Book Concepts/Photographer Submission Requirements

Thank you for expressing an interest in Twin Lights Publishers. The following is a set of guidelines of our publishing needs and requirements for manuscript consideration.

Unsolicited proposals for new book ideas are welcome and encouraged. We will review each and every submission that meets the criteria identified below. However, due to the volume of submissions received daily, we regret that we are only able to respond to proposals that we are interested in pursuing.

• Submissions via e-mail, fax, or telephone will not be accepted.
• Confirmation of receipt of materials sent will only be provided if submission is accompanied by a self addressed postage paid confirmation postcard. Telephone, email or other inquiries regarding status of material submitted will not be accepted.
• Book proposals should be relevant to the type of material published by our company. Twin Lights Publishers will review books on local interest and regional topics with content that is primarily focused on high quality color photography. Our book topics generally include extensive photos with supporting text of: American cities, regions, National Parks, or wildlife, as well as, regional gardening or cooking, and fine arts or performing arts. Most of our books are produced in-house, although we often recruit local photographers for regional subject matter. We encourage you to review our current catalogue available online at www.twinlightspub.com
• We do not publish works of fiction, self-help or inspirational books, how-to books, political, social commentary/political issue books, or historical non-fiction writing. Please do not submit manuscripts of fiction writing, or text-based non-fiction. Do not submit items that contain obscene or explicit material, unnecessary profanity, vulgarity or inappropriate or graphic love scenes.
• A cover letter should accompany all book proposals. It should include:
• A paragraph introducing the author/photographer and background information on qualifications. Please include information on work already published, along with information on the subject of the work, publisher, and publication date.
• A paragraph offering an overview of the proposed idea/concept. Include specific topic definition, examples of some subjects to be included and any unique focus or message to be communicated.
• A written overview of existing research or photographs, etc., available from the submitter.
• A paragraph defining the intended book audience, including geographic location(s), age range, specialized knowledge or interests, and purchase considerations.
• A paragraph that identifies the number of competitive publications, profiles of several (publisher, price, design, format, and content), and elements of the proposed book that will differentiate it from existing works in the market.
• If you wish to have any submitted CD’s, transparencies or photographs returned to you, you must enclose a SASE of adequate size for returning materials. We are not responsible for loss or damage of any submission. Submissions without a SASE will be recycled or if we are interested in your work, we will retain your sample in our files.
• Never send your only copy of a manuscript or original artwork. Photographic submissions should come in the form of color photos, transparencies, or high resolution digital files on CD. Name, address, and contact numbers should be attached to each item submitted. Samples should also include details of any applicable proofing or processing medium.
• Proposals should be mailed to:

  Twin Lights Publishers, c/o Submissions Editor
  8 Hale Street, Suite 2
  Rockport, Massachusetts 01966