FOR AUTHORS

Lyrebird Press publishes monographs, edited collections of essays and critical editions of primary sources relating to any aspect of music and music making in Australasia. Topics considered for publication include film music, Indigenous music, popular music, composer studies, reception studies, genre studies, performance practice, histories of music making and biographies of composers, performers and patrons. Collections of conference papers will be considered if chapters of 5,000–7,000 words are organised according to a theme or issue. Proposals should be for books within the range of 60,000–80,000 words.

Guidelines for submission of book proposals

If you’re thinking about preparing a proposal, consider these 5 Tips for Proposals before you begin. You might also contact the Series Editor, Dr Suzanne Robinson (lyrebirdpress-editorial@unimelb.edu.au). This will provide you with some advice about what to include in the proposal document and how much of the proposed manuscript should be attached. Proposals should follow the outline available in the Guidelines for Submission of Book Proposals.

FAQs

How long does the publishing process take?
Books are usually published within seven months of receipt of the files from the author.

How many images can I include in my book?
Usually up to 30 images (but less if there are many musical examples as well).

Will my book appear in print?
Lyrebird publishes simultaneously in print and ebook (downloadable pdf).

Does Lyrebird pay its authors and contributors?
No. Lyrebird monograph authors receive five copies of their book. Authors of chapters in a multiauthor book receive one copy of the book. Further books can be purchased at a significant discount.

Are Lyrebird books available on open access?
Not initially, but may be if a print run sells out.

Can I include a QR code or clickable links in my book?
We do not include QR codes but can incorporate clickable links in the ebook.

What is the house style?
With a few minor exceptions, Lyrebird Press uses Chicago style.

Further information for authors about the press’s house style, the preparation of images and requirements for copyright permissions can be found in the Lyrebird Press author guide.

What publication with Lyrebird offers

  • promotion of your book to academics, students, professionals and interested readers around the world via our website and social media
  • distribution of your book through a range of channels, including our online shop and selected bookshops
  • distribution of review copies to journals appropriate for the topic of your book
  • discussion of your book in our online blog, which goes out to subscribers
  • promotion of your book at relevant conferences
  • submission of your book, where appropriate, for awards such as the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards and the Victorian Community History Awards

Resources

For suggestions and guidelines if you are considering turning a thesis into a book see the advice from Melbourne University Press here.

For alternative information about writing proposals see Routledge’s Key Tips for How to Write a Successful Book Proposal. Available here.

For further information about choosing a publisher, peer review and options relating to open access see this presentation by James Campbell, International Marketing Manager at Intellect Books and Journals (USA).