Publishing Guidelines
Manuscript Specifications
When preparing to submit your manuscript to a hybrid publisher, adhering to our professional manuscript submission guidelines ensures our editorial team can focus entirely on your story. We accept completed manuscripts ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 words in .docx, .doc, or .pdf formats. To guarantee readability during the review process, please format your document to industry standards: use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, double-space the text, and set one-inch margins on all sides. Be sure to include page numbers in the header or footer, and provide a clear title page featuring your manuscript’s title, your legal or pen name, accurate contact information, and the final word count.
Supporting Documents
To fully understand your creative vision and your place in the literary market, we require a few key supporting documents alongside your manuscript. Start with a compelling query letter introducing yourself, your project, and why you chose Southern Momentum Publishing House. You will also need to provide a single-spaced, two-to-three-paragraph synopsis summarizing your core plot, themes, and characters, as well as a brief author biography highlighting your publication history and your unique connection to Southern womanhood. Because we are committed to producing high-quality literature, we require a statement from your editor confirming professional manuscript editing has been completed. If you have an established author platform, feel free to include an optional book marketing plan to outline your promotional strategy.
Submission Fees
As an independent publishing house dedicated to fair compensation, we charge a nominal $25 reading fee for single-entry manuscripts. This fee goes directly toward compensating our dedicated editorial interns who meticulously manage the initial book publishing review process, ensuring every submission receives the careful attention it deserves. Payment is processed securely through Square, and you will find step-by-step payment instructions directly within our intake form.
Eligibility and Limitations
We proudly champion diverse voices and actively welcome submissions from women and femme-presenting writers whose work explores the US South or is written from a distinct US Southern perspective. Whether you are seeking a home for your debut novel or are an established author looking to publish a book about the US South, we are eager to read your story. We happily accept simultaneous submissions, provided you notify us immediately if your manuscript is acquired elsewhere. If you have multiple completed projects, you are welcome to submit more than one manuscript, though we ask that you complete a separate submission form for each unique title.
Submission Checklist
Before submitting, please ensure your submission includes:
Query Letter
Manuscript in .docx, or doc format
Word count between 50,000 and 100,000 words (or as specified)
Proper formatting (12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins)
Title page with manuscript title, author’s name, contact information, and word count
Synopsis 2 - 3 paragraphs)
Author Bio (1 paragraph)
Proof of professional editing
Submission Process
How to Submit
Streamlining the hybrid publishing submission process, we utilize a secure, user-friendly Google Form to collect all necessary author information and documents. Simply provide your full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address to get started. You will be prompted to upload the first 50 pages of your correctly formatted manuscript, along with your synopsis, chapter-by-chapter summary, and author bio. Finally, you will confirm your agreement to our submission terms, verifying your proof of professional editing. Once submitted, you will automatically receive a confirmation email summarizing your details for your personal records.
Review Process
What to Expect After Submission
Wondering what to expect after you submit your manuscript for publication? Our editorial board aims to thoroughly review all submissions within six to eight weeks. We evaluate each project based on its narrative quality, potential market impact, and alignment with our mission to amplify Southern voices. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, detailed feedback is reserved for selected manuscripts. If your work is chosen for further consideration, you may receive an in-depth critique of up to 50 pages, providing valuable developmental editorial feedback to help refine your craft and elevate your story.
Resources for Authors
Editing and Proofreading Resources
We require all manuscripts to be professionally edited before submission. If you need assistance finding an editor, please inform us, we have a network of Preferred Partners. These professionals have been vetted for their expertise and alignment with our mission.
Ready to Submit?
Our two step submission process, is your first step to making your publishing dreams a reality.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues during the submission process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at support@somopubhouse.org