A blog from the Tor UK team and authors
Julie Crisp
Name:
Julie Crisp
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Editorial Director Tor UK: discovered the joys of science fiction after reading Dune at ten and hasn't looked back since. Enjoys reading and publishing all styles of fantasy, horror and mind-bendingly good science fiction. Loves single malts, discussions about covers, and red pens. Is quietly determined to take over the universe one book at a time. Twitter: @julieacrisp
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29 Jan 2013
SUBMITTING A NOVEL TO TOR UK
We do like to chat to our readers and, during one such conversation on Twitter, we asked you what sort of things you’d like to know about publishing. With the aim to perhaps dispel some myths, maybe impart some unknown information – that kind of thing. One of the most popular questions aside from, ‘How do I get my novel published?,’ was ‘Do you have a direct submission policy?’.
Until recently Tor UK followed the submission policy of Macmillan in that we didn’t accept direct submissions. To be honest, with so many submissions from agents, plus manuscripts from existing authors and actually publishing books – there’s little to no time to actually go through what we used to fondly designate the ‘slush pile’.
However, we do know how frustrating it is for non-published authors to try to get their work into a traditional publishing house. With so many publishers and agents having closed their lists for submissions, many writers feel that the only option is to go down the self-publishing route. And while that works for some writers, trying to get the visibility for a novel amongst the sheer numbers of other writers all attempting the same thing is never going to be easy. Besides, hopefully, there is still a fondness for having the book edited, packaged and published by us traditional types… :-)
As editors, we’re very aware of just how much work goes into creating a novel, the nerves and anticipation involved with getting someone else to read it and then that long and tiring search looking for someone in the professional industry to actually take a look at it. So we, at Tor UK, have decided to throw the doors open and invite writers to send their novels in. The submission guidelines are below.
Now we can’t guarantee a fast response, or any kind of editorial feedback. This is because there are only three of us and, despite the popular idea that all editors do is drink coffee and read all day, the fact is the vast majority of submission reading is done in our spare time. But, your novel will be read – and if we love it, we will get in contact with you about it.
If you have any questions or queries then just drop us a line. Happy writing!
What sort of books is Tor UK looking for?
For direct submissions we only consider complete and unpublished science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, written in English of between 95,000 – 150,000 words.
We don’t publish non-fiction, poetry, short stories or novellas. If your work falls into any of these categories we regret we are unable to help.
How should I send you my novel?
Only emailed submissions can be considered (please see below for the email address). The email must include the novel’s title in the Subject line. The body of the email should contain a short synopsis and biographical note (including details of any previously published work), and the entire novel should be attached to the email as a single standard word-processing file, preferably Microsoft Word. Please do not send typescripts as individual chapter files, or as ‘compressed’, ‘zipped’ or password protected files.
Can I send more than one novel at a time?
If you wish to send multiple novels for consideration please send each one as a separate submission.
Do you accept hardcopy (printed) submissions, or submissions on disc or CD?
No, and unfortunately we are unable to return any typescripts sent to us in this way.
Will you consider incomplete novels or proposals for as yet unwritten novels?
No, we can only accept finished novels.
Do you accept submissions from authors whose work has previously been self-published, ‘vanity’ published or published electronically/online?
Yes as long as they follow the guidelines set out above, including the provision concerning word extent.
Does Tor UK accept submissions from outside the UK?
Yes. But again, they will need to comply with the above guidelines.
Will Tor UK consider translations?
No. I’m afraid we’re only, at this time, looking for full and complete works written in English.
How long will you take to decide if you want to publish my novel?
If we would like to publish your novel, we will let you know within twelve weeks of receipt. Unfortunately, due to the large number of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful submissions. If you have not had a response within twelve weeks please assume that we have, regretfully, decided not to publish your novel.
How should my manuscript be formatted?
We prefer 12-point, Times New Roman, double line-spaced.
Can I resubmit a novel which has been declined by you in the past but which has been revised?
No, regrettably a decision to decline must be final.
To whom should my submission be addressed?
There’s no need to address it to a specific individual: if it is eligible and sent to the email address below it will be read and assessed by one of our team of editors.
I am a literary agent. Can I send you my client’s novel?
Yes, please follow the submissions procedure described above.
Where should I send my novel?
Please email it to: TorUKSubmissions@macmillan.com
Comments on “SUBMITTING A NOVEL TO TOR UK”
Reply
Is there a closing date for submitting or will this be a continual open submission? I’ve read and re-read the post but can’t find any info there. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hi Paul, at the moment there’s no closing date. However, if we get thousands of submissions we may have to close it down temporarily so we can read and clear them. As I mentioned there are only three of us so we’ll just need to keep an eye on the work load. Otherwise, we’d never get any books published…!
This is wonderful. Your candor about the process is great.
I am hammering away at a novel I plan to submit.
I didn’t want to self publish unless there were no other options for me. The opportunity to be published by a great company is drying up by the day. I’m sure you will have tons of submissions. I wish you the best.
Love the advice. This will come in very handy when I (eventually) finish putting pen to paper :)
Jamie
This is excellent news! Now to finish editing my new novel… Thank you.
Are you also considering children’s fantasy (age range 9-14)?
I’m afraid that as Tor UK doesn’t publish Children’s novels, we’re unable to consider submissions in this area. We will look at YA crossover novels but these tend to be aimed at 16 plus. Sorry!
Lisa, let me see if I understood this right: if I self-pubbed a novel, can I submit that same one to you?
Thanks.
Yes, that’s true. It just needs follow the rest of the guidelines. It would just be good for you to include any relevant information as to where it was published and when in the submission email. That’s always useful. But we’re the publishers of Amanda Hocking and she was very successfully self-published before going down the traditional route! :-)
Hi, I love the submission procedure and the fact that the work must be a finished manuscript. That is the only way I can submit my work. I do have a question that was not asked and it is the most logical one, how much will your company charge or is there different levels of production to chose.
Hi Robin, we’re a traditional publishing company. This means that we choose what we publish and we don’t charge for it. However, it does mean we’re incredibly selective about what we take on. You can see what sort of authors and books we publish on the company website: http://www.panmacmillan.com/subject/fiction/science-fiction-fantasy
Does TOR accept any general fiction novels or only science fiction, fantasy and horror novels??
As Tor UK is a science fiction, fantasy and horror imprint – these are the only novels that we can consider for the list I’m afraid. Between the three of us we just don’t have enough time to read submissions outside of the area we’re publishing in. Thanks.
Lisa,
Thanks for the reply. Just need to hunker down and get these ideas written out now!
Are there plans to bring on more slush readers? :)
I’m afraid not at this juncture. It will just be the three of us. We’ll take it one submission at a time! :-)
It is good to see a publisher being transparent about the process. Consider this my way of saying thanks.
On moonless nights in haunted hollow
The tongues of beasts, men’s blood do swallow
Shape shifting shadows that soon will fade
Leaving lifeless husks in that mountain glade
Swift now close thy sleepy eyes
Hope that your dreams hold no surprise.
Great news! Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
We do, as per submission guidelines: Can I send more than one novel at a time? If you wish to send multiple novels for consideration please send each one as a separate submission.
However, as I’ve said – we are limited in readers and time so it would probably best if you choose the work that you felt was your best and led with that one so we can prioritize.
“Besides, hopefully, there is still a fondness for having the book edited, packaged and published by us traditional types… :-)”
I wanted to comment on this one thing, since this seems to be a common misconception amongst the traditional types. While there are loads of self-published writers out there who don’t bother with outside editing and artwork, or who simply aren’t ready to be published, the growing trend amongst indies the past two years has been ever more professional. Those of us who are serious about wanting to make writing a career actively seek freelance editors and cover artists to help get our work ready. The personal level of control over my book’s presentation and marketing is one of the main things that appeals to me about self-publishing. Not all of us just throw our first drafts up onto Amazon.
I applaud Tor UK for changing their model to accommodate self-published authors seeking traditional deals. It never hurts to have options, and it appears you’re savvy enough to realize the publishing world is changing and trying to roll with it, instead of burying your head in the sand like so many other companies. This new openness for submissions will probably increase your workload exponentially, so I know this isn’t an easy task to take on.
I admit, I’m not sure a traditional deal is right for me at this point, but I can see the potential advantages as well. Just as you’ve shown an open mind toward self-publishers, I will keep an open mind when deciding if I want to submit anything in the future.
Should we submit a novel if it exceeds the word count, but can be split across two or three books, each of which would fall within the required word count- like Lord of the Rings.
Hi Glen, that’s fine. But would be useful if the books were split beforehand or there was a notation from you where you thought they could be split. Thanks.
Good for you. I am sure that your forward thinking will be good for your bottom line. It is a changing world (of publishing) and I think there are very few publishers who truly understand this simple fact.
I am sure you will find there are still quite a few people who are interested and, as you say, have a fondness for going the traditional route.
Personally, I enjoy the publishing aspect of self-publishing, but it isn’t for everyone. When the dust settles, it is the publishers like yourselves who will remain standing…because you had vision. Well done!
These days to see this from a publisher is encouraging. I will certainly be putting together a proposal. I am excited!
Thank you
Thanks for the response, Julie! Actually, I was more concerned whether or not you accept submissions that are also being reviewed by other publishers.
You do not accept fiction with themes of adventure,romance and suspense.Will you?
I’m afraid the only submissions we can accept are those we’d consider publishing under the Tor UK imprint. As we are a SFF and horror publisher, unless it’s a speculative fiction novel we’re unable to consider it.
This is great! And I’m glad that you’re more accomodating than a few others I’ve come across.
Also, do you accept YA fantasy or sci-fi?
Glad you’re pleased – there’s been a lot of enthusiasm for us having done this! We do accept YA fantasy and SF as long as it conforms to the guidelines and is at the upper end of the YA readership.
A foolish question:
Should the novel be written in British English or is American English okay?
Hi Juhani,
Not a foolish question at all. British or American English is fine.
Thanks
Julie
What is Tor’s policy on e-book versions of novels published by your company? Is there a significant delay between paper distribution, and it becoming available for sale online?
Hi Mark,
Tor UK publishes the physical edition and digital editions simultaneously. So where there is one, there should also be the other. Our ebooks are also DRM-free, an added bonus!
Hope that helps.
Julie
I’m polishing a novel aimed at teenagers which I hope will be enjoyed by adults too. From your previous comments I’m wondering if this is something you’d consider.
Hi Rob,
If it’s at the upper end of the teen spectrum and fits the other criteria outlined in the Tor submissions guidelines, then yes.
I realise that you don’t cater for poetry, do you know who does and could you tell me. I’m doing what is classified as an ‘Epic’ poem at present, the content deals with stone circles, so it ought to be published in the UK. I’m working on it being about 200 verses (35,000 words). Definitely a work of fantasy, at least, I hope it is.
A quick question: In the submission guidelines it says “a short synopsis”. Would this be the query letter equivalent of a few lines and a hook or the synopsis length of 1-2 pages with the ending?
I wanted to ask rather than assume.
Thank you
Hi Robyn,
It’s more about the synopsis but we don’t need a retelling of the whole plot so the shorter it is the better. A paragraph or so just letting us know what it’s about would be great. Hope that helps!
Thanks
Julie
Hello Julie — firstly, I applaud this move, and hope that it yields ‘fresh blood’ for TorUK and not too many hours/days/weeks wading through ‘slush’.
(Coffee, LOTS of coffee …)
Are there any guidelines on preferences for the synopsis itself? eg. word length, separate Word doc to the manuscript, author biog etc?
Thanks.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
The synopsis just needs to short and succinct – as does the author biog. And no need to attach as a word document. Just have it in the body of the email.
Cheers
Julie
I’m a little late to the party, but I have a couple questions if you don’t mind:
You say the work needs to be unpublished, so if it is self-published, does it need to be taken down first?
I read in the comments that you take YA fantasy- is a book about 15-year-olds too young for you?
Thank you! :)
Hi Diana,
No need to take the work down first if it’s self-published. We’ll still consider it if it’s out there. A 15 year-old-protagonist is okay as long as the book is written for an older readership. We have some novels with main characters who are sixteen and seventeen but are novels for adults. So it very much depends on the content. We don’t publish novels for that younger readership at Tor UK so YA needs to be really the higher end of the readership for us to be able to consider it for the list.
Cheers
Julie
Thanks for this great opportunity, Julie, my submission will be on its way to you shortly. :-)
Hi Julie, I have an ebook that is just under 75,000 words will you consider this for submission?
Many thanks!
The reason we’ve set the word count at 95K is that we need to set some parameters otherwise we’d be swamped. As it is, we have around 300 submissions already which do conform to all the guidelines. That makes about 100 submissions each for us to read so, at this stage, we do have to stick to the word count guidelines as otherwise we’ll be completely inundated and be unable to read anything! Sorry – it may change in the future but we’ll have to see how it all goes.
Hello – do you accept paranormal romance? I see you publish Amanda Hocking, are you still looking for authors in this genre? One more question – would you allow authors to keep digital rights to their ebooks if they’re already independently published via Amazon or Kobo etc? It would be good to be able to keep digital rights; keeping Amazon royalty rates, being able to set ebook prices very low etc. Thanks for your time – Morgan
Hi Morgan,
We do accept paranormal romance if they follow our guidelines. However, when buying a novel, we do also buy ebook rights so we can have a joined up publishing strategy across formats. As you mention, we do publish Amanda Hocking – and we also publish her ebooks as well as the physical editions.
Thanks
Julie
Still waiting for a reply!
Dear John,
I’m afraid we don’t have time to check all the comments on a daily basis. Especially after having opened the submissions list as we have quite a lot of reading to do! :-) In response to your query from the 14th Feb, as I’ve mentioned previously, we’re not looking at YA fiction written for an audience of 16 or under. However, if you feel that your novel is for adults but just has teen protagonists, then we’ll be happy to take a look. Hope that helps.
Thanks
Julie
Dear Julie: Many thanks for taking the time to reply and your helpful hints: the second e-mail was sent as the result of a misunderstanding: sorry!
The children of the first book mature rapidly to become teens and then adults in the next, so the first book could be seen as a prequel. Certainly many adults have responded well to it. I hope to be back in touch shortly.
With best wishes for your reading,
John
First off, I think it’s really good you’re doing this. My novel’s not yet finished, and, as it’s both poetic and illustrated, I don’t think I’ll be anywhere near done in the time allocated, if there is a time limit. On the other hand, it’s already a lot longer than 95k so I could cut a few chapters and write the ending.
Do you accept illustrated work? I am a professional artist so I not only find it terrifically difficult to not draw pictures, I actually think the writing benefits from having them there; indeed, I regard it as a new form of literature. This is generally seen as ‘experimental fiction’ which you’re not asking for, though my novel in other ways fits your criteria. The pictures would essentially sell the book anyway, but only if you have an Art Department.
What’s your deadline for this, and, if it’s not possible for me to meet it, will you be repeating this fantastic offer? Thanks anyway for even thinking of it.
Hi Jessica,
We don’t have a problem with illustrated work – it’s just graphic novels we can’t really consider at this time. And we don’t have a time limit on the submissions window, at this stage it’s just staying open. However, you mentioned your work was poetic? I’m afraid that we don’t accept poetry – so it would depend on whether this was an epic poem or, as you said, something more experimental.
Hope that helps!
Thanks
Julie
Dear Julie,
Yes that does help. No, no, I don’t write poetry; it is not an epic poem; it is poetic prose. I mention THAT because the writing takes quite a time to do, and in this sense is similar to my drawings, and why the novel itself ends up being categorised as experimental. Some of the chapters exist as free-standing segments, relatively un-plot-driven, like pictures.
I do not like graphic novels, aside from Tin Tin.
How wonderful that there is no deadline.
Thank you for responding,
Jessica
You say you will not look at submissions that have been previously rejected. Does this include submissions rejected by the US Tor imprint?
Yes, we will look at submissions that Tor US have rejected. The UK and US are two very different marketplaces so what works for one readership may not work for the other. The submission just has to be within the set guideline parameters.
hi it is nice to see a publisher who takes an active role in talking to new or hope to be new writers. My question/comment is what if you dont have a novel but short stories, would your company consider publishing a collection of new writers?
Hi Frank,
Not at the moment I’m afraid, no. It’s a difficult market to break new authors into even when they have a complete novel. So a short story anthology from a collection of new authors, while a nice idea, wouldn’t really be commercially viable at this time.
Thanks
Julie
Dear Julie,
Thank you for your reply – that’s good to know and I will bear it in mind for the future. Very best wishes, Morgan
Well done for opening up the submissions to un-agented work. I suspect your evenings, lunch times and morning commute will be taken up for many years to come.
For myself it looks like I’ll have to follow the self-publishing route: I committed the cardinal error of writing a trilogy with the first volume itself weighing in at 250k words.
Is it that, putting George Martin aside, there is no perceived market for long novels? Or is the sheer volume too much trouble for such a small chance of gain? Not a gripe – I’m happy going my own way – but I am curious.
Good luck anyhow. Hope you find a new star.
Hi Wilf,
We do publish novels of over 150,000 words. I’m currently reading one of my own authors who has written over 250,000 words (although he is always happy to be edited down when required!) but for the purposes of the submission guidelines we did have to try to narrow the field a little. Hence the word count guidelines.
Best,
Julie
Do you accept submissions of books that have already been published on Amazon and done well?
Hi Kit,
We do accept submissions of self-published novels – Amazon or otherwise, as long as they conform to our guidelines.
Hope that helps.
Best,
Julie
Miss. Crisp, I’ve submitted my novel, A Stage For Traitors. I hope you’ll find it worth your while ^_^
And I thank TOR UK for this great opportunity. I wish you all the best.
Whats the word count for the first three chapters submission? Is 5000 enough?
Thank you
Hello, we only accept full manuscripts (as stated in the FAQs in this post). All the best, Tor.
Hi!
I was wondering, you said that you only accept YA if it is aimed for older audiences right? So do novels like the Mortal Instruments or the Trylle trilogy count as them? Or even the Hunger Games?
I just wanted to know so that I have an example of sorts.