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Query and Submission Guidelines

Please submit a query via email using our custom-designed Quick Query form prior to mailing a proposal or manuscript. We generally respond to email and Quick Queries within a few days to let you know if we would like to receive your submission.

If we request a proposal, sample chapters, manuscript or other materials we suggest you review and follow our proposal guidelines (Proposal) and the general submission guidelines below. Please, NO Fiction.

If you would like a more through explanation of how to create a professional book proposal here are a couple of excellent recommendations: Either can be purchased at amazon.com or at a good local bookstore:

Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write: How to Get a Contract and Advance Before Writing Your Book by Elizabeth Lyon, Natasha Kern (Perigee)

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen (Writers Digest Books)

Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why by Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman (John Wiley & Sons)

The Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book by Susan Page (Broadway Books

Here are our general guidelines for submissions:

We only accept non-fiction submissions (humor pieces are an exception).
We prefer to receive initial queries via email as noted above. We will let you know if we would like you to mail us printed materials.
We will let you know if we would like Word documents emailed.
We will do our best to respond within 30-90 days of receipt of a proposal or manuscript.
Our preferred method of response is email and we require all potential clients to provide an email address.
The first page of any materials sent should have complete contact information as specified in our guidelines.
It is okay to email us after 60 days to check on the status of your submission.
It is okay to email us after 15 days to check on a Quick Query email.
VERY IMPORTANT: Any printed materials requested should be sent as follows:

Contact information on the first page (with email)
Printed on standard white paper
Double spaced
Single-side printed
Not stapled, bound, fastened or placed in a binder. Folders holding materials are fine.
Numbered consecutively on every page.

If you need any materials returned to you, please note this clearly on the materials and include self-addressed, stamped shipping materials. We will otherwise recycle all materials.