Tor Paranormal Guidelines
I just happen to have submisison guidelines from Tor Paranormal Romance that I got at the recent RWA conference. The word count they're looking for is 70-100K.
I'll give you all the stuff:
Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
Submisison Guidelines
These are the subcategories we are looking for under the general heading of "paranormal romance":
** science fiction/futuristic
** fantasy
** horror/otherworldly beings (vampires, goblins, faeries, ghosts, banshees, zombies, golem, etc.)
** shape-shifters (werewolves, etc.)
** near-future/speculative fiction
** time travel
** possessed objects
** alternate history/alternate timelines
** witches/witchcraft
** psychic abilities (clairvoyance, ESP, psychometrics, telekinesis, etc.)
All submissions will be held to our usual (Susan adds: HIGH) standards for plausibility, world-building, character development, and the various elements that compromise these genres.
We are NOT looking for:
** slapstick
** inspirational religious
** category romance
** reincarnation
Each novel should include at least two main plot elements: one, the romance and the conflict inherent in that; two, another significant conflict. Both storylines should be crucial to the overall novel, and the romantic elements should make up no more than half the entire story.
We are open to non-traditional romances (i.e. multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-spiritual, etc.) as well as traditional ones. We are open to very erotic works as well as less graphic ones; in any work the sex and romance should be believable and well-suited to the story.
Length: between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
We are primarily looking for original novels. While we are not actively seeking backlist at this time, we will look at backlist on a case-by-case basis from authors with whom we are buying new material.
it is suggested that those who wish to write for Tor Romance become familiar with the books already published. (Susan adds: This is ALWAYS good advice, folks. Do your homework!)
How to Submit
If you have an agent...
** Your agent should call Anna Genoese about your project or send the entire work to her attention.
If you are unagented...
** Please submit a proposal of the first three chapters, a 1-2 page synopsis, and a cover letter stating any awards you have won and all previous publications (and your sales history, if you have it).
** Submissions sent via post should be in 12-pt standard serif typeface and double-spaced.
** Please submit only one work per envelope. If you are submitting a series, submit only the first book in the series according to the above guidelines, and include a 1-2 page synopsis for each following book sa well.
**You must include a SASE if you want a reply. If you would like your work returned to you, make sure that your SASE is large enough to fit it. All ms not accepted for publicatin will otherwise be recycled.
** We do not accet query letters, faxes, or phone pitches. Do not call to ask if we want to see your book. We also no not accept simultaneous submissions.
** Our turnaround time is currently approximately three to five months. We assure you that a person well-versed in romance and other genre fiction will examine your work, however, there is not always time to respond personally to every manuscript.
** For previously published fiction authors, we are open to buying on proposal (3 chapters and longer synopsis). Unpublished authors should be prepared to complete the manuscript before we execute a contract for the work. All authors must be amenable to revisions.
Ane Genoese, Editor
Tor Paranormal Romance
Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
*******
And there you have it.
Best of luck to anyone sending in submissions.
Susan G.