Giving levels include recognition online, in print

By Jeff Wilson

Southern Illinois University Press is the nonprofit book-publishing unit of Southern Illinois University. Unlike a commercial publisher, which focuses on publishing for popular audiences, we have a mission to publish works of serious scholarly, intellectual, or creative merit. Our books are vetted by peer reviewers and must receive approval from an editorial board before publication.

SIU Press published its first book in 1956 and has issued nearly 3,000 books since then, with about 1,400 books currently in print. Over the years, the Press has made substantial contributions to a wide range of subject areas and has become especially well-known for its publications in Civil War studies, Lincoln studies, theatre, poetry, and rhetoric & composition. In addition, SIU Press publishes books that celebrate and document the history and culture of Southern Illinois, the state, and the Midwest.

Supporting local authors

The first book featured in this series is “Southern Illinois Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers” by Colby Simms.

Southern Illinois’s many waterways teem with an incredible variety of fish species, and as an award-winning fisherman and journalist, Simms knows exactly where and how to catch them all.

“I always thought about writing a book about fishing in Southern Illinois,” he said. “It was something if thought would be important to the region and to teach people about the oppotunities here and how to maximize them.”

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THIS BOOK

Within these pages, he shares the secrets he’s gleaned from years of hard-won experience. He conferred with fellow fishing pros as well as biologists, outdoor sports media figures, and other experts to bring you the most current, site-specific information possible. From fishing fundamentals to the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques, Simms presents a battle plan for attacking the waters, big and small, of the lower Prairie State, which will benefit all anglers—from beginners to seasoned tournament competitors.

“A university press like SIU makes you feel more comfortable and gives you a lot more opportunities than you have out in the rest of the publishing world,” Simss said. “It’s a great place for new book authors to get started.”

Nestled between the information and instructions, you’ll find stories from Simms and other professional anglers, state fisheries staff, recreational fishers, and more. You’ll find encouragement and motivation to put away life’s modern distractions and get back to nature. Southern Illinois Fishing brims with enthusiasm, humor, and heart, and is sure to educate and inspire readers to lose themselves in the ancient tradition and modern sport of fishing.

Gift Acknowledgement

We will gladly acknowledge your generous donation in the following ways:

• Gifts of $100 or more will be acknowledged on the book’s webpage on the SIU Press website.
• Gifts of $500 or more will also be acknowledged in print on the book’s copyright or acknowledgement page. The first printing of this book is already in the warehouse, so this acknowledgement will appear in the next and all subsequent printings.
• Gifts of $1000 or more will also be acknowledged as a sponsor in social media postings and other promotions.
• Gifts of $5000 or more will be acknowledged at a special book promotion event and reading and the donor will be invited as a special guest of honor. We will work with the donor to schedule the event at a time convenient to them.

Your support of this title will ensure that this book reaches the widest possible audience and inspires future generations to enjoy the beautiful waterways of Southern Illinois.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO SUPPORT THE SIU PRESS

Book sales cover some of the production costs for each title published, but donations make it possible to keep prices affordable for scholars, students, and the general public. Donations also ensure that the books feature quality production elements such as color photos when needed and beautiful interior and cover designs, and they help us to effectively promote each title. Your donation to a specific title will be used to produce, promote, distribute, or reprint the book as necessary.

If you would rather make a gift to support new publications in an entire subject area or series, please contact Amy Etcheson (aetcheson@siu.edu; 618-453-6623) to discuss options.

“For nearly 70 years, SIU Press has supported SIU’s research mission by making a strong contribution to academic scholarship, providing educational opportunities for students, and disseminating information about our region. Your support will help us continue that tradition,” Etcheson said.