Manuscript Submissions

Thank you for your interest in publishing with us. Please read the submission guidelines

carefully before completing the form below to submit your manuscript.

This process applies to all our imprints — Rockpool Publishing, Gelding Street Press, Sweet Hearts Press, and Major Street Press — and covers submissions for both books and card decks.

Each imprint focuses on distinct areas of publishing:

We aim to review all submissions within four weeks and appreciate your patience during this time.

Submission Requirements

All proposals must be submitted through the online form and include the following:

Cover Letter and Synopsis
Attach a concise covering letter that includes a short synopsis of your project — approximately 250 words — written in the style of a back-cover blurb summarising the concept and purpose of your book or deck.

Table of Contents and Sample Material
Include a table of contents to show the structure and scope of your work, along with the total word count. Please also provide the introduction and the first two chapters, or the complete manuscript if available.

Artwork (if applicable)
Any accompanying artwork must be clear, properly credited (if not created by you), and relevant to the text. Include this material within your sample chapters document.

Please note that we do not accept hard copy submissions. Should physical materials be required for further evaluation, we will contact you directly.

Tips for Submitting

Before submitting your manuscript, we encourage you to take some time to familiarise yourself with our existing titles from the imprint relevant to your work. This will help you understand the types of projects we publish and whether your work is a good fit.

If your topic area is one we have already explored, please consider what makes your project stand out — what fresh perspective or value does it offer readers that similar titles may not?

When preparing your submission:

  • Keep your proposal clear, concise, and focused.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the topic and the audience you are writing for.
  • Include a brief overview of your market research, identifying your target readership and outlining any marketing ideas or opportunities you’ve considered.

We recommend reviewing online bookshops or catalogues to see how your work compares to existing titles. This information can be included in your Cover Letter document.

 

What We’re Looking For in a Submission

We love good writing — clear, engaging, and full of heart. We’re also passionate about creating high-quality products that are visually stunning, with beautiful illustrations and photography.

Originality is always important to us. We look for fresh ideas, unique voices, and subjects that offer something new or thought-provoking. We welcome stories and concepts from all over the world that inspire, connect, and bring fresh perspectives to readers everywhere.

A strong submission will demonstrate your writing at its best, showing both craft and clarity of vision. We also value realism — understanding that publishing success often takes time, collaboration, and ongoing effort from both author and publisher.

And finally, we truly appreciate your patience. We receive a large number of submissions and take care to review each one carefully.

What We Do Not Publish

We do not accept submissions for fiction, children’s non-fiction, or poetry.

 

A Note for Prospective Authors:

We believe the best publishing partnerships are built on collaboration and shared effort. As an author, you should be prepared to play an active role in promoting your project and engaging with your audience. A confident public presence and, where possible, media training are valuable assets — and something we can help arrange if needed.

Before submitting, please ensure you have thoroughly researched your topic area and are familiar with other titles in your genre. Understanding your competition and how your work stands out will greatly strengthen your proposal.

If you wish to check on the status of your submission please direct your email to admin@rockpoolpublishing.com.au