TWB Press is currently accepting novella and novel submissions in science fiction, supernatural, horror, romance, mainstream, and thriller genres. I do not publish YA, MG, or children's books. I do not normally publish non-fiction. Word count should be between 29,000 words to 120,000 words. (**see note on word counts below) Your story may contain elements of romance and mystery, and it may be set in a fantasy world. Sex scenes are okay, but NOT pornography or graphic/abusive erotica. If your story contains any hateful or derogatory attacks on any one race of people, any one religion, or any sexual orientation, you can bet I'll reject it. Bottom line, I want to have fun with your story. I want to be entertained. I'm not looking for the next Pulitzer Prize winner. I'm looking for seroius writers who want to offer the world great entertainment and get their author careers off the ground. I'm not looking for writers who want to be published simply for the bragging rights. If you're not interested in living the life of a published author, promoting yourself and your book, attending author events, and selling your book to readers, this gig may not be for you.
Something to consider. I look for story structure. Introduce your characters in their normal world. Bring in the inciting incident that changes, or threatens to change, that world and puts your characters into conflict. I look for action that drives your characters toward their goals, rising high stakes, turning points, maybe an unexpected twist, all leading to a black moment (if possible), the climax, and a resolution with a satisfying and emotional ending. Along the journey, you need to be clear about what your character wants, (GOAL) why your character wants it, (MOTIVATION) why your character can't have it, (OBSTACLE) what your character must do to get it, (PLOT) and what's at stake if your character fails. (HIGH STAKES) Remember, in order for a story to be memorable, it must have an emotional impact on the reader. If your book is about a lot of neat stuff that happens and then it's the end, there's a good chance I'll reject it or request revisions.
GETTING STARTED: Send a query letter in the body of an email to submissions@twbpress.com. Type "Query" in the subject line. DO NOT ATTACH ANYTHING TO THIS EMAIL. I need to know seven things: #1 How you heard about TWB Press. #2 The title of your story. #3 The genre and word count. #4 The log line for your story (one sentence like you'd find in a TV guide). #5 A one paragraph blurb to hook me (like the teaser on the back book cover). #6 Your publishing credits or writing achievements. #7 your contact information: email address, hometown state or country, your website URL, Facebook, your blog, and any other social media links. Your query should be no longer than one page. Do not include a synopsis.
If I'm interested in what you have to offer, I'll ask you to submit your manuscript in a Word .doc or .docx file attached to this email address. If your manuscript is not formatted perfectly, I'll fix it, but if it's a hodgepodge of tabs and spaces and no header or page numbers, I won't read it. A professionally formatted manuscript tells me you're a serious writer. Here are tips for submitting a professional manuscript.
Best to all,
Terry Wright Editor
*worldwide refers to anywhere Amazon can ship paperbacks or wherever there is internet access to download e-books.
**I have learned over the years that short-story e-books don't sell very well. However, if you have author copies of a paperback novel or novella to sell readers when you're face to face with them at your launch parties, signing events, etc., sales are immediate. I'm now looking for stories with a large enough word count to accommodate paperback as well as e-book publishing. Though 29,000 words (minimum) will make a thin paperback, it's a tangible book to offer your readers.
