How do I submit?

Click "submit" at the top or bottom of this page and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll receive a confirmation email with further info after registering.

After registration, email your materials in PDF or Word format to our coordinator.

Can I request a specific editor?

Yes, authors may request a specific editor amongst those listed. Note that availability may be limited, depending on their individual schedules.

Do I need a complete manuscript?

Manuscripts do not have to be completed. What we review:

Fiction Evaluations (including Memoir) - the first ~5,000 words plus the full synopsis (1-3 pages, single-spaced)
Nonfiction Evaluations (excluding Memoir) - the full proposal

First Impressions - the first ~2,000 words of your manuscript
Full Synopsis Evaluations - the full synopsis (1-3 single-spaced pages)
Query Letter Evaluations - the full query letter (1 single-spaced page)

Can an Evaluation lead to agent/publisher circulation?

If one of our editors recommends your work to Book Pipeline executives, we'll consider circulation to publishers and agents within our industry network and strategize with the author. We also work long-term with writers and assist them in finding the outlets best-suited for their story.

Note that Book Pipeline does NOT take a percentage of any publication fee or advance, nor do we personally represent authors. We simply help make introductions to industry.

Please note that "First Impressions," “Full Synopsis,” and “Query Letter” submissions are NOT considered for industry circulation. 

How should I format my submission?

Standard formatting preferred:

• 12-point, double-spaced text
• Standard font (Times New Roman)
• Word docs saved as .docx or .doc (PDFs are NOT accepted for First Impressions, Query Letter, or Full Synopses services)
• Word docs or PDFs are accepted for the Fiction or Nonfiction evaluation as email attachments only. Hardcopies sent via mail are not reviewed.

If my submission is a few hundred words over the 5,000 word limit, is that okay?

That’s completely fine. If you want to send in selected text—say, the first two chapters—and a natural break occurs a touch over that, that’s acceptable. 

What should I include in my synopsis?

It should be a general summary of the story, hitting on the major plot points, beginning to end. If you have part one of a broader series, you can send an overview summary of the entire series.

What should I include in my proposal?

While nonfiction proposals can vary widely in both length and content, generally included are (but not necessarily in this order): a general overview; the book’s potential position in the marketplace; the author’s platform/background; relevant comparative, already-published titles; a plan for marketing the book; a chapter-by-chapter outline; and sample chapters.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and it's highly advised to seek out samples so you can properly structure your proposal.

What should I include in my query letter?

While query letters can vary in content, generally included in this 1-page document are (but not necessarily in this order): the book’s title; word count of full manuscript; genre; age category; a brief story “hook;” an author bio/introduction; and its potential position in the marketplace. 

We'd highly advise to seek out samples so you can properly structure your query letter prior to submitting.

Can international writers submit?

Yes. Writers outside the US are welcome to submit their work. However, we only accept works in English.

What happens when I re-submit my material a second time for the same service?

You are welcome to request the same editor or a new one. If you make no request, your materials will be assigned to either. Note: requests for specific editors are welcome but not guaranteed.

What is not eligible?

Screenplays, TV pilots, or any material that is not a work of fiction or nonfiction. Scripts may be submitted to the Script Pipeline Workshop or any Script Pipeline competition.

Contact our coordinator with any other questions.