Pajama Press is currently accepting submissions for middle grade novels
Posted on September 12th, 2023 by pajamapress
Pajama Press is currently accepting submissions to info@pajamapress.ca for middle grade novels. Due to a high volume of emails, we will only be responding to a select number of submissions.
Submissions will close on October 12, 2023
Submission FAQs
What we are looking for:
Middle-grade novels: 24,000-60,000 words. More complex, character-driven stories that feature a single or dual point of view. Realistic contemporary stories, low fantasy (reality-based fantasy rather than high fantasy), historical stories that appeal to a universal audience.
Due to a high volume of queries, Pajama Press no longer considers submissions from authors outside of Canada.
What should my query look like?
A query does not need to be complicated. Please write us an email that gives the following information:
- A brief summary of your book. Remember that this is a summary, not marketing material—please don’t leave us in suspense about how the story’s conflict is resolved. A novel might take a paragraph or two.
- An excerpt. A good rule of thumb is to send the first three chapters of your novel-length projects.
- Information about your writing background. If samples of your published writing are available online, you may include a link.
Your query is like a resumé—it gives us our first impression of your professionalism and your writing ability. Do take care to represent yourself well.
I see that you don’t accept simultaneous submissions of manuscripts. Can I submit my query to more than one publisher at the same time?
Yes. If we do decide to request your manuscript, we will ask you whether another publisher is considering it. If, at that time, you can offer us the exclusive privilege of looking at your manuscript, we will gladly read it.
My self-published eBook is doing great on Amazon! Will you publish a print version?
Unfortunately, we are unable to consider books that have already been published digitally.
What is the difference between juvenile and middle grade literature?
There is no difference. Both are names for literature written for kids aged 9 to 12. These books can have fairly advanced vocabulary, and their themes are often very challenging, but lots of dialogue and straightforward development keeps them accessible to this age group.