Writing Local History Today guides local historians through the process of researching, writing, and publishing their work. Thomas A. Mason and J. Kent Calder present step-by-step advice to guide aspiring authors to a successful publication and focus not only on how to write well but also how to market and sell their work. Highlights include:
Discussion of how to identify an audience for your writing project
Tips for effective research and planning
Sample documents, such as contracts and requests for proposals
Tips and guidance for working with publishers
Discussion of how to use social media to leverage your publication
Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks to self-publishing
The second edition updates literature, databases, and websites in the field
This guide is useful for first-time authors who need help with this sometimes-daunting process, or for previously published historians who need a quick reference or timely tips.
Thomas A. Mason is adjunct senior lecturer at Indiana University–Indianapolis. He previously served as director of publications at the Indiana Historical Society.
J. Kent Calder is retired as editorial director of the University of Oklahoma Press and served as executive director of the Texas State Historical Association from 2008 to 2014.
Table of Contents
Introduction Chapter 1: The Consumer: Who Is Your Audience? Chapter 2: Evidence: Where Do You Find It? How Do You Use It? (Research) Chapter 3: Communication: How Do You Shape a Specialized Subject Chapter 4: Economics, Design, and Production: How Do You Produce and Market Appendix 1: Sample Author’s Guidelines Appendix 2: Sample Contract for an Article Appendix 3: Sample Contract for a Book Appendix 4: Sample Contract with a Photographer Appendix 5: Sample Request for Proposal for Typesetting and Printing a Journal Appendix 6: Sample Request for Proposals for Writing a Book Appendix 7: Sample Request for Proposals for Publishing a Book Appendix 8: Why Books Cost: Or a Glance at the Microeconomics of Book Publishing for Small Publishers, by Gregory M. Britton Bibliography
