For me, it's always something of a red flag when publishers encourage writers to submit via a contest (according to
Martin's FAQ, writers can submit outside of the contest, but "
We review contest manuscripts first"), especially if the contest charges fees and there's no monetary prize. In this case, the fees are pretty high--$45 for a book submission--and the prize is publication (
as an ebook only). In such a situation, the contest entry fee skews awfully close to a reading fee.
The
Contest Terms and Conditions contain some terminology borrowed from the film world, which contestants should carefully consider before entering, specifically:
6. CONTESTANT recognizes that MARTIN SUSTAINABLE and its associates have access to and/or may create literary materials and ideas which may be similar or identical to said ENTRY in theme, idea, plot, format or other respects. CONTESTANT agrees that CONTESTANT will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use of any such similar or identical material that may have been independently created by MARTIN SUSTAINABLE or any ASSOCIATE, or may have come to MARTIN SUSTAINABLE or such associate from any other independent source.
People in the know usually advise striking "or identical" from such waivers. That's not possible here.
Other concerns: The book covers don't look especially professional, and to submit a query outside of the contest (limited to
three paragraphs, submitted through the contact form) you have to sign
an elaborate release form, much which, again, is taken from the film world, and which seems to be really absurd overkill for a short query.
All in all, this looks to me like a rather odd operation.
- Victoria