposal, the better we'll be able to visualize your project. Only electronic copies of this proposal and the supporting material will be considered.
Your proposal should include:
TITLE OF BOOK
DESCRIPTION OF BOOK
What is the nature, focus, purpose, or argument of the book? Write a “catalog” description.
TABLE OF CONTENTS/OUTLINE
MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES
AUDIENCE/MARKET
KEY BENEFITS OF BOOK FOR MARKET
COMPETITION/COMPARISON TO SIMILAR WORKS
TERMS AND SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETING MANUSCRIPT.
- AUTHOR INFORMATION
- TITLE OF THE BOOK
- DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK
- TABLE OF CONTENTS/OUTLINE
- KEY FEATURES
- AUDIENCE/MARKET
- KEY BENEFITS
- COMPETITION
- PREVIOUS PUBLICATION
- MANUSCRIPT LENGTH
- DATE OF COMPLETION
Give your name, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address. Enclose a current CV or resumé that indicates your present position, educational background, and previous publications, with special emphasis on how you are qualified to write the book you are proposing.
Indicate the tentative title of the book, with subtitle if applicable, and give possible alternative titles and/or subtitles.
In 200–250 words, describe the book you are proposing. What is the nature, focus, purpose, or argument of the book? What is its thesis? Imagine that you are writing the “blurb” for the back cover of the book, or a description that would go into our catalog. What would you say to convince a potential reader to buy this particular book?
Give a tentative table of contents of the book by chapters. Beneath each chapter title give a brief outline and summary for the chapter. This summary should explain the focus and development of the chapter and indicate how the chapter advances the argument of the whole book.
What are the most important features of the book?
Who is your specific audience? Lay persons? Religious professionals? College students? Graduate students (in which field)? Professors? Young people? Why do they need to read this book? Does the book have potential for textbook adoption? If so, in what courses?
What are the most important benefits your target audience will derive from reading your book?
To what published works would you compare the book you are proposing? What does your book offer that these competing titles do not? How will your book be superior to or different from them?
Has any of the material in your work been previously published? If so, where and in what form?
What is the estimated length of the proposed manuscript, typed double-spaced on US letter with 1-inch margins in 12 pt type?
Indicate the date by which you could expect to submit a completed manuscript.
NOTE: Enclose a sample of 15–25 pages, perhaps of the introduction or first chapter, or of any section that shows your writing style. These should be pages that are typical of the book as a whole, especially critical to your argument, potentially controversial, or that give a good overview of the book.
Please send your proposal by Email.
Thank you for your interest in the BBT.
PLEASE NOTE: These guidelines are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a solicitation of any manuscript, artwork, transparencies, or other material. Submission of any unsolicited materials shall be done at the author/illustrator’s own risk of loss or damage.