Novel Guidelines

Black Matrix Publishing LLC (BMP) plans to release books in both ebook and trade paperback formats. BMP will retain worldwide ebook and trade paperback rights for a period of three (3) years on all novels published. Authors receive royalty payments quarterly in the amount of 10% of price per unit sold. Authors pay no fees of any kind for publishing services. Cover design and production, ISBN numbers, editorial services and book set-up fees; all are covered by BMP.

Writers must submit a minimum of three sample chapters. Submission must be a portion of a completed manuscript, not a work in progress. Email to  submissions@blackmatrixpub.com as an attached document. Document must be in RTF or Word 97 and above format. Novels should be a minimum length of 60,000 words, however, we will accept manuscripts as short as 40,000 words for publication in our "BMP Doubles" series. Manuscripts can be mailed via USPS if you prefer. Send to the address at the end of this page.

Attach a cover letter as a separate document with name, postal address and phone number at top of document. Cover letter also should contain title of manuscript, author name, genre and approximate word count plus a brief outline of the book, with a summary of the major events not to exceed 2 pages. Finish with a brief history of other published works, currently in or out of print.

We do not accept simultaneous submissions or previously published novels.

Response to submissions will be in approximately 90 days.

We are currently accepting manuscripts in the science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and horror genres. A wide range of material is considered within each genre from old-fashioned space-opera to high-tech SF, sword and sorcery to contemporary dark fantasy, paranormal romance and gothic to modern horror. Above all, a story must be well told with good character development. Paranormal romances may be sensual and erotic, but tastefully done. Sample the books of Kelley Armstrong or Charlaine Harris and you will get an idea of what we will accept.

Mail all other queries to editor@blackmatrixpub.com.

ADDENDUM: We are now accepting manuscripts via postal mail as well as electronic submission. Printed manuscripts must be double-spaced and printed in 12 point type (preferably Times-Roman or similar font) and include an outline of the novel and cover letter as detailed above. A minimum of the first three (3) chapters of the novel is required for evaluation. If you wish the manuscript returned, a self-addressed stamped envelope must be included with sufficient return postage attached.

Sample chapters must be from a completed project, not a work in progress. If accepted for publication the entire manuscript must be available for electronic submission.

Mail manuscripts to:

Black Matrix Publishing LLC
Submissions
1252 Redwood Ave #52
Grants Pass OR 97527-5592