Think Your Work Belongs Here? Prove It.

Hanscombe Books is open to submissions, but we’re not here to coddle, handhold, or publish your NaNoWriMo first draft. We’re looking for authors who are sharp, relentless, and have something to say. If your book fits in too easily at a major publishing house, it probably doesn’t fit here.

We want fiction that cuts deep and non-fiction that burns clean. If you’ve written something bold, brutal, or weird that actually works, we want to see it. Passion first.

We’re Actively Seeking

Fiction

  • Gritty sci-fi, tech-noir, and near-future dystopia

  • Dark speculative or existential horror with literary bite

  • Bleak post-apocalyptic or war stories (no zombies, unless they’re clever)

Non-Fiction

  • Investigative works on crime, corruption, media, control

  • First-hand accounts from the edge (activists, ex-spies, whistleblowers, etc.)

  • Sharp, grounded guides on writing, creative process, or underground industries

We’re Not Looking For

  • Cozy anything

  • Romance that doesn’t explode or end in tragedy

  • Inspirational memoirs unless your life nearly destroyed a government

How to Submit

Send your pitch to: submissions@hanscombebooks.com

Include:

  • A brief cover letter (who you are, why Hanscombe)

  • A 1–2 paragraph synopsis of your book

  • The first 3 chapters or 10,000 words (whichever comes first)

  • Total word count + genre + if it’s part of a series

Format:

  • .docx or .pdf

  • Standard manuscript formatting (12pt, double spaced, etc.)

  • Subject line: SUBMISSION – [Title] – [Genre]

What to Expect

We aim to respond within 3–6 weeks, but life, edits, and bourbon get in the way. If you haven’t heard back after 8 weeks, you can nudge us once. If we pass, it’s not personal, sometimes it’s just not a fit.

Before You Submit

  • Read something we’ve published. If you wouldn’t want your book next to it on a shelf, don’t submit.

  • Edit your manuscript. Twice.

  • Understand we don’t publish dreams. We publish work.

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.