Manuscript Guidelines (Electronic Submission):

Formatting Instructions:

• Cover Sheet: Include a separate page with your full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
• Title Page: Center your book title and byline about halfway down the page. This page should not include a header or page number.
• Header: Add your last name and page number to the top-right of every page, starting with the first poem. Do not include headers on the title page or Table of Contents.
• Table of Contents: Include poem titles and page numbers. Ensure all page numbers are accurate before submission.
• Poem Layout:
  • Begin each poem on a new page.
  • Use single-spacing within stanzas and double-spacing between stanzas.
• Margins: Leave at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

Chapbook Length:

• 15-40 pages of poetry text (excluding the cover sheet, title page, and ToC).

Manuscript Length:

• At least 40 pages of poetry text (excluding the cover sheet, title page, and ToC).

Submission Process:

• File Formats: Submit as a single PDF or Word document. PDFs are preferred for formatting; Word files may be requested for editing.
• File Name: Name your file as LastName_FirstInitial_Title (e.g., Smith_J_Title.pdf).
• Upload Instructions: Attach your file. Ensure your manuscript is finalized and formatted as specified.

Publishing Terms:

• Accepted authors will receive a publishing contract with royalties and a set number of author copies (no cost). Details will be provided upon acceptance.

Book Proposal Submission Guidelines

I. Overview / Hook and Pitch

In 500 words or less, describe your book, including the title and subtitle. What is the core idea, and what makes it unique? Who is the target audience, and why is this book valuable to them? Think of this as the copy that might appear on the back cover or in a publisher’s catalog.

II. Target Audiences

• Core Audience: Who is your primary audience, and why are they likely to purchase your book?
• Market Size and Reach: Estimate the size of this market and discuss how they can best be reached.
• Additional Audiences: Are there other groups who might be interested? (e.g., "young adult readers" or "WWII fiction enthusiasts")

III. About the Author

• Credentials and Experience: Highlight what makes you uniquely qualified to write and promote this book.
• Published Works: Include information about any previously published books.
• Media Presence: Share details about media appearances, social media following, website, or blog links.
• Connections: Mention any connections with other authors or important literary figures.

IV. Comparable Titles

• List Comparable Titles: Identify major titles similar to your book.
• Summarize Each Title: Provide a brief summary of each comparable book.
• Differentiate Your Book: Explain how your book is similar (to show an existing audience) but also unique enough to attract readers.

V. Marketing and Promotion

Publicity Plan

• Outline your strategy to actively promote the book.
• Identify key media outlets, magazines, or platforms your target audience engages with.
• Suggest where you and the publisher should focus efforts to get reviews.

Blurbs

• List any notable individuals who might contribute a blurb.
• If you have prior commitments, include those details.

Media and Speaking Appearances

• Identify topics from your book that align with current media interests.
• List potential media outlets and organizations where you could speak.
• Consider groups beyond bookstores that might be interested in hosting you.

Serialization Opportunities

• Highlight sections of your book suitable for excerpts in magazines or journals.
• List 5–10 relevant publications where these excerpts could appear.

Additional Promotions

• Detail other promotional opportunities you will pursue:     
  • Retaining a speakers bureau for speaking engagements.
  • Hiring an independent publicist.
  • Leveraging organizational connections or mailing lists.
  • Conducting workshops or tours.

   

• Mention if the book has series potential, opportunities for updates, or other long-term plans.

VI. One-Page Synopsis

Provide a concise synopsis outlining the arc of your book, including major plot points and the resolution. This helps editors quickly grasp the story before reading the full manuscript.

VII. Sample Chapters

Submit the first one or two chapters (excluding the introduction) that showcase the book’s style, substance, and structure.

• Format: Preferred formats are PDF or Word documents.
• File Size: Ensure files meet any size limitations specified in the submission form.

VIII. Detailed Table of Contents (If Complete)

Include a comprehensive summary of each chapter. This section can range from 3 to 20 pages and should provide a detailed roadmap of the book’s content.

Submission Notes

• File Formats: Acceptable formats include PDF and Word documents.
• Progress Saving: If the form allows, save your progress to complete the submission in multiple sessions.
• Optional Information: Only include information that is applicable and ready to share (e.g., confirmed blurbs or media appearances).

Want to Know More About Creating a Fiction Book Proposal?

Check out the links below for additional guidance:

Adapted From:

• How to Write a Fiction Book Proposal – Editor Says
• Book Proposal Guide – TWLiterary

Additional Resources:

• Fiction Book Proposal – Literary Agents
• How to Write a Book Proposal – Rachelle Gardner
• How to Write a Book Proposal – Jane Friedman

Publishing Terms:

• Accepted authors will receive a publishing contract with royalties and a set number of author copies (no cost). Details will be provided upon acceptance.

Submission Details

• Reading Period: January 1 to December 31. Submissions are accepted year-round, but review time may vary based on volume.
• Response Time: Typically 6–9 months. Please be patient as we thoroughly review each submission.
• Simultaneous Submissions: Encouraged across all genres. Notify us promptly if accepted elsewhere by emailing contact@assurepress.com.
• Previously Published Work: Manuscripts may include works previously self-published or shared on blogs, message boards, or social media. For clarity, this includes platforms like Wattpad or Substack. Proper acknowledgment of prior publication will appear if accepted.
• Titles Published Per Year: 6–10 titles selected from submissions.
• Reading Fee: $10 per submission to cover editorial and administrative costs, including staff time and technology resources.

Publishing Model

We follow a traditional publishing model, encouraging submissions from underrepresented and marginalized voices. Authors may submit manuscripts and proposals directly to us without needing an agent. For more information on traditional publishing, visit Writer’s Digest.

Distributors

Assure Press works with industry-leading distributors to ensure wide availability:

• Lightning Source
• IngramSpark (print and electronic)
• Amazon