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Submissions Guidelines

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Common Deer Press publishes uncommon and exceptionally well-written literature for children and teens. We publish approximately eight books per year, most of which are novels for children or teens. We have a roster of talented authors and are committed to supporting both new and established writers. We seek children’s literature that engages, entertains, and inspires. 

We are currently submissions of YA novels.

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General Guidelines

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  1. Before submitting your manuscript:

    • ​Browse our catalog and website to evaluate whether your work would be a good fit. We are not currently publishing books for adults.

    • Check we are open for submissions for your category (manuscripts submitted while we are closed will not be read).

    • Ensure your manuscript is complete.

  2. Read and follow the instructions below for your category

  3. Make sure the entirety of your submission is written in an easy-to-read font (if you're copying from a document and pasting into an email, make sure the font isn't super small).

  4. Avoid sending us attachments unless invited to do so.

  5. Be patient. We do our best to respond to submissions quickly, but we are a small team and we want to give everyone fair consideration.

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Common Deer Press is committed to publishing diverse perspectives and experiences. We welcome and encourage submissions from Indigenous writers, writers of colour, writers with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ writers, and writers from other intersectional and marginalized groups. If you identify as one or more of the above and would like to let us know, you are welcome to mention it in your query letter.

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Middle Grade (CLOSED) and Young Adult (OPEN)

 

We seek children’s literature that engages, entertains, and inspires. We want stories that speak to middle grade readers through memorable characters, a sense of adventure or hijinks, and a touch of humour. For young adult fiction, we're looking for stories with strong narrative voice and engaging plots. 

 

We aim to recognize and represent the varied ways to come of age and, therefore, do not shy away from challenging topics.

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Middle grade and young adult submissions should be sent to submissions@commondeerpress.com. The body of your email should include the following (no attachments please):

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  1. Your name and where you live

  2. The title of your manuscript

  3. A synopsis of your manuscript (no more than two pages, please)

  4. The first ten pages of your manuscript

  5. Your previous publishing experience

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Picture Books (CLOSED)

 

Our picture books partner engaging text with exceptional artwork to create read-aloud-friendly stories that stand up to multiple readings.

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To submit a picture book, send a query letter to submissions@commondeerpress.com. Your query letter should include the following within the body of your email (no attachments please):

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  1. Your name and where you live

  2. The title of your manuscript

  3. A synopsis of your manuscript

  4. Your completed text manuscript

  5. Your previous publishing experience

  6. A sample of your artwork or link to your online portfolio*

*if you are an author/illustrator planning to illustrate your own book.

 

If you are an illustrator and would like to be considered for upcoming picture books or illustrated novels, please introduce yourself by emailing us. Include the following in the body of your email (no attachments please):

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  1. Information about your and your artistic background

  2. Your publishing experience

  3. A sample of your work or link to your online portfolio

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