SIU Press Book Fund

Southern Illinois University Press is the nonprofit book-publishing unit of Southern Illinois University. Unlike a commercial publisher, which focuses on publishing for popular audiences, we have a mission to publish works of serious scholarly, intellectual, or creative merit. Our books are vetted by peer reviewers and must receive approval from an editorial board before publication.

SIU Press published its first book in 1956 and has issued nearly 3,000 books since then, with about 1,400 books currently in print. Over the years, the Press has made substantial contributions to a wide range of subject areas and has become especially well-known for its publications in Civil War studies, Lincoln studies, theatre, poetry, and rhetoric & composition. In addition, SIU Press publishes books that celebrate and document the history and culture of Southern Illinois, the state, and the Midwest.

Book sales cover some of the production costs for each title published, but donations make it possible to keep prices affordable for scholars, students, and the general public. Donations also ensure that the books feature quality production elements such as color photos when needed and beautiful interior and cover designs, and they help us to effectively promote each title. Your donation to a specific title will be used to produce, promote, distribute, or reprint the book as necessary.

If you would rather make a gift to support new publications in an entire subject area or series, please contact Amy Etcheson (aetcheson@siu.edu; 618-453-6623) to discuss options.

For nearly 70 years, SIU Press has supported SIU’s research mission by making a strong contribution to academic scholarship, providing educational opportunities for students, and disseminating information about our region. Your support will help us continue that tradition.