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Author a Chapter

The USNAP is accepting lead author applications for all remaining species. Applications are being reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The geographic scope of the updated Silvics of North America will be North America (defined as the conterminous United States, Canada, and Mexico). Species found only in Central and South America (defined as the region south of Mexico), the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands will not be included in the update. All applications will be reviewed by the USNAP. If you are selected, you will be provided an onboarding package which specifies formatting, provides a Fillable Chapter Template, and provides supplemental resources. 

Selected authors will be required to submit their first draft in English within 1 year of being onboarded. All submitted chapters will then go through a peer review (i.e., there is no guarantee that a submitted chapter will be accepted). If your chapter passes the peer review and is accepted, it will be published on a digital web platform and translated into Spanish and French. All editorial, peer review, and translation services will be performed for authors by the established USNAP team. All chapters will be released as individually citable publications with credit given to all authors and associated reviewers at the beginning of each chapter. Lead authors will also be the primary contact for all future updates to their associated chapter. 

 

  1. View Chapter List

    To begin, view the USNAP Chapter List and confirm that a lead author has not already been assigned to your species of interest.

  2. Review Chapter Outline

    Please view the Chapter Outline in your preferred language below:

  3. Complete Application

    If your species is available, please download and complete the application form. Only individuals interested in lead author positions should apply. In the application, you will be encouraged to include information about your intended co-author team. If your institution's firewall is blocking access to the application, please download the application via a personal device.

  4. Submit Application

  5. Draft Chapter

    If your application is accepted, you will be provided all necessary materials to draft your chapter. This includes formatting guidance, a fillable template, and supplemental resources such as new maps depicting current and predicted species ranges. First drafts are due within 1 year of receiving onboarding materials. Paper length is expected to be a maximum of 13,750 words. Individual exemptions may be granted if warranted.

  6. Publication

    In order for your chapter to be published, it must pass a peer review conducted by the USNAP. This peer review will involve up to 24 technical experts with editorial oversight. Opportunities for revision will typically be given, although chapters may be rejected during this process. Published chapters will be made available in a digital format as citable documents with credit given to all contributors and translated into Spanish and French.