Please adhere strictly to our submission guidelines. Please also check this page frequently, as our submission guidelines (especially dates) are subject to change. Finally, this page is the singular and current source for all guidelines, as other sites may not update expediently.
All creative works we accept, contribute to, and publish must meet the following criteria.
Works must:
Be affirming to all people, all races, all cultures, all identities, and all relationships based on love and mutual respect. This does not mean the work includes all these elements, but it must not condemn any of them, directly or indirectly.
Works must not:
Condemn, degrade, or demote any religion, belief, spiritual figure, nor any human identity, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender identity, or relationship type.
Works may:
Condemn or provide commentary on power used to cause harm, create undue control, manipulate, or otherwise abuse and oppress.
These guidelines are not all-inclusive but are meant to further define our criteria. Finally, if you are still unsure, we invite you to submit your work for consideration and include your questions in the body of your submission email.
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We are currently accepting submissions for the following categories:
FAITH-BASED
Faith-based fiction
This includes (but is not limited to) fiction that highlights religious messages, spiritual connection, or wrestles with theological questions. This can be related to any faith construct.
Faith-based fiction is accepted in the following window:
Apr 1 – Oct 1
Faith-based non-fiction
This includes devotionals, notated and guided journals/planners, self-help, and study materials.
Faith-based non-fiction is accepted year-round.
Faith-based memoirs
We do not accept any memoirs or autobiographical works without an explicit invitation. You may be invited by a member of our staff through an in-person event or online forum. In that case, please submit and follow the guidelines below.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Fiction
We define LGBTQ+ Fiction as the following:
A main character identifies as LGBTQ+ and this is shared through the character’s own proclamation, the character’s relationships or description of past relationships, and/or the character’s experience as detailed in the written work.
In the case of LGBTQ+ Fiction, we accept only “Own Voices” work. We will discuss this with every author or content creator in order to ensure privacy is respected for our staff and authors.
LGBTQ+ Fiction is accepted in the following windows:
Feb 1 – Apr 1
June 1 – Aug 1
Oct 1 – Dec 1
We are currently seeking the following subgenres of LGBTQ+ fiction:
Speculative fiction
Sci-fi and Fantasy
Romance
Contemporary
Holiday-themed
Mystery, including thriller and suspense
All other genres are accepted by invitation only.
SPECULATIVE FICTION
Sci-fi and fantasy fiction of all types will be accepted on a limited basis.
Speculative fiction is accepted in the following window:
Mar 1 – Aug 1
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Submission guidelines:
We do not require a specific font/formatting for submission letters and samples.
Do not paste the sample of work into the email.
Attach the sample as a Word Document or PDF only.
Subject of the email must include:
Primary Genre (i.e. Faith-Based non-fiction), Secondary Genre (i.e. devotional), Word Count, TITLE OF WORK
Body of the email should be formatted as follows:
- Primary Genre
- Secondary Genre(s)
- Author’s Legal or Preferred Name
- Pen Name (if used)
- Title of Work
- Word Count
- “Attention: Acquisitions Editors”
There is no specific format for the narrative section of the email, but if the following conditions apply they must be disclosed in the email body: 1. If this is an agented work, include the contact information for the agent 2. If the author has submitted previously, either this work or any other work, to Labrys & Chronos 3. If the work has been previously published, either through self-publishing or another press, if so include the name of the press, current terms for republication, and historical sales numbers (if known).
- For fiction, please submit 1 complete chapter of the work. We typically prefer the first chapter, but this is at the author’s discretion.
- For non-fiction, please submit 10-20 sample pages of the work.
If you have any questions about this process, it is always best to ask first before submitting. We welcome questions to our inbox. Please include “QUESTION” in the subject so we will attend to it promptly.
Response to initial submissions:
Typical response time to initial submissions is 2-6 weeks. You are welcome to send a nudge at the 6 week mark. Please do so by “replying” to your initial submission so the entire email thread is refreshed in our inbox.
Response to manuscript requests:
Review of a half or full manuscript is a thoughtful, considerate process.
Our decision on a manuscript is typically made in the first 6-8 weeks. You are welcome to send a nudge at the 8 week mark. Please do so by “replying” in the thread where your manuscript was sent.
At any time in this process, you are welcome to notify us that you have received an offer from another publisher or that you wish to withdraw your submission, for any purpose.
Finally, thank you for reviewing these submission guidelines. We look forward to receiving your submission at the following:
submissions (at) labrysandchronos (dot) com