Our History

Texas Authors Press (TAP) was founded with a bold and enduring purpose: to ensure that the voices of Texas authors are not only published but preserved for generations to come. As a proud division of the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH), TAP emerged from decades of advocacy for independent and regional writers led by our founder, B. Alan Bourgeois. Recognizing the growing gaps in the publishing world—where too many voices were being overlooked or lost—we created TAP to offer authors a reliable, meaningful publishing path backed by a cultural legacy commitment.

Our Goals

At TAP, we are driven by three core goals:

Empower Texas Authors: Provide full-service publishing and professional author support to elevate writers from across Texas and those connected to the Lone Star State.
 

Preserve Literary Legacies: Ensure every published work becomes part of the state’s living literary history through archival programs with TAMIH.
 

Champion Author Success: Deliver fair royalties, transparent processes, and ongoing education to help authors succeed in both their creative craft and professional journey.

Our Solutions

Texas Authors Press offers a unique publishing model—merging the stability and professionalism of traditional publishing with a mission-driven commitment to authors:

• Full-Service Publishing: Print, eBook, audiobook, and NFT editions, all handled by an experienced publishing team.
   
• Author Education and Marketing: Membership benefits include book trailers, promotional campaigns, professional consultations, and educational resources.
   
• Cultural Preservation: Every book is eligible for permanent archival in the Texas Authors Museum, honoring each author’s literary contribution.
   
• Fair Compensation: Authors retain generous royalties—20% on print, 30% on digital editions, and 50% on NFTs and collectibles—plus quarterly payments with transparent reporting.
   
• Lifetime Impact: Upon an author’s passing, their work becomes part of Texas history through our exclusive Legacy Deposit program.

Our Future

The future of TAP is one of growth, innovation, and stewardship. We envision expanding into emerging storytelling formats, increasing access to promotional opportunities, and deepening our educational offerings. With a growing digital legacy library, annual author showcases, and evolving museum exhibits, TAP aims to become a national model for preserving regional literary voices. Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to make sure every Texas author knows their work will not only be published—but remembered.

At Texas Authors Press, we don’t just produce books—we build legacies.

"What has been your biggest challenge in publishing your work so far?"

•  "My biggest challenge is self-marketing. I am a writer more than a talker. Also, I am still learning the challenges of technology. Online marketing is a challenge, and I do not have a large platform to contact."  Sandin
•  "Money mostly. Need assistance with cover design and preparing manuscript for publishing so there is costs even for self-publishing. "  McCullagh

What services do you value most in a publishing company?

• Distribution
• Marketing 
• Editing - Design - Formationg
• Authors Education 
• What’s more important to you
• A Balanced Partnership
• Full Support & Guidance
• Full Control over Work
• Long Term Viability

Would you be willing to have your work digitally archived in a museum collection?

• Print & Digital 66.7%
• Not Interested 33.3$

What do you wish someone had explained to you before you published your first book?

•  How long it takes from manuscript to editor to proofer to cover design to finally hitting publish!  Dr. Shery
•  Costs associated with marketing the book.  McCullagh

What frustrates you most about the publishing options available today?

•  The larger publishing houses require a huge speaking platform before they will even consider your work, even if it is good.  Sandin
•  it's hard to know just what the options are what they will entail, and what they deliver.  Earney
• The time it takes to even try to get an agent  Dr. Shery

Take the Survey

We welcome authors to take our survey at any time.  Every voice matters, so click on this link: https://us17.list-manage.com/survey?u=900fca7c5e5d69b740f7c41dc&id=55ac26294d&attribution=false

Texas Authors Press — Positioning Statement

Texas Authors Press (TAP) is the first publishing imprint in the United States designed not just to release books — but to preserve authorial legacy as part of Texas's living literary history.

As a division of the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, TAP offers more than traditional or hybrid publishing. We are a legacy-first press, built to publish, protect, and perpetuate the voices of Texas-connected writers across generations, formats, and technologies.

Every author who publishes through TAP has the opportunity to:

• Be formally archived in a museum collection (physical, digital, or      blockchain-based)
• Create an estate-ready literary record for future heirs or scholars
• Launch print and NFT editions for both traditional and digital audiences
• Participate in museum exhibitions, author showcases, and immersive storytelling initiatives

TAP doesn’t just produce books — it produces permanent cultural records. We blend the ethics of literary preservation with the innovation of future-focused publishing, serving authors from all backgrounds who want their stories to matter, now and long after they’re gone.

TAP is where your voice becomes part of Texas history — in ink, in code, and in memory.

We want your publishing journey with TAP to be smooth, fair, and rewarding. Here’s a clear breakdown

Step 1: Quick Check (Are You Ready?)

We make sure:

• You're a current TAMIH or TAP member. (Not a requirement when submitting your manuscript.)
• Your manuscript is in the right format: Microsoft Word, 12pt font, double-spaced.
• Your book fits our guidelines (all genres welcome, except hate speech or      harmful misinformation).
• You’ve acknowledged our ReadSafe Ratings requirement.
• You’ve signed the author agreement and submitted all needed forms.

Time: 1 week

Step 2: Content & ReadSafe Review (What’s Inside?)

We read your book to:

• Check for strong or sensitive content: language, violence, sexual      content, and themes.
• Apply the ReadSafe Rating: this helps readers know what to expect.
• Look at how your story supports Texas culture or offers a unique voice.

You’ll get a ReadSafe Report. If changes are needed, we’ll guide you.

Time: 2 weeks

Step 3: Editorial Review (Is It Well Written?)

Now we dive deeper into the writing. We look at:

• Story flow and structure
• Characters and dialogue
• Pacing and style
• Grammar and sentence clarity
• Your voice and originality

Each area is rated 1–5. If your average is below 3, we’ll suggest changes and let you revise.

Time: 1–2 weeks

Step 4: Market Fit & Legacy Impact (Can It Succeed?)

We consider:

• Will your book do well in its category?
• Can it be featured in libraries, schools, or festivals?
• Does it support our mission to preserve and promote Texas literature?
• Could it win awards or become a teaching tool?

This helps us decide if your book fits TAP’s long-term goals.

Step 5: Final Decision

After review, we’ll let you know the outcome:

Accepted – Welcome to TAP! We’ll finalize your contract and begin editing/production.
Needs Changes – We’ll send you feedback and give you the chance to resubmit.
Not a Fit – We’ll respectfully decline but may offer you feedback or refer you to other resources. 

Final Decision: 1 week after our review board meeting

Estimated Total Review Time: 4–6 weeks

We’re here to help you succeed. If you ever have questions, we’re just an email or call away.  We are not Gatekeepers, nor looking for what is hot.  We are here to help you to succeed.

Ready to Submit Your Manuscript?

By submitting your manuscript, you confirm that you have read and agree to all the information provided on this page and are ready to begin the review process with Texas Authors Press.

Please email your manuscript to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Be sure to include the following in your submission:

• Your legal name
   
• Your pen name (if different)
   
• Your preferred email address
   
• Your phone number
   

This information helps us contact you promptly when it's time to discuss the next steps.

Last Updated: April 29, 2026

Welcome to Texas Authors Press (TAP), a division of the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH). By accessing or using our website, services, and resources, you agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

1. General Terms

Texas Authors Press operates a unique publishing model combining traditional publishing services with educational and legacy programs. By using this website or engaging in our services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms, our Privacy Policy, and any supplemental agreements (e.g., Publishing Agreements) you may enter into with TAP.

2. Publishing Services

All publishing services provided by TAP, including but not limited to editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing, are subject to individual Publishing Agreements signed by participating authors. Terms regarding royalties, rights, and legacy deposits are governed by those agreements.

• Authors agree to the terms outlined in their Publishing Agreement.
   
• Membership benefits are accessible based on the membership level specified in the author’s agreement.
   
• TAP reserves the right to modify, improve, or discontinue services with reasonable notice.
   

3. Membership Terms

Participation in TAP services requires an active membership after the first year of publication. Membership fees, levels, and benefits are clearly outlined on the website and within individual agreements.

• Membership is non-transferable and must remain in good standing for continued access to services.
   
• Failure to maintain membership may result in the suspension of services or termination of agreements, as specified in contract terms.
   

4. Use of Website

All content provided on the TAP website, including articles, graphics, logos, and promotional materials, is the property of TAP and TAMIH.

• You may not reproduce, redistribute, or republish website content without written permission.
   
• Website users are prohibited from engaging in spam, data mining, or any malicious activity on this website.
   

5. Intellectual Property

All published works through TAP are protected under the terms of individual contracts. Authors retain ownership of their intellectual property during their lifetime, with agreed-upon rights for distribution, derivative works, and legacy deposit into the Texas Authors Museum upon death or contract termination.

6. Limitation of Liability

TAP is not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from your use of the website or publishing services. While we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted website availability or error-free services.

7. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from your use of TAP services or website will be resolved under the laws of the State of Texas. Where applicable, mediation or arbitration will be the preferred method of resolution.

8. Changes to Terms

TAP reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any changes.

9. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, you may contact us at:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Texas Authors Press, c/o TAMIH