* Current approximate response time on queries: 2-4 weeks
* Current approximate response time on requested manuscripts: 4-8 weeks
At this time, we are taking submissions in several lines and some genres. We are always open for romance and erotica, and are actively seeking other genres. (Please see our Submissions Guidelines for details.)
* Please see each line description for specific requirements, including the appropriate email address for submission.
* Do NOT submit entire general submissions manuscripts unless invited to do so. Any unrequested non-line submissions attachments will be deleted unread. Authors already signed with us may query directly through their assigned editor for other manuscripts.
* If in doubt, query us. The worst we can do is say no.
* We will auto-reject manuscripts with the following elements:
While we understand some controversial elements are sometimes necessary to a plot, we reserve the right to request a change or reject a manuscript based upon these elements. NOTE: Forced seduction/dubious consent elements, as typically defined by the romance/erotica genre, will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
* We do NOT accept ANY fanfic/slash fiction submissions. Even if you change the names. Period. EVER.
* We accept multiple and simultaneous submissions, as long as you clearly state this is a simultaneous submission in your query letter. HOWEVER, should a manuscript you submit to us be accepted elsewhere, please notify us immediately so we can remove it from our queue.
* We do not offer advances at this time.
* You do not need an agent to submit to us. However, do NOT use "submission companies" to submit. We will auto-reject these. We want writers who care enough to take the time to research their markets.
* ROYALTIES - We pay 40% selling price royalties for ebooks sold through our website; 50% of publisher income net on electronic books sold through third-party outlets; 6% of cover price on print. Payment made quarterly.
* Rights - We ask for exclusive, worldwide English ebook rights and paperback print rights. (Note: this does not guarantee a book will go into print.) All other rights belong to the author.
* Length of contract - Five years, renewable.
* We do not charge for any services we provide to authors.
* Yes, we will read submissions/queries by unpublished authors. (We all had to start somewhere.)
* In certain cases, depending on our workload, we may request an exclusive time frame to review a specific manuscript. If we do, this will be clearly stated to you at that time.
* We only accept previously published manuscripts if the author has written proof all rights have been returned to them, or if it was self-published it must be removed from all release outlets before submission.
* We accept submissions from overseas. Be advised you will still be required to submit to us and your local government all applicable tax forms, and you will be responsible for any taxes, exchange rate or other fees when you receive payments from us.
* Please be aware that we use Microsoft Word for our editing process. For the editing process, we do require you to use the Word track changes/comments feature. If you don't have Word, you must buy it if your manuscript is accepted.
* Please read our Formatting Guidelines before submitting a manuscript.
* For all novel-length, non-line manuscripts: Query first. Do not send a general submissions manuscript unless asked to do so by our staff. Pay attention to the email address they tell you to use. IN THE BODY OF YOUR EMAIL put your query letter, followed by a plot synopsis (also in the body of the email). Synopsis length depends on the length of your novel. You should be able to summarize your novel, including major plot points, major characters, conflict, and resolution in 3,000 words or less. This synopsis rule is not a hard and fast rule, so don't panic, but remember your email might be truncated by the mail server if it's too long. Do not omit the novel's ending! DO NOT ATTACH THE SYNOPSIS AS A SEPARATE FILE! Attachments will be deleted. (See our self-editing hints page for query and synopsis hints.)
* If your manuscript is requested, please follow our format to ensure that a) it makes it through our spam filter, and b) isn't rejected for improper format.
* We understand that servers sometimes eat things. If your manuscript is requested and you have not been sent a confirmation we received the file within five BUSINESS DAYS (weekends and holidays are NOT business days!) after you send it, please feel free to email the editor who requested your manuscript to ask if they received it. If you submit an UNSOLICITED line manuscript and do not receive a confirmation receipt within fourteen BUSINESS DAYS, please feel free to follow up to confirm receipt. Make sure to include your manuscript title, pen name, and date originally sent.
* DO NOT SEND US A PRINTED, HARD COPY MANUSCRIPT VIA SNAIL MAIL UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED TO DO SO! We cannot emphasize this enough. It will be refused and marked return to sender or recycled.
More information here.
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