Aqua Author Bait
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One of the very few publishing entities which does not require an agent. Fantasy, alternate reality, military SF, etc....
Manuscript Submission Guidelines
We are looking only for science fiction and fantasy. Writers familiar with what we have published in the past will know what sort of material we are most likely to publish in the future: powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings are the sine qua non for consideration for science fiction submissions. As for fantasy, any magical system must be both rigorously coherent and integral to the plot, and overall the work must at least strive for originality.
Those manuscripts which survive the "first cut" as outlined above are then judged primarily on plot and characterization.
Style: Simple is generally better; in our opinion good style, like good breeding, never calls attention to itself.
Payment rates: very competitive.
Preferred length: 100,000 - 130,000 words. Generally we are uncomfortable with manuscripts under 100,000 words, but if your novel is really wonderful send it along regardless of length.
Submission procedures:
Query letters are not necessary. We prefer to see complete manuscripts accompanied by a synopsis. We prefer not to see simultaneous submissions.
Your submission must include your name, email address*, postal mailing address, and telephone number on both your cover letter and the first page of the manuscript. Include a plot outline if possible.
*[If you have an alternate permanent email address, please include it, in case your primary account goes out of service.]
Spelling and grammar checkers are tools, nothing more. Do not trust them to proofread your manuscript for you.
Minimal formatting, please. Do not format text boxes or sidebars into the manuscript; use block quotes. Indent paragraphs; double space text, with no extra lines between paragraphs; center chapter headers and scene break indicators (###, ***, etc.); use page breaks only at the end of chapters. For emphasis, choose either underline or italics and use it consistently throughout. Try to avoid bold face, as it tends not to show up.
Do not use "smart quotes"/curly quotes or single character ellipses, em dashes, etc. Use straight quotes and apostrophes, . . ., --, etc.
Avoid non-standard fonts, and unnecessary changes in font face, size, etc. Any standard book face, Times Roman or Courier, is fine. Make it readable, or we won't read it. If something needs special formatting—e.g., small caps for a certain entity's dialog—explain it in a cover letter.
Include, if you like, your ideal cover treatment, including cover copy, a teaser page, and whatever else you would like. (But don't try to "sell" the story in a cover letter. It will stand or fall on its own merits.)
Electronic Submissions:
We no longer accept submissions by email. Too much spam.
Send your manuscript by using the submission form at:
http://baen.com/slush/index/submit
No disks unless requested.
Attach the manuscript as a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file. Any other format will not be considered.
Send the manuscript as a single file (do not break it into separate chapter files). The form only accepts a single file so any synopsis and contact info needs to be in the file with your manuscript.
NOTE: Any viruses attached to your submission will send your manuscript straight into the bit-bucket.
Hardcopy Submissions: (for those who cannot submit electronically)
Standard manuscript format only: double-spaced, one side of the page only, 1-1/2" (i.e., 1.5") margins on all four sides of the page. We will consider photocopies if they are dark and clear.
Title, author (last name only is okay), and page number at the top of each page are mandatory. Include your name, mailing address, and telephone number on the first page.
Hardcopy manuscripts identified as "disposable" will be recycled. Disposable submissions should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped, letter-sized envelope for our reply (submissions from outside the U.S. may include sufficient International Reply Coupons). Manuscripts intended to be returned should be accompanied by self-addressed packaging and sufficient postage.
Please send manuscripts to
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1188
Wake Forest, NC 27588
Reporting time: usually within 12 to 15 Months. (Sorry, we get lots of manuscripts.)
Thank you for thinking of Baen Books.
The Editors
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You know, I bet this group could collaborate on a ripping good yarn…
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Well, yeah, it's Baen! They've been around for yonks and I appreciate what they publish.
