Frequently Asked Questions About the ACPA Publications Program:
Who can publish with ACPA?
Any ACPA member with an idea for publication is invited to submit a proposal. ACPA is particularly interested in receiving proposals from professionals motivated to complete a high-quality book or monograph, even if they do not have extensive prior publication records. The advantages of ACPA Publications Board publication are the rigorous standards used in the review process and the helpfulness of the Editor and Editorial Board reviewers.
What types of proposals are accepted by ACPA?
ACPA Publications Board has been producing books and monographs since the early 1960s for use by individual student affairs professionals, graduate courses, and student affairs divisions or departments. The publication themes range from history to theory to practice applications. The reviewers look for proposals indicating high quality treatment of a subject for a particular audience in a length appropriate to the topic and approach. The Editorial Board strives to publish “cutting edge” information that is not available elsewhere. ACPA is committed to issues related to student learning, human development, diversity and equity, human dignity, community, and professional renewal. If you have fresh approach to an old problem or a new approach that works, consider submitting your idea to the appropriate editor on the ACPA Publications Board!
What happens to my proposal after it is submitted?
After your proposal is received, the publications editor will send it out for masked review to a set of reviewers identified as appropriate for the topic and structure of the proposal. Proposals are evaluated for author proficiency with the topic, rationale, and approach; soundness and organization of the contents; timeliness; readability; attention to equity and inclusion; and interest to ACPA members. The editor will synthesize the reviews and provide feedback to the authors, including a decision to accept, request revisions, or reject the proposal.
How long does the proposal review process take?
It takes approximately eight weeks from the time the Editor receives your proposal to have it reviewed. The time may vary depending on the number of proposals currently in the review process and variations among institutional calendars.
How much does it cost to submit to ACPA?
Nothing. ACPA does not charge individuals to submit or to publish. Manuscripts are accepted on the basis of quality, the prospect of adding to the knowledge of the profession, and a potential readership sufficient to cover production costs.
What kind of marketing does ACPA do for its products?
Each product has an individualized marketing plan, tailored to fit the specific needs and market of the individual product. The plan usually includes some combination of ads in the Journal of College Student Development, “ACPA Developments”, and other publications in the field; special mailings to our members and other student affairs and higher education professionals; and displays of the book or monograph at our own conferences and other conventions. All products published by ACPA are highlighted in an annual publication list and on the ACPA website.
Will I get rich publishing with ACPA?
No. ACPA authors are not paid royalties. ACPA Publications Board accepts new projects with the minimal financial expectation of breaking even with production costs, and a substantive portion of ACPA’s Publications Board budget comes from annual sales. However, you will be adding to the body of knowledge in the field, gaining professional credentials from a scholarly press, and helping your fellow professionals. ACPA holds the copyright to all materials published by ACPA.