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Submissions

Absent House Publishing seeks work that is intellectually engaging, creatively distinctive, and meaningful to contemporary conversations. We are particularly interested in manuscripts that combine strong research (for academic work... to be published as AH-Academic, a division of Absent House Publishing), original insight, and compelling narrative or stylistic voice.

 

We welcome submissions across genres, with special interest in works that bridge scholarly and general audiences, challenge conventional perspectives, or explore underrepresented subjects and communities. We believe impactful publishing occurs when academic rigor and readable storytelling coexist.

 

Our editorial process is selective, but not prohibitive. We want ideas represented and will do our best to help authors polish their work into a ready to print package. However, we will prioritize manuscripts that demonstrate clarity of purpose, strong structural organization, and a clear understanding of their intended readership. We encourage authors who are willing to collaborate in the editorial process and who view publishing as a professional partnership rather than a transactional exchange.

 

Absent House Publishing is committed to fostering emerging voices alongside established authors. We evaluate submissions based on merit, originality, and audience potential, not institutional affiliation or prior publication history.

 

Above all, we seek manuscripts that contribute lasting value — works that readers return to, learn from, and discuss long after publication... we revel in uniqueness. 

What We Don't Want

While we maintain broad interests, we generally do not publish manuscripts that lack a defined audience, are derivative of current trends, or have not undergone substantial revision prior to submission.

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We will also decline manuscripts that fail to follow our stated manuscript formatting. And while we will provide final editing for works, manuscripts should strive for few errors and heavy author proofreading. We will likely decline works that present too many errors or lack cohesion; we're not here to re-write your manuscript for you. We're not equipped for such time consuming ventures.

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And while we seek and accept broadly, we will not consider blatantly racist, xenophobic, or discriminatory work.

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We reserve the right to decline submissions with due discretion, without explanation.

What You Can Expect from Us

Absent House Publishing offers above-industry-standard royalties and transparent reporting as part of our commitment to author partnership; however, at this time we are unable to pay authors advances, relying on royalties only as the brand gains traction.

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Royalties: ​

  • Print Books: 60/40 Split... You keep 40% net receipts

  • Ebooks: 50/50 Split... You keep 50% net receipts

  • Audiobooks: 60/40 Split... You keep 40% net receipts

NOTE: We will not be accepting new manuscripts until summer or fall 2026. Thank you.

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Submission Philosophy

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Absent House Publishing welcomes manuscripts that demonstrate intellectual rigor, distinctive voice, and meaningful engagement with contemporary cultural, historical, or literary conversations. We are particularly interested in works that bridge scholarly insight and accessible writing. We consider submissions from both emerging and established authors and evaluate all manuscripts based on originality, clarity of purpose, and audience potential. More importantly, Absent House wants to afford opportunity to burgeoning authors whose work lacks traditional accessibility. We are about ideas and putting them to paper.

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Document Format for Email Submissions

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We will not accept hard-copies and we will not return hard-copied submissions.

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  • Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) preferred

  • Standard 8.5 x 11 page size

  • 12-point readable font (Times New Roman, Garamond, or similar)

  • Double-spaced text

  • 1-inch margins

  • Page numbers included

  • Left-aligned text

  • Indent paragraphs (do not use extra line spacing between paragraphs)

 

We will rework final formatting for accepted manuscripts.

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Manuscript Length Guidelines

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  • Nonfiction: 60,000 – 120,000 words

  • Literary Fiction: 70,000 – 110,000 words for novels; 30,000-40,000 for novellas and young adult books

  • Academic/Crossover Scholarship: 70,000 – 130,000 words

 

We may consider exceptions for exceptional projects. We will evaluate any reasonable length work, so submissions remain generally open.

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Required Submission Materials

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1. Cover Letter

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  • Manuscript title

  • Genre/category

  • Word count

  • Brief project description or abstract. No formal proposal is needed.

  • Intended audience

  • Author background and relevant credentials

  • Publication history (if applicable)

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2. Manuscript Proposal

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For nonfiction:

  • 2–5 page overview

  • Chapter outline

  • Explanation of market and readership

  • Comparable titles

For fiction:

2–3 page synopsis summarizing entire plot

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3. Writing Sample

 

This should be a completed introduction (for non-fiction) or a finished first chapter (fiction). We ask for a ten page minimum on all submissions, so long as a clear trajectory is detectable. Works need a clear trajectory, or one to two additional chapters may be requested. 

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4. Author Biography

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While we don't require prior writing experience to have your manuscript considered, we would like to know the following:

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  • Professional or academic background

  • Writing experience

  • Platform or audience connections (if any)

 

For academic works, we require a minimum of a master's degree in the subject area of the manuscript; doctorate preferred. Please submit a current CV/Resume and unofficial transcripts for relevant and/or highest degree earned.

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5. Submission Method

 

Email all materials in separate attachments to

 

Files should be clearly labeled using the following format: Document type + underscore + first Initial and last name (example: Resume_JSmith).

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6. Response Time

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Submission need time for careful reading and consideration. Expect 12 to 18 weeks on average before a decision is made. A receipt of submission will be emailed upon successfully submitting all materials. If your manuscript is under consideration, we may request the full manuscript for further review. Due to submission volume, we may not provide individualized feedback on declined submissions.

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7. Simultaneous Submissions

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We allow for submissions being considered by other publishing houses; however, we require immediate contact if your manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere.

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8. Rights and Publication

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If accepted, Absent House Publishing offers professional editorial development, design, distribution, and marketing support. Specific contractual terms, including royalties and rights, are negotiated individually.

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9. Full Manuscript Submissions

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You are welcome to submit a completed manuscript in lieu of a sample; however, this could delay consideration up to six months, depending of work load.

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