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Manuscript Submission Guidelines

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Standard Manuscript Guidelines

  • 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper
  • 1-inch margins
  • 12-pt font
  • Do not use any font that is hard to read or is stylized (preferably Times New Roman, Courier New, or Calibri).
  • Double-spaced
  • Left-aligned
  • Chapter Outline
  • On first page, include author’s name, contact information (including physical address, phone number(s), and email address), date submitted, page and word count.
  • On each consecutive page include the following in the header: author’s last name, title of manuscript (shortened if needed), and page number. Do not restart pagination with each new section or chapter.
Example:
Jones/My Great Novel/20
  • Indent each new paragraph with one tab (5 spaces). Do not use two returns to indicate new paragraph.
  • Do not staple your manuscript. You may spiral bind or put it in a three ring binder but that is not necessary and won’t push your manuscript to the top of the pile.
  • If you want to be sure that your manuscript arrived safely, include a SASP (self-addressed stamped postcard). When your manuscript arrives, we will drop the post card in the mail. *Please do not call or email to see if we have received your manuscript.
  • If you would like your manuscript returned to you include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with an envelope or box large enough to hold the manuscript and with enough postage for the manuscript to be returned to you. We are not responsible for manuscripts that do not reach you due to insufficient postage or packaging that is not large enough to hold the manuscript.
  • Responses from us are sent through the mail (via a SASE) or through your email address. If you would like to receive a response via email, be sure to include your email address on the submissions form and on the first page of your manuscript.

Additional Fiction Guidelines

  • Include the following:
  • All manuscripts should be around 85,000 words (300 pages or less). If it’s longer, consider cutting it down to fit these guidelines; if we decide to publish your manuscript, we will have to cut it anyway.

Children’s Book Guidelines

* Please note that we only accept two or three children’s books each year. It is an extremely difficult market.

  • Include the following:
    • Manuscript Submission Form
    • Cover letter (one page)
    • Resume
    • Manuscript. When submitting a manuscript, make sure to follow the Standard Manuscript Guidelines when formatting your manuscript. We realize that not all of the guidelines will apply to children’s book manuscripts so use your best judgment.
  • Illustrations are not necessary when submitting a children’s book, though if you have them, you may include all or some of them. If you do not have any, please indicate what text would be on each page.
  • If you have illustrations, place them near the text that goes with the pictures so we can see how they relate to each other.

Nonfiction Guidelines

  • Include the following:
    • Manuscript Submission Form
    • Cover letter (one page)
    • Resume
    • Synopsis (one page) of your manuscript
    • Table of contents
    • Manuscript. You are welcome to only include the first three chapters, however, if we’re interested we will need to see the manuscript entirely so it will save time if you send us the complete book.
    • When submitting a manuscript, make sure to follow the Standard Manuscript Guidelines when formatting your manuscript.
  • All manuscripts should be around 85,000 words (less than 300 pages).

Cookbook Guidelines

  • Include the following:
    • Manuscript Submission Form
    • Cover letter
    • Resume
    • List of recipe names and outline of book organization
    • Photos that will be used in the book (if applicable)
    • Manuscript. When submitting a manuscript, make sure to follow the Standard Manuscript Guidelines when formatting your manuscript. We realize that not all of the guidelines will apply to cookbook manuscripts so use your best judgment.

Self-Published or Previously Published Guidelines

  • Include the following:
    • Manuscript Submission Form
    • Cover letter
    • Resume (include how many copies of your book that you have sold)
    • Synopsis (one page)
    • A short statement of who owns the rights to your book. For us to publish your book, you must own the rights or be able to get them back.
    • Manuscript. This can be a published copy or in manuscript form. If submitting a manuscript, make sure to follow the Standard Manuscript Guidelines when formatting your manuscript.
  • All manuscripts should be around 85,000 words (less than 300 pages). If it’s longer, consider cutting it down to fit these guidelines; if we decide to publish your manuscript, we would need it cut anyway.

Queries Submission Guidelines

We do accept queries but we will almost always ask to see the entire manuscript before we will accept a work for publication. However, if you are unsure if CFI is a good match for your book, a query is a good way to find out if we have any interest before you send the entire book to us.

If you’d like to submit a query, please send the following items: