ABBEVILLE FAMILYThe markets in this year’s Book Publishers section offer opportunities in nearly every area of publishing. Large, commercial houses are here as are their smaller counterparts.
The Book Publishers Subject Index is the best place to start your search. You’ll find it in the back of the book, before the General Index. Subject areas for both fiction and nonfiction are broken out for all of the book publisher listings.
When you have compiled a list of publishers interested in books in your subject area, read the detailed listings. Pare down your list by cross-referencing two or three subject areas and eliminating the listings only marginally suited to your book. When you have a good list, send for those publishers’ catalogs and manuscript guidelines, or check publishers’ websites, which often contain catalog listings, manuscript preparation guidelines, current contact names, and other information helpful to prospective authors. You want to use this information to make sure your book idea is in line with a publisher’s list but is not a duplicate of something already published.
You should also visit bookstores and libraries to see if the publisher’s books are well represented. When you find a couple of books the house has published that are similar to yours, write or call the company to find out who edited those books. This extra bit of research could be the key to getting your proposal to precisely the right editor.
Publishers prefer different methods of submission on first contact. Most like to see a one-page query, especially for nonfiction. Others will accept a brief proposal package that might include an outline and/or a sample chapter. Some publishers will accept submissions from agents only. Each listing in the Book Publishers section includes specific submission methods, if provided by the publisher. Make sure you read each listing carefully to find out exactly what the publisher wants to receive.
When you write your one-page query, give an overview of your book, mention the intended audience, the competition for your book (check local bookstore shelves), and what sets your book apart from the competition. You should also include any previous publishing experience or special training relevant to the subject of your book. For more on queries, read “Query Letter Clinic.”
Personalize your query by addressing the editor individually and mentioning what you know about the company from its catalog or books. Under the heading Contact, we list the names of editors who acquire new books for each company, along with the editors’ specific areas of expertise. Try your best to send your query to the appropriate editor. Editors move around all the time, so it’s in your best interest to look online or call the publishing house to make sure the editor you are addressing your query to is still employed by that publisher.
Writer’s Market is a reference tool to help you sell your writing, and we encourage you to work with publishers that pay a royalty. Subsidy publishing involves paying money to a publishing house to publish a book. The source of the money could be a government, foundation or university grant, or it could be the author of the book. If one of the publishers listed in this book offers you an author-subsidy arrangement (sometimes called “cooperative publishing,’’ “co-publishing,’’ or “joint venture’’); or asks you to pay for part or all of the cost of any aspect of publishing (editing services, manuscript critiques, printing, advertising, etc.); or asks you to guarantee the purchase of any number of the books yourself, we would like you to inform us of that company’s practices immediately.
ABBEVILLE FAMILYAbbeville Press, 116 W. 23rd St., New York NY 10011. (212)366-5585. Fax: (212)366-6966. E-mail: abbeville@abbeville.com. Website: www.abbeville.com. Estab. 1977. “Our list is full for the next several seasons.” Not accepting unsolicited book proposals at this time. Publishes 8 titles/year. 10% of books from first-time authors. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
FICTION Picture books: animal, anthology, concept, contemporary, fantasy, folktales, health, hi-lo, history, humor, multicultural, nature/environment, poetry, science fiction, special needs, sports, suspense. Average word length 300-1,000 words. Please refer to website for submission policy.
ABBEVILLE PRESS116 W. 23rd St., New York NY 10011. (646) 375-2136 or 1-800-ART-BOOK. Fax: (646)375-2359. E-mail: abbeville@abbeville.com. Website: www.abbeville.com. Estab. 1977. Mainstay in the art book publishing world. “Our list is full for the next several seasons.” 10% of books from first-time authors. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
NONFICTION Subjects include art. Not accepting unsolicited book proposals at this time.
FICTION Subjects include adventure. Picture books through imprint Abbeville Family. Not accepting unsolicited book proposals at this time.
ABC-CLIO/GREENWOODABC-CLIO, P.O. Box 1911, Santa Barbara CA 93116. (805)968-1911. E-mail: acquisitions_inquiries@abc-clio.com. Website: www.abc-clio.com. Contact: Editorial Assistant. Publishes hardcover originals. ABC-CLIO/Greenwood publishes reference materials for high school, public and academic libraries in the humanities and the social and hard sciences. Publishes 200 titles/year. 1,000 queries received/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. Pays variable royalty on net price. Pays rare advance. Publishes book 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months to queries. Book catalog and ms guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include humanities, literary criticism, social sciences, humanities and the social and hard sciences. Query with proposal package, including scope, organization, length of project, whether complete ms is available or when it will be, CV or resume and SASE. No unsolicited mss.
8000 W. 78th St., Suite 310, Edina MN 55439. (800)800-1312. Fax: (952)831-1632. E-mail: nonfiction@abdopublishing.com. E-mail: fiction@abdopublishing.com; illustration@abdopublishing.com. Website: www.abdopublishing.com. Contact: Paul Abdo, editor-in-chief. Estab. 1985. Publishes hardcover originals. ABDO publishes nonfiction children's books (pre-kindergarten to 8th grade) for school and public libraries—mainly history, sports, biography, geography, science, and social studies. “Please specify each submission as either nonfiction, fiction, or illustration.” Publishes 300 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include animals, history, science, sports, geography, social studies.
Imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Ave. S., P.O. Box 801, Nashville TN 37202. (615)749-6000. Fax: (615)749-6512. E-mail: submissions@umpublishing.org. Website: www.abingdonpress.com. Estab. 1789. Publishes hardcover and paperback originals. “Abingdon Press, America's oldest theological publisher, provides an ecumenical publishing program dedicated to serving the Christian community—clergy, scholars, church leaders, musicians, and general readers—with quality resources in the areas of Bible study, the practice of ministry, theology, devotion, spirituality, inspiration, prayer, music and worship, reference, Christian education, and church supplies.” Publishes 120 titles/year. 3,000 queries received/year. 250 mss received/year. 85% from unagented writers. Pays 71⁄2% royalty on retail price. Publishes ms 2 years after acceptance. Responds in 2 months to queries. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, religion, theology. Query with outline and samples only. The author should retain a copy of any unsolicited material submitted.
FICTION Publishes stories of faith, hope, and love that encourage readers to explore life. Agented submissions only for fiction.
HARRY N. ABRAMS, INC.115 W. 18th St., 6th Floor, New York NY 10011. (212)206-7715. Fax: (212)519-1210. E-mail: abrams@abramsbooks.com. Website: www.abramsbooks.com. Contact: Managing Editor. Estab. 1951. Publishes hardcover and a few paperback originals. Publishes 250 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
IMPRINTS Stewart, Tabori & Chang: Abrams Appleseed; Abrams Books for Young Readers; Abrams Image; STC Craft; Amulet Books.
Does not accept unsolicited materials.
NONFICTION Subjects include recreation.
FICTION Subjects include young adult. Publishes hardcover and “a few" paperback originals. Averages 150 total titles/year.
TIPS “We are one of the few publishers who publish almost exclusively illustrated books. We consider ourselves the leading publishers of art books and high-quality artwork in the U.S. Once the author has signed a contract to write a book for our firm the author must finish the manuscript to agreed-upon high standards within the schedule agreed upon in the contract.”
ABRAMS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS115 W. 18th St., New York NY 10011. Website: www.abramsyoungreaders.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
Abrams no longer accepts unsolicted mss or queries.
814 N. Franklin St., Chicago IL 60610. (312)337-0747. Fax: (312)337-5985. Website: www.academychicago.com. Contact: Yuval Taylor, senior editor. Estab. 1975. Publishes hardcover and some paperback originals and trade paperback reprints. “We publish quality fiction and nonfiction. Our audience is literate and discriminating. No novelized biography, history, or science fiction.” No electronic submissions. Publishes 10 titles/year. Pays 7-10% royalty on wholesale price. Publishes ms 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, travel. No religion, cookbooks, or self-help. Submit proposal package, outline, bio, 3 sample chapters.
FICTION Subjects include historical, mystery. “We look for quality work, but we do not publish experimental, avant garde, horror, science fiction, thrillers novels.” Submit proposal package, synopsis, 3 sample chapters, and short bio.
TIPS “At the moment, we are looking for good nonfiction; we certainly want excellent original fiction, but we are swamped. No fax queries, no disks. No electronic submissions. We are always interested in reprinting good out-of-print books.”
ACE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASYImprint of the Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Group (USA), Inc., 375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014. (212)366-2000. Website: www.us.penguingroup.com. Estab. 1953. Publishes hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback originals and reprints. Ace publishes science fiction and fantasy exclusively. Publishes 75 titles/year. Pays royalty. Pays advance.
As imprint of Penguin, Ace is not open to unsolicited submissions.
FICTION Subjects include fantasy, science fiction. No other genre accepted. No short stories. Due to the high volume of manuscripts received, most Penguin Group (USA) Inc. imprints do not normally accept unsolicited mss.
4848 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640. Website: www.actapublications.com. Contact: Acquisitions Editor. Estab. 1958. Publishes trade paperback originals. “ACTA publishes nonacademic, practical books aimed at the mainline religious market.” Publishes 12 titles/year. 100 queries received/year. 25 mss received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 90% from unagented writers. Pays 10-12% royalty on wholesale price. Publishes book 1 year after acceptance of ms. Responds in 2-3 months to proposals. Book catalog and guidelines online.
“While some of ACTA's material is specifically Catholic in nature, most of the company's products are aimed at a broadly ecumenical audience.”
NONFICTION Subjects include religion, spirituality. True Submit outline, 1 sample chapter. No e-mail submissions. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “Don't send a submission unless you have examined our catalog, website and several of our books.”
8041 Sierra St. #321, Fair Oaks CA 95628. (916)962-9296. E-mail: web@adams-blake.com. Website: www.adams-blake.com. Contact: Monica Blane, acquisitions editor. Estab. 1992. Publishes only e-books. “We are getting away from doing trade titles and are doing more short-run/high-priced specialized publications targeted to corporations, law, medicine, engineering, computers, etc.” Publishes 5 titles/year. 50 queries received/year. 15 mss received/year. 80% of books from first-time authors. 99% from unagented writers. Pays 15% royalty on wholesale price. Publishes book 2 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months.
NONFICTION “We like titles in sales and marketing, but which are targeted to a specific industry. We don't look for retail trade titles but more to special markets where we sell 10,000 copies to a company to give to their employees.” Query. Does not review artwork/photos.
TIPS “If you have a book that a large company might buy and give away at sales meetings, send us a query. We like books on sales, especially in specific industries—Like 'How to Sell Annuities' or 'How to Sell High-Tech.' We look for the title that a company will buy several thousand copies of at a time. We often 'personalize' for the company. We especially like short books, 50,000 words (more or less).”
Division of F+W Media, Inc., 57 Littlefield St., Avon MA 02322. (508)427-7100. Fax: (800)872-5628. E-mail: adamsmediasubmissions@fwmedia.com. Website: www.adamsmedia.com. Contact: Acquisitions Editor. Estab. 1980. Publishes hardcover originals, trade paperback, e-book originals, and reprints. Adams Media publishes commercial nonfiction, including self-help, women's issues, pop psychology, relationships, business, careers, pets, parenting, New Age, gift books, cookbooks, how-to, reference, and humor. Does not return unsolicited materials. Publishes more than 250 titles/year. 5,000 queries received/year. 1,500 mss received/year. 40% of books from first-time authors. Pays standard royalty or makes outright purchase. Pays variable advance. Publishes book 12-18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to queries. Guidelines online.
P.O. Box 45327, Omaha NE 68145. (402)330-7493. Fax: (402)330-1707. E-mail: info@addicusbooks.com. Website: www.addicusbooks.com. Contact: Acquisitions Editor. Estab. 1994. Addicus Books, Inc. seeks mss with strong national or regional appeal. “We are dedicated to producing high-quality nonfiction books. Our focus is on both consumer health titles and legal titles, but we will consider other topics. In addition to working with a master book distributor, IPG Books of Chicago, which delivers books to stores and libraries, we continually seek sales channels outside traditional bookstores. We need at least one solid sales channel outside the bookstore market. Due to the amount of queries we receive our editors are not available for phone inquiries. If we're interested in taking a closer look at your book, we'll contact you after we receive your e-mail inquiry.” Publishes 15 titles/year. 90% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Publishes ms 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to proposals. Catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include business, economics, health, law, consumer health, consumer legal topics, economics, investment advice. “We are continuously expanding our line of consumer health and consumer legal titles.” Query with a brief e-mail. “Tell us what your book is about, who the audience is, and how that audience would be reached. If we are interested, we may ask for a proposal, outlining the nature of your work. See proposal guidelines may be found on our website. Do not send entire ms unless requested. When querying electronically, send only a 1-page e-mail, giving an overview of your book and its market. Please do not mail queries or proposals by certified mail. Find additional submission guidelines online.”
TIPS “We focus heavily on the quality of the editorial content of our books. We look for organization, clarity, and appropriate tone in a manuscript. Consumers are busy people. We serve them books that are compact, concise, and reader-friendly.”
MFA Program in Creative Writing, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., MS 1525, Boise ID 83725. (208)426-3414. E-mail: ahsahta@boisestate.edu. Website: ahsahtapress.org. Contact: Janet Holmes, director. Estab. 1974. Publishes trade paperback originals. Publishes 7 titles/year. 1,000 mss received/year. 30% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 8% royalty on retail price for first 1,000 sold; 10% thereafter. Publishes ms 2 years after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to mss. Book catalog online. Guidelines online; submit through submissions manager.
POETRY “We hold an open submissions period in May as well as the Sawtooth Poetry Prize competition, from which we publish 2-3 mss per year.” Submit complete ms. The press publishes runners-up as well as winners of the Sawtooth Poetry Prize. Forthcoming, new, and backlist titles available on website. Most backlist titles: $9.95; most current titles: $18.
TIPS “Ahsahta's motto is that poetry is art, so our readers tend to come to us for the unexpected—poetry that makes them think, reflect, and even do something they haven't done before.”
ALADDINSimon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor, New York NY 10020. (212)698-7000. Website: www.simonandschuster.com. Contact: Acquisitions Editor. Publishes hardcover/paperback originals and imprints of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Children's Division. Aladdin publishes picture books, beginning readers, chapter books, middle grade and tween fiction and nonfiction, and graphic novels and nonfiction in hardcover and paperback, with an emphasis on commercial, kid-friendly titles. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
FICTION Simon & Schuster does not review, retain or return unsolicited materials or artwork. “We suggest prospective authors and illustrators submit their mss through a professional literary agent.”
ALGONQUIN BOOKS OF CHAPEL HILLWorkman Publishing, P.O. Box 2225, Chapel Hill NC 27515-2225. (919)967-0108. Website: www.algonquin.com. Contact: Editorial Department. Publishes hardcover originals. “Algonquin Books publishes quality literary fiction and literary nonfiction.” Publishes 24 titles/year. Guidelines online.
IMPRINTS Algonquin Young Readers.
NONFICTION Does not accept unsolicited submissions at this time. “Visit our website for full submission policy to queries.”
FICTION Subjects include literary. Does not accept unsolicited submissions at this time.
P.O. Box 2225, Chapel Hill NC 27515. Website: algonquinyoungreaders.com. Algonquin Young Readers is a new imprint that features books for readers 7-17. “From short illustrated novels for the youngest independent readers to timely and topical crossover young adult fiction, what ties our books together are unforgettable characters, absorbing stories, and superior writing.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
FICTION Algonquin Young Readers publishes ficiton and a limited number of narrative nonfiction titles for middle grade and young adult readers. “We don't publish poetry, picture books, or genre fiction.” Query with 15-20 sample pages and SASE.
222 Riverside Dr., 16th Floor, New York NY 10025-6809. (212)678-0232. Fax: (212)666-3682. Website: www.algora.com. Contact: Martin DeMers, editor (sociology/philosophy/economics); Claudiu A. Secara, publisher (philosophy/international affairs). Estab. 1992. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals and reprints. Algora Publishing is an academic-type press, focusing on works by North and South American, European, Asian, and African authors for the educated general reader. Publishes 25 titles/year. 1,500 queries received/year. 800 mss received/year. 20% of books from first-time authors. 85% from unagented writers. Pays $0-1,000 advance. Publishes book 10-18 months after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries/proposals; 3 months to mss. Book catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include anthropology, archeology, creative nonfiction, dance, education, environment, finance, government, history, language, literature, military, money, music, nature, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion, science, sociology, translation, war, womens issues, womens studies, economics. Algora Publishing welcomes proposals for original mss, but “we do not handle self-help, recovery, or children's books.” Submit a query or ms by uploading file to our website.
TIPS “We welcome first-time writers; we help craft an author's raw manuscript into a literary work.”
IAN ALLAN PUBLISHING, LTD.Terminal House, Shepperton TW17 8 AS, United Kingdom. (44)(193)283-4950. E-mail: info@ianallanpub.co.uk. Website: www.ianallanpublishing.com. Contact: Peter Waller, publishing manager. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback and mass market paperback originals and reprints. Publishes 120 titles/year. 300 queries received/year. 50 mss received/year. 5% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Payment is subject to contract and type of publication. Publishes book 6 months after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog available free.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, hobbies, sports, travel. Query with SASE. Reviews artwork/photos.
TIPS “Audience is enthusiasts and historians. We don't publish books with a strong autobiographical bias—e.g., military reminiscences—and no fiction/children's/poetry.”
ALLEN & UNWIN406 Albert St., East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. (61)(3)9665-5000. E-mail: fridaypitch@allenandunwin.com. Website: www.allenandunwin.com. Allen & Unwin publish over 80 new books for children and young adults each year, many of these from established authors and illustrators. “However, we know how difficult it can be for new writers to get their work in front of publishers, which is why we've decided to extend our innovative and pioneering Friday Pitch service to emerging writers for children and young adults.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
An imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10018. (212)643-6816. Fax: (212)643-6819. E-mail: allworthsubmissions@skyhorsepublishing.com. Website: www.allworth.com. Estab. 1989. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “Allworth Press publishes business and self-help information for artists, designers, photographers, authors and film and performing artists, as well as books about business, money and the law for the general public. The press also publishes the best of classic and contemporary writing in art and graphic design. Currently emphasizing photography, graphic and industrial design, performing arts, fine arts and crafts, et al.” Publishes 12-18 titles/year. Pays advance. Responds in 4-6 weeks. Book catalog and ms guidelines free.
NONFICTION Subjects include photography, film, television, graphic design, performing arts, as well as business and legal guides for the public. “We are currently accepting query letters for practical, legal, and technique books targeted to professionals in the arts, including designers, graphic and fine artists, craftspeople, photographers, and those involved in film and the performing arts.” Query with 1-2 page synopsis, chapter outline, market analysis, sample chapter, bio, SASE.
TIPS “We are helping creative people in the arts by giving them practical advice about business and success.”
38262 Linman Rd., Crawford CO 81415. (970)921-5005. Fax: (970)921-5081. E-mail: editorialdept@alpinepub.com. Website: alpinepub.com. Estab. 1975. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals and reprints. Publishes 6-10 titles/year. 40% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Pays 8-15% royalty on wholesale price. Pays advance. Publishes ms 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include animals. Alpine specializes in books that promote the enjoyment of and responsibility for companion animals with emphasis on dogs and horses. No biographies. Query with a brief synopsis, chapter outline, bio, 1-3 sample chapters, and market analysis.
TIPS “Our audience is pet owners, breeders, exhibitors, veterinarians, animal trainers, animal care specialists, and judges. Our books are in-depth and most are heavily illustrated. Look up some of our titles before you submit. See what is unique about our books. Write your proposal to suit our guidelines.”
American Management Association, 1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019. (212)586-8100. Fax: (212)903-8083. E-mail: ekadin@amanet.org; spower@amanet.org; astuart@amanet.org. Website: www.amacombooks.org. Contact: Ellen Kadin, executive editor (marketing, career, personal development); Stephen Power, senior editor (leadership, management, human resources, training); Airié Stuart, senior editor (sales, customer service, project management, finance); all editors (parenting, popular psychology, health & fitness). Book proposals on general business, education, science & technology, popular psychology, parenting, or health & fitness topics may be submitted to any editor.. Estab. 1923. Publishes trade hardcover and paperback originals and e-books. AMACOM Books—the publishing arm of the American Management Association (AMA)—is a nonfiction publisher devoted to helping readers lead more satisfying lives by publishing works that enhance their personal and professional growth and success. “Our authors—practitioners, journalists, and world-class educators—are noted experts and leaders in their fields. At AMACOM we can give authors the individual attention of a small publisher as well as the advantage of distributing and selling their books in both print and digital form through multiple channels around the world. Our high standards for both editing and packaging mean authors will have book of which they can be proud. We partner with our authors on creating the most effective marketing copy for their books. AMACOM’s publicity department generates thousands of reviews, articles, excerpts, and other media placements for our books each year—in addition to promoting our books through our blog, e-newsletter, and social media outreach. Of course our books are showcased at international book fairs. Through such meetings millions of copies of our authors’ books have been translated into 40 languages. We make our authors’ books available through myriad electronic databases and partnerships with aggregators of content sold throughout the world. And our authors of business and personal development books have the unique opportunity to have their books selected for promotion directly to AMA’s audiences—through AMA’s website, podcasts, webcasts, blog, social media, e-newsletters, conferences, seminar catalogs and offerings, in AMA’s own bookstores, and other means. At AMACOM we believe in what we publish—especially because we work toward publishing books that can make a positive difference in people’s lives. (And unlike some publishers, we do not require that authors purchase copies of their books in bulk as a condition of publishing.) AMACOMers enjoy working with each other, and with our authors. Our authors feel the personal attention and camaraderie that publishing with AMACOM affords. This, and all the reasons above, may be why so many of our authors have chosen to publish with us multiple times.” Publishes 40-50 titles/year. Between 500 and 1000 Pays advance. Depends on the circumstances. Usually 7 months to bound books. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include business, career guidance, child guidance, communications, economics, education, finance, government, nutrition, science, personal development; career. Publishes nonfiction books for consumer and professional markets, including all business topics, parenting, health & fitness, and popular psychology. Submit proposals including brief book description and rationale, TOC, author bio and platform, intended audience, competing books and sample chapters. Proposals returned with SASE only.
TIPS “Platform reflects author activities that demonstrate author's visibility, authority, and audience reach.”
P.O. Box 4668 #89611, New York NY 10163. (888)959-3352. Website: www.amberjackpublishing.com. Amberjack Publishing offers authors the freedom to write without burdening them with having to promote the work themselves. They retain all rights. “You will have no rights left to exploit, so you cannot resell, republish or use your story again.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
FICTION Amberjack Publishing is always on the lookout for the next great story. “We are interested in fiction, children's books, graphic novels, science fiction, fantasy, humor, and everything in between.” Submit via online query form with book proposal and first 10 pages of ms.
16565 S. State St., South Holland IL 60473. (312)331-5845. Fax: (708)331-5484. E-mail: acp@acpress.org. Website: www.acpress.org. Contact: Rev. Michael Gilligan, PhD, editorial director. Estab. 1967. Publishes hardcover originals and hardcover and paperback reprints. Publishes 4 titles/year. Makes outright purchase of $25-100. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, religion, spirituality. “We publish books on the Roman Catholic liturgy—for the most part, books on religious music and educational books and pamphlets. We also publish religious songs for church use, including Psalms, as well as choral and instrumental arrangements. We are interested in new music, meant for use in church services. Books, or even pamphlets, on the Roman Catholic Mass are especially welcome. We have no interest in secular topics and are not interested in religious poetry of any kind.”
TIPS “Most of our sales are by direct mail, although we do work through retail outlets.”
Publications/Books Division, 1155 16th St. NW, Washington DC 20036. (202)452-2120. Fax: (202)513-8819. E-mail: b_hauserman@acs.org. Website: pubs.acs.org/books/. Contact: Bob Hauserman, senior acquisitions editor. Estab. 1876. Publishes hardcover originals. American Chemical Society publishes symposium-based books for chemistry. Publishes 35 titles/year. Pays royalty. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to proposals. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include science. Emphasis is on meeting-based books. Log in to submission site online.
206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria VA 22314. (703)224-0194. Fax: (703)224-0172. E-mail: kellim@aca.org. Website: www.aca.org. Contact: Kelli McAfee. Estab. 1870. Publishes trade paperback originals. “American Correctional Association provides practical information on jails, prisons, boot camps, probation, parole, community corrections, juvenile facilities and rehabilitation programs, substance abuse programs, and other areas of corrections.” Publishes 18 titles/year. 90% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 months to queries. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION “We are looking for practical, how-to texts or training materials written for the corrections profession. We are especially interested in books on management, development of first-line supervisors, and security-threat group/management in prisons.” No autobiographies or true-life accounts by current or former inmates or correctional officers, theses, or dissertations. No fiction or poetry. Query with SASE. Reviews artwork/photos.
TIPS “Authors are professionals in the field of corrections. Our audience is made up of corrections professionals and criminal justice students. No books by inmates or former inmates. This publisher advises out-of-town freelance editors, indexers, and proofreaders to refrain from requesting work from them.”
6101 Stevenson Ave., Suite 600, Alexandria VA 22304. (703)823-9800, x356. Fax: (703)823-4786. E-mail: cbaker@counseling.org. Website: www.counseling.org. Contact: Carolyn C. Baker, associate publisher. Estab. 1952. Publishes paperback originals. “The American Counseling Association is dedicated to promoting public confidence and trust in the counseling profession. We publish scholarly texts for graduate level students and mental health professionals. We do not publish books for the general public.” Publishes 8-10 titles/year. 1% of books from first-time authors. 90% from unagented writers. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Guidelines available free.
NONFICTION Subjects include career guidance, education, gay, lesbian, multicultural, psychology, religion, social sciences, spirituality, womens issues, womens studies, LGBTQ mental health, school counseling, marriage, family, couples counseling. ACA does not publish self-help books or autobiographies. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package, outline, 2 sample chapters, vitae.
TIPS “Target your market. Your books will not be appropriate for everyone across all disciplines.”
6535 S. Rural Rd., Tempe AZ 85283. (480)838-1751. Fax: (480)838-8293. E-mail: info@astrologers.com. Website: www.astrologers.com. Estab. 1938. Publishes trade paperback originals and reprints. American Federation of Astrologers publishes astrology books, calendars, charts, and related aids. Publishes 10-15 titles/year. 10 queries received/year. 20 mss received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 10% royalty. Publishes book 10 months after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months to mss. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION “Our market for beginner books, Sun-sign guides, and similar material is limited and we thus publish very few of these. The ideal word count for a book-length manuscript published by AFA is about 40,000 words, although we will consider manuscripts from 20,000 to 60,000 words.” Submit complete ms.
TIPS “AFA welcomes articles for Today's Astrologer, our monthly journal for members, on any astrological subject. Most articles are 1,500-3,000 words, but we do accept shorter and longer articles. Follow the guidelines online for book manuscripts. You also can e-mail your article to info@astrologers.com, but any charts or illustrations must be submitted as attachments and not embedded in the body of the e-mail or in an attached document.”
5801 Kentucky Dam Rd., Paducah KY 42003. (270)898-7903. Fax: (270)898-1173. E-mail: editor@aqsquilt.com. Website: www.americanquilter.com. Contact: Elaine Brelsford, executive book editor (primarily how-to and patterns, but other quilting books sometimes published, including quilt-related fiction). Estab. 1984. Publishes trade paperbacks. “American Quilter's Society publishes how-to and pattern books for quilters (beginners through intermediate skill level). We are not the publisher for non-quilters writing about quilts. We now publish quilt-related craft cozy romance and mystery titles, series only. Humor is good. Graphic depictions and curse words are bad.” Publishes 20-24 titles/year. 100 queries received/year. 60% of books from first-time authors. Pays 5% royalty on retail price for both nonfiction and fiction. Publishes nonfiction ms 9-18 months after acceptance. Fiction published on a different schedule TBD. Responds in 2 months to proposals. Guidelines online.
Accepts simultaneous nonfiction submissions. Does not accept simultaneous fiction submissions.
NONFICTION No queries; proposals only. Note: 1 or 2 completed quilt projects must accompany proposal.
FICTION Submit a synopsis and 2 sample chapters, plus an outline of the next 2 books in the series.
6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver CO 80235. (303)347-6260. Fax: (303)794-7310. E-mail: submissions@awwa.org. Website: www.awwa.org. Contact: David Plank, manager, business and product development. Estab. 1881. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “AWWA strives to advance and promote the safety and knowledge of drinking water and related issues to all audiences—from kindergarten through post-doctorate.” Publishes 25 titles/year. Responds in 4 months to queries. Book catalog and ms guidelines free.
NONFICTION Subjects include science, software, drinking water- and wastewater-related topics, operations, treatment, sustainability. Query with SASE. Submit outline, bio, 3 sample chapters. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “See website to download submission instructions.”
AMG International, Inc., 6815 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga TN 37421-1755. (423)894-6060. Fax: (423)894-9511. E-mail: ricks@amgpublishers.com. Website: www.amgpublishers.com. Contact: Rick Steele, Product Development/Acquisitions. Estab. 1985. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals, electronic originals, and audio Bible and book originals. Publishing division of AMG International began in 1985 with release of the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible in the King James Version. This groundbreaking study Bible is now published in four other Bible translations. In-depth study and examination of original biblical languages provide some of our core Bible study and reference tools. In 1998, AMG launched the successful Following God Bible study series (primarily for women) that examine key characters of the Bible along with life application principles. AMG has also been publishing young adult inspirational fantasy fiction since 2005 but is not currently accepting fiction mss. “Profits from sales of our books and Bibles are funneled back into world missions and childcare efforts of parent organization, AMG Publishers.” Publishes 15-20 titles/year. 2,500 queries; 500 mss received/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. 35% from unagented writers. Pays 10-16% royalty on net sales. Advance negotiable. Publishes book 12-18 months after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries, 4 months to proposals/mss. Book catalog and guidelines online.
IMPRINTS Living Ink Books; God and Country Press; AMG Bible Studies.
NONFICTION Subjects include Americana, education, history, military, parenting, religion, spirituality, war, womens issues, young adult. Bibles, trade nonfiction books, and workbook Bible studies Does not want self-help, memoir, autobiography, biography, New Age, prosperity gospel. Query with letter first, e-mail preferred.
FICTION Subjects include fantasy, young adult. “We are not presently acquiring fiction of any genre, though we continue to publish a number of titles in the young adult inspirational fantasy category.”
TIPS “AMG is open to well-written, niche Bible study, reference, and devotional books that meet immediate needs.”
175 Rano St., Suite 200, Buffalo NY 14207. (716)874-4450. Fax: (716)874-4508. E-mail: submissions@amherstmedia.com. Website: www.amherstmedia.com. Contact: Craig Alesse, publisher. Estab. 1974. Publishes trade paperback originals and reprints. Amherst Media publishes how-to photography books. Publishes 30 titles/year. 60% of books from first-time authors. 90% from unagented writers. Pays 8-12% royalty. Pays advance. Publishes book 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include photography. Looking for well-written and illustrated photo books. 100 high quality photographs around a theme Reviews artwork/photos.
TIPS “Our audience is made up of beginning to advanced photographers. If I were a writer trying to market a book today, I would fill the need of a specific audience and self-edit in a tight manner.”
AMULET BOOKSImprint of Abrams, 115 W. 18th St., 6th Floor, New York NY 10001. Website: www.amuletbooks.com. Estab. 2004. 10% of books from first-time authors. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
Does not accept unsolicited mss or queries.
FICTION Middle readers: adventure, contemporary, fantasy, history, science fiction, sports. Young adults/teens: adventure, contemporary, fantasy, history, science fiction, sports, suspense.
ANDERSEN PRESS20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd., London SW1V 2SA, United Kingdom. E-mail: anderseneditorial@randomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.andersenpress.co.uk. Andersen Press is a specialist children's publisher. “We publish picture books, for which the required text would be approximately 500 words (maximum 1,000), juvenile fiction for which the text would be approximately 3,000-5,000 words and older fiction up to 75,000 words. We do not publish adult fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or short story anthologies.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
FICTION Send all submissions by post: Query and full ms for picture books; synopsis and 3 chapters for longer fiction.
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City MO 64106. (816)581-7500. Website: www.andrewsmcmeel.com. Contact: Christine Schillig, vice president/editorial director. Estab. 1973. Publishes hardcover and paperback originals. Andrews McMeel publishes general trade books, humor books, miniature gift books, calendars, and stationery products. Publishes 300 titles/year. Pays royalty on retail price or net receipts. Pays advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include cooking, games, comics, puzzles. Submit proposal.
ANHINGA PRESSP.O. Box 3665, Tallahassee FL 32315. Phone/Fax: (850)577-0745. E-mail: info@anhinga.org. Website: www.anhinga.org. Contact: Kristine Snodgrass, co-director. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. Publishes only full-length collections of poetry (60-80 pages). No individual poems or chapbooks. Publishes 5 titles/year. Pays 10% royalty on retail price. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months. Guidelines online.
POETRY Not accepting any unsolicited submissions at this time. Enter Robert Dana-Anhinga Prize for Poetry.
American Bar Association, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60654. Website: www.ababooks.org. Contact: Tim Brandhorst, director of new product development. Estab. 1878. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “In 1215, the Magna Carta was signed underneath the ancient Ankerwycke Yew tree, starting the process which led to rule by constitutional law—in effect, giving rights and the law to the people. And today, the ABA's Ankerwycke line of books continues to bring the law to the people. With legal fiction, true crime books, popular legal histories, public policy handbooks, and prescriptive guides to current legal and business issues, Ankerwycke is a contemporary and innovative line of books for everyone from a trusted and vested authority.” Publishes 30-40 titles/year. 1,000's of queries received/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. 50% from unagented writers. Publishes ms 12-18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries and proposals; 3 months to mss. Book catalog and ms guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include business, consumer legal. “Extremely high quality nonfiction with a legal aspect; business books specifically for service professionals; consumer legal on a wide range of topics—we're actively acquiring in all these areas.” Query with cover letter; outline or TOC; and CV/bio including other credits. Include e-mail address for response.
FICTION “We're actively acquiring legal fiction with extreme verisimilitude.” Query with cover letter; outline or TOC; and CV/bio including other credits. Include e-mail address for response.
ANNICK PRESS, LTD.15 Patricia Ave., Toronto ON M2M 1H9, Canada. (416)221-4802. Fax: (416)221-8400. Website: www.annickpress.com. Contact: The Editors. Publishes picture books, juvenile and YA fiction and nonfiction; specializes in trade books. “Annick Press maintains a commitment to high quality books that entertain and challenge. Our publications share fantasy and stimulate imagination, while encouraging children to trust their judgment and abilities.” Does not accept unsolicited mss. Publishes 25 titles/year. 5,000 queries received/year. 3,000 mss received/year. 20% of books from first-time authors. 80-85% from unagented writers. Pays authors royalty of 5-12% based on retail price. Offers advances (average amount: $3,000). Pays illustrators royalty of 5% minimum. Publishes a book 2 years after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Works with 20 illustrators/year. Illustrations only: Query with samples.
FICTION Publisher of children's books. Not accepting picture books at this time.
ANVIL PRESSP.O. Box 3008 MPO, Vancouver BC V6B 3X5, Canada. (604)876-8710. Fax: (604)879-2667. E-mail: info@anvilpress.com. Website: www.anvilpress.com. Estab. 1988. Publishes trade paperback originals. “Anvil Press publishes contemporary adult fiction, poetry, and drama, giving voice to up-and-coming Canadian writers, exploring all literary genres, discovering, nurturing, and promoting new Canadian literary talent. Currently emphasizing urban/suburban themed fiction and poetry; de-emphasizing historical novels.” Canadian authors only. No e-mail submissions. Publishes 8-10 titles/year. 300 queries received/year. 80% of books from first-time authors. 70% from unagented writers. Pays advance. Average advance is $500-2,000, depending on the genre. Publishes book 8 months after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries; 6 months to mss. Book catalog for 9×12 SAE with 2 first-class stamps. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Query with 20-30 pages and SASE.
FICTION Subjects include experimental, literary, short story collections. Contemporary, modern literature; no formulaic or genre. Query with 20-30 pages and SASE.
POETRY “Get our catalog, look at our poetry. We do very little poetry-maybe 1-2 titles per year.” Query with 8-12 poems and SASE.
TIPS “Audience is informed, educated, aware, with an opinion, culturally active (films, books, the performing arts). No U.S. authors. Research the appropriate publisher for your work.”
American Psychological Association, 750 First St., NE, Washington DC 20002. (202)336- 5792. Website: www.apa.org/pubs/books/index.aspx. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
IMPRINTS Magination Press (children's books).
NONFICTION Subjects include education, multicultural, psychology, science, social sciences, sociology. Submit cv and prospectus with TOC, intended audience, selling points, and outside competition.
TIPS “Our press features scholarly books on empirically supported topics for professionals and students in all areas of psychology.”
5 Joy St., Boston MA 02108. (617)523-0636. Fax: (617)523-0722. E-mail: amcbooks@outdoors.org. E-mail: amcbooks@outdoors.org. Website: www.outdoors.org. Estab. 1876. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback, and digital originals. AMC Books are written and published by the experts in the Northeast outdoors. “Our mission is to publish authoritative, accurate, and easy-to-use books and maps based on AMC's expertise in outdoor recreation, education, and conservation. We are committed to producing books and maps that appeal to novices and day visitors as well as outdoor enthusiasts in our core activity areas of hiking and paddling. By advancing the interest of the public in outdoor recreation and helping our readers to access back country trails and waterways, and by using our books to educate the public about safety, conservation, and stewardship, we support AMC's mission of promoting the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the Northeast outdoors. We work with the best professional writers possible and draw upon the experience of our programs staff and chapter leaders from Maine to Washington, DC.” Publishes 8-12 titles/year. 1% of books from first-time authors. 98% from unagented writers. Pays advance. Publishes ms 1-2 years after acceptance. Responds in 4 weeks. Catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include creative nonfiction, environment, nature, recreation, regional, Maps that are based on our direct work with land managers and our on-the-ground collection of data on trails, natural features, and points of interest.. Appalachian Mountain Club publishes hiking, paddling, nature, conservation, and mountain-subject guides for America's Northeast. “We also publish narrative titles related to outdoor recreation, mountaineering, and adventure, often with a historical perspective, and always with a deep connection to our region (from Maine to Washington, D.C.). We connect recreation to conservation and education.” Please no Appalachian Trail memoirs. Send a query letter and the first three chapters of your ms to the publications department via e-mail. Your query letter should explain the subject of your book and why it would be appropriate for AMC Books to publish. Include information about word count (our guidebooks are typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words) and any special art or graphic treatment that you envision. Tell us how the book would be distinctive by comparing it to similar titles that are already on the market. Also explain the intended audience for your book and why you think your book would generate interest. Present some ideas of how you would help us market the book and reach readers. Conclude with a summary of your relevant experience and credentials, including previously published writing on related topics. Allow us four weeks to respond to your query.
TIPS “Our audience is outdoor recreationists, conservation-minded hikers and canoeists, family outdoor lovers, armchair enthusiasts. Visit our website for proposal submission guidelines and more information. Please no fiction, children's books, or poetry.”
612 Johnnie Dodds, Suite A2, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464. (843)971-6722. Fax: (843)216-3804. E-mail: katie@arbordalepublishing.com. E-mail: katie@arbordalelpublishing.com. Website: www.arbordalepublishing.com. Contact: Katie Hall. Estab. 2004. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback, and electronic originals. “The picture books we publish are usually, but not always, fictional stories with nonfiction woven into the story that relate to science or math. All books should subtly convey an educational theme through a warm story that is fun to read and that will grab a child's attention. Each book has a 4-page 'For Creative Minds' section to reinforce the educational component. This section will have a craft and/or game as well as 'fun facts' to be shared by the parent, teacher, or other adult. Authors do not need to supply this information with their submission, but if their ms is accepted, they may be asked to provide additional information for this section. Mss should be less than 1,000 words and meet all of the following 4 criteria: Fun to read—mostly fiction with nonfiction facts woven into the story; National or regional in scope; Must tie into early elementary school curriculum; must be marketable through a niche market such as a zoo, aquarium, or museum gift shop.” Publishes 14 titles/year. 1,000 mss received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 6-8% royalty on wholesale price. Pays small advance. Publishes book 18 months after acceptance. May hold onto mss of interest for 1 year until acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Accepts electronic submissions only. Snail mail submissions are discarded without being opened.
Acknowledges receipt of ms submission within 1 month. Book catalog and guidelines online. “All manuscripts should be submitted via e-mail to Katie Hall. Manuscripts should be less than 1,000 words.”.
NONFICTION Reviews artwork/photos. Send 1-2 JPEGS.
FICTION Subjects include picture books. Picture books: animal, folktales, nature/environment, math-related. Word length—picture books: no more than 1,500.
POETRY “We do not accept books of poetry.” Will consider mss written in rhyming verse, but prefer prose.
TIPS “Please make sure that you have looked at our website to read our complete submission guidelines and to see if we are looking for a particular subject. Manuscripts must meet all four of our stated criteria. We look for fairly realistic, bright and colorful art-no cartoons. We want the children excited about the books. We envision the books being used at home and in the classroom.”
Skyhorse Publishing, 307 W. 36th St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10018. (212)643-6816. Fax: (212)643-6819. E-mail: arcadesubmissions@skyhorsepublishing.com. Website: www.arcadepub.com. Contact: Acquisitions Editor. Estab. 1988. Publishes hardcover originals, trade paperback reprints. “Arcade prides itself on publishing top-notch literary nonfiction and fiction, with a significant proportion of foreign writers.” Publishes 35 titles/year. 5% of books from first-time authors. Pays royalty on retail price and 10 author's copies. Pays advance. Publishes book 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months if interested. Book catalog and ms guidelines for #10 SASE.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, memoirs, travel, popular science, current events. Submit proposal with brief query, 1-2 page synopsis, chapter outline, market analysis, sample chapter, bio.
FICTION Subjects include literary, short story collections, translation. No romance, historical, science fiction. Submit proposal with brief query, 1-2 page synopsis, chapter outline, market analysis, sample chapter, bio.
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant SC 29464. (843)853-2070. Fax: (843)853-0044. Website: www.arcadiapublishing.com. Estab. 1993. Publishes trade paperback originals. “Arcadia publishes photographic vintage regional histories. We have more than 3,000 Images of America series in print. We have expanded our California program.” Publishes 600 titles/year. Pays 8% royalty on retail price. Publishes book 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog online. Guidelines available free.
NONFICTION Subjects include history. “Arcadia accepts submissions year-round. Our editors seek proposals on local history topics and are able to provide authors with detailed information about our publishing program as well as book proposal submission guidelines. Due to the great demand for titles on local and regional history, we are currently searching for authors to work with us on new photographic history projects. Please contact one of our regional publishing teams if you are interested in submitting a proposal.” Specific proposal form to be completed.
TIPS “Writers should know that we only publish history titles. The majority of our books are on a city or region, and contain vintage images with limited text.”
Imprint of Boom! Studios, 5670 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450, Los Angeles CA 90036. Website: www.archaia.com. Contact: Mark Smylie, chief creative officer. Use online submission form. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
FICTION Subjects include adventure, fantasy, horror, mystery, science fiction. Looking for graphic novel submissions that include finished art. “Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 75 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Artesia, Mouse Guard, and a line of Jim Henson graphic novels including Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal. Publishes creator-shared comic books and graphic novels in the adventure, fantasy, horror, pulp noir, and science fiction genres that contain idiosyncratic and atypical writing and art. Archaia does not generally hire freelancers or arrange for freelance work, so submissions should only be for completed book and series proposals.”
1122 County Line Rd., Bryn Mawr PA 19010. (877)732-ARCH. E-mail: contact@archstreetpress.org. Website: www.archstreetpress.org. Contact: Robert Rimm, managing editor. Estab. 2010. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback, mass market paperback, and electronic originals. Arch Street Press is an independent nonprofit publisher dedicated to the collaborative work of creative visionaries, social entrepreneurs and leading scholars worldwide. Arch Street Press is part of the Institute for Leadership Education, Advancement and Development, a Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with offices in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr. It has served as a key force for community leadership development since 1995, fostering a degreed citizenry to tangibly improve and sustain the economic, civic and social well-being of communities throughout the United States. Please visit our website, www.archstreetpress.org, for further information, including our Innovate podcast series with international CEOs and leaders, current and upcoming books, wide-ranging blog et al. Publishes 4 titles/year. 100 queries; 5 mss received/year. 30% of books from first-time authors. 50% from unagented writers. Pays 6-20% royalty on retail price. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1-2 months. Book catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include art, business, communications, community, contemporary culture, creative nonfiction, economics, education, environment, finance, government, health, history, humanities, labor, language, law, literary criticism, literature, memoirs, multicultural, music, nature, philosophy, social sciences, sociology, spirituality, translation, womens studies, world affairs, leadership. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package including outline and 3 sample chapters. Review artwork. Writers should send photocopies.
FICTION Subjects include literary. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package, including outline and 3 sample chapters.
ARC PUBLICATIONSNanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Rd., Todmorden, Lancashire OL14 6DA, United Kingdom. E-mail: info@arcpublications.co.uk. E-mail: international-editor@arcpublications.co.uk. Website: www.arcpublications.co.uk. Contact: John W. Clarke, domestic editor; James Byrne, international editor (outside Ireland/England). Estab. 1969. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks.
POETRY Publishes “contemporary poetry from new and established writers from the UK and abroad, specializing in the work of world poets writing in English, and the work of overseas poets in translation.” Send 16-24 pages of poetry and short cover letter.
1600 Aspen Commons, Suite 100, Middleton WI 53562. (608)836-9000. E-mail: info@areditions.com. Website: www.areditions.com. Estab. 1962. “A-R Editions publishes modern critical editions of music based on current musicological research. Each edition is devoted to works by a single composer or to a single genre of composition. The contents are chosen for their potential interest to scholars and performers, then prepared for publication according to the standards that govern the making of all reliable, historical editions.” Publishes 30 titles/year. 40 queries; 30 mss received/year. 75% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays royalty or honoraria. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include historical music editions; computer music and digital audio topics. Computer Music and Digital Audio Series titles deal with issues tied to digital and electronic media, and include both textbooks and handbooks in this area.
20411 Sawgrass Dr., Montgomery Village MD 20886. (301)299-9422. Fax: (240)632-8477. E-mail: arrow_info@arrowpub.com. Website: www.arrowpub.com. Contact: Tom King, managing editor; Maryan Gibson, acquisition editor. Estab. 1987. Publishes 50 e-book titles. Paperback version launched in 2009 with 12 English and 12 Spanish titles/year. 150 queries received/year. 100 mss received/year. 80% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Makes outright purchase of accepted completed scripts. Publishes book 4-6 months after acceptance of ms. Responds in 2 month to queries; 1 month to mss sent upon request. Guidelines online.
No graphic novels until further notice.
FICTION “We are looking for outlines of stories heavy on romance with elements of adventure/intrigue/mystery. We will consider other romance genres such as fantasy, western, inspirational, and historical as long as the romance element is strong.” Query with outline first with SASE. Consult submission guidelines online before submitting.
TIPS “Our audience is primarily women 18 and older. Send query with outline only.”
ARSENAL PULP PRESS#202-211 East Georgia St., Vancouver BC V6A 1Z6, Canada. (604)687-4233. Fax: (604)687-4283. E-mail: info@arsenalpulp.com. Website: www.arsenalpulp.com. Contact: Editorial Board. Estab. 1980. Publishes trade paperback originals, and trade paperback reprints. “We are interested in literature that traverses uncharted territories, publishing books that challenge and stimulate and ask probing questions about the world around us.” Publishes 14-20 titles/year. 500 queries received/year. 300 mss received/year. 30% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-4 months. Book catalog for 9×12 SAE with IRCs or online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include creative nonfiction, ethnic, history, multicultural, sex, sociology, travel, film, visual art. Rarely publishes non-Canadian authors. No poetry at this time. “We do not publish children's books.” Each submission must include: “a synopsis of the work, a chapter by chapter outline for nonfiction, writing credentials, a 50-page excerpt from the ms (do not send more, it will be a waste of postage; if we like what we see, we'll ask for the rest of the manuscript), and a marketing analysis. If our editorial board is interested, you will be asked to send the entire ms. We do not accept discs or submissions by fax or e-mail, and we do not discuss concepts over the phone.” Reviews artwork/photos.
FICTION Subjects include ethnic, feminist, literary, multicultural, short story collections. No children's books or genre fiction, i.e., westerns, romance, horror, mystery, etc. Submit proposal package, outline, clips, 2-3 sample chapters.
University of Houston, 4902 Gulf Fwy, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston TX 77204-2004. Fax: (713)743-2847. E-mail: submapp@uh.edu. Website: artepublicopress.com. Contact: Nicolas Kanellos, editor. Estab. 1979. Publishes hardcover originals, trade paperback originals and reprints. Arte Publico Press is the oldest and largest publisher of Hispanic literature for children and adults in the United States. “We are a showcase for Hispanic literary creativity, arts and culture. Our endeavor is to provide a national forum for U.S.-Hispanic literature.” Publishes 25-30 titles/year. 1,000 queries received/year. 2,000 mss received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 80% from unagented writers. Pays 10% royalty on wholesale price. Provides 20 author's copies; 40% discount on subsequent copies. Pays $1,000-3,000 advance. Publishes book 2 years after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries and proposals; 4 months to mss. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include ethnic, regional, translation. Hispanic civil rights issues for new series: The Hispanic Civil Rights Series. Submissions made through online submission form.
FICTION Subjects include contemporary, ethnic, literary, mainstream. “Written by U.S.-Hispanics.” Submissions made through online submission form.
POETRY Submissions made through online submission form.
TIPS “Include cover letter in which you 'sell' your book—why should we publish the book, who will want to read it, why does it matter, etc. Use our ms submission online form. Format files accepted are: Word, plain/text, rich/text files. Other formats will not be accepted. Manuscript files cannot be larger than 5MB. Once editors review your ms, you will receive an e-mail with the decision. Revision process could take up to 4 months.”
7005 132 Place SE, Newcastle WA 98059. (425)235-1500. E-mail: feedback@asa2fly.com. Website: www.asa2fly.com. “ASA is an industry leader in the development and sales of aviation supplies, publications, and software for pilots, flight instructors, flight engineers and aviation technicians. All ASA products are developed by a team of researchers, authors and editors.” Book catalog available free.
NONFICTION Subjects include education. “We are primarily an aviation publisher. Educational books in this area are our specialty; other aviation books will be considered.” All subjects must be related to aviation education and training. Query with outline. Send photocopies or MS Word files.
TIPS “Two of our specialty series include ASA's Focus Series, and ASA Aviator's Library. Books in our Focus Series concentrate on single-subject areas of aviation knowledge, curriculum and practice. The Aviator's Library is comprised of titles of known and/or classic aviation authors or established instructor/authors in the industry, and other aviation specialty titles.”
American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston VA 20191. (703)295-6275. E-mail: ascepress@asce.org. Website: www.asce.org/bookstore. Estab. 1989. “ASCE Press publishes technical volumes that are useful to practicing civil engineers and civil engineering students, as well as allied professionals. We publish books by individual authors and editors to advance the civil engineering profession. Currently emphasizing geotechnical, structural engineering, sustainable engineering and engineering history. De-emphasizing highly specialized areas with narrow scope.” Publishes 10-15 titles/year. 20% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include civil engineering. “We are looking for topics that are useful and instructive to the engineering practitioner.” Query with proposal, sample chapters, CV, TOC, and target audience.
TIPS “As a traditional publisher of scientific and technical materials, ASCE Press applies rigorous standards to the expertise, scholarship, readability and attractiveness of its books.”
401 College Ave., Ashland OH 44805. (419)289-5098. E-mail: app@ashland.edu. Website: www.ashlandpoetrypress.com. Contact: Cassandra Brown, managing editor. Estab. 1969. Publishes trade paperback originals. Publishes 2-3 titles/year. 400 mss received/year in Snyder Prize. 50% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Makes outright purchase of $500-1,000. Publishes book 10 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries; 6 months to mss. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
POETRY “We accept unsolicited manuscripts through the Snyder Prize competition each spring-the deadline is April 1. Judges are mindful of dedication to craftsmanship and thematic integrity.”
TIPS “We rarely publish a title submitted off the transom outside of our Snyder Prize competition.”
Book division for the American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N St., NW, Washington DC 20036. (202)737-3600. Fax: (202)942-9342. E-mail: books@asmusa.org. Website: www.asmscience.org. Contact: Lindsay Williams, editorial and rights coordinator. Estab. 1899. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback and electronic originals. Publishes 30 titles/year. 40% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Pays 5-15% royalty on wholesale price. Pays $1,000-10,000 advance. Publishes book 6-9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include agriculture, animals, education, history, horticulture, science, microbiology and related sciences. “Must have bona fide academic credentials in which they are writing.” Query with SASE or by e-mail. Submit proposal package, outline, prospectus. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “Credentials are most important.”
1703 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria VA 22311-1714. (703)578-9600. Fax: (703)575-5400. E-mail: acquisitions@ascd.org. Website: www.ascd.org. Contact: Genny Ostertag, acquisitions editor; Allison Scott, acquisitions editor. Estab. 1943. Publishes trade paperback originals. ASCD publishes high-quality professional books for educators. Publishes 24-30 titles/year. 100 queries received/year. 100 mss received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Pays negotiable royalty on actual monies received. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-3 months to proposals. Book catalog and ms guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education. Submit full proposal, 2 sample chapters. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
Finney Company, 5995 149th St. W., Suite 105, Apple Valley MN 55124. (866)543-3045. E-mail: info@finneyco.com. Website: www.astragalpress.com. Estab. 1983. Publishes trade paperback originals and reprints. “Our primary audience includes those interested in antique tool collecting, metalworking, carriage building, early sciences and early trades, and railroading.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months. Book catalog and ms guidelines free.
NONFICTION Wants books on early tools, trades and technology, and railroads. Query with sample chapters, TOC, book overview, illustration descriptions.
TIPS “We sell to niche markets. We are happy to work with knowledgeable amateur authors in developing titles.”
ATHENEUM BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERSSimon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10020. Website: kids.simonandschuster.com. Estab. 1961. Publishes hardcover originals. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines for #10 SASE.
NONFICTION Subjects include Americana, animals, history, photography, psychology, recreation, religion, science, sociology, sports, travel. Publishes hardcover originals, picture books for young kids, nonfiction for ages 8-12 and novels for middle-grade and young adults. 100% require freelance illustration. Agented submissions only.
FICTION Subjects include adventure, ethnic, experimental, fantasy, gothic, historical, horror, humor, mystery, science fiction, sports, suspense, western, Animal. All in juvenile versions. “We have few specific needs except for books that are fresh, interesting and well written. Fad topics are dangerous, as are works you haven't polished to the best of your ability. We also don't need safety pamphlets, ABC books, coloring books and board books. In writing picture book texts, avoid the coy and 'cutesy,' such as stories about characters with alliterative names.” Agented submissions only. No paperback romance-type fiction.
TIPS “Study our titles.”
23 Lily Lake Rd., Highland NY 12528. (845)691-2021. E-mail: tjp2@optonline.net. Contact: Anthony Prizzia, publisher (education). Estab. 2001. Publishes trade paperback originals. Publishes 1-3 titles/year. 5-10 queries received/year. 100% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 15-25% royalty on retail price. Makes outright purchase of $500-2,500. Pays $500-1,000 advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries; 2 months to proposals; 4 months to mss.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, recreation, science, sports. Query with SASE. Submit complete ms. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “Audience is people interested in a variety of topics, general. Submit typed manuscript for consideration, including a SASE for return of ms.”
871⁄2 Westwood St., Pittsburgh PA 15211. (412)381-4261. E-mail: info@autumnhouse.org. Website: www.autumnhouse.org. Contact: Christine Stroud, Senior Editor. Alison Taverna, Managing Editor Estab. 1998. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback, and electronic originals. Format: acid-free paper; offset printing; perfect and casebound (cloth) bound; sometimes contains illustrations. Average print order: 1,000. Debut novel print order: 1,000. “We are a non-profit literary press specializing in high-quality poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Our editions are beautifully designed and printed, and they are distributed nationally. Approximately one-third of our sales are to college literature and creative writing classes.” Member CLMP and Academy of American Poets. “We distribute our own titles. We do extensive national promotion through ads, web-marketing, reading tours, book fairs and conferences. We are open to all genres. The quality of writing concerns us, not the genre.” You can also learn about our annual Fiction Prize, Poetry Prize, Nonfiction Prize, and Chapbook Award competitions, as well as our online journal, Coal Hill Review. (Please note that Autumn House accepts unsolicited mss only through these competitions.) Publishes 8 titles/year. Receives 1,000 mss/year. 10% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 7% royalty on wholesale price. Pays $0-2,500 advance. Publishes 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1-3 days on queries and proposals; 3 months on mss. Catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include memoirs. Enter the nonfiction contest.
FICTION Subjects include literary. Holds competition/award for short stories, novels, story collections, memoirs, nonfiction. We ask that all submissions from authors new to Autumn House come through one of our annual contests. See website for official guidelines. Responds to queries in 2 days. Accepts mss only through contest. Never critiques/comments on rejected mss. “Submit only through our annual contest. The competition is tough, so submit only your best work!"
POETRY “We ask that all submissions from authors new to Autumn House come through one of our annual contests.” All finalists will be considered for publication. Submit only through our annual contest. See guidelines online.
TIPS “The competition to publish with Autumn House is very tough. Submit only your best work.”
Avalon Publishing Group, 1700 4th St., Berkeley CA 94710. (510)595-3664. Fax: (510)595-4228. E-mail: avalon.acquisitions@perseusbooks.com. Website: www.avalontravelbooks.com. Estab. 1973. Publishes trade paperback originals. “Avalon travel guides feature practicality and spirit, offering a traveler-to-traveler perspective perfect for planning an afternoon hike, around-the-world journey, or anything in between. ATP publishes 7 major series. Each one has a different emphasis and a different geographic coverage. We have expanded our coverage, with a focus on European and Asian destinations. Our main areas of interest are North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. We are seeking only a few titles in each of our major series. Check online guidelines for our current needs. Follow guidelines closely.” Publishes 100 titles/year. 5,000 queries received/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Pays up to $17,000 advance. Publishes ms an average of 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 months. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include regional, travel. “We are not interested in fiction, children's books, and travelogues/travel diaries.” Submit cover letter, resume, and up to 5 relevant clips.
Harper Collins Publishers, 10 E. 53 St., New York NY 10022. E-mail: info@avonromance.com. Website: www.avonromance.com. Estab. 1941. Publishes paperback and digital originals and reprints. “Avon has been publishing award-winning books since 1941. It is recognized for having pioneered the historical romance category and continues to bring the best of commercial literature to the broadest possible audience.” Publishes 400 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
FICTION Subjects include historical, literary, mystery, romance, science fiction, young adult. Submit a query and ms via the online submission form at www.avonromance.com/impulse.
Imprint of The Countryman Press, P. O. Box 748, Woodstock VT 05091. (802)457-4826. Fax: (802)457-1678. E-mail: countrymanpress@wwnorton.com. Website: www.countrymanpress.com. Contact: Submissions. Estab. 1973. Publishes trade paperback originals. “We publish books of the highest quality that take the reader where they want to go. Our books are promoted and sold to bookstores and to specialty markets throughout the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world.” Publishes 70 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to proposals. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include recreation, sports, travel, food, gardening, country living, New England history. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package, outline, 2-3 sample chapters, market analysis. Reviews artwork/photos. Send transparencies.
TIPS “Look at our existing series of guidebooks to see how your proposal fits in.”
1124 PACIFIC ST, #8392, Omaha NE 68108. E-mail: thebackwaterspress@gmail.com. Website: www.thebackwaterspress.org. Contact: James Cihlar, editor. Greg Kosmicki, Editor Emeritus Estab. 1998. Poetry in English. Publishes 2-5 titles/year. 300-400 50% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays in copies, publication. Contest winner receives $1,000 and copies. Does not pay advance. Publishes ms 6-12 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Contest: 2-3 months. All others, up to 6 months. Catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include literature.
POETRY Only considers submissions to Backwaters Prize. More details on website. Open to all styles and forms.
TIPS “Send your best work.”
P.O. Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588. (919)570-1640. E-mail: info@baen.com. Website: www.baen.com. Estab. 1983. “We publish only science fiction and fantasy. Writers familiar with what we have published in the past will know what sort of material we are most likely to publish in the future: powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings are the sine qua non for consideration for science fiction submissions. As for fantasy, any magical system must be both rigorously coherent and integral to the plot, and overall the work must at least strive for originality.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds to mss within 12-18 months.
FICTION “Style: Simple is generally better; in our opinion good style, like good breeding, never calls attention to itself. Length: 100,000-130,000 words Generally we are uncomfortable with manuscripts under 100,000 words, but if your novel is really wonderful send it along regardless of length.” “Query letters are not necessary. We prefer to see complete manuscripts accompanied by a synopsis. We prefer not to see simultaneous submissions. Electronic submissions are strongly preferred. We no longer accept submissions by e-mail. Send ms by using the submission form at: http://ftp.baen.com/Slush/submit.aspx. No disks unless requested. Attach ms as a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file. Any other format will not be considered.”
309 East Mulberry St., Fort Collins CO 80524. (970)672-4878. Fax: (970)672-4731. E-mail: info@bailiwickpress.com. E-mail: aldozelnick@gmail.com. Website: www.bailiwickpress.com. “We're a micro-press that produces books and other products that inspire and tell great stories. Our motto is 'books with something to say.' We are now considering submissions, agented and unagented, for children's and young adult fiction. We're looking for smart, funny, and layered writing that kids will clamor for. Authors who already have a following have a leg up. We are only looking for humorous children's fiction. Please do not submit work for adults. Illustrated fiction is desired but not required. (Illustrators are also invited to send samples.) Make us laugh out loud, ooh and aah, and cry, 'Eureka!'" Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months.
FICTION “Please read the Aldo Zelnick series to determine if we might be on the same page, then fill out our submission form. Please do not send submissions via snail mail or phone calls. You must complete the online submission form to be considered. If, after completing and submitting the form, you also need to send us an e-mail attachment (such as sample illustrations or excerpts of graphics), you may e-mail them to aldozelnick@gmail.com.”
BAKER ACADEMICDivision of Baker Publishing Group, 6030 E. Fulton Rd., Ada MI 49301. (616)676-9185. E-mail: submissions@bakeracademic.com. Website: bakerpublishinggroup.com/bakeracademic. Estab. 1939. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “Baker Academic publishes religious academic and professional books for students and church leaders. Does not accept unsolicited queries. We will consider unsolicited work only through one of the following avenues. Materials sent to our editorial staff through a professional literary agent will be considered. In addition, our staff attends various writers' conferences at which prospective authors can develop relationships with those in the publishing industry.” Publishes 50 titles/year. 10% of books from first-time authors. 85% from unagented writers. Pays advance. Publishes book 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, psychology, religion, Biblical studies, Christian doctrine, books for pastors and church leaders, contemporary issues. Agented submissions only.
BAKER BOOKSDivision of Baker Publishing Group, 6030 East Fulton Rd., Ada MI 49301. (616)676-9185. Website: bakerpublishinggroup.com/bakerbooks. Estab. 1939. Publishes in hardcover and trade paperback originals, and trade paperback reprints. “We will consider unsolicited work only through one of the following avenues. Materials sent through a literary agent will be considered. In addition, our staff attends various writers' conferences at which prospective authors can develop relationships with those in the publishing industry.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog for 91⁄2×121⁄2 envelope and 3 first-class stamps. Guidelines online.
“Baker Books publishes popular religious nonfiction reference books and professional books for church leaders. Most of our authors and readers are evangelical Christians, and our books are purchased from Christian bookstores, mail-order retailers, and school bookstores. Does not accept unsolicited queries.”
NONFICTION Subjects include Christian doctrines.
TIPS “We are not interested in historical fiction, romances, science fiction, biblical narratives or spiritual warfare novels. Do not call to 'pass by' your idea.”
BAKER PUBLISHING GROUP6030 E. Fulton Rd., Ada MI 49301. (616)676-9185. Fax: (616)676-2315. Website: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
IMPRINTS Baker Academic; Baker Books; Bethany House; Brazos Press; Chosen; Fleming H. Revell.
Does not accept unsolicited queries.
BALLANTINE BANTAM DELLImprint of Penguin Random House, Inc., 1745 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York NY 10019. (212)782-9000. Website: www.penguinrandomhouse.com. Estab. 1952. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback, mass market paperback originals. Ballantine Bantam Dell publishes a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include animals, child guidance, community, creative nonfiction, education, history, memoirs, recreation, religion, sex, spirituality, travel, true crime. Agented submissions only. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
FICTION Subjects include confession, ethnic, fantasy, feminist, historical, humor, literary, multicultural, mystery, romance, short story collections, spiritual, suspense, translation, general fiction. Agented submissions only.
JONATHAN BALL PUBLISHERSP.O. Box 6836, Roggebaai 8012, South Africa. (27)(11)622-2900. Fax: (27)(11)601-8183. E-mail: tercia.wyngaard@jonathanball.co.za. Website: www.jonathanball.co.za. Contact: Tercia Wyngaard. Publishes books about South Africa which enlighten and entertain. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, sports, travel, politics.
P.O. Box 1660, West Chicago IL 60186. (630)231-3675. Fax: (630)231-5254. E-mail: cbeytes@ballpublishing.com. Website: www.ballpublishing.com. Contact: Chris Beytes, editor. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “We publish for the book trade and the horticulture trade. Books on both home gardening/landscaping and commercial production are considered.” Publishes 4-6 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog for 8 1⁄2×11 envelope and 3 first-class stamps.
NONFICTION Subjects include agriculture, gardening, floriculture. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package, outline, 2 sample chapters. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “We are expanding our book line to home gardeners, while still publishing for green industry professionals. Gardening books should be well thought out and unique in the market. Actively looking for photo books on specific genera and families of flowers and trees.”
BALZER & BRAYHarperCollins Children's Books, 10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022. Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com. Estab. 2008. “We publish bold, creative, groundbreaking picture books and novels that appeal directly to kids in a fresh way.” Publishes 10 titles/year. Offers advances. Pays illustrators by the project. Publishes book 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
NONFICTION Subjects include animals, cooking, dance, environment, history, multicultural, music, nature, science, social sciences, sports. “We will publish very few nonfiction titles, maybe 1-2 per year.” Agented submissions only.
FICTION Picture Books, Young Readers: adventure, animal, anthology, concept, contemporary, fantasy, history, humor, multicultural, nature/environment, poetry, science fiction, special needs, sports, suspense. Middle readers, young adults/teens: adventure, animal, anthology, contemporary, fantasy, history, humor, multicultural, nature/environment, poetry, science fiction, special needs, sports, suspense. Agented submissions only.
BANCROFT PRESSP.O. Box 65360, Baltimore MD 21209-9945. (410)358-0658. Fax: (410)764-1967. E-mail: bruceb@bancroftpress.com. Website: www.bancroftpress.com. Contact: Bruce Bortz, editor/publisher (health, investments, politics, history, humor, literary novels, mystery/thrillers, chick lit, young adult). Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “Bancroft Press is a general trade publisher. We publish young adult fiction and adult fiction, as well as occasional nonfiction. Our only mandate is 'books that enlighten.'" Publishes 4-6 titles/year. Pays 6-8% royalty. Pays various royalties on retail price. Pays $750 advance. Publishes book up to 3 years after acceptance of ms. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6-12 months. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include regional, sports, popular culture. “We advise writers to visit the website.” All quality books on any subject of interest to the publisher. Submit proposal package, outline, 5 sample chapters, competition/market survey.
FICTION Subjects include ethnic, feminist, historical, humor, literary, mystery, regional, science fiction, translation, young adult, thrillers. “Our current focuses are young adult fiction, women's fiction, and literary fiction.” Submit complete ms.
TIPS “We advise writers to visit our website and to be familiar with our previous work. Patience is the number one attribute contributors must have. It takes us a very long time to get through submitted material, because we are such a small company. Also, we only publish 4-6 books per year, so it may take a long time for your optioned book to be published. We like to be able to market our books to be used in schools and in libraries. We prefer fiction that bucks trends and moves in a new direction. We are especially interested in mysteries and humor (especially humorous mysteries).”
BANTAM BOOKSImprint of Penguin Random House, Inc., 1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019. (212)782-9000. Website: www.randomhousebooks.com. Not seeking mss at this time. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
BARBOUR PUBLISHING, INC.P.O. Box 719, Urichsville OH 44683. E-mail: submissions@barbourbooks.com. Website: www.barbourbooks.com. Estab. 1981. “Barbour Books publishes inspirational/devotional material that is nondenominational and evangelical in nature. We're a Christian evangelical publisher.” Specializes in short, easy-to-read Christian bargain books. “Faithfulness to the Bible and Jesus Christ are the bedrock values behind every book Barbour's staff produces.”
“We no longer accept unsolicited submissions unless they are submitted through professional literary agencies. For more information, we encourage new fiction authors to join a professional writers organization like American Christian Fiction Writers.”
BAREFOOT BOOKS2067 Massachusettes Ave., 5th Floor, Cambridge MA 02140. (617)576-0660. Fax: (617)576-0049. E-mail: help@barefootbooks.com. Website: www.barefootbooks.com. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “We are a small, independent publishing company that publishes high-quality picture books for children of all ages and specializes in the work of artists and writers from many cultures. We focus on themes that support independence of spirit, encourage openness to others, and foster a life-long love of learning. Prefers full manuscript.” Publishes 30 titles/year. 2,000 queries received/year. 3,000 mss received/year. 35% of books from first-time authors. 60% from unagented writers. Pays advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog for 9x12 SAE stamped with $1.80 postage.
FICTION Subjects include juvenile. “Barefoot Books only publishes children's picture books and anthologies of folktales. We do not publish novels.” Barefoot Books is not currently accepting ms queries or submissions.
2037 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee NJ 07024. (201)944-7600. Fax: (201)917-4951. Website: www.barricadebooks.com. Contact: Carole Stuart, publisher. Estab. 1991. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals, trade paperback reprints. “Barricade Books publishes nonfiction, mostly of the controversial type, and books we can promote with authors who can talk about their topics on radio and television and to the press.” Publishes 12 titles/year. 200 queries received/year. 100 mss received/year. 80% of books from first-time authors. 50% from unagented writers. Pays 10-12% royalty on retail price for hardcover. Pays advance. Publishes book 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries.
NONFICTION Subjects include ethnic, history, psychology, sociology, true crime. “We look for quality nonfiction mss—preferably with a controversial lean.” Query with SASE. Submit outline, 1-2 sample chapters. Material will not be returned or responded to without SASE. “We do not accept proposals on disk or via e-mail.” Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies.
TIPS “Do your homework. Visit bookshops to find publishers who are doing the kinds of books you want to write. Always submit to a person—not just 'Editor.'"
BASIC BOOKSPerseus Books, 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York NY 10107. E-mail: basic.books@perseusbooks.com. Website: www.basicbooks.com. Contact: Editor. Estab. 1952. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals and reprints. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in at least 3 months to queries. Book catalog available free. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, psychology, sociology, politics, current affairs.
One Bear Place 97363, Waco TX 76798. (254)710-3164. Fax: (254)710-3440. E-mail: carey_newman@baylor.edu. Website: www.baylorpress.com. Contact: Dr. Carey C. Newman, director. Estab. 1897. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. “We publish contemporary and historical scholarly works about culture, religion, politics, science, and the arts.” Publishes 30 titles/year. Pays 10% royalty on wholesale price. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to proposals. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Submit outline, 1-3 sample chapters via e-mail.
26 Austin Ave., P.O. Box 337, Amityville NY 11701. (631)691-1270. Fax: (631)691-1770. Website: www.baywood.com. Contact: Stuart Cohen, managing editor. Estab. 1964. “Baywood Publishing publishes original and innovative books in the humanities and social sciences, including areas such as health sciences, gerontology, death and bereavement, psychology, technical communications, and archaeology.” Pays 7-15% royalty on retail price. Publishes book within 1 year of acceptance. Book catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, psychology, sociology, gerontology, technical writing, death and bereavement, environmental issues, recreational mathematics, health policy, labor relations, workplace rights.. Submit proposal package.
Nazarene Publishing House, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City MO 64141. (816)931-1900. Fax: (816)753-4071. E-mail: crm@nph.com. Website: beaconhillbooks.com. Publishes hardcover and paperback originals. “Beacon Hill Press is a Christ-centered publisher that provides authentically Christian resources faithful to God's word and relevant to life.” Publishes 30 titles/year. Pays royalty. Publishes ms 2 years after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to queries.
NONFICTION “Accent on holy living; encouragement in daily Christian life.” No fiction, autobiography, poetry, short stories, or children's picture books. Query or submit proposal electronically.
24 Farnsworth St., Boston MA 02210. E-mail: editorial@beacon.org. Website: www.beacon.org. Contact: Melissa Nasson, acquisitions editor. Estab. 1854. Publishes hardcover originals and paperback reprints. Beacon Press publishes general interest books that promote the following values: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; respect for the interdependent web of all existence. Currently emphasizing innovative nonfiction writing by people of all colors. De-emphasizing poetry, children's stories, art books, self-help. Publishes 60 titles/year. 10% of books from first-time authors. Pays royalty. Pays advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to queries.
NONFICTION Subjects include child guidance, education, ethnic, philosophy, religion, world affairs. Strongly prefers agented submissions. Query by e-mail only. Strongly prefers referred submissions, on exclusive.
TIPS “We probably accept only 1 or 2 manuscripts from an unpublished pool of 4,000 submissions/year. No fiction, children's books, or poetry submissions invited. An academic affiliation is helpful.”
P.O. Box 71426, Albany GA 31708. E-mail: books@benohmart.com. Website: www.bearmanormedia.com. Contact: Ben Ohmart, publisher. Estab. 2000. Publishes trade paperback originals and reprints. Publishes 70 titles/year. 90% of books from first-time authors. 90% from unagented writers. Negotiable per project. Pays upon acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds only if interested. Book catalog available online, or free with a 9 x 12 SASE submission.
NONFICTION Subjects include cinema, dance, entertainment, memoirs, stage. Query with SASE. E-mail queries preferred. Submit proposal package, outline, list of credits on the subject.
TIPS “My readers love the past. Radio, old movies, old television. My own tastes include voice actors and scripts, especially of radio and television no longer available. I prefer books on subjects that haven't previously been covered as full books. It doesn't matter to me if you're a first-time author or have a track record. Just know your subject and know how to write a sentence!"
185 Hollow Oak Dr., Cohasset CA 95973. (530)891-0360. Website: www.bearstarpress.com. Contact: Beth Spencer, publisher/editor. Estab. 1996. Publishes trade paperback originals. “Bear Star is committed to publishing the best poetry it can attract. Each year it sponsors the Dorothy Brunsman contest, open to poets from Western and Pacific states. From time to time we add to our list other poets from our target area whose work we admire.” Publishes 1-3 titles/year. Pays $1,000, and 25 copies to winner of annual Dorothy Brunsman contest. Publishes book 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Guidelines online.
POETRY Wants well-crafted poems. No restrictions as to form, subject matter, style, or purpose. “Poets should enter our annual book competition. Other books are occasionally solicited by publisher, sometimes from among contestants who didn't win.” Online submissions strongly preferred.
TIPS “Send your best work, consider its arrangement. A 'wow' poem early keeps me reading.”
11 Edison Place, Springfield NJ 07081. (973)379-7200. Fax: (973)379-7280. E-mail: customersupport@behrmanhouse.com. Website: www.behrmanhouse.com. Estab. 1921. Publishes books on all aspects of Judaism: history, cultural, textbooks, holidays. “Behrman House publishes quality books of Jewish content—history, Bible, philosophy, holidays, ethics—for children and adults.” 12% of books from first-time authors. Pays authors royalty of 3-10% based on retail price or buys ms outright for $1,000-5,000. Offers advance. Pays illustrators by the project (range: $500-5,000). Publishes book 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries; 2 months to mss. Book catalog free on request. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION All levels: Judaism, Jewish educational textbooks. Average word length: young reader—1,200; middle reader—2,000; young adult—4,000. Submit outline/synopsis and sample chapters.
609 Whitaker St., Savannah GA 31401. (912)233-2446. E-mail: fcb@beil.com. Website: www.beil.com. Contact: Frederic Beil. Estab. 1982. Publishes original titles in hardcover, softcover, and e-book. Frederic C. Beil publishes books in the subject areas of history, literature, and biography. Publishes 8 titles/year. 950 queries; 8 mss received/year. 60% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 7.5% royalty on retail price. Publishes ms 12-15 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Catalog online.
IMPRINTS The Sandstone Press.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, humanities, literature, memoirs. Query with SASE.
FICTION Subjects include historical, literary. Query with SASE.
TIPS “Our objectives are to offer to the reading public carefully selected texts, to adhere to high standards in the choice of materials and in bookmaking craftsmanship; to produce books that exemplify good taste in format and design; and to maintain the lowest cost consistent with quality.”
P.O. Box 300921, Memphis TN 38130. (901)344-9024. E-mail: bellebooks@bellebooks.com. Website: www.bellebooks.com. Estab. 1999. BelleBooks began by publishing Southern fiction. It has become a “second home" for many established authors, who also continue to publish with major publishing houses. Publishes 30-40 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
FICTION Subjects include juvenile, young adult. “Yes, we'd love to find the next Harry Potter, but our primary focus for the moment is publishing for the teen market.” Query e-mail with brief synopsis and credentials/credits with full ms attached (RTF format preferred).
TIPS “Our list aims for the teen reader and the cross-over market. If you're a 'Southern Louise Rennison,' that would catch our attention. Humor is always a plus. We'd love to see books featuring teen boys as protagonists. We're happy to see dark edgy books on serious subjects.”
New York University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, OBV 612, New York NY 10016. (212)263-7802. E-mail: blpsubmissions@gmail.com. Website: blpress.org. Contact: Erika Goldman, publisher/editorial director. Estab. 2005. “Publishes literary and authoritative fiction and nonfiction at the nexus of the arts and the sciences, with a special focus on medicine. As our authors explore cultural and historical representations of the human body, illness, and health, they address the impact of scientific and medical practice on the individual and society.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
NONFICTION “If you have a completed ms, a sample of a ms or a proposal that fits our mission as a press feel free to submit it to us by e-mail.”
FICTION Subjects include literary. Submit complete ms.
TIPS “We are a project of New York University’s School of Medicine and while our standards reflect NYU’s excellence in scholarship, humanistic medicine, and science, our authors need not be affiliated with NYU. We are not a university press and do not receive any funding from NYU. Our publishing operations are financed exclusively by foundation grants, private donors, and book sales revenue.”
10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 530, Dallas TX 75231. (214)750-3600. E-mail: glenn@benbellabooks.com. Website: www.benbellabooks.com. Contact: Glenn Yeffeth, publisher. Estab. 2001. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. Publishes 30-40 titles/year. Pays 6-15% royalty on retail price. Publishes ms 10 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include literary criticism, science. Submit proposal package, including: outline, 2 sample chapters (via e-mail).
1734 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02138. (617)547-4170. Fax: (617)876-9235. Website: www.bentleypublishers.com. Contact: Michael Bentley, president. Estab. 1950. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals and reprints. “Bentley Publishers publishes books for automotive enthusiasts. We are interested in books that showcase good research, strong illustrations, and valuable technical information.” Automotive subjects only. Query with SASE. Submit sample chapters, bio, synopsis, target market. Reviews artwork/photos. Book catalog and ms guidelines online.
NONFICTION Query with SASE. Submit sample chapters, bio, synopsis, target market. Rreviews artwork/photos.
TIPS “Our audience is composed of serious, intelligent automobile, sports car, and racing enthusiasts, automotive technicians and high-performance tuners.”
BERGLI BOOKSSchwabe Publishing, Steinentorstrasse II, Basel CH-4010, Switzerland. E-mail: info@bergli.ch. Website: www.bergli.ch. Contact: Richard Harvell, executive editor. Estab. 1991. Bergli Books publishes books in Switzerland that bridge intercultural gaps. “It's mostly English list has included many Swiss-interest bestsellers of the past two decades, including the Ticking Along Series, Margaret Oertig's Beyond Chocolate, and Sergio Lievano and Nicole Egger's Hoi books—the bestselling Swiss German guides of all time. An imprint of Schwabe since 2013, Bergli is unique in Switzerland—connecting English readers to Swiss culture and tradition.” Publishes 3-4 titles/year. Receives 50 queries/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. Pays 7-12% royalties on retail price. Pays $1,000-5,000 advance. Publishes ms 12 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries, proposals, and mss. Catalog available online. Guidelines available for SASE.
NONFICTION Subjects include travel, Swiss culture, Switzerland for expats. “Our chief market is among English speakers in Switzerland.” Submit proposal package, outline, and 1 sample chapter. Reviews artwork, submit photocopies.
TIPS “We like illustrated books, show us something that has been done elsewhere but not in Switzerland.”
BERKLEY/NALPenguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014. Website: penguin.com. Contact: Leslie Gelbman, president and publisher. Estab. 1955. Publishes paperback and mass market originals and reprints. The Berkley Publishing Group publishes a variety of general nonfiction and fiction including the traditional categories of romance, mystery and science fiction. Publishes 700 titles/year.
IMPRINTS Ace; Jove; Heat; Sensation; Berkley Prime Crime; Berkley Caliber.
"Due to the high volume of manuscripts received, most Penguin Group (USA) Inc. imprints do not normally accept unsolicited mss. The preferred and standard method for having mss considered for publication by a major publisher is to submit them through an established literary agent.”
NONFICTION Subjects include child guidance, creative nonfiction, history, New Age, psychology, true crime, job-seeking communication. No memoirs or personal stories. Prefers agented submissions.
FICTION Subjects include adventure, historical, literary, mystery, romance, spiritual, suspense, western, young adult. No occult fiction. Prefers agented submissions.
1333 Broadway, Suite #1000, Oakland CA 94612. E-mail: bkpub@bkpub.com. E-mail: submissions@bkpub.com. Website: www.bkconnection.com. Contact: Anna Leinberger, associate editor. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals, mass market paperback originals, hardcover and trade paperback reprints. “Berrett-Koehler Publishers' mission is to publish books that support the movement toward a world that works for all. Our titles promote positive change at personal, organizational and societal levels.” Please see proposal guidelines online. Publishes 40 titles/year. 1,300 queries received/year. 800 mss received/year. 20-30% of books from first-time authors. 70% from unagented writers. Pays 10-20% royalty. Publishes book 10 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month. Book catalog online.
NONFICTION Subjects include community, New Age, spirituality. Submit proposal package, outline, bio, 1-2 sample chapters. Hard-copy proposals only. Do not e-mail, fax, or phone please. Reviews artwork/photos. Send photocopies or originals with SASE.
TIPS “Our audience is business leaders. Use common sense, do your research.”
BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERSDivision of Baker Publishing Group, 6030 E. Fulton Rd., Ada MI 49301. (616)676-9185. Fax: (616)676-9573. Website: bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse. Estab. 1956. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals, mass market paperback reprints. Bethany House Publishers specializes in books that communicate Biblical truth and assist people in both spiritual and practical areas of life. Considers unsolicited work only through a professional literary agent or through manuscript submission services, Authonomy or Christian Manuscript Submissions. Guidelines online. All unsolicited mss returned unopened. Publishes 90-100 titles/year. 2% of books from first-time authors. 50% from unagented writers. Pays royalty on net price. Pays advance. Publishes a book 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to queries. Book catalog for 9 x 12 envelope and 5 first-class stamps.
NONFICTION Subjects include child guidance, Biblical disciplines, personal and corporate renewal, emerging generations, devotional, marriage and family, applied theology, inspirational.
FICTION Subjects include historical, young adult, contemporary.
TIPS “Bethany House Publishers' publishing program relates Biblical truth to all areas of life—whether in the framework of a well-told story, of a challenging book for spiritual growth, or of a Bible reference work. We are seeking high-quality fiction and nonfiction that will inspire and challenge our audience.”
BETWEEN THE LINES401 Richmond St. W., Suite 277, Toronto ON M5V 3A8, Canada. (416)535-9914. Fax: (416)535-1484. E-mail: submissions@btlbooks.com. Website: www.btlbooks.com. Contact: Amanda Crocker, managing editor. Publishes trade paperback originals. “Between the Lines publishes nonfiction books in the following subject areas: politics and public policy issues, social issues, development studies, history, education, the environment, health, gender and sexuality, labour, technology, media, and culture. Please note that we do not publish fiction or poetry. We prefer to receive proposals rather than entire manuscripts for consideration.” Publishes 8 titles/year. 350 queries received/year. 50 mss received/year. 80% of books from first-time authors. 95% from unagented writers. Pays 8% royalty. Publishes ms 1 year after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-4 months. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, history, social sciences, sociology, development studies, labor, technology, media, culture. Submit proposal as a PDF by e-mail.
BEYOND WORDS PUBLISHING, INC.20827 NW Cornell Rd., Suite 500, Hillsboro OR 97124. (503)531-8700. Fax: (503)531-8773. E-mail: info@beyondword.com. Website: www.beyondword.com. Contact: Submissions Department (for agents only). Estab. 1984. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals and paperback reprints. “At this time, we are not accepting any unsolicited queries or proposals, and recommend that all authors work with a literary agent in submitting their work.” Publishes 10-15 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
Birch Brook Impressions, P.O. Box 81, Delhi NY 13753. Fax: (607)746-7453. E-mail: birchbrook@copper.net. Website: www.birchbrookpress.info. Contact: Tom Tolnay, editor/publisher; Leigh Eckmair, art & research editor; Joyce Tolnay, account services. Estab. 1982. Occasionally publishes trade paperback originals. Birch Brook Press “is a book printer/typesetter/designer that uses monies from these activities to publish several titles of its own each year with cultural and literary interest.” Specializes in literary work, flyfishing, baseball, outdoors, themed short fiction anthologies, and books about books. Publishes 2 titles/year. 200+ queries received/year; 200+ mss received/year. 95% from unagented writers. Pays modest royalty on acceptance. Publishes ms 10-18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 to 6 months. Book catalog online.
FICTION “Mostly we do anthologies around a particular theme generated inhouse. We make specific calls for fiction when we are doing an anthology.” Query with SASE and submit sample chapter(s), synopsis.
POETRY Query first with a few sample poems or chapters, or send entire ms. No e-mail submissions; submissions by postal mail only. Must include SASE with submissions. Occasionally comments on rejected poems. Royalty on co-op contracts.
TIPS “Write well on subjects of interest to BBP, such as outdoors, flyfishing, baseball, music, literary stories, fine poetry, books about books.”
University of Missouri - Kansas City, 5101 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City MO 64110-2499. (816)235-2558. Fax: (816)235-2611. E-mail: bkmk@umkc.edu. Website: newletters.org. Estab. 1971. Publishes trade paperback originals. “BkMk Press publishes fine literature. Reading period February-June.” Publishes 4 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 months to queries. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Creative nonfiction essays. Submit 25-50 sample pages and SASE.
FICTION Subjects include literary, short story collections. Query with SASE.
POETRY Submit 10 sample poems and SASE.
TIPS “We skew toward readers of literature, particularly contemporary writing. Because of our limited number of titles published per year, we discourage apprentice writers or 'scattershot' submissions.”
649 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054. (518)439-6512. Fax: (518)439-1309. Website: www.blackdomepress.com. Estab. 1990. Publishes cloth and trade paperback originals and reprints. Do not send the entire work. Mail a cover letter, TOC, introduction, sample chapter (or 2), and your CV or brief biography to the Editor. Please do not send computer disks or submit your proposal via e-mail. If your book will include illustrations, please send us copies of sample illustrations. Do not send originals. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Book catalog and guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include history, photography, regional, Native Americans, grand hotels, genealogy, colonial life, French & Indian War (NYS), American Revolution (NYS), quilting, architecture, railroads, hiking and kayaking guidebooks. New York state regional material only. Submit proposal package, outline, bio.
TIPS “Our audience is comprised of New York state residents, tourists, and visitors.”
P.O. Box 13396, Mill Creek WA 98082. Website: www.blackheronpress.com. Estab. 1984. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals, trade paperback reprints. “Black Heron Press publishes primarily literary fiction.” Publishes 4 titles/year. 1,500 queries received/year. 50% of books from first-time authors. 90% from unagented writers. Pays 8% royalty on retail price. Publishes ms 2 years after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months. Catalog available online.
NONFICTION Submit proposal package, include cover letter and first 30-50 pages of your completed novel. “We do not review artwork.”
FICTION Subjects include confession, erotica, Some science fiction—not fantasy, not Dungeons & Dragons—that makes or implies a social statement.. “All of our fiction is character driven. We don't want to see fiction written for the mass market. If it sells to the mass market, fine, but we don't see ourselves as a commercial press.” Submit proposal package, including cover letter and first 40-50 pages pages of your completed novel.
TIPS “Our Readers love good fiction—they are scattered among all social classes, ethnic groups, and zip code areas. If you can't read our books, at least check out our titles on our website.”
326 Bigham St., Pittsburgh PA 15211. E-mail: editors@blacklawrencepress.com. Website: www.blacklawrencepress.com. Contact: Diane Goettel, executive editor. Estab. 2003. Black Lawrence press seeks to publish intriguing books of literature—novels, short story collections, poetry collections, chapbooks, anthologies, and creative nonfiction. Will also publish the occasional translation from German. Publishes 15-20 books/year, mostly poetry and fiction. Mss are selected through open submission and competition. Books are 20-400 pages, offset-printed or high-quality POD, perfect-bound, with 4-color cover. Accepts submissions during the months of June and November. Pays royalties. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months to mss.
FICTION Subjects include literary, short story collections, translation. Submit complete ms.
POETRY Submit complete ms.
P.O. Box 567, Baker City OR 97814. E-mail: info@blacklyonpublishing.com. E-mail: queries@blacklyonpublishing.com. Website: www.blacklyonpublishing.com. Contact: The Editors. Estab. 2007. Publishes paperback and e-book originals. “Black Lyon Publishing is a small, independent publisher. We are very focused on giving new novelists a launching pad into the industry.” Publishes 15-20 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-3 months to queries. Guidelines online.
FICTION Subjects include gothic, historical, romance. Prefers e-mail queries.
TIPS “Write a good, solid romance with a setting, premise, character or voice just a little 'different' than what you might usually find on the market. We like unique books—but they still need to be romances.”
P.O. Box 52030, Boston MA 02205. Fax: (617)849-5678. E-mail: carrie@blackocean.org. Website: www.blackocean.org. Contact: Carrie Olivia Adams, poetry editor. Estab. 2006. Publishes 6 titles/year. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months to mss.
POETRY Wants poetry that is well-considered, risks itself, and by its beauty and/or bravery disturbs a tiny corner of the universe. Mss are selected through open submission. Books are 60+ pages. Book/chapbook mss may include previously published poems. “We have an open submission period in June of each year; specific guidelines are updated and posted on our website in the months preceding.”
E-mail: ric@blackvelvetseductions.com. Website: www.blackvelvetseductions.com. Contact: Richard Savage, acquisitions editor. Estab. 2005. Publishes trade paperback and electronic originals and reprints. “We publish two types of material: 1) romance novels and short stories and 2) romantic stories involving spanking between consenting adults. We look for well-crafted stories with a high degree of emotional impact. No first person point of view. All material must be in third person point of view.” Publishes trade paperback and electronic originals. “We have a high interest in republishing backlist titles in electronic and trade paperback formats once rights have reverted to the author.” Accepts only complete mss. Query with SASE. Submit complete ms. Publishes about 20 titles/year. 500 queries; 1,000 mss received/year. 90% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 10% royalty for paperbacks; 50% royalty for electronic books. Publishes ms 6-12 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months to queries; 8 months to proposals; 8-12 months to mss. Catalog free or online. Guidelines online.
FICTION Subjects include romance, erotic romance, historical romance, multicultural romance, romance, short story collections romantic stories, romantic suspense, western romance. All stories must have a strong romance element. “There are very few sexual taboos in our erotic line. We tend to give our authors the widest latitude. If it is safe, sane, and consensual we will allow our authors latitude to show us the eroticism. However, we will not consider manuscripts with any of the following: bestiality (sex with animals), necrophilia (sex with dead people), pedophillia (sex with children).” Only accepts electronic submissions.
TIPS “We publish romance and erotic romance. We look for books written in very deep point of view. Shallow point of view remains the number one reason we reject manuscripts in which the storyline generally works.”
1406 Plaza Dr., Winston-Salem NC 27103. (336)768-1374. Fax: (336)768-9194. E-mail: editorial@blairpub.com. Website: www.blairpub.com. Contact: Carolyn Sakowski, president. Estab. 1954. No poetry, young-adult, children's, science fiction. Fiction must be set in southern U.S. or author must have strong Southern connection. Publishes 10-15 titles/year. 1,000 proposals received/year. Pays royalties. Pays negotiable advance. Publishes ms 18 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3-6 months. Catalog online. Guidelines online.
NONFICTION Subjects include cooking, creative nonfiction, history, literature, memoirs, regional, travel. Does not want self-help or business.
FICTION “We specialize in regional books, with an emphasis on nonfiction categories such as history, travel, folklore, and biography. We publish only one or two works of fiction each year. Fiction submitted to us should have some connection with the Southeast. We do not publish children's books, poetry, or category fiction such as romances, science fiction, or spy thrillers. We do not publish collections of short stories, essays, or newspaper columns.” Does not want fiction set outside southern U.S. Accepts unsolicited mss. Any fiction submitted should have some connection with the Southeast, either through setting or author’s background. Send a cover letter, giving a synopsis of the book. Include the first 2 chapters (at least 50 pages) of the ms. “You may send the entire ms if you wish. If you choose to send only samples, please include the projected word length of your book and estimated completion date in your cover letter. Send a biography of the author, including publishing credits and credentials.”
TIPS “We are primarily interested in nonfiction titles. Most of our titles have a tie-in with North Carolina or the southeastern United States, we do not accept short-story collections. Please enclose a cover letter and outline with the ms. We prefer to review queries before we are sent complete mss. Queries should include an approximate word count.”
131 Euclid Ave., Kenmore NY 14217. E-mail: editor@blazevox.org. Website: www.blazevox.org. Contact: Geoffrey Gatza, editor/publisher. Estab. 2005. “We are a major publishing presence specializing in innovative fictions and wide-ranging fields of innovative forms of poetry and prose. Our goal is to publish works that are challenging, creative, attractive, and yet affordable to individual readers. Articles of submission depend on many criteria, but overall items submitted must conform to one ethereal trait, your work must not suck. This put plainly, bad art should be punished; we will not promote it. However, all submissions will be reviewed and the author will receive feedback. We are human too.” 65% of books from first-time authors. 100% from unagented writers. Pays 10% royalties on fiction and poetry books, based on net receipts. This amount may be split across multiple contributors. “We do not pay advances.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Guidelines online.
FICTION Subjects include experimental, short story collections. Submit complete ms via e-mail.
POETRY Submit complete ms via e-mail.
TIPS “We actively contract and support authors who tour, read and perform their work, play an active part of the contemporary literary scene, and seek a readership.”
Imprint of John Wiley & Sons, Professional Development, 111 River St., Hoboken NJ 07030. E-mail: info@wiley.com. Website: www.wiley.com. Estab. 1995. Publishes hardcover and trade paperback originals. Bloomberg Press publishes professional books for practitioners in the financial markets. “We publish commercially successful, very high-quality books that stand out clearly from the competition by their brevity, ease of use, sophistication, and abundance of practical tips and strategies; books readers need, will use, and appreciate.” Publishes 18-22 titles/year. 200 queries; 20 mss received/year. 45% from unagented writers. Pays negotiable, competitive royalty. Pays negotiable advance for trade books. Publishes book 9 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries.
NONFICTION Subjects include professional books on finance, investment and financial services, and books for financial advisors.. “We are looking for authorities and for experienced service journalists. Do not send us unfocused books containing general information already covered by books in the marketplace. We do not publish business, management, leadership, or career books.” Submit outline, sample chapters, SAE with sufficient postage. Submit complete ms.
BLOOMSBURY CHILDREN'S BOOKSImprint of Bloomsbury USA, 1385 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York NY 10008. Website: www.bloomsbury.com/us/childrens. No phone calls or e-mails. Agented submissions only. Publishes 60 titles/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. Pays royalty. Pays advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 months. Book catalog online. Guidelines online.
FICTION Subjects include adventure, fantasy, historical, humor, juvenile, multicultural, mystery, picture books, poetry, science fiction, sports, suspense, young adult, animal, anthology, concept, contemporary, folktales, problem novels. Agented submissions only.
BLOOMSBURY CONTINUUMImprint of Bloomsbury Group, 1385 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York NY 10018. (212)419-5300. Website: http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/bloomsbury/bloomsbury-continuum/. Continuum publishes textbooks, monographs, and reference works in religious studies, the humanities, arts, and social sciences for students, teachers, and professionals worldwide. Does not accept unsolicited submissions. Book catalog online.
NONFICTION Subjects include education, history, philosophy, religion, sociology, linguistics.
Imprint of United Tribes Media, Inc., (914)301-5901. E-mail: janguerth@bluebridgebooks.com. Website: www.bluebridgebooks.com. Contact: Jan-Erik Guerth, publisher (general nonfiction). Estab. 2004. Publishes hardcover and trade paperbacks. BlueBridge is an independent publisher of international nonfiction based near New York City. BlueBridge book subjects include Culture, History, Biography; Nature and Science; Inspiration and Self-Help. BlueBridge is an imprint of United Tribes Media Inc. Publishes 4-6 titles/year. Pays variable advance. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
NONFICTION Subjects include alternative lifestyles, Americana, animals, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, community, contemporary culture, creative nonfiction, economics, environment, ethnic, gardening, history, humanities, literary criticism, multicultural, nature, philosophy, politics, psychology, public affairs, religion, science, social sciences, sociology, spirituality, travel, womens issues, womens studies, world affairs. BlueBridge only accepts submission queries per e-mail, without any attachments to the e-mail, and only for nonfiction.
TIPS “We target a broad general nonfiction audience.”
1563 45th Ave., San Francisco CA 94122. E-mail: bluelightpress@aol.com. Website: www.bluelightpress.com. Contact: Diane Frank, chief editor. Estab. 1988. “We like poems that are imagistic, emotionally honest, and push the edge—where the writer pushes through the imagery to a deeper level of insight and understanding. No rhymed poetry.” Has published poetry by Stephen Dunn, Kim Addonizio, Jane Hirshfield, Rustin Larson, Mary Kay Rummel, Daniel J. Langton, and K.B. Ballentine. “Books are elegantly designed and artistic. Our books are professionally printed, with original cover art, and we publish full-length books of poetry and chapbooks.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Catalog online.
NONFICTION Subjects include literature.
FICTION Subjects include poetry, poetry in translation, short story collections, flash fiction, micro fiction.
POETRY “We have an online poetry workshop with a wonderful group of American and international poets—open to new members 3 times/year. Send an e-mail for info.” No rhymed poetry. Does not accept e-mail submissions. Deadlines: January 30 full-sized ms. and June 15 for chapbooks. “Read our guidelines before sending your ms.”
Blue Mountain Arts, Inc., P.O. Box 4219, Boulder CO 80306. (800)525-0642. E-mail: bmpbooks@sps.com. Website: www.sps.com. Contact: Patti Wayant, Director. Estab. 1971. Publishes hardcover originals, trade paperback originals, electronic originals. “Please note: We are not accepting works of fiction, rhyming poetry, children’s books, chapbooks, or memoirs.” Pays royalty on wholesale price. Publishes ms 12-16 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-4 months. Guidelines by e-mail.
NONFICTION Subjects include personal growth, teens/tweens, family, relationships, motivational, and inspirational but not religious. Query with SASE. Submit proposal package including outline and 3-5 sample chapters.
POETRY “We publish poetry appropriate for gift books, self-help books, and personal growth books. We do not publish chapbooks or literary poetry.” Query. Submit 10+ sample poems.
Cardinal Publishers Group, 2402 N. Shadeland Ave., Suite A, Indianapolis IN 46219. (317)352-8200. Fax: (317)352-8202. E-mail: msears@cardinalpub.com; tdoherty@cardinalpub.com. Website: www.brpressbooks.com; www.cardinalpub.com. Contact: Morgan Sears, editor; Tom Doherty, president (adult nonfiction). Estab. 2000. Publishes hardcover, trade paperback and electronic originals and reprints. Blue River Press released its first book in the spring of 2004. “Today we have more than 50 books and e-books in print on the subjects of sports, health, fitness, games, popular culture, and travel. Our books have been recognized with awards and national and regional review attention. We have had many titles reach Nielsen BookScan category top 50 status in retail sales; illustrating that readers have responded by purchasing Blue River Press titles. Our distributor, Cardinal Publishers Group, has placed our books in chain and independent book retailers, libraries of all sorts, mass-merchant retailers, gift shops, and many specialty retail and wholesale channels. Our authors, editors and designers always keep the reader in mind when creating and developing the content and designing attractive books that are competitively priced. At Blue River Press our mission is to produce, distribute and market books that present the reader with good educational and entertaining information at a value.” Publishes 8-12 titles/year. 200 queries received/year. 25% of books from first-time authors. 80% from unagented writers. Pays 10-15% on wholesale price. Outright purchase of $500-5,000. Offers advance up to $5,000. Publishes ms 6-12 months after acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds to queries in 2 months. Book catalog for #10 SASE or online. Guidelines available by e-mail.
NONFICTION “Most non-religious adult nonfiction subjects are of interest. We like concepts that can develop into series products. Most of our books are paperback or hardcover in the categories of sport, business, health, fitness, lifestyle, yoga, and educational books for teachers and students.”