submission guidelines
novel-length fiction:
We are always looking for new authors of novel-length fiction.
Our ethos is to publish high-quality fiction within a range of genres.
We wish to produce a series of illustrated books that cover different styles, from horror novels inspired by the Regency Gothics, Magical Realism, Steampunk and Surrealist fiction to a series of short quirky stories.
However we are also interested in more mainstream work, including historical fiction, romance, thrillers and comedy. We love it all.
We are not looking for: non-fiction, fantasy-quest novels, Christian novels or children's books.
We wish to produce a series of illustrated books that cover different styles, from horror novels inspired by the Regency Gothics, Magical Realism, Steampunk and Surrealist fiction to a series of short quirky stories.
However we are also interested in more mainstream work, including historical fiction, romance, thrillers and comedy. We love it all.
- Please send the first fifty pages of your manuscript and a three page synopsis.
We know it costs a fortune to print out your manuscripts, so we give you the
option to email it to us.
We prefer paper submissions, but won't hold it against you if you choose to send it as an attachment. Manuscripts can be sent to: Smyth and Styles, Suite 8187, 2nd Floor, 145-157 John Street, London EC1V 4PY After this we may choose to request the full manuscript from you. - Submissions should be standard manuscript format, legibly typed with black ink on white A4 size paper.
- Please submit no more than one manuscript at a time.
- Manuscripts will not be returned, but will instead be recycled.
- We do not acknowledge receipt of manuscripts unless a self-addressed, stamped postcard is included with your submission packet.
- Reporting time on manuscripts up to six months. Questions regarding status of a submission after six months should be made through email - don't worry, we will get back to you.
- We regret that we cannot offer any editorial comment unless we feel the work has publishing potential.
your submission packet should include:
- The first fifty pages of your manuscript
- A three page synopsis
- A cover letter letting us know something about you
- A stamped, self-addressed envelope for your reply
- A stamped, self-addressed postcard to let you know that your manuscript has arrived safely
why was it rejected?
It would be wonderful if every submission we received was able to be published, but sadly this is
not the case and we have to reject vast piles of manuscripts.
We do not tend to give personal rejection letters (anyone who has worked on a slush pile will understand the reasons why) so below are the most common problems we come up against. If you have been rejected, please use the list in order to improve your work for your next round of submissions. Alternatively, if you haven't submitted yet, we recommend you reread your work with these considerations in mind.
We do not tend to give personal rejection letters (anyone who has worked on a slush pile will understand the reasons why) so below are the most common problems we come up against. If you have been rejected, please use the list in order to improve your work for your next round of submissions. Alternatively, if you haven't submitted yet, we recommend you reread your work with these considerations in mind.
- Did not follow instructions - This is the most common reason. We provide you with submission guidelines, so please have the courtesy to use them. These instructions are given for a reason. They ensure that we can read your submission with the minimum amount of difficulty. Do you really want to be the awkward author who makes things difficult for us?
- Manuscript not provided in Standard Format - Of all the submissions we have received, less that 10%
have been in standard format. There is no excuse for this. Every manuscript you send anywhere should
be in standard format - even when the agent or press do not request it. We actually place it as our second point
within the submission guidelines and so consider it a reject letter worthy offence. Strict? Naturally. We don't want to
take on an author who cannot be bothered to follow the industry rules.
So, what is the standard format? Briefly, your manuscript should be printed (or saved) on an A4 page, with 1" margins all the way around. The header (or slug line) should read: SURNAME/TITLE/PAGE NUMBER. Use Courier or Times New Roman font in 12pt and left justified. There should also be a title page, with your contact information in the corner - again 12pt Courier or Times New Roman. Formatting your manuscript is not the place to show your creativity. We want to see your writing, not your love of Comic Sans MS. - Did not include a synopsis - Some writers seem to believe they will be better served sending in a full manuscript rather than 50 pages and a synopsis. Wrong! We might give a cursory glance at the first page, but our hands will automatically be stretching towards to rejection letters.
- Not Spell Checked - Spell Checkers are available on your word processor, online and in wonderful books called dictionaries. Use them.
- First Draft - Please do not send in your first draft, we can tell. Being a good writer does not mean being able to create publishable work first time. You are allowed (and encouraged) to rewrite and correct your work several times over. Your manuscript needs to be polished to perfection before you start putting together your packet.
- We just didn't love it - If we have to spend up to a year pouring over your novel, working to bring it successfully into print, we have to love it. Simple as that. This does not mean your work is bad, or even that some other publishing house wouldn't greedily pick it up. We wish you nothing but success in your future submissions and hope your manuscript finds a good home.
