Submission Guidelines - Fiction

Thank you for your interest in publishing with THIRD WORLD PRESS. Third World Press is an African-centered publishing house dedicated to the creation and dissemination of written work of the highest quality. A progressive publisher of Black and African-centered material for more than forty years, we look for creative expression and cultural enlightenment that otherwise may not have an outlet.

Third World Press welcomes submissions of quality and commercial fiction focusing on African-American themes by published and first-time authors. In submitting a fiction manuscript for consideration, your proposal should include:

  • A one page query letter
    • Single spaced
    • Include
      • Contact information
      • Genre (mainstream, paranormal, historical, thriller, young adult, children’s…)
      • Working title and length of manuscript (100,000 actual word count maximum)
      • Status (complete or incomplete)
      • 1-2 paragraph blurb about plot of book
      • 1-2 paragraphs about the author and marketing the book
    • Please remember that we are a publisher of Black and African-centered materials, thus your characters should reflect that.
  • A synopsis (8 pages max)
    • Double spaced
    • Written in present tense
    • Detail the manuscript’s main plot from beginning to end
  • A copy of the first 2 chapters (30 pages max)
    • Double spaced
    • Courier New or Times New Roman 12pts
    • SAMPLE CHAPTERS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
      • Requested full manuscripts are returned if proper postage is included.
  • A self addressed stamped envelope (size 10) for our response.
  • A self addressed stamped acknowledgement postcard (optional).
    • This card will be returned to you once your proposal has been received
  • A copy of these guidelines

Send proposal to:
Assistant to the Publisher
Third World Press
P.O. Box 19730
Chicago, IL 60619


WE ONLY ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE ELIMINATION OF YOUR MANUSCIPT.

PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
  • MANUSCRIPTS SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
  • ONCE YOUR MANUSCRIPT HAS BEEN MAILED, ALLOW ANYWHERE FROM FOUR TO SIX MONTHS FOR A WRITTEN RESPONSE. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS REGARDING THE STATUS OR REVIEW OF A MANUSCRIPT.
  • DO NOT SEND FULL MANUSCRIPTS UNLESS REQUESTED!


Good luck and good writing!