Professional guidelines for submitting your manuscript to Rhubarb Press
Rhubarb Press welcomes unagented submissions across all literary genres. Unlike major publishers such as HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Hodder & Stoughton, we accept direct submissions from authors without requiring literary agent representation.
While we have a particular fondness for cosy crime fiction, we welcome manuscripts across all genres. Our cosy crime titles feature amateur sleuths, minimal violence, and puzzle-driven mysteries set in close-knit communities. These manuscripts include:
Rhubarb Press actively welcomes diverse literary voices across multiple genres:
Professional introduction with book summary and author credentials
Complete plot summary including the ending
Opening chapters that demonstrate your writing style
Publishing history, relevant experience, and platform
Your novel must be complete before submission. We do not accept proposals for unfinished works.
Please submit exclusively to Rhubarb Press during our 12-week review period. Multiple submissions will be rejected.
We do not accept manuscripts created with or assisted by artificial intelligence tools.
Your query letter is your first impression. Follow industry standards used by major publishers like HarperCollins and Penguin Random House:
Following practices established by major publishers, your synopsis should reveal the entire plot, including the murderer's identity and resolution method. Do not withhold the ending to create suspense.
2-3 pages maximum, single-spaced, approximately 500-750 words
Email all materials to: submissions@rhubarbpress.com
Subject line: "SUBMISSION: [Your Book Title] by [Your Name]"
Attach all documents as separate files (do not embed in email body)
Include a brief cover email introducing your submission
Within 5 business days of submission
4-6 weeks for query and sample chapters
8-12 weeks for complete manuscript review
All authors receive a response, positive or negative
Rhubarb Press never charges authors for submissions, reading, or publication services.
Unlike major publishers, we welcome direct submissions from unagented authors.
Every submission receives careful consideration from our editorial team.