The Risk and Disasters Topical Interest Group (TIG) of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) invites submissions for its book manuscript proposal competition. This opportunity is open to single authors in the field of critical disaster studies who have not previously published a book.

Call for Manuscript Proposals

We are seeking proposals for nonfiction manuscripts that demonstrate innovative and critical approaches to disaster studies. Proposals should:

  • Feature cutting-edge antiracist and decolonial perspectives.
  • Include ethnographic research that critically examines power, inequality, and the author’s own positionality.
  • Explore any hazard or disaster context, anywhere in the world.

We encourage submissions from members of traditionally marginalized groups and manuscripts that challenge exclusionary practices in disaster scholarship. This competition is open to scholars and practitioners from any disciplinary background, with an emphasis on work that:

  • Engages effectively across disciplines.
  • Provides fresh insights into the intersections of disasters, power, colonialism, race, and inequality.

Support the Award

As one of SfAA’s newest awards, your tax-deductible contribution can help make this initiative a reality. Select “1st Book Proposal Prize in Critical Disaster Studies” on the donation page.

Prize: Winners will receive $1,000 to support the development of their book-manuscript proposal.

Mentorship: Winners and selected participants will be matched with an SfAA mentor, recommended by the Risk and Disasters TIG leadership, to refine their book proposal and manuscript.

Publication Opportunity: Winners will be awarded a preliminary book contract with Berghahn Books as part of the Catastrophes in Context series.

The competition is open to scholars or practitioners with a terminal degree who have not yet published a full-length, single-authored book. Manuscripts must be based on original field research in critical disaster studies and submitted by a single author.

All submissions must be emailed to info@appliedanthro.org. Submissions must include:

  1. Cover Letter: An introduction to your manuscript and its significance.
  2. Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: Highlighting relevant experience.
  3. Proposal: Not exceeding 12 pages, including:
    • An overview of the project’s scope.
    • Analysis of competing titles.
    • Disclosure of any previously published content.
  4. Sample Chapters: Two polished chapters, preferably the introduction and an ethnographic chapter.

Submissions will be evaluated on:

  • Originality of scholarship.
  • Contribution to disaster studies.
  • Centering traditionally marginalized groups.
  • Commitment to decolonial and antiracist approaches.
  • Ethnographic depth.
  • Clarity of prose.