Institutions vary on their requirements for tenure. At some, it is publications that carry the weight. Others focus on teaching and service. But, for many, it is some combination of publications, teaching, and service.
At some institutions, it will be mainly monographs that decide tenure. Other institutions will take a combination of articles and books, perhaps including books written for a more popular audience. The best way to get published is to present your ideas at conferences to obtain feedback. Conferences are also an important place to make contacts in the field. You should also contact book review section of various journals relevant to your field. Doing book reviews keeps you current in the field, and often alerting you to any historians doing relevant topics to your research. Conferences are also a place where you can find out whether your research really is unique.
Once you are ready to submit your monograph or article, especially if they are related to your dissertation, you may want to ask a colleague to review the manuscript before submission. Dissertation submissions, for example, are often criticized for an overabundance of historiography and a reader can help you pare down overdone areas of the manuscript.
Publications at many institutions, however, are only one part of the tenure process. Excellence in teaching is often a factor in tenure review. While you certainly have your own style of teaching, read student evaluations and take relevant comments to heart. Developing relationships with students can be important at tenure and can be rewarding for you on a more personal level. Getting involved with both students and colleagues can make for a pleasant environment.
Service in the academic community is a way to develop relationships with students and colleagues. It is important to volunteer for committees within the department and university wide. These committees may be teaching, academic honesty, or, perhaps, admissions. You may also want to become involved with events at the institution or, especially in smaller towns, become involved in community events or organizations. For example, it may be of interest for you to become involved in the local historical society or with a museum or public library.
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