submissions
we will be open for queries August 1-31, 2026
we are looking for
manuscript should be polished as possible- no first drafts accepted
full-length novels only
standalones preferred
only one manuscript permitted per author, but feel free to pitch others in your query letter
faq
how should I format my manuscript?
-Times New Roman 12pt font
-Double spaced
-1/2" tab indent
-Aligned left
-Single space after periods
-Page numbers in the bottom right footer
-Chapter headings (even if just a number) centered & bolded
-" instead of ' for dialogue.
do you accept previously-published works?
If the work in question is currently or has ever been published on Amazon, most likely not. Amazon is extremely thorough and sensitive when it comes to plagiarized works, and will flag our account if we publish a work previously listed, even if it has been taken down. Getting flagged can result in shadow spark’s Amazon account being permanently deactivated.
If the work has been published for free on a site like Wattpad or Storyapp…possibly. The work would have to be scrubbed from the internet in its entirety well before publication with shadow spark. The House would retain the right to cancel our contract with the author if we are flagged for plagiarism.
how does the publishing process work with shadow spark?
Scheduling is done in advance, and is agreed upon by all parties. We publish many novels each year, and will not push another author’s work back in order to accommodate you. In the case of an unforeseen life event, we may be able to work something out, but as a rule, we are firm in our scheduling. Once you agree to your dates, we expect you to hold to them. We will do the same. That being said, if an author is disabled and/or chronically ill, we will develop a more flexible schedule that works for both the author and the House. If you require a schedule change/delay- let us know right away. The further away your edits are scheduled to start, the easier it is for us to adjust and the more likely we will be able to grant your request.
Once your start date for editing arrives, send your manuscript to us via email. You will get a confirmation of receipt email. We do two rounds of edits, so after we have completed our first pass, your manuscript will be sent to you. Send us a confirmation email so we know you have it, and complete all edits within the specified time according to your schedule. Send it back to us on the correct date. The process will repeat, typically with a second editor.
When you submit your final edits, we also require the back blurb, a dedication or acknowledgments (if you want them), keywords you’d like used, a content warning (if needed), your author photo and bio, cover art (if you have it commissioned), & anything else you want to be included in the final novel, such as interior maps or artwork.
Once final edits are returned to us, Azshure Raine, our Production Manager, takes over formatting. Covers are made in House by Jess. You are free to submit commissioned art for the cover if you wish, provided you hold distribution rights for said art. Both eBook and full covers are submitted to you for final approval.
eBook pre-orders, if you want them, go live one month prior to publication. Paperbacks and eBooks are available for purchase on our website, as well as on Amazon and other major platforms.
how much does it cost to publish with shadow spark?
Nothing. Simple as that.
what about royalties?
As writers ourselves, we know how many hours and how much of your soul goes into producing your work. We feel strongly that equal partnership is the way to go.
Royalties are split 50/50.
