Submit Your Work
We welcome unpublished manuscripts in nonfiction, essays, field narratives, translations, and literary works that align with our editorial vision. We are particularly interested in works rooted in observation, place, memory, movement, culture, and lived experience — books that may not always fit conventional publishing models, yet deserve to exist in print with care and permanence.
What We Publish
We are interested in work that is:
- Field-based and rooted in lived experience
- Environmentally and socially engaged
- Thoughtful, well-researched, and original
- Written with clarity, depth, and craft
- Aligned with a delicate or broader global perspective
Genres include nonfiction, memoir, reportage, essays, place writing, travel writing, critical writing, and translations.
What We Are Not Looking For
At this time, we are not accepting:
- Fiction manuscripts
- Poetry collections
- Children’s books
- Script submissions
- Previously published or self-published books
Submission Guidelines
Please read carefully before submitting.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
01
Manuscript
Send a query letter with a brief synopsis (1–2 pages) and a writing sample or complete manuscript.
Attach as a PDF or DOCX.
02
Query Letter
Include a short author bio, project summary, and why you believe this work is a good fit for ILISH BOOKS.
03
Length
There is no strict word limit. However, most of our nonfiction titles range from 40,000 to 100,000 words.
04
Simultaneous Submissions
Simultaneous submissions are fine. Please let us know immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
How to Submit
Email your submission to
ilishbooks@gmail.com
with the subject line:
“Submission – [Your Project Title]”
Please Include
- Query letter
- Synopsis (1–2 pages)
- Writing sample or complete manuscript
- Author bio
- Contact information
FAQ
How long will it take to hear back?
If we are interested in your work, we will respond within 8–12 weeks.
Do you accept email attachments?
Yes. Please send PDF or DOCX files only.
Can I send a printed copy?
No. We do not accept hard copies.
What happens if you are not interested?
If we decide not to pursue your manuscript, we will not provide individual feedback.
Can I submit a proposal before the manuscript is complete?
Yes. For nonfiction projects in development, send a detailed proposal, synopsis, and a substantial writing sample.
Do you accept previously published work?
No. We are looking for unpublished work and do not accept previously published or self-published books.
Read full FAQ here.