Submissions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I write a query letter?

A: There are many resources on the Internet that explain how to write a professional-looking query letter. First impressions do count, so take the time to research how to do this correctly. Even though we accept submissions directly from authors, we recommend literary agent Nathan Bradsford's website for learning more about query letters. There a number of other agents on Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms who regularly cover how to create query letters and will even review which ones have been successful. Remember we only accept electronic submissions.

Q: Do I need a literary agent to submit to Adamo Press?

A: No, you do not need a agent, which, if you're like the majority of writers out there, is great news. Adamo Press accepts both agented and non-agented submissions. But, because we do not pay author advances, it wouldn't make much sense for an agent to represent your submission to us. 

Q: It's been 8 weeks and I still haven't heard back regarding my query. Can I resubmit?

A: Unfortunately, even though we wish we could, we don't have the time and resources to respond to every query. We may be busy helping our current authors. However, sometimes our spam blocker is overzealous. If you haven't heard back from us after eight weeks, you may resubmit. Make sure to write "Query Resubmission" as well as the title of your manuscript and your last name in the subject line.

Q: Why was my book rejected?

A: There are a number of reasons a manuscript may be rejected. Was it formatted correctly? Did you follow the submission guidelines? Was it engaging from the first sentence and did it hold our attention until the last sentence? Were there errors? Was it well-written? Do you have compelling characters with solid character arcs? Is the plot easy to follow but not entirely predictable? If you are writing nonfiction, do you have an established platform? Perhaps the book wasn't a good fit for us. Or maybe we are currently working with an author who wrote a similar book. This is a highly subjective business and other publishers or agents may feel differently. We publish very few books and are highly selective. 

Q: Can you tell me why my manuscript was rejected?

A: Unfortunately, we cannot personally respond to every email. More often than not, you can expect a form response if you submissi

on was rejected.

Q: What happens if you are interested in my query?

A: If we are interested, we will contact you and will request a partial or completed manuscript. With nonfiction, in addition to a well-written, finished manuscript, we require a completed book proposal.

Q: If I'm asked to submit my manuscript, how should I format it?

A: We expect standard manuscript format: 12 point, Times New Roman, double spaced, 1" margins. 

Q: How do I create a nonfiction book proposal?

A: There are many resources on the Internet that teach you how to create a book proposal. In the future, we may add a resources section to offer our prospective writers additional help.

Q: How do I know if you are currently looking for books in my genre?

A: Review the Submissions Guidelines page. To be honest, there are so many sub-genres that we look at each submission on a case-by-case basis. Is yours an upmarket, historical, sci-fi, steampunk ,YA novel with fantasy elements and a love triangle? Probably not, but you get the idea. 

Q: I have written several books, can I send you a query for all of them, or do I send you a separate query for each one?

A: If you are sending a query for a completed multi-volume work or series, then it is appropriate to send a query for the first book in the series but do tell us in your query letter if it is part of a larger set or series. If you have multiple unrelated manuscripts, send us a query for one, your best one. You may briefly mention in your query letter if you have other completed and polished manuscripts ready to submit. If we are interested in your work, we will contact you regarding any additional works that you may have. Also be aware that if we are interested in a book series, we expect that you already have two to three or more books in the series already completed (written, revised, and polished).

Q: I want to submit my children's book. Do I need an illustrator?

A: Usually we prefer that you are already working with an illustrator or, even better, that you have done the illustrations on your own. If you already have an illustrator, please say so in your query letter. If we are interested in your book, we will ask to see the illustrations as well. Our recommendation is that you pay for the illustrations rather than agreeing to split the royalties. We will need to see this agreement in writing.

Q: Is it okay to use AI (Artificial Intelligence), even if only to help me edit my book?

A: Absolutely not. If we determine you used AI at any time during the actual writing, editing, or revision of your manscript, we will void any contract. You will not be paid. The moral of the story? We want to see your original writing. 

Q: What type of books are you looking for?

A: You can find an updated list of genres we are currently seeking by reviewing our submissions guidelines page.  

Q: How do I send a submission to Adamo Press?

A: We accept query letters along with the first twenty pages of your manuscript through our query email address only. Find out more on our submissions guidelines page.  

Stay positive, work hard to hone your craft, and stick with it. There is always room in the market for a really good book.