What We Publish
The University of Calgary Press publishes works that embody the spirit of curiosity inherent scholarly inquiry. We invest in ideas that transform how we think about—and shape—our world. We publish peer-reviewed, academic non-fiction in all areas of the humanities and social sciences. We also publish innovative fiction, poetry, and creative forms.
The University of Calgary Press publishes a number of series in specialized topics.
Open Access
As an academic publisher, we feel a responsibility to ensure that knowledge is accessible to the widest possible audience. We therefore embrace Open Access publishing and make our scholarly books available in free-to-download PDF format under a BY-NC-ND Creative Commons license in addition to publishing our books in print and for-purchase eBook formats.
If you have questions about Open Access publishing, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my book?
The Press accepts submissions of prospectus forms and manuscripts by email. Please see our Become an Author page for full details on how to submit your work.
Why should I submit to a series?
Our series editors are top specialists in their subject areas and act as champions for the books in their purview. Submitting to a series means that your manuscript will be handled by an expert scholar who will work with you from first submission to ensure your academic book is the best it can be.
Do I have to submit to a series?
You do not have to submit to a series. UCalgary Press is happy to consider submissions of academic work across all areas of the humanities and social sciences, and frequently publish titles that fall between or beyond our series. However, Fiction, poetry, and other creative work is published exclusively in our literary series, Brave & Brilliant.
Will my book go through peer review?
As an academic publisher the peer review process is central to our publishing program. All UCalgary Press books, including literary books, are published only after successfully completing peer review.
I’ve submitted my book for for publication, can I put it on my CV?
Book Proposals, manuscripts under consideration, and manuscripts undergoing peer review should not be listed on your CV. While we understand the excitement of a new submission and the need for a great CV, this can cause undue confusion for people trying to locate your work. Books may be listed as “in press,” “forthcoming,” etc, only after an offer of publication has been extended.
I’m not affiliated with the University of Calgary, can I publish with you?
We welcome submission of academic manuscripts from authors and editors around the world. You do not to be a University of Calgary affiliate to publish with us, although scholars currently associated with the university are welcome to submit. At this time, we are only able to accept literary submissions from Canadian authors.
Will you publish my family history?
The Press no longer publishes collections of source material and very rarely publishes family/local histories or biographies without a significant academic component. Resources and information on how to publish all types of books can be found at The Association of Canadian Publishers
Will you print my book?
The University of Calgary Press does not provide a printing service.Bound and Copied offers full printing and binding services to students and the public, and The Campus Print Shop offers professional printing services to UCalgary departments and employees
Will you distribute my book?
The University of Calgary Press does not provide a book distribution service. Visit the Association fo Canadian Publishers for information about book distribution in Canada.
I’m a member of UCalgary Faculty or Staff and I want to request an ISBN. What do I do?
The Press maintains a bank of ISBNs which may be requested by faculty and staff for use on relevant UCalgary publications. To request an ISBN, please contact us and include the format, title and authorship, and publication date of the work for which the ISBN will be used. The Press does not supply ISSNs or ISMNs. Visit ISBN Canada for more information about ISBNs.