While I decided a few months ago that I would be self-publishing my work, I feel like it’s a compulsory #riteofpassage to submit your novel to one of the big publishing houses that accept unsolicited manuscripts.
I’ve researched enough to accept the reality that I have zero to no chance of being picked from the slush pile of a big publisher, let alone a smaller press. But one thing I believe ardently is if we don’t try we’ll always wonder and you never know, you might be that .01% that does get their unsolicited manuscript published
Here’s a list of a few of the bigger Australian publishers (plus a mid-tier publisher and an award winning smaller publisher) and their submission requirements:
Allen & Unwin – The Friday Pitch
For Young adult/children’s fiction:
No time frame on manuscript submissions – not restricted to Friday’s
Email your submission
Attach (.doc only): 300 word synopsis, first chapter in double spacing, details to be included in body of email
Automatic email receipt
Manuscript assessed within the fortnight, if you do not hear back, assume you are unsuccessful
Pan Macmillan Australia – Manuscript Monday
For all fiction:
Accepts submissions from 10am – 4pm on the first Monday of every month
Submit online
Attach: first 100 pages of your manuscript, maximum 300 word synopsis, fill out form online
Word document format only for all attachments
Manuscript assessed within 3 months, if you do not hear back, assume you are unsuccessful
Penguin Books Australia – The Monthly Catch
For adult fiction (currently not accepting children/young adult):
Accepts submissions the first week of every month (1st-7th)
Email your submission
Attach (.doc only): Entire manuscript, maximum 300 word synopsis, details to be included in body of email
Automatic email receipt
Manuscript assessed within 3 months, if you do not hear back, assume you are unsuccessful
Random House (division of penguin)
For young adult/children’s fiction:
No time frame on manuscript submissions
Will accept simultaneous submissions
Email your submission
Attach (.doc only): full manuscript (double spaced with page numbers), include synopsis and other details in body of email
Manuscript assessed within 3 months, if you do not hear back, assume you are unsuccessful
HarperCollins – The Wednesday Post
For all fiction:
Accepts submissions on Wednesdays only
Submit online
Attach: A synopsis of your work, first 50 pages or first three chapters of your manuscript, a short note about yourself
Manuscript assessed within four weeks, if you do not hear back, assume you are unsuccessful
For all fiction:
No time frame on manuscript submissions
Email your submission
Attach (PDF only): entire manuscript in 1.5 or double spacing, maximum 2 page synopsis, maximum 2 page author bio
Automatic email receipt
Unknown response time – they may let you know if you are unsuccessful
Good luck submitting everyone 🙂
You can do it…
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