Choosing a Reputable Publisher

I've been doing a lot of research regarding small to medium sized publishers. I'm mostly looking for those who accept YA, so if you are an author of adult novels, this list may not benefit you as much. But as always, do your research before submitting to ANY publisher. Each publisher has specific submission requirements and you don't want them to disregard your novel because you didn't take the time to read their guidelines.

Like I said before, I'm a sucker for a great book cover, so one of my requirements when looking for a publisher is to check out their book covers. The cover of your book is the first impression you leave on your reader. How many times have you been in a bookstore and picked up a book simply because of the cover? To me, the cover is a refection of the book itself. So for those of you looking for a publisher who accepts unagented manuscripts, here is a list of my favorites with a sample cover so you can see their work.

1) Month9: This is a very reputable publishing company that specializes in speculative fiction for teens and tweens.

2) Entangled Teen: All submissions must have a strong romantic element.

3) Evernight Teen: "Evernight is seeking fresh teen fiction that is raw, gritty, and real. We want teen romance, coming of age stories, and cutting edge fiction that today's young adults can relate to. The stories should have real issues, a strong emotional punch, and a plot to keep the reader turning the pages."

4) Clean Teen: They are looking for "well-written YA (young adult) or NA (new adult) novels that are between 50,000 and 110,000 words."

5) Bloomsbury Spark: "Bloomsbury Spark is a one-of-a-kind, global, digital imprint from Bloomsbury dedicated to publishing a wide array of exciting fiction eBooks to YA, new adult, and romance readers. We're looking for fun, genre-driven stories with fresh voices and great hooks. We accept upper YA, NA, and Adult Romance submissions."

6) WiDo Publishing:  "We are currently accepting manuscripts for submission and are especially in the market for science fiction and fantasy, memoirs, and mystery/suspense. In nonfiction, we will consider essay collections and imaginative and outstanding memoirs with a strong platform."

7) Cedar Fort Publishing:  "We want to publish uplifting and edifying books that help people recognize what is important in their lives, books people enjoy reading to relax and feel better about themselves, and books to help improve lives."

8) Harper Impulse: A division of Harper Collins. This is a digital first imprint accepting adult and new adult manuscripts in the romance genre.

9) Shadow Mountain:  "In general, Shadow Mountain is interested in fiction and nonfiction suitable for a national market. We publish a limited number of manuscripts in specialized genres such as children’s picture books, family and parenting, and self-help."

10) Bookfish Books: Publishers of middle grade, young adult, and new adult.

11) Scarlet Voyage: "Scarlet Voyage is a young adult fiction imprint dedicated to providing original stories with a strong voice and an independent spirit. From literary to contemporary romance to crime thriller—across all genres—our books embody our passion for authentic and compelling stories that reflect and explore the lives of young adults. Our mission is to create books that take readers on a voyage and will leave them burning for more."

Obviously, this is not an all inclusive list. Publishers Archive has a complete list of publishers so be sure to check out their website HERE. Hope this helps you find the right publisher for you!

Charity Bradford and The Magic Wakes

Charity Bradford. My muse, my pearl of great price, the third leg of the tripod that is UnicornBell.

Between Marcy, Charity, and myself I guess you could call us the Three Authors. Lives changed by association. Paths joined by friendship.

Published by WiDo Publishing, here is Charity.

Tell us about yourself.

The “Official” version—I’ve been a voracious reader ever since my 5th grade teacher introduced me to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. I’m the mother of four kids that keep me on my toes, constantly reminding me that imagination still makes the world go round.

Unofficially, I’m probably certifiably crazy. J I have entire civilizations living in my head and I tend to project hop with the best ADHD kids on the block.

Tell us about your book.

My first published novel is The Magic Wakes, a touch of science fiction, more fantasy, and a healthy dose of adventure and romance. It’s got a little bit of everything and not too much of any one thing. It’s just a fun ride and escape from reality.

If you could only have one superpower what would it be?

To travel at the speed of light. I have so many things that I need and want to do that there just isn’t enough time in the day to do them. If I could move faster I could get so much more done.

Who is your favorite character from one of your books and why?

Talia from The Magic Wakes and not just because she’s the only one that got published. All of her fears, insecurities and weakness are me all the way. I have to tell myself that she’s destined for greatness so I must be too.

What are you working on now?

Too many projects! My head is just so crowded that I keep chipping away at several stories at once. I do wish I could focus on one at a time and finish them. My top projects are: YA Fantasy—Fade Into Me, a science fiction short story anthology, novella to continue my Sendek Saga—Demon Rising, a romantic suspense—Last Christmas and a non-fiction book on dealing with depression and how writing saved my life. The last is not really a memoir. Instead it’s a religious “how to” aimed at other women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What’s your favorite movie?

I have no idea! Can I list a few? Anne of Green Gables, BBC Pride and Prejudice, Star Trek (the new ones) and Independence Day. I can watch them over and over.

What’s your favorite quote? Do or do not, there is no try~ Yoda

What genre do you write and why? I’m all over the place. J Why? Because I can. I figure I need to try lots of things to figure out what I’m best at.

Name five things that are on your desk right now?

My purse, an empty pen holder, my ipod shuffle, the base to my computer with the built in fan (no computer

at the moment) and all the mail.

Chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake, apple pie, or pecan pie? Oo, I thought it was chocolate cake all the way until you hit pecan pie. I choose…a chocolate pecan pie!

How can readers find you?

Blog            

Website          

Goodreads      

Facebook       

Twitter                      

Blurb:

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always dreamt of an alien invasion and her own death. She’s kept it a secret, hoping it is nothing more than childish nightmares. But when the face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears they are real. If she can prove that life exists beyond her planet, Sendek, perhaps people will then prepare to fight.

Her work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected and they can communicate telepathically. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. Talia is the key–if she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.

View the trailer HERE.
Read the Prologue and part of Chapter 1 HERE.