The following information will smooth the process of submitting your proposal to us. Note that we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but we do accept unsolicited proposals submitted via electronic or regular mail.


In order to submit your proposal via electronic mail, we request that you use a standard word processing program such as Microsoft Word, sending it as a file attachment. Do not type your entire proposal as an email text. If your proposal is longer than 25 pages or includes photographs or illustrations, zip the file before attaching it.


Submissions by regular mail must be typed on 8-1/2”x11” white paper, double-spaced with a 1” wide margins all around. We do not accept handwritten materials. Please, do not send a sole, original copy.

The proposal must include the following:

  • Description of the Book. Provide a detailed summary of the subject’s background; your approach toward the subject; an approximation of the length of the book; and any special features, for example, photographs, illustrations, charts, tables. Include an estimate of how much time you will need to complete the full manuscript, if not yet completed.
  • Market Analysis. Describe the audience for your book, and why they would buy it. Try to quantify the size of the market for your book, and the degree to which it is growing. Add applicable demographics about your reader. Be specific.
  • Field Competition. Include a list of books that deal with the same subject matter, describing how your book is a more appealing choice. Do not include books that encompass a different scope and format from your book.
  • Writer Credentials. Submit a brief biography or CV, including education or experience in the subject, writing experience and previous publications. Provide us with your availability and willingness to participate in promotion and publicity efforts; include any media contacts or promotion opportunities you can bring to the project.
  • Outline of Content. As part of your submission we require, at a minimum, chapter titles with a brief description of each chapter. The chapter titles should reflect the content of the chapter. Major subheads, if any, should be included.
  • Potential for Expansion. Describe any expanded use of the character(s) or subject matter in your proposed manuscript that would support you writing a sequel.
  • Sample Material. Provide a sample chapter or a segment of a chapter of the proposed manuscript. It should be no less than five pages, and no more than 20 pages. If photographs or illustrations will be submitted with the full manuscript, include a sample. If you do not have sample material of the proposed book, submit a sample of your writing that has not been heavily edited by a publisher.


         Mail your proposal to:
          The Valgar Institute
          1635 Tierra del Rio NW
          Albuquerque, NM 87107

         E-mail your proposal to:
          publisher@valgar.com

Our editors will review your proposal, but note that it can take up to three months for the editors to review your proposal. If you have a completed manuscript, you will be notified where to submit, and appropriate format.  Be aware that the Valgar Institute is not responsible for any unsolicited proposal or manuscript submitted to us. We will not return your proposal. If you want to make sure that we received your mailed proposal, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard, and we will return it to you upon receipt of your proposal.


The various reasons for the rejection of a proposal or manuscript includes, but is not limited to, quality of writing, market needs, the appropriateness of the subject matter, and the duplication of an idea or concept already published or already under consideration by the Valgar Institute.  If your proposal meets our criteria, we will contact you to discuss the project in greater detail. But regardless, you will hear from us within three months, with an answer.


We urge you to follow your dream; write and share your story.  Sylvia Plath said, “…everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Don’t doubt yourself. Remember, we all have a story to tell.


All the Best,
Valgar Institute

Proposal Submissions