FICTION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Before you submit your manuscript, please make sure it is finished and completely proofread and edited. It should be the most perfect version, and publish-ready. Your submission should include:

1. A one-page query.
2. A synopsis not more than five pages.
3. Your first three chapters.

NON-FICTION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Non-fiction manuscripts do not have to be completed, although the status of the manuscript (i.e. haven't started, 6 chapters in, nearly done, etc.) should be noted. Your submission should include:

1. A one-page query.
2. A book proposal.

Your book proposal should follow standard industry guidelines with a focus on the following:

1. Overview
2. Biography
3. Competition
4. Marketing/Publicity
5. Chapter Outline
6. Projected timeline
7. Sample chapters (optional, up to 3)

Fiction and non-fiction queries should adhere somewhat to these basic outlines:

1. Paragraph One—The Hook
2. Paragraph Two—Mini-Synopsis
3. Paragraph Three—Writer's Bio

For more information on how to write a stellar query, click here.

HOW TO SUBMIT

We only accept email submissions. Include your submission in the body of the email. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR SUBMISSION AS AN ATTACHMENT. WE WILL NOT OPEN IT. You may send your submissions to submit@jollyfishpress.com.

FICTION GENRES WE ACCEPT

Literary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, suspense, horror, thriller, children's literature, YA, trade fiction.

NON-FICTION GENRES WE ACCEPT

Motivational, self-help, biography, autobiography, memoir, recipe books, research.

GENRES WE DO NOT ACCEPT

Children's picture books, novellas, do-it-yourself, gift books, religious, romance.

For most authors, where their books are listed and stocked is one big concern. You can publish an awesome book, but if no booksellers can get to it, your book may not sell. And that's why we've made our book distributorship one of our top priorities. Our books are listed with the two top book wholesalers in the U.S., Ingram and Baker & Taylor, to ensure maximum accessibility and exposure for all of our authors.

OUR U.S. WHOLESALERS INCLUDE:

• Ingram
• Amazon.com
• Baker & Taylor
• Barnes & Noble
• NACSCORP
• Expresso Book Machine

OUR U.K. WHOLESALERS INCLUDE:

• Adlibris.com
• Amazon.co.uk
• Bertrams
• Blackwell
• Book Depository
• Coutts
• Gardners
• Mallory International
• Paperback Shop
• Eden Interactive Ltd.
• Aphrohead
• I.B.S.–STL U.K.

The book and publishing industry is a daunting one, yet at the same time, it can be quite lucrative. If you are a writer, you have the world to compete with. There are many writers out there who've written the best American novel. But the truth is, only a handful of these writers make it to the bestsellers list. So the question is, do you have what it takes to make it? Ultimately, you'll have to answer these questions:

1. Do you have a reason to write?
2. Do you have a story to tell?
3. Do you want to make writing your career?
4. Do you want your book published?

If your answer is YES for all of the above, then you'll have to answer this final question: How will you want your book published?

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING

Publishing through the traditional way means selling your book's publication and distribution rights to a publishing house. In turn, the publishing house will package, brand, and market your book, giving you and your book the best exposure, credit, and sales. The main goal for all publishing houses should be to sell your book. Hence, they must play the marketing game well. But be aware, not all publishing houses are created the same. Click here to learn more.