Formatting Your Submission
- Submissions will be accepted in .docx, .doc, .rtf, and .txt formats
- Standard 12 pt Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, .5 indent for the first line of each paragraph
- 1.5 line spaces between lines
- No tabs or spacing to indents
- Page numbers in the upper right corner, author name in the upper left corner with the title of the work following (example: Jane Smith / The Apple of His Eye)
- All submissions must be spellchecked and edited for American English grammar and spelling
- Regional words and slang are acceptable when appropriate
- Dreamspinner Publications edits works using The Chicago Manual of Style as its primary reference. Editing work to these standards prior to publication will greatly facilitate the publication process.
Sending Your Submission
Send the following to submissions@dreamspinnerpress.com.
SEND IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL
- Author’s legal name, pseudonym if applicable, and contact email address
- Working title, series name if applicable
- Genre and manuscript length
- General story description in two paragraphs
- Writing credentials
ATTACH TO THE EMAIL
- A short but complete story summary and/or synopsis
- The complete manuscript, for all lengths of works
The Submissions Process
How do I submit a story for review?
Authors are encouraged to visit the Publish With Us page to see currently posted Open Calls. Queries from agents and returning authors are accepted by email.
How do I know what you want?
Dreamspinner Publications is seeking novels (60,000 words+). Study the catalog for examples, check the Open Calls for Submissions on the Publish With Us page to investigate our house lines explanations and any special projects underway.
What are your contract and advance terms?
- All contracts request English and foreign language rights and sublicensing rights for the Digital edition, Printed edition, Audiobook edition, and Illustrated Adaption edition (Graphic Novel)
- Publications are initially released in both digital and printed edition
- An advance of up to $1,000 may be offered at the discretion of the publisher.
- Novels earn 30% royalties for paperback sales
- For digital sales, novels earn 40% royalties for the first 1,000 copies, 50% for 1,001 to 2,000 copies, and 60% after sales of the first 2,000 copies
- Copyright remains with the author
I submitted my story. Now what?
The submission has been logged and dated. You may receive a request for a summary/synopsis if one was not submitted. This summary is very important: it will help us select submissions reviewers based upon the content and genre of the story.
How long will this take?
Our reviews process lasts from six to twelve weeks. It’s rarely predictable. Factors include availability of reviewers and evaluators, especially for particular genres; story length; genres we are specifically seeking for publication schedule balance; priority for veteran authors with planned submissions, then return authors, then new authors; review results returned; and time required to compile decision responses.
It’s been twelve weeks. What do I do?
You are welcome to contact us to ask for an update when the twelve-week mark passes. Please do not query before then.
Who will read my story?
Your submission will be sent to independent reviewers. It will be read from beginning to end and rated on an extensive, specific review form that asks questions about the story’s craft and content, its technical condition, possible red flags, and personal enjoyment. The submission review forms are then routed to an evaluator. Many evaluators are our in-house Senior Editors who specialize in particular genre work, such as historicals or science fiction. Other evaluators are highly experienced reviewers who have proven analytical skills. This evaluator studies the reviews and makes an action recommendation.
Who makes the ultimate decision?
The action recommendation and all associated materials are reviewed by the Publisher and/or Editor in Chief for a final decision.
What kind of answer will I get?
You may receive a contract offer, a request for revisions, or a decline. Authors new to our company may receive a simple decline with our thanks. Return and veteran authors will receive a decline with feedback.
My story was declined. Do I have any recourse?
Decisions of the Publisher and/or Editor in Chief about a submission are final.
Can I revise it and resubmit it?
You are welcome to revise and resubmit once, especially if we sent specific feedback.
Who will read it the second time?
At least one original reader, a brand new reader, and the original evaluator, who will analyze the specific revisions.
How long will the decision take the second time?
We attempt to make resubmission decisions within four weeks of the updated story being submitted.
What happens after I sign a contract?
You will receive an acknowledgment along with information about the editorial production process.
Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Email specific questions our submissions team.
