We are inviting academic editorial contributors to a revolutionary new series of history books for high-school students. The Alternate History series uses what-if scenarios (a.k.a., counter-factual history) to attract, intrigue, and stimulate interest in all facets of historical thinking and discussion among students. Constructed to complement the existing high-school curriculum, chapters are being assigned for the first two titles in the series at this time.

Each chapter is comprised of approximately 7,000 words, including an Introduction, Turning Point, Actual History, and Alternate History. Using a classic example, “What if Oswald Had Missed?,” the chapter would include an intro to Kennedy, followed by the Dallas shooting as turning point, then Johnson as actual history, then a Kennedy second term as alternate history. Thus, these assignments involve encyclopedia-like nonfiction writing, complemented by imaginative yet factually driven fiction.

The Alternate History series is being published by ABC-CLIO and is a production of Golson Books, Ltd. Rodney P. Carlisle, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Rutgers, serves as General Editor, reviewing all submissions for historical accuracy and acceptability.

Our first two titles are "Native America" and "Colonial America." Each title includes 10-15 chapters and we are seeking contributors with exceptional expertise in pre-colonial and colonial America who can write one chapter of 7,000 words by February 1, 2005. The chapter lists and turning points are provided, and most importantly a complete sample chapter is also sent via e-mail to potential contributors. The sample chapter structure is to be followed religiously. Style guidelines, spelling out reading level, bibliographic needs, and further details complete the resources sent to contributors.

If you are interested in contributing to this remarkable project, it can be a major publication addition to your CV/resume and truly broaden your publishing credits. We are offering a $100 honorarium and a free copy of each of the series’ titles to all chapter contributors. This not a financially rewarding assignment, but rather geared to imaginative historians and teachers who know that introducing the what-if scenario into the classroom can be an electrifying educational tool. The selected contributors will be joining a project that has been several years in development.

As a next step we will e-mail you the list of chapters available in "Native America" and "Colonial America" as well as the other resources outlined above. In turn, we would like prospective writers to explain their historical expertise (include CV/resume), select a chapter from the lists provided, and comment on how they can meet the sample chapter requirements. There are only some 23 chapters to assign for this announcement, yet as explained, it is an unusual assignment. In short, the contributor selection process will be narrowed to the best qualified.

If you would like to contribute to building a truly outstanding new series of history books for students, please contact me by the e-mail information below. Thanks very much.