At sunset, road pavement and painted lines with vegetation on the side of the road extending for miles in foreground. Mountains and gray sky in background.

Public Science

The Geological Society of America (GSA) is proud to be the new home of the iconic Roadside Geology, Geology Underfoot, and Geology Rocks! book series. Purchased by GSA on 1 November 2024, these trusted guides were originally developed and published by Mountain Press Publishing, and they have introduced generations of readers to the geologic wonders of North America—transforming road trips, hikes, and classrooms into unforgettable journeys through deep time.

Thanks to GSA Council's transformative decision to add these books to GSA's already impressive scholarly offerings, we have now definitely joined the field of public science. With more than a million copies sold, these series have set the gold standard for translating complex geological concepts into accessible narratives for the public. We are committed to honoring the legacy of these series while also expanding their reach and impact. As a leader in the geoscience community with a mission to advance the understanding of Earth and serve society through science, we're excited to grow the series in ways that serve both lifelong learners and curious newcomers. Everyone's favorite stories behind the rocks aren't going anywhere—they're just getting an even stronger foundation.

Want to learn more about GSA's acquisition of these beloved series? Read all about it in GSA Today.

Purchase books for your next adventure at the GSA Online Store or a variety of other booksellers (including Amazon), or in person at a GSA meeting or your favorite local bookstore!

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Interested in authoring books in these series? Our guidelines are below.

GSA Public Science Books: Geology for Everyone

Roadside Geology

Cover for Roadside Geology of Arizona.

Hit the road with science at your side! For more than 50 years, the Roadside Geology series has turned everyday drives into deep time adventures, blending expert explanations with easy-to-follow directions to help you see landscapes through a geologist's eyes. Whether you're cruising past craggy cliffs or ancient lava flows, these guidebooks make the Earth's story impossible to ignore.

Geology Rocks!

Cover for Texas Rocks!

Designed to bring geology to life for curious learners of all ages, Geology Rocks! offers quick, one-page descriptions of individual settings that introduce geological concepts in an easy-to-understand way. Packed with beautiful visuals and easy-to-follow maps, this series quickly convinces readers to explore exciting locales, turning geology into a fun and interactive experience for both in-person and armchair adventures. Whether at home, in the classroom, or on the road, it's science that begs to be explored.

Geology Underfoot

Cover for Geology Underfoot on Colorado's Western Slope.

Take your curiosity outdoors with Geology Underfoot, where every hike, hot spring, and overlook comes with its own geologic twist. These engaging field guides combine science, storytelling, and stunning locations to bring the rocks beneath your feet vividly to life. Ideal for adventurers who want to understand the “why” behind the wonder.

Non-Series Books: General Interest and Children's

Cover for Weird Rocks

Explore the wonders of Earth science through GSA's collection of engaging, stand-alone trade books. Covering everything from meteorites and geysers to trilobites and tectonics, these titles blend solid science with captivating storytelling. Perfect for budding geologists, curious families, and educators, this unique portfolio sparks discovery at a variety of ages and interest levels.

Interested in Authoring a GSA Public Science Book?

Check out the author guidelines for these series

Prefer to propose a book that doesn't fit one of our series?

Please submit the following:

  1. Cover letter: Tell us about your background, your expertise with the topic, and why you have chosen to write the book.
  2. Schedule: Provide a tentative timeline for completion of the work.
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Writing sample: Include a longer chapter.
  5. Marketing info: Include a list of any similar books (published within the past four years), a description of your target audience, and any ideas you have for special outlets/avenues for sales. Also, let us know if you would like to work with our marketing team to promote your book, such as by giving talks, doing signings, visiting stores, or online within a website, blog, or providing content for social media.
  6. Maps and figures: Who will be taking photos and/or creating illustrations? Will you need assistance with creating maps?
Cover for Where Do Mountains Come From Momma?

Submit Your Proposal

Email us: books@geosociety.org.

Contact Information

GSA Public Science Books Questions:
books@geosociety.org

Lisa Charron, Associate Editor
+1-303-357-1083
lcharron@geosociety.org

 

Jennifer Carey, Managing Editor
+1-303-357-1061
jcarey@geosociety.org

 

Header photo courtesy of Unsplash.