Submissions

Thank you for your interest in 22nd Century Press. We are not your average publisher - we partner with the author in every step of the publishing process.

We are actively considering non-fiction and speculative fiction manuscripts for upcoming seasons. We accept unagented queries. However, we do ask that you first send a query letter/email following the guidelines at the end of this message. Do not send complete manuscripts.

What We Want To See:

Non-fiction titles that will start provocative conversations and convey a unique perspective sharing the not often seen point of view. We look for creativity, unusual expression and new takes on old cultural ideas that otherwise may not have a traditional publishing outlet. 22nd Century Press welcomes submissions of quality and commercial fiction in most genres, including fiction, nonfiction, drama, young adult, focusing on diverse themes by published and first-time authors.

Fiction
We are especially interested in young adult titles, speculative and literary fiction.
We are presently not considering picture books, poetry, or children's books.

NEW!
A new imprint is being created and manuscripts are needed. The inaugural series is Geek Grrl Romance and will tell the stories of techies, nerd girls, wonder women and a different kind of romantic heroine. The genre specific tales can be from YA to Erotica in focus. If you have a manuscript that fits the bill, please submit for consideration and it will be given priority.

Non-fiction

We are looking for helpful, informational topics and titles from a multicultural perspective. Politics, technology, current events, environmental, contemporary culture and lifestyle issues are subjects of high interest.


Submit your query letter/email with a synopsis of your book - fiction or non-fiction, author bio and the first three chapters single side and double-spaced. Do not send the entire manuscript until it is requested by an editor. Include in your letter your proposed target audience and marketing ideas.

WE ARE ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2015/2016 PUBLISHING YEAR.

Your submission should include:
  • A one page, single spaced query letter
    Contact information
    Genre (mainstream, speculative, mystery, paranormal, biography, self-help, historical, thriller, young adult, etc)
    Working title and length of manuscript (100,000 actual word count maximum)
    Status (complete or incomplete)
    1-2 paragraph blurb about plot of book
    1-2 paragraphs about the author and marketing the book
    your qualifications as a writer and highlighting the importance of the work you are submitting
    A preliminary outline of the intended target market for your work, how your work differs from that already existing in that market, and how you plan to market your book.
  • A one page synopsis outlining the subject of the manuscript (8 pages max)
  • Double spaced and written in present tense
  • Detail the manuscript’s main plot from beginning to end
  • A copy of the first 3 chapters
  • Double spaced and typed in a 12 point font.
  • Proofread for typographical errors and grammatical errors
  • Document attachments should be saved as a .pdf or .doc file.
submit

WE PREFER ACCEPTING QUERIES ONLINE THROUGH OUR SUBMISSION PORTAL.   

Online submissions will always be given first priority. 


IF YOU MUST SEND YOUR SUBMISSION BY SNAIL MAIL, PLEASE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING:

•Include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes (SASE) if you would like your manuscript returned. The manuscript will be recycled without the proper postage and envelope.
•A large envelope that will fit your manuscript.
•Sufficient and proper postage for the weight of your manuscript.
•Do not send money or checks - only postal canceling or stamps
•Use First Class or Priority mail. Do not use Media Mail, UPS, or FedEx.We do not return manuscripts outside the US.
•A self-addressed stamped envelope (size 10) for our response.
•A self-addressed stamped acknowledgement postcard (optional). This card will be returned to you once your proposal has been received.
•Send only copies of original work, artwork, photographs, layout boards, or other manuscript-related materials. Keep all originals.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE ELIMINATION OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT.

SAMPLE CHAPTERS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
If we are interested in your project, you can expect to hear from us within two to six months. Because of the volume of submissions, if your query does not fall within our guidelines, we will be unable to respond to you.

STAFF WILL NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS REGARDING THE STATUS OR REVIEW OF A MANUSCRIPT.


submit





If you must

Mail Submissions To:
Acquisitions Editor
22nd Century Press
12138 Central Avenue
Suite 223
Mitchellville, MD 20721