Submit Your Manuscript

Take the first step toward publishing your book with Shepherd Court

Thank you for your submission!

We've received your manuscript and will review it shortly. A member of our team will contact you within 3-5 business days to discuss next steps.

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Thank you for considering Shepherd Court Publishing for your manuscript. We accept submissions across a wide range of genres and are committed to helping authors bring their vision to life.

What We're Looking For

We publish fiction and non-fiction works across various genres, including:

  • Literary Fiction
  • Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Historical Fiction
  • Memoirs & Biographies
  • Self-Help & Personal Development
  • Business & Professional
  • Academic & Educational

Manuscript Requirements

  1. Manuscripts should be submitted as a Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF file.
  2. Please use a standard font (Times New Roman or Arial) in 12-point size.
  3. Double-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  4. Include page numbers in the footer.
  5. For fiction: Complete manuscripts only (no partial submissions).
  6. For non-fiction: Complete manuscripts or detailed proposals with sample chapters.

What Happens Next

After receiving your submission, our editorial team will review your manuscript and determine if it's a good fit for our publishing program. This initial review typically takes 3-5 business days, after which you'll receive a response from our acquisitions team.

Note: Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we may not be able to provide detailed feedback on every manuscript. If your manuscript is not selected, it doesn't necessarily reflect on its quality or merit.

Manuscript Submission Form

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Our Submission Process

What happens after you submit your manuscript

1

Initial Review

Our editorial team conducts an initial review of your manuscript to assess its fit with our publishing program (3-5 business days).

2

Comprehensive Evaluation

If your submission passes the initial review, it undergoes a more thorough evaluation by our acquisitions editors (2-3 weeks).

3

Decision & Proposal

Based on the evaluation, we'll either offer a publishing agreement or provide feedback on why we cannot proceed at this time.

4

Contract & Publishing

If accepted, we'll work with you to develop a publishing plan, sign a contract, and begin the editing and production process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our submission process

Do I need to have a completed manuscript to submit?

For fiction, we require a complete manuscript. For non-fiction, we accept detailed proposals with sample chapters that demonstrate your writing style and the book's content.

Is there a fee to submit my manuscript?

No, there is no fee to submit your manuscript for consideration. We only charge fees for our publishing services if we decide to move forward with your project and you choose to work with us.

How long does the review process take?

The initial review typically takes 3-5 business days. If your manuscript proceeds to the comprehensive evaluation stage, that process usually takes 2-3 weeks. We strive to provide timely responses to all submissions.

Can I submit my manuscript if it's been previously rejected by other publishers?

Yes, absolutely. Every publisher has different criteria and preferences. We evaluate each manuscript on its own merits, regardless of its submission history with other publishers.

What if I want to make changes to my manuscript after submitting it?

If you need to make significant changes to your manuscript after submission, please email us at submissions@shepherdcourt.com with your name and manuscript title. We can then update your submission or discuss the best path forward.