As the leading resource for information about water, the American Water Works Association publishes about 25 new or revised titles a year for water professionals around the world. As a knowledge resource provider, AWWA continually strives to supply the most comprehensive and informative material to the water industry. As such, we are always looking for new ideas and proposals for new products. 

AWWA will consider proposals on all water-related subjects, including emerging technology by industry experts. We are particularly interested in proposals on asset and financial management, operations, training and treatment. 

Please read the AWWA Author Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation.

Benefits to potential authors

Author remuneration

AWWA offers a competitive royalty rate or fee-based payment for most authored works. Once a proposal is reviewed and approved, an offer will be made to the prospective author(s). 

Worldwide exposure

AWWA’s reputation as the leader in resources for safe drinking water guarantees that books and materials published by the association are seen by water and wastewater professionals around the world. 

Peer review

All books and products published by AWWA undergo a peer review process by a select group of water professionals who have a strong background in the work’s topic. Reviewers provide feedback, suggestions and praise to authors and make valuable contributions to the publishing process. For the author, peer review validates an author’s work, adds credibility and ensures the material is accurate and up to date. 

Professional editing

In-house professional editors with knowledge of the water and wastewater industry edit AWWA books. Editors work closely with authors to ensure quality and accuracy and respond to the author’s needs. Editors do both substantive and copy editing for correctness, clarity and quality of expression. 

Professional service

Project managers keep in contact with authors to keep them up to date on the progress of their book. Authors are notified of important deadlines in the book’s production schedule and are given the opportunity to review the manuscript at each stage of editing and production. 

Award-winning design

Our award-winning creative team designs AWWA’s books and products, producing sharp, recognizable and attractive cover and interior designs. 

Marketing and distribution

Once published, AWWA books are marketed to AWWA members and others via email, direct mail, online and in an annual catalog delivered to more than 50,000 people around the world. In addition, newly published works are advertised in AWWA periodicals, including print editions of Journal - American Water Works Association and Opflow, as well as their online versions. Titles are also featured in on-site bookstores at AWWA’s Annual Conference. 

Additional benefits

Authors typically receive 10 complimentary copies of their book. For books with multiple authors, the number of complimentary copies provided to each author varies. 

Getting started

Submitting your proposal for review

To submit a proposal for review, complete the Author Questionnaire (PDF) for all proposed manuals, handbooks and acquisitions and submit by fax, email or mail to the Manager of Product Acquisition Development: 

Sr. Manager, Acquisitions and Content
American Water Works Association 
6666 W. Quincy Ave. 
Denver, CO 80235 
Tel: 303.347.6260 
Fax: 303.794.7310 
E-mail: submissions@awwa.org 

Manuscripts

The preferred process is to first submit a proposal, then develop a manuscript. Please read the AWWA Author Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation. Contact the Manager of Product Acquisition and Development for additional guidance.

Read AWWA FTP- Site instructions (PDF, 2.5MB)