Publishing with SAN

Call for Manuscripts
SAN releases its call for manuscripts periodically. Potential authors might review SAN’s manuscript submission form, and consider applying when the next call for manuscripts is released.

Bulletin Publishing
SAN has published a variety of informational bulletins ranging in size from 12 to 32 pages that highlight sustainable systems or practices – such as alternative poultry production or marketing strategies. See the full list of SAN bulletins and consider applying to publish a bulletin manuscript.

Book Publishing
SAN has published or co-published a variety of books ranging in size from 60-280 pages. SAN will work with an author to publish a manuscript, but only if the program is involved during the developmental phase. That involvement might include some or all of the following, pending approval of authors and SAN staff:

Reviewing publication outline(s)
Suggesting external reviewers
Copyediting manuscript
Designing the cover
Co-developing a marketing/promotional plan

Other Resources
SAN also seeks proposals to develop other outreach tools, such as websites, databases, spreadsheets and creative online resources.

SAN Publishing Guidelines
You must submit a book manuscript or idea to SAN when our book requests for proposals is open. Please note: SAN does not compensate authors. Rather, SAN will print, stock and distribute a title in partnership with an author.

Once an idea has been submitted, SAN staff will review the proposal to determine whether the project has merit. Staff will use some of the following decision-making guidelines:

Does the book cover a sustainable agriculture topic of general interest?
Does the book have a national appeal, or at least cross two regions?
Does the idea duplicate any other SAN titles – published or in progress?
Does the idea expand upon any other existing resources? Contact the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, which specializes in identifying and accessing information related to alternative agricultural enterprises.)

If the idea passes staff review, SAN will forward it to the SAN Steering Committee for approval. The committee meets twice a year. After the committee agrees upon a project, SARE’s budget committee needs to provide final approval. That internal review process takes about one year.

SAN books and bulletins adhere to production standards based on the philosophy that a well-designed and organized publication will generate wider appeal. SAN generally publishes books with color covers and one- or two-colors text pages.

If SAN is to distribute books for an author, we will charge an agreed-upon, per-book price plus shipping and handling to cover part of our inventory, handling and postage costs.

If you would like to re-print a publication previously published without SAN involvement, you must work with SAN on a new edition during the editorial production phase.

Books, bulletins and other educational materials developed as part of SARE-funded grants can be listed at the SARE website at http://www.SARE.org/publications/core_info.htm. Contact SAN if you have already produced a resource from your SARE grant and would like to post your product on our list.

Background
Since 1988, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has promoted farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program.

The Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) develops and disseminates information about sustainable agriculture through print and electronic media. The national outreach arm of SARE, SAN operates under cooperative agreements with CSREES to publish a variety of print and electronic resources for farmers, agricultural educators, and consumers.

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