We know what it's like out there. The long lines at the post office. The small fortune spent submitting packets to agents and publishers. The dread and anticipation (but mostly dread) when a submission returns. And the barely-contained anger when it returns so fast you know they didn't even bother to read it.
Tyrannosaurus Press isn't interested in wasting your time or money. All we want to do is produce quality books. To that end we've attempted to streamline the submission process in a way that benefits both us and our potential authors.
If you have a manuscript ready for publication, please follow the steps outlined below.
Step One: Send a Query Letter
Queries should be straightforward and to the point. We do not want detailed synopses or large chunks of manuscripts pasted into the query. In fact, any query more than three single-spaced pages will be discarded.
In addition to a teaser about the work, each query should contain the title, word count, and target audience, as well as the author's full contact information and writing experience. Be creative, but be concise!
E-mail queries to Info@TyrannosaurusPress.com in plain text and with no attachments. If you prefer to mail your query letter, send it to:
We cannot stress the following enough:
1) We do not want attachments with queries. This includes text samples, artwork, and signature cards. Any queries that arrive with attachments will be deleted before we have a chance to view them.
2) E-mail queries must contain full contact information for the author (address, phone number, e-mail.)
We try to respond to queries as quickly as possible, but we offer no guarantees on turnaround. In general, expect a decision within three months, but actual turn around depends on our backlog.
Step Two: Submit Sample Chapters
If we are intrigued, we will request a sample of your work. Generally, we request a synopsis and the first five chapters. Your synopsis should be complete and concise. Do not leave any hooks. This is not the time to 'tantalize' us with unanswered plot points.
Though we request five chapters of a manuscript, authors know their works better than we do, so we’re willing to be a little lenient. If chapter five isn't the best place to cut off your submission, send a little more or a little less. But be warned: abuse of this privilege will count against you! If we wanted your whole manuscript, we would have asked for it.
Submissions should be double-spaced and in a 12pt font. You may print on both sides of the page, provided that the paper does not bleed through. If there is any doubt, print one side only. Submissions should be mailed to our main address (see above). If you want your submission returned, or if you want a response via post, please include a SASE with appropriate postage. If you prefer a response by e-mail, don't forget to include an e-mail address.
Mailing submission packets is time consuming and expensive, especially when so many return without good news, which is why we allow sample chapters and synopses to be e-mailed to us. If you choose to submit electronically, we request that the files be sent in Adobe (.pdf) or MS Word (.doc) formats.
We review samples as quickly as possible, but offer no guarantees on turnaround. In general, it takes us between three and six months to make a decision on a sample. We urge you not to call or write during the review period – the less time we spend returning calls, the quicker we can make a decision – but if you find it necessary to check on the status of your submission, you may e-mail us at Info@TyrannosaurusPress.com.
Tyrannosaurus Press DOES allow simultaneous submissions, provided that you contact us immediately if you place your work elsewhere. Simultaneous submission is a privilege; if it is abused, we will discontinue the practice.
Step Three: Submit Your Manuscript
If we like your sample, we will request your entire manuscript. At this stage, we try to provide a few constructive comments when we reject a work, but our editors don't always have the time for critique. If a rejection arrives with no explanation, please don't take it personally. Many factors go into our final decision, and only a fraction actually relate to the author and the work.
At this time, we do NOT accept full manuscripts electronically. We apologize for the inconvenience. Though our editors don't mind skimming a few chapters at the computer, they prefer to read entire books in the traditional way. If you reach this stage in the submission process, you will have to mail your complete manuscript to us. We may, at some point, also request a digital copy of your work to send to a select number of test readers.
Some guidelines to help you get published:
Single volume works have a better chance at publication than epics
Most publishers are hesitant to commit to a multi-volume work by an unknown author, or even to one volume of a series that will probably not hit its stride until the second or third book.
Shorter works have a better chance at publication than longer works
Gone are the days when a Lord of the Rings style novel can be pitched as a single volume fantasy. Printing books in expensive, and the larger the book, the higher price per copy. Until you've made a name for yourself try to keep your works to a maximum of 150,000 words. Or be prepared for more than your fair share of rejection.
Fan fiction will not be published, and even solid parodies will have a hard time finding a home.
Though rules exist protecting the rights of satirists and parodies, most publishers tread lightly when walking near familiar names and places. Established franchises have the legal budgets to bury us small presses if we step on their toes, so most of us tend to prefer new territory over making fun of others (even when they deserve it).
A few additional suggestions:
Edit... Edit... Edit
Carefully review your manuscript before submitting it. Better yet, have somebody else do it. Editing your own work is difficult; you're familiar with the story, so you may inadvertently ignore continuity errors. We don't mind finding a few typgraphical or grammatical errors – all books have them! – but a well-written and well-crafted work has a far better chance of publication than one riddled with mistakes.
Include Contact Information (and notify us of changes)
While to many it may seem common knowledge to include contact information in e-mails, more than a few submissions have arrived with nothing other than a reply button. Submitting an e-mail does not mean you can be less professional.
Be Wary Of Referrals
Sometimes, publishers and agents respond to submissions with a letter stating that a manuscript needs editing. Many times, these letters include a referral to an editing service. While some of these referrals are legitimate, in general it's better to seek your own editor. Your manuscript could probably benefit from professional editing, but you're better off finding an editor on your own terms.
If a publisher agrees to work with you toward publishing your work, they should be willing to edit it with you for no charge. The minute a publisher (or agent) starts demanding money from you is the minute you should sever ties with them.
