How do I apply for the FirstGen Program?
If you are a first-gen scholar with a book project that you’re interested in pitching to UC Press, please review our book proposal guidelines and then reach out to the appropriate editor in your field. As part of the proposal submission process, please self-identify as first gen (we want to minimize extra work for first-gen scholars, so no applications are necessary). If the press accepts your proposal for publication, your editor will also then connect you with additional resources and supports for our first-gen authors. Please note that financial support is limited to book projects that fit within our existing publishing program and are accepted for publication.
I’m a published first-gen UC Press author. What resources are available to me?
Any first-gen authors can access our FirstGen email list, our publishing resources for book authors, and upcoming publicly available events. Financial support for our new FirstGen initiative is aimed at helping first-gen scholars develop their book projects. We are unable to compensate our published first-gen authors in arrears, but we look forward to including your work in our future FirstGen promotions.
I am not associated with UC Press or the UC system. Can I still access your program?
Any first-gen scholar or student is welcome to join our FirstGen email list and access our publishing resources for book authors. Many of our events will also be publicly available (please see the Events section below).
How can I attend your FirstGen publishing events?
Please check the events section below for any upcoming public FirstGen Program events. We will also be posting recordings of past events under the Resources section.
Will the program provide resources for first-gen scholars publishing with academic journals?
At this time, our program is focused on book publishing. We’ve found that there tends to be less support and training when it comes to publishing manuscripts, and we are focusing our efforts on supporting first-gen scholars interested in book publishing.
How can I find out more about the FirstGen program?
Please join our FirstGen email list or send an email to firstgen@ucpress.edu. If you are a current UC Press author, you can also reach out to your acquisitions editor.