The South Dakota Historical Society Press is looking for manuscripts and materials that detail the history, culture, people, and day-to-day experiences of those who live in the Northern Great Plains region. The Press will consider manuscripts featuring individuals and events in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota; however, its focus is on the heritage of South Dakota. For the State Historical Society’s quarterly journal, South Dakota History, all article manuscripts or proposed material must relate in some way to South Dakota.
As a part of its mission, the Press will accept only quality nonfiction book manuscripts. The Press does consider submissions of children’s picture books and early reader chapter books, but these manuscripts must directly pertain to the region’s vibrant culture and landscape. The Press will not consider works of poetry, historical fiction, or those based on genealogical research. The Press will also not consider manuscripts by or about state politicians until they have been out of office for at least fifteen years or are deceased at least five years.
Published under the auspices of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the quarterly journal South Dakota History publishes only works of nonfiction. These works can include original research, annotated documents, or photographic essays dealing with the history of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.
Please review the form appropriate to your submission (Book Proposal, Children’s Book, or Journal Article) and provide the requested materials. These items include but are not limited to the resume or curriculum vitae of all manuscript contributors, a summary of the proposed work and its marketability, the specifications of the content and supplemental images, a chapter outline, bibliography of sources, and chapter samples of the manuscript.
Before sending a completed manuscript or proposal, authors and illustrators are encouraged to view the Press catalog to ensure that the subject matter fits within the Press’s scope and does not duplicate material already published.