Unless you are setting out to self-publish using your own finished artwork, we advise using Microsoft Word or similar for your manuscript to ensure portability of all text and punctuation.

If you are preparing finished ‘print ready’ files, we strongly recommend using professional software such as Quark Xpress, Indesign or similar, particularly where illustrations and other artwork is included. Programs such as Microsoft Word or similar or acceptable for finished ‘print ready’ manuscripts, but you must structure your documents carefully as there is a tendency for text to reflow without you noticing!

We strongly advise that, whether you are using software simply as a text editor or to produce finished artwork, you avoid lesser known software which could prove problematic. Taking this advice will avoid the heartache of having your precious work trapped in a problematic programme! Feel free to call for advice on this before you begin.
Unless you have the facility to prepare PDF files for print-ready artwork, please use mainstream fonts to avoid problems.

Manuscript preparation and submission (Royalty Publishing)

Whether you are submitting a complete or partial manuscript for review, the following information will allow us to come to a decision about offering a royalty publishing arrangement more quickly:

A synopsis of your book
A list of contents (where approprioate)
Who you believe the target audience will be
Your book’s unique selling point (why you believe it will sell, and how it will stand out from similar books)
Your rationale for writing the book
The current status of the book, e.g. complete first draft, first chapter only, fully edited manuscript, etc.
Does the book contain/require illustrations? If so, have you commissioned artwork to be done, or do we need to illustrate for you?
Your CV or other details about yourself which you feel will support your submission.