About the Press
Mission Statement
Truman State University Press (TSUP) publishes peer-reviewed research in the humanities for the scholarly community and the broader public, and publishes creative literary works. TSUP is a resource to the Truman campus community, where students explore their publishing interests and scholars seek publishing advice.
Press History
Truman State University Press is a small, traditional publisher with a reputation for working closely with our authors. TSUP publishes high-quality and well-designed books authors are proud of and readers cherish.
The Press was established in 1986 under the direction of Robert V. Schnucker, professor of history and religion (now retired), with support from the University. The new press built on Schnucker’s fifteen years of experience as managing editor of the Sixteenth Century Journal and directing book publications for the Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies series. He developed the Press’s list to include works in various subject areas. The Press initially published about 3 books each year, and now publishes 12 to 15 books a year.
Over the years, the Press has narrowed its focus to topics in American studies, early modern studies, and poetry. Scholars worldwide recognize TSUP’s Early Modern Studies series as a premier venue for interdisciplinary studies in the early modern period. The Press is quickly becoming known in the region as a quality publisher in American studies. The T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry, established in 1997, is known internationally for its annual award for the best unpublished book-length collection of poetry in English and named in honor of native Missourian T. S. Eliot. The Press also publishes several other poetry titles in its New Odyssey series. TSUP is now publishing The Chariton Review, an international literary journal established in 1975.
The Press uses the peer review process to ensure the value and soundness of scholarship to maintain high standards for academic publication. TSUP adds value to scholarly work through rigorous editorial development, professional copy editing and design, and worldwide distribution. The Press encourages and refines the work of younger scholars through publication of first books that establish credentials and develop authorial experience, and adds to the richness of undergraduate and graduate education by publishing supplementary material used by instructors. TSUP helps connect the University to the surrounding community by publishing books of local and regional interest to help generate positive publicity.
The Press is an integral part of the Truman State University community, serving as a local resource for faculty by providing guidance on intellectual property, scholarly communication, and the publishing process.
Staff
TSUP has a staff of four that includes the tasks of director, copyeditor, acquisitions editor, production editor, marketing manager, and sales assistant, and is served by an editorial board composed of seven faculty members. Each semester, up to ten students work in internship, work-study, or scholarship positions that provide them with meaningful hands-on experience, advice, and mentoring for pursuing careers in publishing.
Oversight
The Press operates under the office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and is advised by an editorial board composed of Truman faculty from fine arts, English, and social sciences. The board assists in the selection of manuscript readers and approves manuscripts for publication after they have been peer reviewed.
TSUP Editorial Board
Members of the Editorial Board are scholars of high standing in disciplines relevant to the Press’s publishing program. Board members serve three-year terms and meet several times each year.
Dr. Mark Hanley, Chair
Dr. Monica Barron
Dr. Mike Ashcraft
Dr. Julia DeLancey
Dr. David Partenheimer
Dr. John Quinn
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Maria Di Stefano, Associate Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Truman State University
Nancy Rediger, Director, Truman State University Press