CALL FOR PROPOSALS

HISTORY OF SICKKIDS

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), in partnership with the University of Toronto Press (UTP), invites interested historians and other experienced authors to submit a proposal for a comprehensive history of SickKids.

SickKids is one of the world’s largest and most respected children’s hospitals which dates back to 1875. Its story is a blend of clinical excellence, leadership in research and discovery combined with an ongoing commitment to education and learning. At the root of these accomplishments is SickKids’ vision of improving the health of children. The role SickKids has played in children’s’ health extends beyond its walls on University Avenue to the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, Canada and internationally.

Our goal is to have a finished manuscript by 2014 with publication in 2015. The Publisher envisions a manuscript of approximately 175,000 words accompanied by photographs and other illustrative material.

An editorial board consisting of senior staff from SickKids and UTP has been established to consider proposals.

Submissions are being accepted up until midnight February 1, 2012.

Proposals should include the following:

A current curriculum vitae, including a list of previous publications;
A detailed outline of the proposed book which should include the following: a short summary (including the approach— i.e., thematic or chronological); a tentative table of contents including chapter summaries; a discussion of similar or related books; the role of photographs and illustrations; and any other relevant information;
The intended audience for the book;
Research plan;
A complete multi-year budget, including research and other costs;
A proposed timeline with project milestones;
An estimated word count.
References

The author/researcher will have access to the archives at SickKids.

Interested parties should submit their proposals through email to historysickkids@utpress.utoronto.ca with the subject line: History of Sick Kids.

Please direct any specific questions regarding this call for proposal to Len Husband, Acquisitions Editor at lhusband@utpress.utoronto.ca or 416-978-2239, ext. 238.

History of SickKids - FAQ

Why is this project being commissioned at this time?
SickKids will open its new Research and Learning Tower in 2013. The new building ‘will be a beacon in Toronto’s Discovery District and a magnet for the best and brightest child health professionals around the world’. Thinking about this major milestone in the history of SickKids led to the planning for this new publication.
Hasn’t there already been a book written about SickKids?
Yes there have been different books published about the hospital and its patients. The previous history of the hospital published in 1974 (Sick Kids; The Story of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Max Braithwaite (1974))and a great deal has happened since that time. Braithwaite’s book will be a tremendous resource for the author of this new book.
Should this book focus on patients?
The History of SickKids is intended to focus on the institution itself and the major accomplishments that have occurred since its inception in 1875. Patients and their families are a part of the story of how the hospital achieves its vision of Healthier Children. A Better World™.
What other resources are there to draw upon for this project?
The hospital maintains a comprehensive archive which will be an asset during the research phase. This includes the archives of the women’s auxiliary and the nursing school. In addition, a history of the Department of Paediatrics has been written and the draft manuscript and research materials (including interviews) will be made available to the author. It is expected that the author will access additional archives both in Toronto and Library & Archives Canada. Current and former staff will prove to be invaluable in the research.
How important is length?
SickKids is a complex organization with a long history of accomplishments. It will be impossible to include everything in the book and the author will have to make some tough decisions regarding content. Managing the extent of material included in the book will be an important task for the author, ensuring that we end up with our targeted book length (400 to 600 pages maximum). We anticipate that notes and bibliography may be posted on the books webpage.
What about photos/illustrations?
We do hope to include photos in the books and the hospital has an extensive collection for the author to draw from. The author may wish to use photos from other sources.
What about challenging issues in SickKids past?
SickKids has a long history and deals with the most challenging cases and diseases. These challenges form part of the story of SickKids and have helped it grow and evolve. Coverage of these events is expected as part of that story.
Should the book focus solely on the institution?
SickKids has had an impact on children’s health in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and globally. We anticipate that the story of the hospital will be integrated into this broader history of children’s health care.
What is the process for evaluating submissions?
Submissions will be initially vetted by the University of Toronto Press and then circulated to the members of the History of SickKids Editorial Board for evaluation. A short list will be invited to a meeting with the Editorial Board to present and discuss their proposal. We expect to assess the shortlist in February/March 2012 followed by a final decision by March 30, 2012.
Who will publish the book?
The University of Toronto Press is partnering with SickKids on this project and we will be the publisher of the book. As with all of our publications, the manuscript will be peer reviewed and the author will have the opportunity to make revisions to the book based on this feedback. The UTP Manuscript Review Committee will also consider the book for final approval before the book moves into the copy editing and production phases. The book will be published both in print and in ebook format.