1. Submissions will only be accepted during the submission window. Submissions sent outside of this time frame will not be considered.

2. The first Window for submissions is TBA, but most likely early 2026.

3. Authors may submit up to three projects per window opening.

4. Projects must be under 150,000 words.

5. Poetry chapbooks should be ~24-47 pages, and full-length poetry collections should be 48-150 pages.

6. Projects must be for YA or adult audiences. We won’t accept middle grade or children’s submissions.

7. Works must be completed.

8. Authors may not submit work that has already been published in any way.

9. Authors may not make submissions that have used AI in their creation, whether in the writing or outlining process.

10. Submissions must include: 1-page synopsis, the 1st 10 pages of the manuscript, an author bio, and a query letter. A query letter is a 1-page letter that tells the editor something about the story, something about the writer, and why Lunar Lit Press should publish the manuscript.

11. Authors must be 18 years of age or older.

Lunar Lit Press reserves the right to update, modify, or replace any part of the submission program or its rules at any time, or to cancel the program at its sole discretion, by posting updates to our website. By making a submission, you expressly acknowledge that neither Lunar Lit Press nor Moonstruck Market is entering into any agreement with you to publish or compensate you for your work.

Send an email to lunarlitpress@gmail.com, subject line “[Author Name] Submission”

For fiction, include:

• 1-page synopsis of your manuscript (including spoilers)

• First 10 pages of your manuscript

• Query letter

For poetry, include:

• First 10-15 poems

• Query letter

If your submission does not include all requested items, we will be unable to evaluate your submission. Please ensure the versions you submit are polished to your liking, as we cannot accept corrections due to submission volume.

At Lunar Lit Publishing, we want to publish books that amplify voices that would otherwise be silenced. We look for diversity in characters, plots that make us feel exactly how big the world is, settings we can fall into, and authors whose stories must be heard.

At the nitty gritty level, in fiction, we look for:

• Plots that are well-developed and character-driven

• World-building that complements the plot and characters

• Characters we can fall in love with, or love to hate. They should have depth, flaws, goals, and fears

• Prose that flows well and demonstrates the author’s command over language and grammar

• Books that feel well developed and complete overall

In poetry, we look for:

• Effective use of devices and techniques

• Meaningful, genuine, and heartfelt writing

• Unique approaches to topics

• Lyrical, musical phrasing making for a beautiful reading experience

• Any form of meter or rhyme

While we love to center underrepresented authors, if you have a story to tell, we want to read it! All authors are welcome to submit and will be considered equally.

When can I submit?

The submission window is to be announced, but will likely be in early 2026.

Does my manuscript have to be finished before I submit?

Yes, your manuscript must be completed before submitting.

Does my file need to be formatted a certain way?

We accept manuscripts in .doc, .docx, and PDF. We have no specific font or spacing requirements. Just readable please!

Do I need an agent?

We do not require that authors have a literary agent!

Who is reading my manuscript?

Members of the Lunar Lit Press team will evaluate each submission.

When will I hear back?

Unless submission volume far exceeds expectations, all authors should hear back by the end of March, 2026.

Can I submit children’s, middle grade, or non-fiction?

Lunar Lit Press is not accepting those genres at this time.

Can I submit YA, romance, romantasy, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller, science fiction, fantasy, horror, or poetry?

Yes! Lunar Lit Press loves these genres!

May I submit a previously self-published work?

We are not accepting submissions that have been previously published in any form.

Do you require that my submission be exclusive to Lunar Lit Press?

No, simultaneous submissions are accepted. If you are accepted by another press or agent, please email the submissions email and let us know ASAP.

May I submit a manuscript created with the use of AI in any way?

No, we do not accept submissions that were created with AI, even in the ideation or outlining stage.

Will you have more submissions windows?

Yes! As we are just getting started, we don’t know how often we will open them, but we will have more opportunities to submit.

Can I submit more than 1 project?

Yes, you may submit up to 3 separate works during this submission window, but please send them in separate emails with their own query letters and synopses.

How will I be notified if Lunar Lit Press is interested in my submission?

Once the window closes and your submission has been reviewed, we may contact you to request your full manuscript. If the team is not interested in pursuing your work, we will notify you as well.

Can I contact someone about my submission?

The best way is to email the above address, but due to submission volume, we can’t reply to every follow up email.

If published, how will I be compensated?

You will receive 50% net royalties on sales of your book.

What does the publishing process entail?

The press will take care of editing, cover design, formatting, etc. and produce physical and digital copies of your book, working with a distributor to help it reach online and in-person marketplaces. We’ll also host a release party for you in the bookstore, and we will help with ongoing marketing and promotion, all at no cost to you as the author.