The Critical Reader is actively soliciting education and test-prep writers interested in publishing with us. We offer traditional publishing terms—you don’t pay us; we pay you—and in return seek authors who share our mission of making top-notch educational materials widely available. Our books enjoy an international reputation for exceptional accuracy and effectiveness, and we are eager to work with writers who share our commitment to maintaining those standards.
Critical Reader™ study guides go beyond the standard “tips and tricks” model of test prep and combine a systematic approach to building knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the exams themselves.
Submissions in any area of education are welcome; however, we are particularly interested in proposals in the following areas:
- Advanced Placement® Exams, especially Human Geography, Government and Politics, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, and World History
- English as a Second Language, including TOEFL® and IELTS® preparation
- SHSAT
- SSAT® and ISEE®
- Phonics-based reading instruction (No “Balanced Literacy”)
Submission Guidelines
Please read the following carefully.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to thecriticalreader1@gmail.com, in PDF format, and should include the following components:
- A working title.
- A brief overview of your book and your target audience, including audience size and any relevant demographic information. (250 words max.)
- A brief author biography outlining your qualifications and connections to/knowledge of your target audience (1 page max). Please also include a resume and links to your website and/or previous works.
- An annotated table of contents, including chapter and section titles, along with a description of the material covered in each chapter.
- An approximately 20-30-page sample, including any graphics.
- A market rationale, consisting of a description of major competing titles, along with an explanation of how your book differs from them and offers something uniquely appealing to readers.
Manuscripts that have been previously published in any format, including e-books or self-published, will not be considered.
If you are a first-time author, we recommend that you read Jane Friedman’s article Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published.
Please Note:
If you are submitting a proposal for a test-specific guide, keep in mind that you must have a detailed knowledge of the specific ways in which the subject tested on the relevant exam as well as an in-depth understanding of the subject itself—that is, you must be able to teach the subject and “teach the test” simultaneously.
In the case of the AP program, many exams have undergone changes in the last several years, and you should make sure that you have a detailed understanding of the relevant test in its most current format, as well as how the recent alterations have affected the material students should focus on. Please consult the appropriate Course Description on the College Board website for up-to-date information.