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Human Kinetics
Health, Academic, Nonfiction
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Human Kinetics
Human Kinetics takes book ideas from authors in two steps. First send a short inquiry with a summary, table of contents and intended audience to acquisitions@hkusa.com or by post. If the editors are interested, they ask for a full proposal. Do not send a full manuscript first.
Human Kinetics is a publisher of books, ebooks, courses, journals and videos on physical activity, sport, health and fitness. It is based in Champaign, Illinois, and was founded in 1974. It works through an Academic Division for preK to 12 and college markets and a Trade and Professional Division for coaches, athletes, trainers and fitness professionals.
Human Kinetics publishers want a short inquiry before anything else. If the idea fits, the editors invite a detailed proposal with a preface, a full table of contents, competing titles and a CV for each author. Most traditional books take eight to ten months from accepted first draft to publication.
What Human Kinetics is looking for
- Textbooks for physical education and kinesiology
- Coaching and sport books
- Fitness, health and training guides
- Reference for teachers and professionals
Publishes
- Academic
- Health
- Nonfiction
Specialties
- Textbook
How to submit to Human Kinetics
From its own guidelines- Write a short inquiry with a summary of the idea, a table of contents if it helps and the intended audience.
- Email it to acquisitions@hkusa.com or post it to Acquisitions, Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
- Wait for Human Kinetics to say whether it wants a full proposal.
- If asked, send the full proposal with a preface, detailed contents, audience, competing titles and author CVs.
Is Human Kinetics right for your book?
A good fit if
Coaches, trainers, teachers, researchers and health professionals with expertise in physical activity, sport or fitness.
Look elsewhere if
Authors who want to send a full manuscript first, and books already published elsewhere, which the press usually does not take on.
Human Kinetics imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Division | Yes | Textbooks and resources for preK-12 and college markets; reference for teachers, professors, administrators, professionals. |
| Trade and Professional Division | Yes | Resources for coaches, athletes, trainers, instructors, fitness and health professionals. |
| Lotus Books | Not stated | Linked from the Author Center; submission policy not checked. |
Questions about Human Kinetics
How do I submit a book to Human Kinetics?
Start with a short inquiry, not a manuscript. Send a summary of your idea, a table of contents if it helps and your intended audience to acquisitions@hkusa.com or by post to Champaign, Illinois. Human Kinetics reviews it and tells you whether it wants a full proposal with more detail.
What does Human Kinetics publish?
Human Kinetics publishes books, ebooks, continuing education courses, journals and videos on physical activity, sport, health and fitness. Its Academic Division serves schools and colleges, and its Trade and Professional Division serves coaches, athletes, trainers, instructors and fitness and health professionals. Your proposal should name the division that fits best.
How long does a Human Kinetics book take?
Human Kinetics says most traditional books take eight to ten months from an accepted first draft to publication. Before that, the process runs in two steps: a short inquiry, then a full proposal if the editors ask for one. Plan for the full timeline if your book is tied to a course or season.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
