PEARSON EDUCATION
MERRILL EDUCATION, an imprint of Prentice Hall, invites you to submit a prospectus and detailed table of contents for your proposed text.
Why does Merrill value a prospectus?
A prospectus has a two-fold purpose. It gives you a chance to describe the course niche for which your proposed text fits, and it acts as a vehicle for you to explain and promote your idea to us and to your peers.
What does Merrill do with your prospectus?
Merrill Editors review your prospectus with the following questions in mind. If the criteria listed below meet our expectations, then the manuscript is sent out to be reviewed by your colleagues who teach a course appropriate for your text.
- For what course does the proposed text fit?
- For what audience is the proposed text appropriate?
- What is the conceptual/theoretical/philosophical framework of the proposed text?
- What distinguishes the approach, purpose, or pedagogy in this proposal?
- How does this idea fit with trends in the field?
- What research base is used to support this proposal?
- How well does this prospective author communicate his/her ideas?
How should the proposal materials be submitted?
Because it is likely that the proposal will be sent out to your colleagues in the field, your name should appear on a cover letter and vita only. The prospectus and a detailed table of contents should be submitted in double-spaced format and appear as clearly legible, single-sided copies. It is unnecessary to include a cover on the proposal or submit it in a binder. Be sure to keep a copy of any materials you send to us. All materials should be addressed to the Editor of the discipline for which the text best fits (e.g. Educational Psychology, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology, Educational Administration, or Counseling) and mailed to:
Prentice Hall Publishing Company, 4th Floor
445 Hutchinson Ave
Columbus, OH 43235
What specific guidelines should be used to prepare the proposal?
Please use the outline that appears on the back of this document as a guide to create your prospectus. Note that we will also need a detailed table of contents.
GUIDELINES FOR CREATING A PROSPECTUS
I. Project Description
A. Identify the course your text will fit. Explain where this course fits in the curriculum--required, elective, introductory; and the audience for which the text will be appropriate--undergraduate, graduate, or both? Identify whether your text would be a main text or supplemental.
B. Describe the rationale for your text idea. Describe the approach, the conceptual or theoretical framework, the research base, and any biases towards the topic (if applicable).
C. Describe what you consider to be any significant, distinguishing or innovative feature(s) of your proposed text.
D. List any pedagogical elements you intend to include such as chapter objectives, focus questions, summaries, cases, special features, problems, applications, student artifacts, bibliographies, appendices, etc. Provide a description or example of any feature you deem as especially unique.
E. Identify the supplements you plan for the text including any integration of technology.
II. Comparison with Competing Texts
A. We are interested in your analysis of the competition. Please characterize the existing text or texts with which your book will most closely compete.
B. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each competing text(s) and explain how your text would be similar to and different from each one.
Other items to submit:
1. A detailed table of contents that specifies heads and subheads in an outline format should accompany your prospectus. Please include a half-to-full page description of each chapter of your contents to explain your rationale for organization and any unique integration of features or technology.
2. Samples of unique components such as boxed inserts, case studies, or any field-based materials that will support your proposal.
3. Please provide a current vita or brief biographical sketch so that we may become acquainted with your publications, affiliations, and experiences as an instructor.
Once Merrill has reviewed your prospectus and table of contents, an Editor will contact you to discuss your project. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.
