Independent publisher · London · Founded 2025Open to unagented submissions
Rhubarb Press

Submissions · Currently open

We read unagented submissions.

Unlike the larger houses, we accept manuscripts directly from authors. Here is what to send, and what happens after you do.

What we publish

We publish thrillers, crime and literary fiction under the Rhubarb Press name, and cosy crime under our dedicated imprint. We also welcome:

  • Hard-boiled and noir fiction
  • Psychological thrillers and horror
  • Non-fiction and memoir
  • Children’s and young adult fiction
  • Poetry and short story collections

Cosy crime for the imprint means amateur sleuths, minimal violence, and puzzle-driven mysteries set in close-knit communities: traditional British-style mysteries with fair-play clues, village or small-town settings, light humour and strong characters.

The manuscript

Your novel must be complete before you submit. We do not consider proposals for unfinished work.

Length
70,000 words or more; roughly 280 pages and up. Standalone or series both welcome.
File
Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF
Type
12-point Times New Roman or Arial, double-spaced throughout
Margins
One inch on all sides, page numbers centred in the footer
Header
Author surname and a short form of the title on every page
Chapters
Typically 2,000 to 4,000 words each
No AI content. We do not accept manuscripts created with or assisted by artificial intelligence tools.

What to send

  1. Query letter One page at most: who you are, what the book is, and why Rhubarb Press.
  2. Synopsis Two to three pages, including the ending.
  3. Sample chapters The first three chapters, or the first fifty pages.
  4. Author biography One page: publishing history, relevant experience and platform.

The query letter

Your query letter is our first impression of you. Keep it to one page and cover:

Opening

  • Title, genre and word count
  • A one-line hook
  • Why you have chosen Rhubarb Press

Middle

  • The plot in two or three paragraphs
  • Your main character and the central conflict or mystery
  • Comparable titles

Closing

  • Your credentials and relevant experience
  • Platform or following, if any
  • A professional sign-off

The synopsis

Two to three pages, single-spaced, around 500 to 750 words, in the third person and present tense. Tell us the whole story from beginning to end: the major characters and what drives them, the turning points, and the resolution. In a mystery, that includes who did it and how it is uncovered. Do not hold back the ending to create suspense.

How to submit

  1. Email everything to submissions@rhubarbpress.com
  2. Subject line SUBMISSION: [Your Book Title] by [Your Name]
  3. Attach each document as a separate file. Please do not paste them into the body of the email.
  4. Add a short covering note introducing yourself and the submission.
Exclusive submissions. Please submit exclusively to Rhubarb Press during our twelve-week review period. Simultaneous submissions will not be considered.

What happens next

Acknowledgement
Within five working days
Initial review
Four to six weeks for the query and sample chapters
Full manuscript
Eight to twelve weeks if we ask to read the whole book
Decision
Every author receives a reply, whichever way it goes

Three things to know

  • No fees. Rhubarb Press never charges authors for submissions, reading or publication.
  • No agent required. We welcome direct submissions from unagented authors.
  • Personal attention. Every submission is read with care by our editorial team.