Submission Guidelines

General Considerations
Please do not call the office. If you would like notification that your submission has been received, send a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your submission. We will not respond to emails asking for confirmation of receipt.

• We do not accept unsolicited full-length work of any kind.
• We do not accept multiple submissions.

WE are accepting

• Works of fiction (novels, novellas, and short story collections). We do not publish romance, science fiction, horror, westerns or fiction in verse. Submission dates are August 1 through November 30.
• Collections of poetry (single-author collections only) Please review our previous poetry titles to see what interests us. We do not consider cowboy poetry, inspirational poetry or poetry for children. Submission dates are December 1 through February 28.
• Books for teen readers (YA novels) We’re looking for full-length fiction. Please review our previous YA award winners to see what interests us. We do not consider picture books or poetry collections for teens. Submission dates are October 1 through January 1.
• We are not accepting Juvenile fiction manuscripts at this tiome.
• Works of literary nonfiction ( single-author collections only) We focus on writing that explores natural history where human connections and relationships to nature are dominant. Thistledown is presently not interested in popular culture or literary biographies. We are not interested in works written for academic audiences, or scientific communities. Submission dates are January 1 to April 30.

Note: Thistledown publishes a first-books poetry series titled the New Leaf Series. See New Leaf Submission Guidelines.

Guidelines

• Accompany all queries with a self-addressed stamped or prepaid envelope to enable communication. 
• All queries must contain a sample of writing and an outline of the proposed publication. It is important that you let us know your perceived audience and your plans for assisting in the marketing of your work.
• We read queries in the order they are received and because of the large volume, please be patie.

Standard Query Material

• Cover letter with relevant contact information
• Novel samples should include a first chapter or significant representative sampling that highlights form and style.
• Short fiction samples should include two stories that demonstrate the collection’s audience target and subject range.
• Poetry samples should include a representative selection of 10 to 15 poems from the complete collection.
• You should send a brief biographical note that tells of any relevant writing experience or significant recent publications. Do not include any information older than five years.
• You should ensure that all written material is submitted on traditional 8 1/2" X 11" paper, double-spaced and in black print, in a 12 pt. Times New Roman typeface.
• Do not include other than what is requested.