Though a majority of the work we put out will be most likely be GLBT related (that's gay, lesbain, bisexual, transsexual, for those of you who missed it the first time), we intend to publish alternative fiction of ALL varieties. Just keep in mind that the operative word is alternative -adj.
* Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems.
* Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream.
In other words, your book should reach out to some oppressed and grossly underrepresented minority, deeply offend a large portion of the population, or best of all - do both at once. We are not afraid of dark subject matter, and would especially like to see manuscripts that would be appropriately described as "gritty", "controversial", "twisted", "beyond the pale", "scandalous". They don't all need to be that way, but we're not scared off by a little controversy...or even a LOT of controversy. In fact, the only things we don't want to see are hate propaganda and mediocre writing. So go ahead and take us into the darkness of your sick mind. As long as your sick mind can write well, we're down with it.
The Basics
We want original, innovative, uninhibited work here at YOM, so we're not going to resrict everyone with a lot of rules. Of course, there have to be some, or else the universe would fly apart. Wait. It's already flying apart, isn't it? Nevermind then. Instead of rules, let's just call these strong suggestions. Just keep in mind that if you choose to disregard our strong sugestions, you'd better give us something that's going to knock us on our asses. Otherwsie, we're just going to be pissed off, and that won't really do much for your chances, now will it?
1. Novels, anthologies and other full-length prose works should be 40,000 words and up. Poetry, graphic novels, art books and works with mixed content should start at around 80 pages. The current upper limit that we are able to produce is 828 pages, but we are exploring alternatives that would allow us to push past that in the very unlikely event we ever want to.
2. Query First! We want 3 chapters or 30 pages, a summary of what the book's about and profiles of the main characters (if applicable), word or page count (approximate if unfinished) and a little bit about who you are. If the book or any part of it has been previously published or released in any form, let us know that too. Beyond that, be inventive. Keep in mind that your query is our first impression of you. Your book may be utterly fantastic, but a lot of others will be too. If your query engages us and gets our imaginations humming, it's going to lift you right up above the rest of the pack. And don't forget, we are a mutimedia enterprise, so accompanying artwork, music, youtube video links, sock puppets - anything to get us excited and thinking of your book's collaborative marketing potential will go along way toward getting you and your work noticed.
3. Your final draft should be finished before you query us. The only real exceptions to this are graphic novels, which should be at least 80% done, with an estimated (and realistic, if you please) date of completion. If you are working on a finite series, such as a fantasy trilogy, we prefer that you have at least the first draft of each volume completed. However, if you are well on the way to finishing, and have a complete and detailed outline of all the volumes for us, we will consider accepting it - with a few provisos!
4. Full manuscripts should be submitted only upon request. All should be typed and double spaced in Arial, Times New Roman or Bookman Old Style 11 point font, justified, with 1-inch margins all around. The Title (series, then volume if applicable), Author and Page Number should be in the left-side header of each page.
The manuscript MUST be sent electronically to our submissions mailbox as an attachment in either PDF or Microsoft Word compatible format (if you hate Microsoft, Open Office Writer is free and compatible). This is NOT negotiable. If you mail us a printed manuscript, we will shred it and recycle it into packing material (no, we won't read it first).
5. When in doubt, email us and ask! To quote South Park, "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people".
Below are just a few of the things we'd particularly like to see. This is NOT a complete list, just a selection of things we are especially interested in.
* GLBT Genre Fiction - especially fantasy, sci-fi, horror, historical. Helpful Hint: If your genre fiction novel spans several genres...good. We like those.
* GLoBL Graphic Novels: Everything from manga to superhero to horror and any other style you want to throw at us. BL (boys' love, yaoi, shonen-ai) and Bara in the traditional Japanese and other styles are going to be a YOM specialty. Submissions of yuri, and manga featuring bisexual or transsexual characters are also welcome.
Also: If you are a comic book artist or scriptwriter who has a great idea for a manga or GN, feel free to submit it to us. If we like it, and want to produce it, we'll try and hook you up with a partner to write/draw it with. If you have loads of talent, but no specific project in mind, you can join our talent pool to be considered for this kind of project, as well as others.
* Short Fiction Collections: If they're not by a previously published author, they should have some kind of theme.
* Young Adult: We want YA geared to the 14+ reader, but excellent tween submissions will be considered. GLBT themes, or if not, something really original and off-beat (think Robert Cormier). We will not accept manuscripts that patronize or talk down to their readers. Teenagers are intelligent, sensitive and savvy for the most part (the stratospheric success of Twilight notwithstanding), and they usually appreciate being challenged in some way. YOM intends to do that, and to be a supporter of GLBT youth organizations throughout the country.
* Erotica: See the info page at our new erotica site, EdenExiles.com.
* Hetero Fiction: quirky, off-beat, nihilistic, counter-culture, androgynous, skater, punk, tagger, witch, vampire, goth... well, you get the idea. Any genre. Just different.
* Repeat Offenders: Are you an previously published author with out of print books, or who will soon be acquiring your rights back? Do you wish to get out of your present contract, and have a publisher willing to entertain offers? YOM plans on building its catalog by bringing back some of these earlier gems that, for whatever reason, stopped being backlisted. We may have suggestions for small changes or revisions, but essentially, it will be your same manuscript with a new format, cover & maybe a foreword by someone with great name recognition who likes your work. Interested? Send a query to the editors mailbox using the subject line below. If you have an e-copy of the book (in PDF, MS Word™ or an MS Word™ compatible format), attach it to the email .If you have no e-copies, it is your responsibility to get it converted into an acceptible format for submission. If you do not yet have the rights back, please give us the reversion date. Beyond that, include press materials, reviews, a one-page summary of the book, awards, Amazon™ & iTunes™ gift certificates and anything else you think might impress us (kidding about those last two...sorta). We will get back to you as soon as possible with a decision. Questions? Shoot them right over to the editors mailbox.
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