About Winchester University Press

Winchester University Press (WUP) is an open access publisher of peer-reviewed academic books and journals in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. WUP is committed to enhancing the availability of high-quality research and knowledge across the globe, with no barriers to access. We believe that it is vital in the twenty-first century to democratise knowledge and ensure that people of all backgrounds and from all nations, can freely participate in intellectual debate.

Press Management

The Press is managed by a Management Board and two general editors: 

• Prof. Inga Bryden, Chair of the Editorial Board
• Em. Prof. Christopher Mulvey, Managing Editor

FAQs

Why Publish with WUP?

We are keen to publish cutting-edge work from academics from across the world. Our peer-review and publishing process will ensure that the latest ideas can be brought to publication in a timely fashion so as to make the weightiest contribution to their disciplinary area, and by publishing these works through Open Access then we can guarantee a readership far in excess of the usual level of readership for academic publications.

How do I submit a publishing proposal?

In the first instance you should contact the managing Editor, Christopher Mulvey (christopher.mulvey@winchester.ac.uk) to discuss your potential proposal – this could be a full-length book, a shorter-length critical study, a research paper/report, or could come in some other form – we are happy to discuss any/all possibilities.

Once you have done so, and it has been agreed that your project is something WUP is interested in, you can submit a formal proposal document. This should be organised under the headings outlined below. The proposal you submit will be the basis on which we judge the project’s suitability for publication. We would suggest a proposal of between 3-4 pages in length, although this should be supplemented by sample chapters, or a draft manuscript, and an up-to-date CV.

Statement of aims

A statement of aims including three or four paragraphs outlining the rationale behind the book:

• What is your book about?
• What are its main themes and objectives?
• What are you doing differently, or in a more innovative way, or better than existing work in this area?

A detailed synopsis and (where appropriate) chapter headings

A detailed synopsis and (if relevant) chapter headings with an indication of length and schedule Please provide a paragraph of explanation on what you intend each chapter/section to cover. If sample chapters or draft material is available, please send a sample or else give a clear sense as to when such would be available.

• How many tables, diagrams or illustrations will there be (roughly)?
• Approximately how many thousand words in length will your project be?
• Does this include references and footnotes?
• When will you be able to deliver the completed typescript? Please be as realistic as possible.

A description of the target market

• Who is expected to be interested in your work?
• What are the main potential readership groups?
• What academic courses/curricula would the project be relevant to?
• Does the project have a global reach/interest? If so, how?

A list of the main competing research in this area

• We would like some indication that you are familiar with competition to your proposed work.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of this existing literature?
• What makes your work better than the existing competition?

A biographical note about the author

​​​Let us know about your background, experience qualifications, previous publications, etc. Please do the same for any co-authors, editors, contributors.

​How we evaluate your proposal

The proposal will be evaluated by the Press's General Editors, who each produce a report. If the Editors are satisfied that the proposal meets content, quality and market criteria, then the next stage is for the proposal to be sent to a minimum of two independent readers who each produce reports. If the independent reader reports are supportive of publication, the proposal is discussed again by the Editors and, if approved, a draft contract is issued.

Winchester University Press is able to offer:

• A global Open Access platform that will ensure your work is read by thousands of readers across the globe
• Quality production values, with no Book Processing Charges for its authors
• Efficient production with no more than 6 months between manuscript submission and publication
• Publicity and marketing for your work as part of a defined international Open Access publishing system

How much are our Book Processing Charges (BPCs)?

Part of the commitment of WUP to open access publishing for all is to waive all BPCs for our contributors.