The books program supports the mission of the Omohundro Institute by publishing works that create new knowledge about colonial and early national histories and cultures in the Americas, and their connections to wider worlds. It is a highly selective publication program and is internationally respected as a leader in scholarly publishing. By publishing books  in print, with select digital and audio supplements, the program fosters conversations among students, scholars, and members of the wider public. Its titles draw from across the humanities disciplines and cover a full range of perspectives on the past, and the full heterogeneity of people’s experiences in the past.

The book publication process is inherently collaborative. It offers editorial support including developmental work with authors, copy editing by professionals with expertise in early American studies, and source checking in partnership with the longstanding editorial apprenticeship program. The program relies on a relationship with the University of North Carolina Press that dates to 1947, offering authors access to production, distribution, and publicity programs across the two institutions. Ultimately, the book program helps to advance William & Mary’s commitment to public service by facilitating conversations today about societies that existed long ago.