| Manuscript Submissions | Policy: Because of the many submissions we receive, we must strictly adhere to word-count requirements and the descriptions that follow. We are ... MoreBecause of the many submissions we receive, we must strictly adhere to word-count requirements and the descriptions that follow. We are currently acquiring only the following: romance, horror, Westerns, thrillers, young adult. Specific guidelines for each category follow, but generally:
*Please query or submit synopsis and first three chapters only no complete manuscripts unless specifically requested.
*We strongly prefer manuscripts to be written from the third-person point-of-view
*Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope (of sufficient size) for possible return of proposal or manuscript. No material will be returned without SASE.
*All material must be typed and double-spaced. Word processors are okay, but letter-quality only.
*Name, address, phone number and e-mail of the author should be on the first page of the manuscript, and a header for subsequent pages should contain the author's name and title.
*Retain a copy of all material sent in case the original gets lost in the mail.
*Our review process typically takes 6-8 months.
The elements of a Romance
All Romances should be approximately 90,000 - 100,000 words.
We are seeking sensual romances with intriguing plots, strong writing, and a pace that grabs readers' attention from page one and holds it to the very end. We look for interesting, three-dimensional characters who are separated by emotional conflict or the twists and turns of the plot. But in the end they overcome the barriers keeping them apart and live happily ever after. We particularly enjoy humor where appropriate, and an originality-either in plot, character, or writing style-that will differentiate the story from others of the genre without losing the distinct flavor of a romance.
We are currently acquiring the following
categories of ROMANCE:
HISTORICAL - Historical background, details of costume, etc., should be accurate; however, we discourage long descriptions of battles, the political climate of the period, or a treatise on contemporary social history. Our readers are much more interested in the developing relationship between the heroine and hero.
We consider historical romance to be set before 1900.
FUTURISTIC - Futuristic Romances are set in lavish lands on distant worlds but must be believable to today's reader without an overabundance of explanation. Avoid science-fiction-type hardware, technology, etc.
TIME-TRAVEL ROMANCE - A modern-day hero or heroine travels through time (either forward or backward) and falls in love. The challenge here is to maintain credibility during the transition between the present and the past. The fun is seeing history and another way of life through the eyes of someone from our own time. The conflict and resolution of the romance arise from the fact that the hero and heroine are from different eras, but should involve more than the secret that one comes from the future.
Beware of philosophizing about the meaning of time, and how the past affects the present. No time machines please.
PARANORMAL ROMANCE - Either a historical or contemporary romance with magic, witches, ghosts, vampires, etc., as a subsidiary element. This should not be romantic suspense. Must have a happy ending.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - Fun and whimsical, these books should showcase your sense of humor and focus on a modern couple in a zany situation.
Westerns
Exciting novels set in the Old West (before 1900 and west of the Mississippi River) with three-dimensional characters and strong plots. Historical accuracy is important, but should not eclipse the story. In addition to traditional heroes, Native Americans, women, African Americans, etc. are fine as protagonists.
Finished manuscripts should be 70,000 - 100,000 words.
Horror
Suspenseful, terrifying novels with dark atmosphere and chilling plots. Contemporary settings are preferred but historical settings are possible if very well done. Supernatural horrors (ghosts, vampires, demons, monsters, etc.) are strongly favored. Please avoid science fiction, fantasy and detective novels.
Finished manuscripts should be 80,000 - 110,000 words and addressed to the attention of Don D'Auria, Executive Editor.
Thrillers
These are exciting, fast-paced novels filled with high tension and gripping characters. Finished manuscripts should be 80,000 - 110,000 words and addressed to the attention of Don D'Auria, Executive Editor.
Suspense Thrillers -A dangerous criminal is on the loose and it's one man's (or woman's) job to stop him before more people get hurt. Please note that this should not be a Whodunit-type mystery. The question should not be who the killer is, but rather will he (or she) be stopped before killing again.
Police Procedurals - Similar to a suspense thriller, but additional emphasis is placed on police methods, forensics and other means of tracking and capturing the killers. Sense of authenticity is important, and all details must be accurate.
Political Thrillers - Fast-paced novels filled with intrigue and danger, usually set at least partly in Washington, but often with international scope. Authenticity is important and these novels should provide an insider's view of the corridors of power.
Legal Thrillers - Compelling novels of suspense in a legal or judicial setting. Avoid mysteries or Whodunits. Emphasis should not be on identifying a killer, but rather on a danger or threat to the main character.
Medical Thrillers - Exciting, fast-paced novels in a medical or scientific setting, usually dealing with a race to counter a medical threat.
For more information on our current books, visit catalog_01.htm or call 1-800-481-9191 for a free catalog.
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