Orca Book Publishers

Orca Book Publishers is presently seeking manuscripts in the following genres: children’s picture books; young readers, and juvenile fiction; teen and young adult fiction

Picturebooks:
· good stories, well told. Any lesson or moral should be secondary to credible characters, an engaging plot and strong writing. The point of view should invite the child reader into the story.
Picturebook manuscripts should not be longer than 1,500 words. Original art should never be included; nor should mock-ups

Orca Echoes, Orca Young Readers (also called chapter books) and juvenile fiction:
· Please go to www.orcabook.com for details
Orca Echoes are 5,500 to 6,000 words. Young Readers are 13,000 to 18,000 words. Juvenile fiction manuscripts are usually 25,000 to 35,000 words. Orca Echoes are aimed at seven-year-olds, Young readers are aimed at eight- to 10-year-olds, and juvenile novels are aimed at nine-to-13 year olds. Orca Echoes,

Teen or young adult fiction:
· issue-oriented contemporary stories exploring a universal theme, with a compelling, unified plot and strong, sympathetic protagonist(s); well-researched stories dealing with historical subjects; 45,000-50,000 words

Orca Soundings: High interest teen novels aimed at reluctant readers:
· Feature simple language and short, high-interest chapters. Protagonists are 14 to 17 years old and should be appealing and believable; 14,000-16,000 words long, 12-16 short chapters.

Orca Currents: High interest intermediate novels aimed at reluctant readers:
· Feature simple language and short, high-interest chapters. Protagonists are 12 to 14 years old;
· 14,000-16,000 words long, 12-16 short chapters.

In general:
At this time we are only considering manuscripts from Canadian writers. We do not read simultaneous submissions. Inappropriate queries and submissions that arrive without a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) will not be considered.

Complete picturebook manuscripts (text only) may be submitted without prior authorization. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for reply and/or return of manuscript. If you are interested in submitting a novel for any age group, please send a query first, including a synopsis. Queries may be sent electronically. All other material -- sample chapters or complete manuscripts -- MUST be mailed. Again, a SASE must be included for a reply and/or the return of your material.

Manuscripts should be typed and double-spaced on one side only of 8.5 x 11" white paper. (Submissions using coloured paper, handwriting or script fonts and typed in ALL CAPITALS are less likely to be given serious consideration.) Do not bind your work in any way (paper clips are fine). A typed cover letter of no more than one page should accompany all manuscripts. Query letters, cover letters, synopses and the first page of manuscripts should include the author's name, address and phone number. Please keep in mind that an unprofessional looking submission has the potential to prejudice even the most open-minded editor.

Please send all queries to Sarah Harvey sarah@orcabook.com
DO NOT send manuscripts electronically.
Please mail all manuscripts or sample chapters to:
Sarah Harvey
Orca Book Publishers
PO Box 5626, STN B
Victoria, BC V8R 6S4