FAQ

Thank you for your inquiry regarding new submissions. At Trient Press, we accept manuscript submissions from October 1st to December 31st each year. While we do accept manuscripts year-round, please note that we only review them during the designated submission period starting in October. We have recently transitioned from an open submission policy to this structured timeframe to manage our capacity more effectively while we focus on expanding other divisions within our company. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to potentially working with you in the future.

You will still own the copyright to your book when you publish with Trient Press. If we decide to publish your book, you will simply grant us an exclusive license to publish the book for a term of five years.

Your book will be available all over the world: the U.K., Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Japan, and many other countries through Amazon and other distribution channels. In addition, we actively market out titles to international publishers year-round as well as at the Frankfurt Book Fair and London Fair.

The rights of self-published books remain with the author in most cases, so if your work is accepted, you can switch your story over to us right away. Many self-published authors are submitting their books to Trient Press, and we can make the process quick, easy, and painless for you. If you published your book with another publisher, you’ll need to look at your publishing contract to see if you still own the rights to your work. Most publishers retain the right to exclusively sell your work until the expiration of the contract. You should receive a letter that states your release of rights when your contract expires. You will need to request this if you currently do not have this in your paperwork, before submitting with Trient Press. (We ask for you to include a digital copy for our perusal with your submission). If you have questions about whether a previous publisher controls the rights to your work, you will need to reread your publishing contract in detail, contact your publisher, and/or contact your attorney.

Submitting your manuscript to Trient Press involves a systematic procedure designed to streamline the process, ensuring that your work is reviewed effectively. Here are the steps you need to follow: Query Letter: Begin by emailing us a query letter that offers a succinct overview of your work. It should include important details about your manuscript such as the genre, approximate word count, target audience, and a brief summary of the plot or main argument. Additionally, the query letter should contain information about yourself, including any previous publications or relevant experiences. Manuscript Sample: Along with your query letter, attach the first three chapters of your manuscript in digital form. This excerpt allows us to get a feel for your writing style, tone, and the overall potential of your work. Prior Publications: If the work you are submitting has been previously published, include a release of rights from your previous publisher. Full Manuscript Submission: Once your query letter and initial chapters have been accepted, you will be asked to submit the entire manuscript. This should be in a Microsoft Word file (.doc or .docx format). Adhere to Editorial Guidelines: Ensure your manuscript aligns with our editorial guidelines. Works that do not fit these guidelines, or those with a significant number of typos, errors, or other issues, may not be accepted. Please select the relevant option below to guide you through our submission process: Creating a Query Letter Preparing Your Manuscript Sample Understanding and Procuring a Release of Rights Submitting Your Full Manuscript Trient Press Editorial Guidelines Remember, we do not accept physical manuscripts sent by mail, this includes handwritten or typed documents submitted by paper. All submissions should be made digitally. Adherence to these guidelines is pivotal in ensuring your manuscript is considered for publication with Trient Press. Should you encounter any issues during the submission process, or have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Trient Press welcomes the submission of unsolicited manuscripts. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse literary landscape by opening our doors to both agent-represented and independent authors. Our policy ensures that each submitted work, which adheres to our stipulated submission guidelines, receives the attention it deserves. We engage in a thorough review process, beginning with the initial pages of every manuscript we receive. This is to assess the work's compatibility with our editorial preferences and to gauge the overall quality of the content. Manuscripts that do not align with our editorial guidelines or that contain an excessive number of typographical errors or other issues may not be accepted. In such cases, authors will be notified with an explanation as to why their submission was not accepted. This feedback can be instrumental in refining the manuscript, correcting identified errors, and improving overall quality. It is our sincere hope that, equipped with this information, authors can continue to enhance their work and re-submit in the future. Please refer to our submission guidelines for a comprehensive understanding of the expectations and protocols in place at Trient Press. We firmly believe in nurturing a transparent and communicative relationship with all prospective authors.

The duration from manuscript acceptance to publication varies significantly, primarily depending on the level of preparation and readiness of the submitted work. At Trient Press, we are committed to maintaining a balance between efficiency and the meticulous care required to ensure each book we publish meets our high standards. For manuscripts that necessitate comprehensive services including formatting, cover design, and other preparatory measures for publication, the estimated timeline is approximately 7 to 11 months from the date of signing the publishing contract. This timeframe allows us to diligently handle each step of the process and ensure the final product is of exceptional quality. Conversely, for books that have already undergone professional editing, have an accompanying cover design, are correctly formatted, and are submitted with the requisite paperwork, the process is notably expedited. The estimated timeline for such submissions is approximately 4 to 7 months from the date of the publishing contract's signature. It's important to note that these timelines are estimates and actual timelines can vary based on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the work and current volume of manuscripts in process. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we devote the necessary time and attention to bring your work to fruition.

At Trient Press, our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality in the literary works we publish necessitates a selective approach to manuscript acceptance. Of the numerous submissions we receive, less than 2% are selected for publication. This stringent selection process ensures that every book bearing the Trient Press imprint aligns with our publishing values and meets our readers' expectations. In the event that your manuscript does not meet our acceptance criteria, you will be informed within a period of 14 to 21 days from the date of submission. Additionally, we strive to provide constructive feedback, including a succinct explanation outlining the primary reasons your manuscript was not selected. Our goal is to assist authors in understanding the areas that may require further development or refinement. We would like to emphasize that an unsuccessful submission should not deter authors from pursuing their literary ambitions. The publishing landscape is incredibly diverse, and we believe every manuscript has the potential to find its ideal home.

At Trient Press, we pride ourselves on our author-friendly approach to publishing. We do not impose a charge for the act of publishing itself. However, certain elements of the publishing process may incur costs, which are outlined as follows: Editing: As part of our submission process, all manuscripts must be professionally edited prior to submission. We do not provide editing services, hence, authors are responsible for any expenses incurred in this regard. Cover Design: We encourage authors to collaborate with a designer of their choice to create a cover that best represents their work. Nevertheless, Trient Press does offer complimentary cover designs for our authors. In the event an author chooses to leave Trient Press but wishes to retain the cover, a one-time fee of $200 will be levied for the rights to the cover. This fee is waived if the author does not wish to keep the cover. Ghostwriting: For authors in need of ghostwriting services, our rates commence at $3,000, payable in three installments. Translation Services: For non-Trient authors, we offer translation services at a rate of $1,500 per language. This service is provided free of charge to Trient authors. Cover Design for Non-House Authors: Basic cover design services, including both book wrap and eBook cover, are offered to non-house authors for a fee of $200. Premium Cover Design: For Trient authors interested in a premium cover, rates begin at $200. Dove & Dragon Radio and Magazine Features: Interviews on our house podcast, Dove & Dragon Radio, as well as features in our magazine, are provided free of charge for house authors. For non-house authors, the cost is $125 per podcast interview and $90 per magazine interview. Promotions: Promotion on Dove & Dragon Radio costs $10 per month for house authors and $50 per month for non-house authors. Magazine Cover Feature: Magazine cover features are free with an interview for house authors. For non-house authors, a cover feature costs $150 and ensures priority placement.

Trient Press operates with a defined set of editorial guidelines. We seek manuscripts that align with our publishing vision, maintaining high standards in terms of content, style, originality, and marketability. We require a clean, polished manuscript with minimal typographical or grammatical errors. HOW STRICT ARE THESE GUIDELINES? Our editorial guidelines are in place to ensure the quality and reputation of Trient Press. While we encourage creative freedom, it's essential that your manuscript conforms to these guidelines to be considered for publication. WHAT GENRES DOES TRIENT PRESS PUBLISH? Trient Press is open to a wide range of genres, both fiction and nonfiction. Our focus, however, remains on manuscripts that offer value, insight, or engagement to our readers. WHAT IF MY MANUSCRIPT DOESN’T FIT YOUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES? If your manuscript does not align with our editorial guidelines, it is unlikely to be accepted. We do, however, provide feedback for submissions and encourage authors to make necessary improvements and resubmit their work. DO I NEED TO HIRE AN EDITOR BEFORE SUBMITTING MY MANUSCRIPT? While hiring an editor is not a requirement, it is highly recommended. An editor can help refine your manuscript, ensuring it is polished and free of errors, which increases your chances of being considered for publication. DOES TRIENT PRESS PROVIDE EDITING SERVICES? At present, Trient Press does not provide in-house editing services. We strongly advise that you engage an independent editor to review your manuscript before submission. HOW SHOULD I FORMAT MY MANUSCRIPT FOR SUBMISSION? Manuscripts should be submitted as Microsoft Word files in .doc or .docx format. Text should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and in 12-point Times New Roman font.

Submitting your manuscript can be a period filled with anticipation and uncertainty. At Trient Press, we value your patience and commitment and aim to provide clarity and transparency during this process. Once your manuscript has been submitted, our team diligently reviews your work. This process demands time and careful attention to ensure your manuscript receives a fair and thorough evaluation. While we strive to be as prompt as possible, we kindly ask for your patience during this stage. HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT FOR A RESPONSE? Please allow for an ample period of time before expecting a response from us regarding the acceptance of your manuscript. Given the volume of submissions we receive, our response times can vary. However, we endeavor to respond within a reasonable timeframe and appreciate your understanding and patience. During high volume submissions times for response may take up to 8 weeks. HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED? If your manuscript is selected for publication, you will be notified directly by our team. Conversely, should your manuscript not be accepted, we will communicate this decision to you as well, providing brief feedback where possible. CAN I FOLLOW UP ON MY SUBMISSION STATUS? Certainly. If you wish to inquire about your submission's status after an extended period, please do not hesitate to contact us. We value your eagerness and will strive to provide you with a status update as quickly as we can. Thank you for entrusting your manuscript with Trient Press. We assure you that your work is being treated with the utmost respect and attention it deserves.

At Trient Press, our commitment to the literary community extends beyond our published authors. We offer a select range of services on a first-come, first-served basis to authors not currently affiliated with Trient Press. These services are detailed as follows: Formatting: Our formatting services ensure your manuscript is presented professionally and adheres to industry standards. This includes the appropriate placement of the copyright details provided by you. Pricing for our formatting services begins at $50. Please note that additional costs may be incurred for the inclusion of graphics, special fonts, and images. The final price, reflecting these potential additions, will be mutually agreed upon prior to commencement of work. Promotional Images: To assist with marketing and promotional efforts, we offer a package of 10 custom promotional images for $50. This service is exclusively available to non-Trient authors. Ghostwriting: For authors in need of ghostwriting services, our rates commence at $3,000, payable in three installments. Translation Services: For non-Trient authors, we offer translation services at a rate of $1,500 per language. Cover Design for Non-House Authors: Basic cover design services, including both book wrap and eBook cover, are offered to non-house authors for a fee of $200. Dove & Dragon Radio and Magazine Features: Interviews on our house podcast, Dove & Dragon Radio, as well as features in our magazine, are provided free of charge for house authors. For non-house authors, the cost is $125 per podcast interview and $90 per magazine interview. Promotions: Promotion on Dove & Dragon Radio costs $10 per month for house authors and $50 per month for non-house authors. Magazine Cover Feature: Magazine cover features are free with an interview for house authors. For non-house authors, a cover feature costs $150 and ensures priority placement. Please feel free to contact us to discuss these services in greater detail or to secure a spot in our schedule.

A query letter is a one-page letter sent to literary agents or publishing houses in an effort to secure their interest in a manuscript and to invite them to request more pages or the entire manuscript for review. It serves as the first impression, a brief but compelling argument for the literary merit and marketability of the work. HOW DO I STRUCTURE MY QUERY LETTER? A well-crafted query letter consists of three primary components: the hook, the book, and the cook. The Hook: This is the attention-grabbing opener. It should be an engaging statement or question designed to pique the reader's interest. The Book: This is a brief summary of your manuscript, encompassing the genre, word count, title, and a concise overview of the plot, major characters, and themes. The Cook: This refers to information about the author - you. Mention any relevant credentials, publication history, or unique insights you bring to the manuscript. Remember to maintain a professional, respectful tone throughout the letter. HOW LONG SHOULD MY QUERY LETTER BE? Your query letter should ideally fit on one page when printed. This typically translates to between 250-350 words. Brevity and clarity are essential. SHOULD I MENTION MY PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS? Yes, if you have any previously published works, especially in recognized literary journals, anthologies, or as standalone books, they should be mentioned in the 'cook' section of your query letter. DO I NEED TO PERSONALIZE MY QUERY LETTER? Yes, it is recommended that each query letter be personalized to the agent or publishing house you're submitting to. Research the recipient to understand their preferences and specify why you believe your manuscript would be a good fit for their list. SHOULD I INCLUDE MY CONTACT INFORMATION? Yes, your contact information - including your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address - should be included at the top of your query letter. HOW DO I END MY QUERY LETTER? Close your query letter with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards", followed by your name. You may also want to include a sentence thanking the recipient for considering your work.

A manuscript sample is a portion of your full manuscript that you submit to literary agents or publishing houses. This provides an opportunity for them to assess your writing style, narrative voice, and the potential of your story. Typically, the sample includes the first few chapters of your manuscript. HOW LONG SHOULD MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE BE? The length of a manuscript sample varies depending on the preferences of the literary agent or publishing house. At Trient Press, we request the first three chapters of your manuscript. SHOULD I EDIT MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE? Yes, it's crucial that your manuscript sample is as polished as possible. This includes proofreading for spelling and grammar errors, as well as refining sentence structure, clarity, and overall flow. We recommend considering professional editing services to ensure your work is presented in the best possible light. DO I NEED TO INCLUDE A SYNOPSIS WITH MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE? While not always required, including a synopsis with your manuscript sample can be beneficial. It provides a comprehensive overview of your story, allowing the reader to understand the broader narrative arc and major plot points. SHOULD I INCLUDE ANY ADDITIONAL MATERIALS WITH MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE? Unless specifically requested by the literary agent or publishing house, it's generally not necessary to include additional materials with your manuscript sample. However, if your manuscript has visual elements integral to the story, such as illustrations or diagrams, these can be included. IN WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I PREPARE MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE? At Trient Press, we require manuscript samples to be submitted as a Microsoft Word file in .doc or .docx format. Your manuscript should be double-spaced, with a clear, easy-to-read 12-point font such as Times New Roman. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY MANUSCRIPT SAMPLE IS REJECTED? Rejection is a common part of the publishing process and should not discourage you. If your manuscript sample is rejected, consider any feedback received, make necessary revisions, and continue to submit to other agents or publishing houses.

A release of rights is a legal document that frees an author from contractual obligations with a previous publisher, allowing the author to submit and publish their work elsewhere. WHEN IS A RELEASE OF RIGHTS NEEDED? If your work was previously published and you wish to submit it to a different publisher, you will need a release of rights from your previous publisher. This ensures that there are no outstanding contractual obligations that would prevent your new publisher from legally publishing your work. HOW DO I OBTAIN A RELEASE OF RIGHTS? To obtain a release of rights, you should reach out directly to your previous publisher. The specifics of the process may vary depending on the publisher, but generally, it involves a formal written request, outlining your desire to publish your work elsewhere. DO I NEED A LAWYER TO SECURE A RELEASE OF RIGHTS? It's not strictly necessary to have a lawyer to secure a release of rights, but it may be beneficial. A lawyer with experience in publishing and intellectual property law can guide you through the process and help ensure that your interests are protected. WHAT INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN A RELEASE OF RIGHTS? A release of rights typically includes the title of the work, the names of the author and publisher, the date of the original publishing agreement, and an affirmation that all rights to the work revert to the author. WHAT IF MY PREVIOUS PUBLISHER REFUSES TO GRANT A RELEASE OF RIGHTS? If your previous publisher refuses to grant a release of rights, you may need to consult a lawyer to understand your options. This could involve negotiation, arbitration, or potentially legal action, depending on the specifics of your contract. DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A RELEASE OF RIGHTS WITH MY MANUSCRIPT? At Trient Press, if your work has been previously published, you should submit your manuscript along with your previous publisher's release of rights. This allows us to proceed confidently with the evaluation and potential publication of your work.

Your full manuscript should be submitted only after it has been requested by the publishing house or literary agent. At Trient Press, we request your full manuscript after the initial review of your query letter and manuscript sample. HOW SHOULD I SUBMIT MY FULL MANUSCRIPT? Your full manuscript should be submitted in the manner specified by the publishing house or literary agent. At Trient Press, we request that your full manuscript be submitted as a Microsoft Word file in .doc or .docx format via email. WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE WITH MY FULL MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION? When submitting your full manuscript, you should include any items requested by the publishing house or literary agent. This could include a synopsis of your work, a brief author bio, or a list of comparable titles in the market. Always ensure you have followed the submission guidelines detailed by the specific publisher. HOW SHOULD MY FULL MANUSCRIPT BE FORMATTED? At Trient Press, we request that your full manuscript be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font. It is advisable to include page numbers and your name in the header or footer of the document. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY FULL MANUSCRIPT? Once your full manuscript has been submitted, it will undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our editorial team. This process involves a thorough examination of its content, style, and marketability. If we believe your manuscript aligns with our publishing vision, we will proceed with discussions about a potential publishing contract. WHAT IF MY MANUSCRIPT IS REJECTED AFTER FULL SUBMISSION? Rejection is an inherent part of the publishing process, and it's important not to be discouraged. If your manuscript is not selected for publication, we encourage you to carefully consider any feedback provided, make necessary revisions, and continue your journey to publication, either with other publishers or through self-publishing avenues.