Submissions
OUR INTERESTS
We are interested in fiction and non-fiction of interest to diverse readers, but we want to make clear that there is no limitation on the background of the writers we publish. We welcome writers from all walks of life who have a realistic view of our world and explore diverse themes and topics, or feature multi-dimensional characters of color.
Beginning in 2012, we will launch imprints that focus on genres and areas of high interest to us, while the majority of our titles will continue to publish under the Plenary Publishing banner. Please review the information below about Plenary Publishing’s areas of interest and our imprints, and our general submission guidelines.
We generally welcome all submissions in the areas of fiction and non-fiction, but our high interest in the following means that we will pay careful attention to these works:
Non-Fiction
Business & Economics (small business, how-to guides, finance, motivational, analysis of the economic crisis and America’s future, the economic impact on minorities)
Current Affairs & History (special emphasis on politics, government and the economy)
Family & Relationships
Education
Law & True Crime (focus on key figures, cases of interest, analysis of the criminal justice system, criminal justice and minorities, death penalty cases)
Religion
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Contemporary & Literary Fiction
Suspense & Thrillers (Legal, Medical, Political) (High Interest)
Young Adult Fiction (Very High Interest)
OUR IMPRINTS
Wild Seed Press will focus on speculative fiction (science-fiction and fantasy) by writers of color. The name pays homage to Octavia Butler, one of the best known African-American science-fiction writers. The imprint is a response to the underrepresentation of writers of color in this genre and the growing Afrofuturism movement. Wild Seed will launch in 2013.
Plenary P.O.V. will focus on shorter digital works that range from essays and original reporting to short stories and narratives. P.O.V. titles will fall within a word count of 10,000-35,000 words, and they will be released as enhanced e-books, though some titles may be offered in hardcover and trade paperback. Target topics of interest are politics, business, crime, investigative reporting, race relations and education. P.O.V.’s target launch is 2012, with a focus on the 2012 presidential election.
OTHER WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
fruit magazine is a forthcoming digital magazine for modern African-American women of faith. Although it will not fall under the Plenary Publishing umbrella, we recognize that writers interested in publishing with us may also write content that may be appropriate for this magazine. fruit will cover issues ranging from news, entertainment and politics, to business, fashion and lifestyle issues. The magazine’s mission is to address the realities of living in today’s world while inspiring its readers to live fruitful and productive lives. fruit will launch in 2012.
If you are interested in writing for fruit magazine, please email us at freelancers[at]plenarypublishing.com.
We are also interested in freelance writers in the areas of travel for contributions to an upcoming travel guide series that we are planning for publication in 2013. We are looking for writers who live in the following areas: Philadelphia (including Delaware and Southern New Jersey), Washington, DC (and Virginia), New York City, Chicago, Baltimore, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Savannah. If you live in these areas and are interested in contributing to our travel series, please email a query and resume to freelancers[at]plenarypublishing.com.
PLENARY, WILD SEED AND P.O.V. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
If you are interested in submitting your work, please email the following as one PDF attachment:
1. One-page Synopsis.
2. Outline (non-fiction titles) or Summary of Key Plot Events (fiction titles).
3. Three Chapters of your work. We prefer the first three chapters, but if you are not providing the first three chapters, please make sure that your outline/story summary explains key plot events that will properly setup your writing sample.
4. Author Biography. Tell us about yourself, including the inspiration for your work, and your background and area of expertise (if submitting a non-fiction title). Please include complete contact information.
When submitting your material, please use 1″ margins on all sides, double-space your chapters and use 12 point Times New Roman or Garamond font. Please run spell check and do not attempt to typeset or design your manuscript (no pictures, illustrations, fancy fonts etc.) .
Please email your submission to: submissions[at]plenarypublishing.com
In the subject line of your email, please indicate where you are submitting your work. For example:
Subject: Pride & Prejudice On Planet Nine (Wild Seed Press)
Because of the high volume of submissions, we cannot provide a personal response or timeframe as to how long it will take to review your submission.
