Manuscript Submissions

Please note:
Little Island is not accepting new submissions at this time.
 
Before sending us your manuscript, please ask yourself: Is Little Island Press right for your work? Have a look through our website at the types of books we produce and see if we are a good fit for you. Please note that we do not accept poetry.
 
Are you happy with what you're sending in?
Many writers rush to send in their manuscripts and later realise that there were changes they feel they should have made. It's important that your manuscript represents your best writing. Make sure to proofread your work.
 
We strongly recommend you visit the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) website for information about writing and getting published in New Zealand and the New Zealand Association of Manuscript Assessors (NZAMA) website for objective advice and guidance on your manuscript.
 
 

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SUBMISSION

Cover letter: A one-page description about yourself, how you came to write your manuscript and include anyone else involved eg. illustrators, photographers, translators.  Include your contact details. List any previous published work.
 
Synopsis: Keep it short, and straight to the core of what your manuscript is about. Less than one page is ideal.
 
Nonfiction / Fiction: The first three chapters or word count up to 3000 words, double-spaced with page numbers. Do not send the entire manuscript.
 
Children’s: Please send the full manuscript, double-spaced which includes text and copies of the artwork. Do not send original artwork.
 
Market / Audience: A paragraph describing the target audience for your proposed book. Who will buy it? Where will it sit in a bookstore? Who is your competition? What will help it stand out against other books? Are there similar books out there? What do you see it looking like?
 
Have you sent your manuscript to other publishers’?
If so, who have you sent it to and what was their response? If you’ve taken on feedback from another publisher, is this a rewritten submission of the same story?

 

HOW DOES YOUR SUBMISSION LOOK?

Presentation:
  • Include a title page with your name, address, email and phone number.
  • Display the title of your work clearly.
  • Put page numbers on your work.

Ready to send?: If you are happy with your manuscript, please send a physical copy to us:

little island press
PO Box 6786
Wellesley Street
Auckland 1141 
New Zealand
 
Include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope if you would like your submission returned.
 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Response: An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent when a submission is received. Please allow up to three months for your submission to be assessed. You will hear from us whether your submission was successful or not.