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  • Home
  • About
  • Titles
  • What We Do
    • Publishing
    • Indie Author Assistance
    • Author Portal
  • Contact
  • Policies
  • Blog
  • Shop
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Submission Guidelines

Last updated: ​31 October 2024
BDA Books, an independent micro-publisher, is dedicated to producing and independently publishing high-quality books by independent authors. Our commitment lies in bringing unique and diverse stories to the literary world, setting us apart in the publishing industry.
We are looking for passionate, innovative, well-crafted narratives with a strong voice in their fiction.
Our Submission Guidelines set out what we accept. We accept manuscripts in general fiction, literary fiction, thrillers, suspense, action and adventure, criminal fiction, current events and true crime.
Additionally, we will consider engrossing personal sagas, complex historical fiction, romance, science fiction, contemporary fiction, and short story collections.
We don’t accept manuscripts for speculative fiction, horror, poetry anthologies, young adult books, children’s picture books, or nonfiction (i.e., educational or reference material).
Please send us your work so we can evaluate it. Once we receive it, an editor will evaluate it for publishing under our Imprint based on content, substance, subject matter, and appropriateness.

What we’re looking for

When evaluating a manuscript submission for publication, several key factors come into play:

  • Originality and Creativity: The manuscript should provide a fresh perspective or unique storytelling approach. We seek originality in plot, characters, and themes.
  • Character Development: Well-crafted, relatable characters are essential. We assess whether the characters are multi-dimensional and experience meaningful growth throughout the narrative.
  • Plot Structure: A compelling and well-organized plot is crucial. We evaluate pacing, conflict resolution, and whether the story sustains reader interest.
  • Writing Style and Voice: The author’s writing style and narrative voice should be engaging and suitable for the genre. We look for a distinctive voice that resonates with readers.
  • Theme and Depth: The manuscript should explore themes that resonate with audiences while provoking thought. We consider narrative depth as well as its emotional impact.
  • Marketability: We evaluate the manuscript’s potential appeal to target audiences alongside its alignment with current market trends by considering genre conventions and reader expectations.
  • Editing and Presentation: A polished manuscript free of grammatical errors and typos is vital. Proper formatting and adherence to submission guidelines are also important.
  • Target Audience: Understanding the intended readership is essential; we gauge if the manuscript aligns with their interests and preferences.
  • Comparative Titles: We often examine similar titles within the market to ascertain where the manuscript fits while assessing how it stands out from or complements existing works.
  • Author’s Background: An author’s experience, previous publications, and platform may influence our decision; a strong author presence or marketing potential can significantly increase appeal.
  • Emotional Engagement: Stories that evoke emotions through connection are integral to selection criteria; we prioritize narratives that strike an emotional chord with readers.  

By carefully weighing these factors, we aim to select manuscripts that convey compelling stories and have significant potential for success in a competitive marketplace.

How to Submit Your Work

Please email your submission to the designated email address mentioned on our Publishing page on our Website. Include your cover letter, manuscript, and any additional information requested.

Author and Manuscript Details Required

If you want to submit your work for publishing, send us an email with your manuscript and the following information in the email:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Title
  • Word count
  • Genre
  • A 500-word synopsis that focuses on the central characters, major themes, and plot.
  • What book would you see as a comparison title to yours?
  • List any previous publishing history and/or any awards or residencies (e.g., at Varuna) you've received.

Copyright

By submitting your manuscript, you confirm that you are the sole owner of the work and hold all necessary rights. Plagiarism or copyright infringement will result in immediate rejection.

Submission Format

All submissions should be in electronic format. We prefer Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF files. Please ensure that your manuscript is properly formatted, with clear headings, paragraphs, and page numbers.

Manuscript Length

There are no strict limitations on manuscript length, but please keep in mind that excessively long works may be less likely to be considered for publication. Generally, novels should be between 50,000 and 100,000 words. Similarly, short story collections should be between 50,000 and 100,000 words.

Editing and Proofreading

Before submitting your manuscript, ensure that you have thoroughly edited and proofread it. We appreciate well-polished work and are more likely to consider manuscripts that demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Simultaneous and Multiple Submissions

We accept simultaneous submissions, but please inform us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. We value transparency and appreciate timely communication.

Withdrawing your Work Before Acceptance

Please email your withdrawal request to the designated email address where you wish to withdraw your work from consideration. Clearly state your intention to withdraw your submission and provide any necessary details, such as your work's title and the submission date.
Once you have sent your withdrawal request, we will acknowledge your request and confirm the withdrawal of your submission. Keep a record of this confirmation for your reference.

Evaluation, Response Time and Acceptance

We strive to review submissions and evaluate all manuscripts that meet our eligibility requirements for the content, subject matter, and suitability for publication as quickly as possible.
Please allow 8 to 12 weeks to review your complete project and respond. Because of our available resources, we can only take on a certain number of projects at one time as a small business. If you haven't heard from us within this timeframe, feel free to send a polite follow-up email.

Rights and Royalties

If your manuscript is accepted for publication, we will discuss the terms of the publishing agreement, including rights and royalties, at that time.
If your manuscript is accepted for publication, we will offer to publish your work under a traditional contract (where the author does not incur any costs, and we cover the cost of producing, publishing and marketing the work) based on the contract recommended by the Australian Society of Authors.

Thanks for Your Interest

We appreciate your interest in BDA Books and look forward to reviewing your submission. We are a small business, so please be patient during the review process. 
We wish you the best of luck with your writing career!

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Submissions Guidelines, You can contact us:

  • By email: webmaster@bdabooks.com.au
  • By email: acquisitionseditor@bdabooks.com.au
  • By visiting this page on our website: https://bdabooks.com.au/Contact.html
  • By mail: P. O. Box 988, Glebe NSW 2037
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