A few things to know about us... We're generally not very impressed with folks who find themselves to be the best. If that's your perspective, don't look in our direction. We do not have "Star players" at Bookmonkey Press, and we do not want them. We're too human to get along well with that.
What we're promising to our readers is to build a team who cares about pursuing their gifts and talents, stretching themselves beyond their known capacity. We want a team of folks who create beautiful things that accurately represent truth and goodness in a dark, foreboding world.
What we're promising to our team members is a chance to create. We want to push every project as far as it can, learning from our mistakes, and improving at every step. In order to do this, we can't have star players. We need the whole body of the team, submitting their ideas to one another to see what needs correction and beautification.
• If you're an author who believes that you've been created and called to subcreate, reach out!
• If you're an illustrator who longs to color this world with beauty, send a message.
• If you're a voice actor who wants to give a soul to an old-fashioned adventure story, we want to hear from you.
As general guidance, here are the sorts of things we're interested in:
1. Richly detailed children's picture books with hefty storylines. Think Kate DiCamillo in short story form (not books about the alphabet). Strong favor will be given to historical fiction. We want to inspire the youngest of readers with complex stories which capture their imagination while teaching them about the world around them.
2. Middle Grade Fiction. Must be at least 32,000 words in length. We're looking for unique storylines with a classic feel, full of adventure. We have a zero tolerance policy for hidden political and sexual agendas and will pass those manuscripts by. We're looking for stories which appeal to the best in their readers by using rich vocabulary and which avoid modern slang, as well as references to recent technology. We are looking to publish books which will stand the test of time.
3. We will happily consider YA, but we're not your typical publishing house. We are looking for YA books which inspire readers to greatness. We wish to avoid foul language, hidden political or sexual agendas, or dystopian themes. There is enough drama in this world that can depress our youth, and we prefer manuscripts which encourage and entertain them so that they develop a healthy love of reading on into adulthood.
We have a zero tolerance policy towards AI. A recent report suggested some publishers will accept up to 5% AI use on their manuscripts. That is not us. We are looking for authors who have poured their own blood, sweat and tears into their stories, and we'll honor their endeavors by hiring illustrators who are committed to the same when bringing those stories to life. Any contract we offer will ask you to abide by these guidelines.
If this sounds like something you'd like to consider, e-mail us at [email protected].
Your e-mail should include:
1. An introduction describing your background.
2. A brief synopsis of your work.
3. Include a portfolio or three chapters of your manuscript for our staff to review.
Each submission will receive the honor of a response from us as to its suitability, and we'll indicate our interest in pursuing a partnership with you at that time.
Know that we value hard work and humility. It takes a lot of effort to bring a book into the world, and a ready willingness to work as a team throughout the whole process.
If we haven't scared you away yet, please send in your submissions for consideration by September 1st, 2026! We'll look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].
Each submission will receive the honor of a response from us as to its suitability, and we'll indicate our interest in pursuing a partnership with you at that time.
Know that we value hard work and humility. It takes a lot of effort to bring a book into the world, and a ready willingness to work as a team throughout the whole process.
If we haven't scared you away yet, please send in your submissions for consideration by September 1st, 2026! We'll look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].