We accept creative nonfiction manuscripts for children that relate to nature and science. We are currently open to un-agented submissions. Please read the following information carefully before submitting to us! We will not review any submissions that do not follow these guidelines.
What to Know Before You Submit
Dawn specializes in creative nonfiction (also called narrative nonfiction) books about nature and science. Creative nonfiction is different from “straight” nonfiction because it includes an engaging, creative element such as a strong storyline or a kid-friendly literary technique.
We are currently looking for picture books for grades kindergarten through 4th grade. Our books must have a strong early elementary science curriculum connection.
The books we publish must also have a strong hook—a special quality that makes us want to keep reading. This may be a compelling story, likeable main character, or engaging literary technique such as cumulative verse or song that children will love. We encourage writers to read aloud their work, or to have someone read it back to them, as all our books must be enjoyable read alouds. Most of our books also work as independent readers for early elementary students, which means we prefer the language be appropriate for early elementary readers.
Read this interview with editor Carol Malnor to learn more about what we look for in a manuscript.
Checklist for Authors
Your book…
- Is about nature and science
- Is a picture book for children in K-4th grade
- Has a word count under 1000
- Has a strong early elementary science connection
- Works as a read aloud for younger children and an independent reader for older kids
- Has a strong hook
We are not currently publishing books in the following categories:
- Alphabet
- Counting
- Magic or fantasy
- Poetry
- Fairy tales or legends
- Straight nonfiction
Read the blogpost 5 Top Tips for Impressing Publishers for more advice about how to avoid common mistakes by authors, from associate editor, Tera Kelley.
How to Submit Your Manuscript
For Authors:
If you are the author of a manuscript, you do NOT have to submit illustrations with your work. In fact, we prefer that you do not include sample art with your manuscript. If you are an author/illustrator, on the other hand, we welcome submissions that include both text and illustrations.
If we have an interest in publishing your manuscript, we will get in touch with you within six months. If you don’t hear from us, you can assume that your manuscript is not a fit for our current needs.
Electronic Submissions
- Email subject line should read: [Story title] by [author name]
- Include a cover letter in the body of your email
- Provide a brief description of your story and a brief bio including any previous publications or other background information important to your manuscript
- Send your manuscript as an attachment in Word or PDF format
- Submit to submissions@dawnpub.com
You will receive an immediate email from us acknowledging the receipt of your submission. If you don’t receive an acknowledgment email, your submission didn’t go through. Please review the submission process and resubmit.
Physical Submissions
- Always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). If an SASE is not enclosed we will read the submission but will not respond.
- Enclose a cover letter about yourself, your intent and vision for this submission, and your other books, if any, along with the manuscript.
- Send submissions to:
Dawn Publications – Manuscript Submission
12402 Bitney Springs Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
Attn: Tera Kelley
For Illustrators:
We only contact illustrators whom we are considering working with on a future book. We prefer physical submissions, but we accept electronic ones as well.
Please look at our website before sending anything to make sure it is in line with our illustrations. We do not do cartoons or highly anthropomorphic art.
Physical Submissions
- Send a postcard sample of your work to:
Dawn Publications
12402 Bitney Springs Rd.
Nevada City, CA 95959
Attn: Carol Malnor
Electronic Submissions
- Email a sample of your work to submissions@dawnpub.com
