Submissions Policy
Our approach to unsolicited manuscripts, proposals, and editorial pitches.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Current status
Fernwell is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts or proposals at this time. Any future submission window will be announced with its own genres, formatting instructions, eligibility criteria, and response expectations. Do not send unsolicited full manuscripts until submissions open.
No guarantee of review or publication
Submitting material, when submissions are open, does not guarantee that it will be read in full, acknowledged, evaluated, accepted, represented, or published. Fernwell has sole editorial discretion over its publishing program and may decline material for any lawful reason. Silence or an acknowledgment of receipt does not constitute acceptance.
No contract or rights transfer
A submission alone does not establish an author-publisher relationship, agency relationship, employment relationship, or obligation to pay or publish. You retain ownership of your work unless and until a separate written agreement expressly provides otherwise. No publishing rights are transferred merely by submitting.
Originality and permissions
Submitters must have authority to submit their material and must identify any coauthors, previously published content, third-party rights, or other relevant restrictions as required by the guidelines. Do not submit confidential or sensitive personal information unnecessarily.
Similar ideas and independent development
Fernwell may independently receive, develop, or publish works involving similar themes, settings, ideas, or subject matter. Submitting material does not give the sender exclusive rights to general ideas or themes. Fernwell will not intentionally copy protected expression without authorization.
Confidentiality and unsolicited material
Unless a separate written agreement says otherwise, Fernwell does not undertake a special confidentiality obligation for unsolicited submissions. Do not send trade secrets or information that requires a nondisclosure agreement.
Fees and decisions
Fernwell does not currently charge a fee to consider manuscripts and does not offer paid manuscript evaluation through this website. Paying for any future separate educational service will never guarantee an acquisition decision.
Response and changes
When a reading period opens, specific response policies will appear in its published guidelines. We may close a submission window or amend guidelines prospectively.
For prospective authors
Our Editorial Approach
Fernwell Publishing considers manuscripts for their originality, literary merit, clarity of purpose, and potential to connect with a defined readership. A compelling premise is a beginning. We also consider the strength of its execution and the editorial work required to bring it to publication.
What we value
- A distinctive voice and considered storytelling
- Strong structure, character, and thematic purpose
- A clear sense of the intended reader
- Willingness to collaborate through revision
What to prepare
- A concise synopsis of your work
- Genre, approximate word count, and intended readership
- Current manuscript status
- A short author biography and relevant publication history, if any
Review and next steps
Our editorial team reviews submissions for fit with Fernwell's developing catalog and publishing capacity. Requests for additional material, editorial discussions, or publication terms are communicated directly to selected authors. Submission does not guarantee representation or publication.
Submission status: Manuscript submissions are planned to reopen in January 2027. Please refer to the existing submissions information on this page for current dates and instructions. Do not submit through an additional form here.