Submissions
Guidelines for Manuscript Submissions
Before submitting your manuscript please review the titles in our catalogue or website to ensure that your manuscript aligns with our publishing program. Ronsdale Press receives over 200 manuscripts a year and generally publishes eight to ten new titles each year.
Ronsdale is a literary publisher, which means that it scouts for thoughtful work that extends the way we perceive the world. Ronsdale does not publish mass-market or genre fiction (i.e. entirely plot-driven mystery, romance, science fiction or fantasy).
Ronsdale Press only accepts manuscripts from Canadian citizens or landed immigrants to Canada.
We will consider manuscripts in the following subject areas:
Nonfiction: We are particularly focused on contemporary social and political issues, history and biographies.
Fiction and Poetry: It is essential that you have already published some of your work. We have never published a novel, a collection of stories or poems when the author has not already been published in another format such as literary magazines.
Young Adult Novels: Historical novels and novels exploring contemporary issues are of particular interest.
Picture Books: Ronsdale no longer publishes children’s picture books.
How to Submit:
Ronsdale Press no longer accepts hard copy submissions. All submissions must be sent by email to submissions@ronsdalepress.com
Please include the following in your email submission:
● A cover letter (please note if this is a simultaneous submission).
● Brief bio and list of previous publications.
● A 250-word synopsis of your manuscript. For non-fiction please include a detailed table of contents.
● Links to a few previous reviews and your social media accounts, if you have them.
● A sample of your manuscript (e.g. one chapter or 5-7 poems).
● Why you think your book fits Ronsdale’s publishing program.
● Indicate the target audience and ideas on marketing your manuscript.
● A list of 2-3 similar books and how your book would be different.
We do not give editorial advice on manuscripts unless we feel the work has potential for our list.
No phone calls, please.
