Author Submission Guidelines
[FrontPage Include Component]

Usborne Fiction Authors' Guidelines

Usborne is developing its fiction list and we are looking for new talent to join this expanding area of our publishing program. Across the range we will be looking for innovative, exciting, original and above all child-centered stories that will capture children's imagination and engender a love of reading.
 
We are looking for stories that are easily accessible to children, that speak directly to the child and are highly readable. We look for strong plots that are exciting and page-turning; memorable characters and fresh, exciting voices. We are interested in strong series ideas, lots of humor and illustration where appropriate, and books that will appeal to both boys and girls. When submitting material please read the guidelines below to check that your work conforms to the formats and age groups specified. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of any material. We receive a tremendous amount of unsolicited material and cannot acknowledge manuscripts received. Please don't enclose any original material as we cannot promise to return all work sent, due to the large volume we receive, and please note that we cannot accept submissions by e-mail. There may be a delay of up to three months before we are able to reply. Please send three sample chapters and a synopsis of your story to:
 
Fiona Patchett
Usborne Publishing
Usborne House
83-85 Saffron Hill
London EC1N 8RT
United Kingdom
 

Junior Fiction

Black and white illustrated chapter books for emerging or more confident readers. Generous amounts of illustration, short chapters and easy-to-read type. Concept-based or character-led series. Lively, appealing stories with real page-turning quality; strong central characters; lots of dialog and plenty of humor where appropriate.
 
Age group: 6 - 8
Extent: 64 - 80pp
Text length: 3,500- 5,000 words approx.
Age group: 7 - 9
Extent: 96 - 112pp
Text length: 6,000 - 8,000 words approx.
Content: any subject of interest to the age group, including, but not limited to, humor, fairies, school, spooky, time-travel, history, detective mysteries, family, science, invention, exploration, adventure, friendship.
 

Older Fiction

Full-length novels for confident readers. Strong concept-based or character-led series, as well as strikingly original individual books. Fast-paced, exciting plots with real page-turning quality; strong characters; dynamic storytelling.
 
Age group: 8 - 12
Extent: 112pp +
Text length: 10,000 - 30,000 words approx.
Content: extremely wide-ranging and varied, this age group will cover almost any subject matter, although we are particularly interested in the following: history, other cultures, mystery, time-travel, spooky, friendship, adventure, humor.