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Proposals for new publications

UNU Press publishes scholarly books about international policies and the issues facing the United Nations and its member states, particularly in the fields of peace and governance, environmental and sustainable development, and economic and technological development.

UNU Press does not publish single country case studies. UNU Press books reflect the issues and/or experiences of a broad number of countries or regions, or they contain clear learning points or policy recommendations applicable beyond the scope of individual topics or locations.

All proposals should contain the following information:

  • Provisional title
  • Table of contents
  • Names and descriptions of the author(s) or editor(s) with brief biographies
  • A list of contributors (for edited volumes)
  • An introduction or sample chapter
  • Details of the expected length and completion date.
  • A brief overview of the volume. This should describe how the work relates to other publications in the same or similar field (and its points of difference), and the audience that the book will address.

Your proposal should address the following questions:

  1. What are the key ideas or themes of this work?
  2. Describe the target readership.
  3. What will readers gain from reading this book?
  4. What are the unique features of this book?
  5. How does this book say new things, or convey accepted ideas in new ways?
  6. Identify similar, competing or complementary publications.
  7. Describe the research programme that supports this work.
  8. What are the qualifications, affiliations, and cultural backgrounds of the authors?
  9. What plans do you have to support the promotion of this book?
  10. What is the current status of the work?

Please note that due to budgetary constraints UNU Press is rarely able to publish books unconnected with United Nations University unless it receives a subvention (payment) to assist with production costs. In these circumstances the organisation(s) or individual(s) providing support may receive acknowledgement and/or copies of the book for complimentary distribution. Such arrangements are only required if a manuscript has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication.

  • Click here to download "A Guide to publishing with UNU Press" [PDF file - 95 KB]

    Manuscript submissions and other enquiries should be addressed to:

    The Publications Officer,
    United Nations University Press,
    53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
    Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan.
    Tel: 03-3499-2811
    Fax: 03-3406-7345
    E-mail: press@hq.unu.edu


    Co-publishing and re-publishing opportunities

    UNU Press works with a range of publishers to source, produce, and re-publish quality academic books.

    We welcome proposals to co-publish new titles. UNU Press typically retains copyright to all co-published titles. Proposals for co-publication should contain the same information noted in the Call for Submissions.

    We also actively welcome proposals to re-publish UNU Press titles for localized markets, either in English or in translation. We especially encourage republication in developing countries by local publishers that are able to produce low-cost editions for their local communities. UN University retains copyright for all UNU Press publications, and our local partners hold copyright over their own local editions of UNU Press titles. No re-publication, re-printing, or translation can be lawfully undertaken without the advance agreement of UN University.

    Enquiries should be addressed to:

    The Publications Officer,
    United Nations University Press,
    53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
    Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan.
    Tel: 03-3499-2811
    Fax: 03-3406-7345
    E-mail: press@hq.unu.edu


    Obtaining Review Copies

    Academic journals and other publications seeking review copies of UNU Press titles for public discussion should describe their request in detail by email or by fax or post on company letterhead to the following address:

    Sales and Marketing,
    United Nations University Press,
    53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
    Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan.
    Tel: 03-3499-2811
    Fax: 03-3406-7345
    E-mail: sales@hq.unu.edu


    Course adoption of UNU Press titles

    UNU Press welcomes requests for desk copies from educators proposing to adopt titles for specific courses. Please submit your request in detail by email or by fax or post on the letterhead of your organization to the address below.

    Your request should detail:

    • Name of the institution
    • Name of the course
    • Projected enrollment
    • Date of commencement

    Upon receipt of an official request we will send an out examination copy. If your institution places an order for a minimum of 10 copies (at a 35% discount), you may keep the review copy without charge.

    Should you decide against adoption but wish to keep the book we will invoice you (at a discount of 25%). Otherwise you should return the book in saleable condition within 60 days.

    Your students will be entitled the purchase the title directly from UNU Press at a discount of 25%.

    To request a desk copy please contact us as follows:

    Sales and Marketing,
    United Nations University Press,
    53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
    Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan.
    Tel: 03-3499-2811
    Fax: 03-3406-7345
    E-mail: sales@hq.unu.edu


    Discount policy

    The following discounts apply to UNU Press publications sold by UN University Press in Tokyo:

    • Orders from less developed countries - 50%
    • Authors, Editors, and Contributors - 35-50%
    • Students at recognized educational institutions - 25%
    • Friends of UNU - 40% (for details of Friends of UNU, click here)
    • In-house Conference Discount - 25% (only available to delegates in Tokyo)
    • Course adoption - review copy is free when an order is placed or the title is adopted. For details see Course Adoption.
    • Trade Discount (booksellers) - 25%
    • Distributors (please ask)

    To place an order or enquire about our discounts policy, please contact us as follows:

    Sales and Marketing,
    United Nations University Press,
    53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
    Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan.
    Tel: 03-3499-2811
    Fax: 03-3406-7345
    E-mail: sales@hq.unu.edu