Manuscript Submissions

 Fernwell Publishing accepts manuscripts during two designated reading periods each year. Please review our editorial interests before submitting your work.

All submissions must include:

1. Complete manuscript: Upload your full manuscript as a Word document (.docx) or PDF. We do not accept unfinished manuscripts or sample chapters.

2. Manuscript title and genre: Provide the title of your work and identify its literary category.

3. Word count: Include the total word count. For poetry collections, provide the number of poems.

4. Synopsis: Include a brief summary of your manuscript (150–300 words).

5. Author biography: Provide a short biography, including any relevant writing or publication experience. Previously published work is not required.

6. Publication history: Disclose whether your manuscript, or any portion of it, has been published previously, including self-publication.

File Naming

Please name your manuscript file using your full name and manuscript title.

Simultaneous Submissions

Simultaneous submissions are permitted. If your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, please notify Fernwell promptly.

Review Process

Our editorial review process takes approximately 8–12 weeks following the close of each reading period.

Only shortlisted authors will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 12 weeks of the closing date, please consider your manuscript declined.

Submission Disclaimer*

Submitting a manuscript does not establish a contractual relationship with Fernwell Publishing, guarantee editorial feedback, or constitute an offer of publication.

Manuscripts are handled confidentially within our editorial review process and may be shared with authorized editorial readers for evaluation.

Manuscript assessments and editorial services are offered separately from our publishing program. Purchasing these services does not guarantee publication or influence acquisition decisions.

Current Submission Status

Submissions are currently closed.

Our next reading period opens January 1, 2027.