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, with fourteen series in specialized scholarly topics.
Brave & Brilliant, our literary series, publishes literary works, including fiction, poetry, plays, and other creative forms, authored by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
LCR Publishing Services, an imprint of the University of Calgary Press, offers a full-feature publication program for those seeking to publish and distribute meaningful fully funded scholarly or technical work that falls outside the strict format of the academic monograph and does not require additional peer review.
Bighorn Books, an imprint of the University of Calgary Press, publishes stories so good they have to be true. These non-fiction books present spellbinding tales from the hidden corners of history, trace the path of research and innovation through unexpected challenges to surprising results, and join fascinating people through unique careers, incredible experiences, and travels around the globe. Based in research, written for everyone, Bighorn Books will illuminate and inspire.
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.
The Submission Process
Academic Manuscripts
We accept submissions of proposals for non-fiction, academic book manuscripts in all areas of the humanities and social sciences from scholars around the world. Collections, co-authored books, multi-authored books and monographs are all accepted. Submissions to our specialized series are encouraged, and can be indicated on the prospectus form. Submissions on general topics are welcome.
UCalgary Press no longer publishes family histories, local histories, collections of interviews, letters, or primary sources, or biographies without a significant scholarly component.
To submit, please complete the scholarly prospectus form and submit it to our editorial coordinator. Please review the style and documentation guides and figure submission guidelines while preparing your prospectus. You will receive a response from us within two weeks. If you have not heard from us after this time, please send a submission status inquiry.
As of September 2019 the Press is only able to publish academic work for which funding can be secured. We are committed to publishing works of academic excellence and will work with you to find and confirm sources of funding. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Brave & Brilliant Literary Manuscripts
We accept submissions of poetry, fiction, plays, creative non-fiction, and everything between and beyond, from Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Creative works are published in our literary series, Brave & Brilliant. We are especially interested in work that challenges genre boundaries, breaks with tradition, and that highlights untold stories and unheard voices. We welcome literary submissions from authors at all career stages.
To submit, please complete the Literary Prospectus Form and return it to our editorial coordinator. Please include your complete manuscript. If your work contains images, please review the figure submission guidelines. Manuscripts should be of a length that will result in a book with a minimum of eighty pages.
Submissions to the Spring/Summer 2025 publication season are now closed.
The submission period for the Fall Winter 2025/26 publishing season is open July 1 – December 31, 2023.
Submissions received from July 1 – December 31, 2023 will be considered for the Fall/Winter 2025/26 publishing program. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the internal review process in late spring 2024.
Submissions received from January 1 – June 30 2024 will be considered for our Spring/Summer 2026 publishing program. Authors will be notified of the internal review process in late winter 2024.
Please contact us with any questions you may have about our publication schedule.
Our Imprints
LCR Publishing Services publishes scholarly and technical works that fall outside the strict format of the academic monograph, that offer unique and meaningful findings, or that are particularly time sensitive. Visit the LCR Publishing Services homepage to learn more.
Bighorn Books publishes general interest non-fiction. Written for an engaged audience who value gripping storytelling, unexpected discoveries, and fascinating facts, these are the stories so good they have to be true. Visit the Bighorn Books homepage to learn more.
The Approval Process
Academic and Literary Works
Your submission will be reviewed by our editorial team. If you have submitted directly to a series, the series editor will also review your proposal. If your book fits within the mandate of the press and within our publishing program, it will then move forward to peer review.
Both scholarly and literary books undergo peer review. Your work will be assessed by at least two experts in the field. Once assessments have been received, a proposal for publication will be presented to our editorial board.
All University of Calgary Press books are published at the recommendation of, and after review by, our editorial board. Comprised of distinguished faculty, the board members are experts in their fields and familiar with the demands of publishing.
Our Imprints
After receiving your query, the team will review your project and its fitness for the imprint to which you have submitted. We may request additional information, including manuscript samples. Our editorial team will carefully review your proposal with consideration to our previous and upcoming list, and our ongoing publications program.