University press
Ohio University Press / Swallow Press
Academic, History, Nonfiction
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Ohio University Press
Ohio University Press takes book proposals by email. Send a cover letter, table of contents, sample chapters and CV to the right editor, not a full manuscript. Poetry comes in only through the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
Ohio University Press is based in Athens, Ohio, and describes itself as the oldest scholarly publisher in the state. Swallow Press is its trade imprint. Its book series cover areas such as African studies, US history, Appalachia and Victorian studies.
The press takes book proposals by email. Send a cover letter with a short narrative of two to four pages, a table of contents, one or two sample chapters, the expected length, a completion date if the book is unfinished and your CV. Appalachian studies proposals go to Tyler Balli and all others go to editor in chief Rick Huard. Do not send a full manuscript unless invited. Poetry comes in only through the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
What Ohio University Press is looking for
- Scholarly books in African studies and US history
- Appalachian studies, with its own acquiring editor
- Victorian studies
- Unpublished poetry collections through the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize
Publishes
- Academic
- History
- Nonfiction
- Poetry
Specialties
- University press list
How to submit to Ohio University Press
From its own guidelines- Write a cover letter with a 2 to 4 page narrative on the book's scope, contribution, audience and three competing titles.
- Add a table of contents, one or two sample chapters, the expected length, a completion date and your CV.
- Email Appalachian studies proposals to Tyler Balli and all other proposals to editor in chief Rick Huard.
- Do not send the full manuscript unless an editor invites it.
- For poetry, enter the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize instead.
Is Ohio University Press right for your book?
A good fit if
This press suits scholars in African, Appalachian, US history and Victorian studies, and poets ready to enter the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
Look elsewhere if
Look elsewhere if you want to send a full manuscript first, or if you have poetry you want to send outside the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
Ohio University Press imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swallow Press | Yes | Trade imprint |
Questions about Ohio University Press
Does Ohio University Press accept unsolicited manuscripts?
It accepts unsolicited proposals, not full manuscripts. Send a cover letter with a short narrative, a table of contents, one or two sample chapters, the expected length and your CV. The press asks you not to send the complete manuscript unless an editor invites it. Poetry is the exception, since it comes in only through the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize.
How do I submit to Ohio University Press?
Email your proposal to the right editor. Appalachian studies proposals go to Tyler Balli, and all other proposals go to editor in chief Rick Huard. Your cover letter should explain why the press fits, what the book adds to its field, three competing books, the audience and whether the work is under review elsewhere or grew from a dissertation.
Where is Ohio University Press based?
Ohio University Press is in Athens, Ohio, with its office at 30 Park Place, Suite 101. It describes itself as the oldest scholarly publisher in Ohio. Swallow Press is its trade imprint. Writers anywhere can send a proposal by email, so you do not need to live in Ohio, though the press has a strong Appalachian list.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
