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Submission Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in the guidelines for submission to Arthur A.
Levine Books. Because of the overwhelming number of manuscripts we receive
each week, we do not accept unsolicited novel-length manuscripts outright. However, we do
look at the following materials:
Picture Books: Query
letter + the full text
Novels: Query letter + the first two chapters + synopsis
Other: Query letter + five page samples (five poems, five nonfiction
pages, etc.)
Illustration: Three sample illustrations (illustrations will not be
returned. Please do NOT send original artwork.)
Before you write a query letter to us, we encourage you to look at a few of
our books and determine whether we are indeed the right kind of publisher for
your book. Arthur A. Levine Books publishes hardcover literary fiction and
nonfiction for children and teenagers (and discerning adults). We look for
strong writing, beautiful artwork, authentic emotion, and ideas or
perspectives we haven't seen before, and we greatly enjoy working with debut
authors and illustrators.
If you've examined our list and believe your work and our publishing style
are a match, then we hope you'll write us a query letter. If you have never
written a query letter before, you might wonder just what one is. A query
letter is a one-page description of your manuscript that illuminates its
strengths and captures our interest. What is your manuscript about? Why would
a reader turn to your book? What makes it original or memorable? Try to
answer these questions in a way that reveals the character of your writing
and gives us the overall feel of the manuscript. (Often good queries sound
like jacket copy, the text on the inside front flap or back cover of a book,
or the descriptions found in publisher's catalogs.) Don't think of a query as
a form to fill out-your letter should be as individual as the book it
describes and the author it introduces. Consider it an opportunity to make an
impression, to introduce your work to readers who might enjoy it.
This might seem like a "duh" suggestion, but you should proofread
your letter thoroughly and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for our
reply. Queries should be addressed to:
Inquiry
Arthur A. Levine Books
An Imprint of Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
And here are a few more guidelines:
We ask that each author send only one query at a time. Once you have received a response from us, you may send another query if you wish. We ask this only so that we may give as many authors as possible the chance to have their work reviewed. If one person sends in five queries at once, it delays the process for others. Choose the one you feel is your best work, and most likely to fit with our list.
All manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, with standard formatting. (i.e. no wacky fonts, or giant margins, etc.) Please limit your synopsis to one page.
At this time, we are only able to evaluate manuscripts written in English. If your book has been published in a foreign language and you would like it to be considered at Arthur A. Levine Books, please speak with your foreign publisher; they will know how to reach us.
There is no need to send a postcard to confirm receipt of your submission; since we open envelopes as we read them, it's likely the card wouldn't be mailed until you receive a response anyway.
You are welcome to send your manuscript by whatever means you like, regular mail, Fedex, Priority mail, etc. However we will still read and respond to manuscripts in the order received. Sending it overnight does not mean you'll get an overnight response.
We are only able to respond if a self-addressed stamped envelope is included with your query. If no envelope is included and we decide not to pursue your manuscript, all materials will be recycled. If you forget to include an SASE but would like a response, please resubmit your full query with the envelope included.
Our response time varies on the volume of mail we receive, but we aim to respond to all queries within six to eight weeks. Thank you again for your
interest in our imprint. We look forward to reading your work!
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