Submit Your Manuscript Excerpt
Ready to see if your book is a fit for Dilettante Press? Start here.
Before you submit, make sure it's polished. We’re selective because every book we publish carries the Dilettante Press name. Our commitment is to quality, professionalism, and giving authors a book they can be proud of. If you’re unsure your manuscript is ready, consider an editorial assessment or professional edit first.
Can I submit a rough draft?
No. Please polish your excerpt as much as you can. You don't have to have it edited — but the better the submission, the better the chance of it getting accepted.
Do I have to have my manuscript edited before I submit it?
No, but it helps. We accept unedited excerpts for submission, but if your manuscript is selected, it must be copy edited before production. Final proofreading is included in the Core Publishing Agreement, but authors are responsible for the cost of copy editing (and developmental editing, if needed).
Can I use my own editor?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own editor, as long as you can provide proof of work (such as an invoice, editorial notes, or credit for the verso page). We just need to be sure your manuscript has been professionally copy edited before it enters production.
What if I’ve already had editing done?
That’s great — it saves time. We’ll ask for proof (invoice, editor’s name, or notes) so we can verify the work. If the edit meets professional standards, your manuscript can move straight into production.
Can Dilettante Press arrange editing for me?
Yes. If you prefer, we can connect you with vetted freelance editors. We charge a flat $175 coordination fee for managing the process, plus the editor’s fee at industry rates. This covers sourcing, scheduling, and quality checks so you don’t have to manage the back-and-forth yourself.
Do you accept all genres?
We will publish most genres with a few exceptions. We do not publish erotica, conspiracy theories, or content that has the purpose of demeaning or belittling others.
Do I need to submit my entire manuscript?
No. We only need to see a few pages — 10-20 — or about 1,000 words. That's enough to give us a sense of your voice, style, and the story you're trying to tell.
Do I need to have a completed manuscript for non-fiction?
For non-fiction, we usually need a completed manuscript. In rare cases, if an author has a strong platform and a well-developed proposal with sample chapters, we may review that. Traditional publishers often sign non-fiction from a proposal because they have large in-house teams to help shape the book. As a hybrid press, we expect authors to bring us work that’s largely developed before we take it forward.
What happens if my submission is accepted?
If we think your book will be a good fit for Dilettante Press — or that we are a good fit for your book — we will ask you to upload your full manuscript.
What happens if you pass on my submission?
You always retain full rights to your work. If we pass, we’ll tell you straight, and when possible, we’ll include a note about why. A pass from us isn’t a judgment that your writing is “bad” — it often just means the project doesn’t fit what we’re building right now. Every author collects rejections, even from the best houses. The important thing is to keep writing, keep refining, and keep putting your work in front of people. A “no” today doesn’t close the door forever.
