submission requirements

We are currently accepting submissions in:

  • Fantasy

  • Romantasy

  • Romance

  • Dark Romance

  • Romantic Comedy

  • Historical Fiction

  • Historical Romance

  • Science Fiction

  • Dystopian

  • Paranormal Romance

  • Dark Academia

  • Urban Fantasy

*Note: Upper YA and Adult only

submission guidelines

  • Your manuscript must have at least a completed alpha draft before submitting.

  • For the initial review process, we only require the first 5 chapters.

  • Submissions must be:

    • In a Word document format (.doc or .docx)

    • 12-point font

    • Double spaced

  • A literary agent is not required to submit.

  • Authors must be 18 years or older to submit.

  • Manuscripts must not have been previously published and cannot be part of an already published series.

  • Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please notify us if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.

  • At this time, Lark & Lore Press is only accepting submissions from authors residing in the United States as we establish our initial publishing operations.

response timeline

Please allow up to 12 weeks for review. If you have not received a response after 12 weeks, you are welcome to follow up at:

submissions@larkandlore.press

This form is for authors seeking traditional-style publication consideration through Lark & Lore Press. Authors interested only in standalone services should visit our Author Services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lark & Lore Press is an indie-focused publishing house dedicated to supporting authors through every stage of the publishing journey. We believe talented storytellers deserve access to quality publishing support, regardless of budget or experience.

  • No. You do not need a literary agent to submit to Lark & Lore Press. We welcome direct submissions from indie and aspiring authors.

  • Absolutely. We welcome both debut and experienced authors and strive to make the publishing experience supportive, transparent, and collaborative.

  • Please review our Submission Guidelines page for current submission requirements, formatting expectations, and accepted genres before submitting your manuscript.

  • We assist with online distribution and help place titles with independent bookstores across the country whenever possible. Availability may vary depending on the project, genre, and market fit.

  • At this time, Lark & Lore Press is only accepting submissions from authors residing in the United States as we establish our initial publishing operations. We may expand international submissions in the future.

  • No. Lark & Lore Press is not a vanity publisher.

    If we select your manuscript for publication, we assume the publishing risk and cover the core publishing costs associated with editing, cover design, production, and release support.

    We do, however, offer optional standalone author services for indie authors who are self-publishing or simply looking for additional support outside of a publishing contract. These services are quoted separately based on the author’s individual needs.

  • We are currently open to select fiction genres, including fantasy, romantasy, romance, sci-fi, dystopian, historical fiction, and related subgenres.

    Please review our Submission Guidelines page before submitting to ensure your manuscript is a good fit.

  • If your manuscript is selected, we work closely with you throughout the publishing process. Depending on the project, support may include:

    • Professional editing

    • Cover design

    • Formatting and production support

    • Marketing assistance

    • Distribution support for online retailers and independent bookstores

    Our goal is to help position your book for success while making the publishing process feel collaborative and approachable.

  • Yes. We offer both in-house services and trusted vendor partnerships to help indie authors with a variety of publishing needs, including editing, cover design, formatting, marketing support, and more.

    Whether you are publishing with us or independently, we want authors to have access to the support they need.

  • Please allow up to 12 weeks for manuscript review. We carefully review every submission and appreciate your patience during the process.

    If you have not heard from us after 12 weeks, you are welcome to follow up at:

    submissions@larkandlore.press

  • No. Authors selected for publication through Lark & Lore Press are not required to pay upfront publishing costs. As a traditional-style independent press, we assume the financial risk associated with preparing, producing, and publishing accepted titles.

    Royalties are paid to the author according to the terms outlined in their publishing agreement. Once the publisher has recouped the agreed-upon publishing and production costs, the author will begin earning a percentage of royalties generated from book sales and related formats.