Guidelines:Novels[Updated: 06.16.08]
Warning! Due to submissions that either overlook or
ignore our most basic guideline, let's put it right up top: The novel must have
a strong female protagonist. You might get by with equal male and female
protagonists, but that's as far as we stretch. To further clarify: A protagonist
is a character or characters whose intentions are the primary focus of a story
-- not a supporting character, not the hero's girlfriend, not the main character
of volume two in your trilogy which has a male protag in volume one (unless you
want to submit only the second one). It is highly unlikely just changing the
name of the protagonist from male to female will work. And, no, your novel is
not an exception to this rule.
Please note, too, this is a fantasy imprint. Techo-thrillers, suspense, crime,
action-adventure, etc. without an element of the fantastic are not fantasies.
Nor are we interested in Young Adult, teen, or children's books. This means,
generally, if your heroine is underage, your book is not suitable for our
readership. We do not want novelettes, novellas, collections of stories, or
poetry.
The Guidelines:
Juno is currently looking for novels from 85,000 to 120,000 words in length. We
publish fantasy novels with a focus on female characters, adventures for women
that appeal to men, too.
We want stories with strong female protagonists or women who grow and become
empowered -- women discovering themselves and discovering new worlds.
Fascinating characters interacting in plausible well-built worlds that can be
contemporary, completely fantastic, or an alternate reality similar to ours
(past or present). We are particularly interested in what is often referred to
as "urban fantasy" these days: contemporary fantasy and fantasy crossed with
mystery and other genres featuring a woman with "kickassitude" and supernatural
power (or some paranormal connection). Humor and romance are usually elements in
this mix as well.
We are open to fantasy and cross-genre novels of any type (as long as they have
a female protagonist), but it must be exceptional. Not only do we want excellent
writing, we want you to ask yourself" "What does my novel have that makes it
stand out from the rest?"
In general, we want books that appeal to numerous readers, but we also will
occasionally publish a book simply due to its literary merit.
What about science fiction? Maybe. Again, "exceptional" must apply, but also
keep in mind that SF is not our primary aim. However science fantasy (like Liz
Williams' Banner of Souls) or a cross-genre blend (like military SF, mystery,
and romance in a convincing future world such as Sandra McDonald's The Outback
Stars) or excellent cyberpunk (like Tea From an Empty Cup by Pat Cadigan)--which,
by its nature crosses genres--or even an outstanding novel that also happens to
be SF (like Geoff Ryman's Air) might be something that would work for Juno.
Since we feel human interactions are basic to a woman's adventure, we'd like some
romance or a relationship involved in our novels. Although some of our books are
romantic, we don't require he-and-she-live-happily-ever-after-endings and
romance should not be the chief plot impetus. Stories can be fairly erotic, but
the focus is not on sex, but on character and story.
Submission Guidelines:
We accept only emailed submissions in .doc or .rtf attached to email. Please
submit three chapters (or equivalent sample) and a synopsis. Hint: Include a
short cover "letter" in the body of your email. This is your chance to "sell"
both yourself and your book. It is what will make us open that attachment right
away or put it off as long as possible.
Although not required, it is best to have a finished manuscript before
submitting. If we like it, we will usually want to see the entire manuscript right away
before deciding whether to purchase. We are also still working on a tight
schedule, so a substantially completed book will be to your advantage.
For established fiction authors, we might buy based on three chapters (or
equivalent sample) and a synopsis.
Email for submissions or information: Paula Guran, editor@juno-books.com
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