Manuscript Submissions

Have a great idea for a book? Will it be thoroughly evangelical Christian in its perspective? If so, we want to hear from you. Email us your ideas, and if they fit with Crossway's publishing ministry and acquisitions guidelines, we'll invite a proposal.

Please do not send a full proposal or manuscript without first sending an email query.

What kinds of books is Crossway most interested in?

Nonfiction books that engage believers’ minds, stir their affections, and motivate their wills:

  • On key issues. These books typically address the critical issues facing Christians today in our personal lives, families, communities, and the wider culture.
  • On the Christian life. These books seek to provide a deeper understanding of Christian truth and its application to daily life, whether expositionally, topically, or systematically. Books in this category could include biblical teaching, the application of the Bible to Christian growth, evangelism, devotions, etc.
  • On a Christian worldview. These books address how the Christian, biblical worldview applies to the whole spectrum of human life, including art and culture, science and technology, literature and the human sciences. These books specifically answer the question of how the biblical, Christian faith makes a difference in the way in which one lives and works and impacts the wider culture.
  • Academic and professional volumes. Reflecting the same general approach mentioned above, these books are directed more toward college and seminary students, pastors, and others in full-time Christian work. These books focus on theology, biblical studies, church history, preaching, pastoral theology, etc.

To gain a better understanding of what we publish, please review the books section of Crossway.org.

What kinds of books is Crossway not interested in?

  • End-times or prophecy books
  • Collected sermons
  • Contemporary/popular biographies
  • Exposés of well-known Christians
  • Personal-experience stories
  • Poetry
  • Art books
  • Fiction

Crossway also does not accept unsolicited tract submissions.

Where should I email my book idea?

submissions@crossway.org

Will Crossway respond to my email query?

We will respond if we decide to request a proposal. If you have not heard from us within six weeks, we have decided not to request a proposal. Please do not make any inquiries, whether by email or phone, as to the status of your query.

If Crossway requests that I submit a proposal, what should I include in this document?

A good proposal includes at least the following:

  • A brief, one-paragraph summary of your book
  • An explanation of why you wish to write this book, why it’s needed, and for whom you are writing
  • The table of contents
  • A brief summary or outline of each chapter
  • One or two sample chapters
  • An estimate of the total number of words in the completed manuscript
  • An estimate of how long, after a contract has been fully executed, you will need to complete the manuscript
  • A list of competing books, with a brief explanation of how your book will differ from and improve on each
  • Your résumé

As you write the proposal and your sample chapters, keep in mind that we will use these materials to evaluate your ability to write for publication. Think of the proposal as your primary opportunity to catch our attention and imagination.

If I have already written the manuscript, may I send it, either with the proposal or instead of a proposal?

Only send manuscripts if you are invited to do so. If we invite your manuscript, please send it to the following address:

Jill Carter, Editorial Administrator
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, IL 60187

How long will it take Crossway to review my proposal?

Please allow two to three months for a response to your proposal. All inquiries as to the status of your proposal should be made by e-mail. No phone calls, please.

Thank you for your interest in Crossway's publishing ministry!