 Submission Guidelines For Thistledown Press
Writers please note:
All communications regarding queries, questions, and follow-ups must be sent by post. If you would like notification that your submission has been received, send a self-addressed, stamped postcard. We will not respond to emails asking for confirmation of receipt. Thistledown has a detailed submission logging system that purposely excludes communication by email and telephone. We like the “log” and use it as our monitor on submissions; it also has a long memory that some of us just don’t have anymore.
Remember:
- We do not accept unsolicited full-length manuscripts
- Considering your best interests, all your solicitation must reflect the following protocol
Thistledown’s Present Publishing Interests
- Novels by writers who have previous book publications
- Works of short fiction by emerging writers who have publishing credits in journals and magazines
- Teen audience fiction
- Juvenile audience fiction by writers who have previous book publications
- Poetry collections by writers who have previous book publications
Note: Thistledown does publish a first-books poetry series titled the New Leaf Series. For New Leaf Submission Guidelines click here.
Query Guidelines
- A self-addressed stamped or prepaid envelope to enable communication and requests for returns of material must accompany all submissions
- All submissions must contain a sample of writing and an outline of the proposed publication
- Because of the volume of queries Thistledown receives, response time can vary and you should allow for a minimum of sixteen weeks
Standard Query Materials
- 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 the complete collection.
- You should send a brief biographical note that tells of any relevant writing experience or significant recent publications. For journal publications include journal number and date. Do not include any information older than five years.
- You should ensure that all written material is submitted in traditional 81/2 X 11 double-spaced, black print
- Do not include copies of previous publications, review tear sheets, pictures, artwork, or other support material.
The Reviewing Process
Queries are responded to in the order in which they appear, so please be patient. If your submission is promising, we will request a hard copy of the entire work. We do not accept faxed or emailed manuscripts. Also note that in the letter of request, we will ask if your manuscript is presently being considered by another publisher. If it is, we will not consider it for publication.
Manuscript Acceptance
Once Thistledown has requested your manuscript, we will assign a reader who will report to our editorial board on the manuscript’s potential. Subsequently, the board will make a decision to pursue the work for publication, clarify further revision instructions for the writer or return the work to the writer. This process can take several months or longer depending upon board schedules and the volume of manuscripts being considered. Be patient.
Note also that unless Thistledown has expressed interest in pursuing a manuscript for publication, all manuscripts are returned without any critical comment.
Contact:
Submissions Editor
Thistledown Press
633 Main Street
Saskatoon, SK
S7H OJ8 |
