Submissions

Merilus Press considers select submissions aligned with our editorial focus. We prioritize clarity of voice, originality of thought, and manuscripts with a strong reason to exist.

Bold Contemporary Selective Intake Professional Process

What we’re looking for

Work that is intellectually serious, structurally disciplined, and emotionally honest — whether it is philosophical nonfiction, cultural critique, or story-driven writing.

  • Distinct voice and clear intent
  • Originality (angle, structure, or argument)
  • Writing that respects the reader’s intelligence
  • Audience clarity (who it’s for and why now)
If your manuscript depends on shock alone, or lacks a coherent editorial spine, it is not a fit. We want work that holds up under rereading.

Before you submit

To keep review fair and efficient, please send a clean, complete submission package.

  • Query letter (one page)
  • Synopsis (1–2 pages)
  • Manuscript sample (first 10–30 pages)
  • Author bio (short and relevant)
  • Comparable titles (2–5 titles + your differentiation)

Response times

We respond when a submission aligns with our list. If you do not hear back, it typically means we are not pursuing the project at this time.

  • Typical review window: 6–10 weeks
  • If we request a full manuscript: additional 4–8 weeks
  • Please do not submit the same project multiple times within a short window
Submitting does not guarantee publication, representation, or a response. We treat every submission with respect and confidentiality.

What we do not accept

  • AI-generated manuscripts or unedited machine drafts
  • Plagiarized or rights-infringing content
  • Unsolicited attachments without context (no “drive dumps”)
  • Work that is primarily hateful, dehumanizing, or discriminatory

Rights & exclusivity

If your manuscript is under consideration elsewhere, disclose it. If you have already self-published a version, disclose that too.

  • Tell us if the manuscript is on submission to other publishers
  • Tell us if any part is previously published (blog, Substack, KDP, etc.)
  • Include any existing ISBNs or ASINs (if applicable)

Submit a Manuscript

This is a styled placeholder form. Replace with a WPForms embed when ready.
Author Name
Email
Manuscript Title
Category
Pitch (Short)
Links
General Contact
By submitting, you confirm your work is original, you have the rights to share it, and you accept that Merilus Press may not be able to respond to every submission.