Breaking into the literary world can feel daunting, especially when submitting your work to an independent publishing house. These smaller presses often prioritize unique voices and bold ideas, making them ideal for writers seeking to showcase work outside the mainstream. But how do you ensure your submission gets noticed?
Every independent press has its own mission and focus. Some prioritize poetry, others short stories or essays, and some are looking for experimental or underrepresented voices. Understanding the publishing process is crucial before submitting your work. Spend time understanding the publisher’s vision by:
• Exploring their catalog to see what kinds of works they publish. • Reading submission guidelines thoroughly (more on this below). • Checking past journals or anthologies for tone and style.
Pro Tip: For Westbrae Literary Group, we seek fresh, raw voices that challenge literary norms. If this resonates with your work, we’re excited to hear from you.
Independent publishers often have specific guidelines for submissions. Following them demonstrates professionalism and respect for the publisher’s time. Common requirements include: • Word count limits. • Formatting preferences (e.g., font, spacing, file type). • A cover letter or bio.
Example: At Westbrae, we prefer submissions in 12-point Garamond, with 1.15 spacing for poetry, essays, and short stories under 3,000 words.
Ignoring these details may lead to automatic disqualification, no matter how brilliant your work is. Additionally, a well-crafted query letter is crucial as it serves as a persuasive sales letter aimed at enticing agents or editors to request a full manuscript.
Your manuscript should reflect the best version of your work. Before submitting:
Proofread thoroughly for grammar, spelling, and formatting issues.
Share your work with trusted friends, writers, or critique groups for feedback.
Seek feedback from beta readers to refine your draft and improve the manuscript.
Include a brief bio that highlights your writing experience (if applicable) and why you’re submitting to this publisher.
Manuscript Checklist: • Is your name and contact information included? • Have you followed the formatting rules? • Did you write a compelling cover letter?
A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and your work. Keep it concise, professional, and tailored to the publisher. A good cover letter should include: • A brief introduction about you and your writing background. • Why you’re submitting to this particular publisher. • A short summary of your submission (e.g., genre, themes, or inspirations).
A strong cover letter is also crucial when querying a literary agent.
Example: “Dear Editors at Westbrae Literary Group, I’m thrilled to submit my short story collection, Echoes of the Bayou, for your consideration. Your focus on fresh, regional voices resonates with me, as my work explores the untold lives of rural Southern communities. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with Westbrae to bring these stories to life.”
Most independent publishers accept submissions via email or online platforms like Submittable. Ensure you’ve attached all required documents (manuscript, cover letter, etc.) in the specified format. Having a professional editor review your manuscript before submission can provide a big-picture critique, highlighting what is effective and what needs improvement.
Double-check: • File types (e.g., PDF or Word document). • Subject line requirements for email submissions. Example Subject Line: “Submission: [Your Name] – [Title of Work]”
Publishing timelines vary widely among independent presses. While larger publishers may take months, smaller presses often review submissions more quickly. That said, avoid sending follow-ups before the stated response time in the guidelines. Patience and professionalism can lead to securing a publishing deal.
When you do hear back: • If accepted, review the contract carefully and celebrate! • If rejected, remember that it’s part of the process. Many great writers faced rejections before finding the right publisher. Use any feedback constructively.
Independent publishers like Westbrae Literary Group champion work that challenges the status quo. We focus on elevating writers who aren’t afraid to explore raw, unconventional stories that might not fit traditional publishing molds. For authors who prefer more control over their work, self publishing is an alternative that offers autonomy and flexibility.
Whether you’re submitting poetry, essays, or prose, Westbrae is committed to giving authors a platform to share their voices authentically. Check out our submission guidelines here and take the first step toward publishing your work.
Ready to Submit? Click here to learn more about our submission process and send us your best work today!
At Westbrae Literary Group, we spotlight voices that challenge the status quo of literature. From Southern storytellers to bold new writers, we bring you works that resonate deeply and stay with you long after the last page. Westbrae Literary Group is particularly interested in literary fiction that challenges the status quo.