We are currently interested in acquiring new books in the following romance sub-genres:

Contemporary romance
Dark romance
Fantasy romance
Paranormal romance
Romantic suspense

Submission Requirements


Your manuscript must have a clearly defined heroine and hero that will appeal to a romance reader and allow them to make an emotional connection. The story must have an interesting hook and an ending that is either happy for now, for a series, or happily ever after if submitting a standalone novel.

We're also looking to see series potential, whether it's a compelling ongoing series about the same couple or interconnected standalone novels about different but related characters.

Your book should be at least 50,000 words if part of an ongoing series and at least 75,000 words for a complete standalone with a full story arc.

We are currently interested in acquiring new books in the following mystery and thriller sub-genres:

Psychological thriller

Cozy mystery

Crime thriller

Serial killer thriller

Thriller with horror elements

Submission Requirements

Your manuscript must have a clear and compelling hook from the book’s opening that pulls the reader into the story. We're interested in locked room mysteries, revenge plots, unreliable narrators, books with solid mental health representation, and isolated settings that make it harder for the protagonist to succeed easily.

We also love thrillers with horror elements. Think Scream or Saw, but with less gore and more protagonist-focused. If your novel blends these elements perfectly, we would love to take a look.

Your manuscript should be at least 60,000 words if part of an ongoing series and at least 75,000 words for a complete standalone with a full story arc. In both cases, your book must have a resolution. No cliffhangers. However, a minor teaser for the next book is okay for a series.

We are currently interested in acquiring new books in the following fantasy sub-genres:

Romantic fantasy

Cozy fantasy

Urban fantasy

Fantasy Submission Requirements

Your concept must have the potential to span no less than three books for a serialized or interconnected standalone series. 



For romantic fantasy, your manuscript must have a clear hero and heroine that readers will love. The series must end with a happily ever after for the characters. Your world must be fully fleshed and have a compelling fantasy plot that doesn't rely solely on the romance to keep the story moving.

For cozy fantasy, we're looking for a quaint setting and an interesting protagonist who can take us on an exciting journey. Think cozy mystery but set in a fantastical world. Your manuscript should include a world that feels lived-in, a place readers would want to visit if it were real.

For urban fantasy, we're looking for a snarky but lovable heroine or hero who lives in the modern world, particularly in a large city. From the book’s start, they should have a clearly defined mission, such as a witch who fights crimes or a vampire hunter looking for revenge.

Your book should be at least 75,000 words and contain a complete story arc. Minor cliffhangers are okay, but the story must have some resolution by the end.


If your manuscript meets the above requirements for your genre, we would love to read and consider it for our catalog.

Please send an email to hello@readpennbooks.com with the following:

• The email's subject line should say the word Query and the title of your book.
• In the body of the email, paste your query letter with your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email.
• Your query should be no more than one page long, and you should provide a brief bio about yourself, your relevant experience, and your current or previous pen name. If you're a debut author, please mention it.
• Your query must include a description of your book, the proposed book title, and word count. Please mention if the book has a series arc or series potential.
• Attach a 2-page synopsis that spoils the ending.
• Attach a single-spaced Word document of your completed manuscript.
  

For consideration, you must follow ALL of the above guidelines. We do not read or respond to incomplete inquiries.

Please allow up to 12 weeks for a response.