Want to Publish with ours?
We’re open to submissions—but let’s be clear up front: we’re not a vanity press, we don’t babysit half-baked ideas, and we’re not here to waste anyone’s time (yours or ours). If you’ve got something bold, polished, and worth reading, we want to see it. If not, don’t send it. We think of our authors like partners and aim to build long lasting relationships that benifit both parties.
What We’re Looking For
We publish two things, and we publish them well:
No-fluff nonfiction – Practical, specific guides that actually help people do something better. Think sharp writing, real insight, and content that respects the reader's time and intelligence. If it sounds like a blog post stretched into 40,000 words, we’re not interested.
Bold, character-driven fiction – Gritty sci-fi, dark fantasy, thrillers with teeth, or anything with a strong voice and characters we’ll still remember after the last page. We don’t care about genre conventions—just make us feel something real.
We’re not looking for:
First drafts (or second drafts that still read like firsts)
AI-generated content
Corporate filler, ghostwritten fluff, or keyword-stuffed info-products
Anything preachy, generic, or paint-by-numbers
How to Submit
Email Richard at
submissions@hanscombebooks.com
with the following:
Subject Line: Submission – [Your Book Title]
A brief pitch (what it is, why it matters, who it’s for)
The first 2–3 chapters or a solid excerpt (attached as .doc, .docx, or PDF)
A short bio with any relevant writing credits
We’ll get back to you if we’re interested—usually within 3–4 weeks. If you don’t hear from us by then, consider it a pass.
Final Note
We treat every submission with respect. We expect the same in return. If you’re not ready to hear direct feedback—or don’t believe in editing—this probably isn’t your scene.
Otherwise, let’s see what you’ve got.
FAQs
Do I need an agent to submit?
Nope. We accept unagented submissions — just follow the guidelines above and keep it professional.
Will I get feedback if you reject my book?
Yes. We make sure to respond to every submission, even if its not a fit. If we pass on yout book we might tell you what we think would make it worth publishing.
Do you pay advances?
No. We operate on a 50/50 royalty split — clean and simple. We handle production and distribution. You bring the book. No fees. No tricks.
What formats do you publish in?
eBook (Kindle, ePub), paperback (print-on-demand), and audio where possible. We publish wide — not Amazon exclusive — and aim for global reach.
Do you publish poetry, short stories, or anthologies?
Only during special calls or invite-only projects. Follow our updates if you're in that lane.
What rights do you acquire?
We ask for world English rights (digital + print), plus audio and translation if we believe the book has legs. Film/TV rights remain yours unless negotiated separately. We don’t do grabby contracts.
Can I submit more than one manuscript?
Yes, but send one at a time. If we like the first, we’ll ask about the rest.
Can I resubmit if I revise?
If you’ve done real, sweat-and-blood-level revisions and at least 90 days have passed — yes. Mention the prior version in your email.
I write something weird and brilliant that doesn’t fit a genre. Should I submit?
If it has narrative structure, clear stakes, and purpose — yes!
Will you edit my book before publication?
Yes. All books go through professional editing — developmental and line edits included. We don’t publish half-finished work.
I just want to self-publish. Can I hire you to help?
Nope. We’re not a services company. We don’t charge authors and we don’t work for hire. We’re a publisher, not a printer. You can check out our resources for writers or Ink & Insight blog if you want to self-pub, theres a ton of free resources for you there.