A sheaf of pages secured in a simple box or envelope is more convenient for the editor than a manuscript in any kind of binding or folder. If you prefer to send materials as e-mail attachments, please send a query first. Proposals are examined to see whether the project seems well conceived, has been competently presented, and would fit well with our current areas of interest. If a project sounds promising, we will often ask for a full manuscript of for more sample chapters. This fuller complement of materials may receive further in-house scrutiny before a scholar is asked to read the dossier.
Independent review is, of course, crucial to the editorial process.
We welcome your suggestions of specialists suitable for reviewing the proposal or manuscript, though we will not restrict to the individuals on such list. Likewise, let us know if there is someone who you specifically do not want us to engage as a reader. The identity of the readers actually used will not be revealed to the author without the written consent of the readers. Steps toward a contract. If the subject area and treatment of a proposal or manuscript are found to be a good match for Indiana University Press, if no comparable volume is on the market, and if we have received at least two very positive reports from our readers, the music editor will normally prepare additional documentation and recommend to the editorial committee that a contract be issued for the book.