Submission Guidelines

Guidelines for Authors

Please note that Lobster Press does not respond to queries about the status of unsolicited manuscripts. We apologize for this. We will contact you only if we wish to publish your manuscript. Further, we regret that we are unable to return manuscripts. We recycle all materials.

Lobster Press publishes high-quality fiction and nonfiction books for children, tweens, teens, and their families. We are currently seeking:

 • Original literary fiction for young adults. We are searching for submissions for readers 15+ who read at high levels. We'd like manuscripts that go beyond the standard "issues" and lessons. Word count 35,000 -60,000.

 • Mystery and horror fiction for ages 9-12 or 13+. We are looking for a new take on the genre with suspenseful writing, captivating characters, and interesting plot twists and turns. Word count 15,000 - 25,000 or 35,000 - 60, 000, depending on the age group.

 • Nonfiction books or children's reference books for readers 4-8, 8-12, 12-15, or 15+. In all age ranges, we are looking for writing addressing topics that are highly relevant to today's youth. We're specifically looking for manuscripts related to breast cancer and also nutrition, but we are open to all tween and teen nonfiction queries. Word count 20,000 - 40,000.

We do not publish adult fiction or adult nonfiction of any genre.

All manuscripts submitted must be copies only. Do not send originals, as we will recycle any and all manuscripts we choose not to publish. Manuscripts must be typewritten and double-spaced.

Submission Checklist
Please be sure to provide the following:
✓  Your Submission Sheet
✓  Your cover letter, with current contact information
✓  Your CV
✓  For picture book and young adult fiction submissions:
      Please send as much of the manuscript as possible.
      Please ensure that your last name and the page number appears on all of the manuscript's pages.
      Please set your manuscript in 12 point Times New Roman and double space your work.
✓  For nonfiction submissions:
      Please send as much of your manuscript as possible.
      Please include a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline
✓  Send your submission by mail to the address given below, with the genre written on the outside of the envelope. Stories sent by email or fax will not be considered. Simultaneous submissions will be accepted, on the condition that it is clearly stated in the cover letter that another publisher is considering your work. Multiple submissions of up to five manuscripts are welcome. Preference will be given to Canadian authors. Please mail your submissions to:

Editorial Team
Lobster Press
1620 Sherbrooke Street West, Suites C & D
Montreal, QC H3H 1C9
Canada

If you would like us to return your manuscript to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your submission. Please ensure that you have included sufficient Canadian postage. Please do not include US postage or international postage vouchers, as we cannot use them, and your manuscript will not be returned. Unless you are a professional artist, sample illustrations are not necessary.


Guidelines for Illustrators

We are unable to respond to queries about the status of your submission. We will keep all submissions on file, but will contact you only if we wish to have you illustrate one of our books.

We presently publish books for ages 18 and under. Our publishing program includes picture books, chapter books and non-fiction books. Because many of our books have children as their main characters, we need to see how you portray children with different attitudes. We are also interested in seeing illustrations of animals or expressive animal characters.

If you choose to submit your work to Lobster Press, please remember to include a cover letter. If we feel we can use your work in the future we will keep your samples on file. Samples will not be returned.

Lobster Press gladly accepts online illustrator portfolios. Please send an email with the subject heading "Illustrator Submissions" to editorial@lobsterpress.com and include the web address of the portfolio in the body of the message.

Never send originals. We are unable to return your work, and request that you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Send submissions to:
Illustrator Submissions
1620 Sherbrooke St. West
Suites C & D
Montreal, QC H3H 1C9
Canada