Together, We Craft Stories That Matter
At Wicked Ink Publishing, we’re not just an independent publishing house, we’re dedicated advocates for diversity, innovators of captivating stories, and passionate supporters of your creative journey. We invite talented authors like you to share your work with us and become part of our dynamic community.
We believe that the true power of storytelling lies in writing fearlessly, and the psychology behind every great story fuels its emotional impact. Our commitment to inclusivity is at the core of everything we do, and we are eager to receive submissions from writers of all backgrounds, voices, and experiences.
As your creative partners, we are devoted to helping you bring your stories to life and ensure they reach their full potential. Together, we’ll amplify your unique voice and illuminate the world of fiction. Join us as we celebrate your creativity and embark on a transformative journey to bring your narrative vision to fruition.
Submission Periods for 2025
We believe in providing focused attention to each submission we receive. To ensure the highest level of care for every manuscript, we are open to submissions a few times throughout the year. During these periods, we invite you to submit your original, unpublished manuscripts. We encourage you to get ready to share your story with us during our next open submission window!
Our next submission periods - will be announced in January 2026.
Our upcoming submission periods for 2025 are the following:
March 1 - 31, June 1 - 30, October 1 - 31
Our Submission Process
Telling Stories That Resonate, One Voice at a Time
Timely Responses
We understand the anticipation that comes with submitting your work, which is why we aim to respond to every query within two weeks of receiving your manuscript.
Submit Multiple Works
Feel free to submit multiple manuscripts; each one will be evaluated with the attention and care it deserves.
Originality is Essential
We exclusively consider original, unpublished works. Submissions must not have been previously published in any format, including blogs or self-publishing platforms.
Efficient Communication
Should we decide not to proceed with your submission, we’ll ensure you receive a clear and prompt response. Please be advised that we are unable to provide individual feedback on manuscripts.
Full Manuscript Requests
If your submission captures our attention, one of our experienced literary editors will reach out to request the full manuscript. Please note, the review process for full manuscripts generally takes up to 6 weeks.
Transparent Process
If your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible. We appreciate open communication throughout the process.
Benefits of Signing on as an Author with Wicked Ink Publishing
Author Support and Guidance
We believe in empowering authors with the tools and guidance necessary to succeed. Our support system ensures that you're never alone in your journey:
✅ Complimentary Book Coaching
We offer free book coaching to help guide you through the writing process, ensuring that you're supported every step of the way.
✅ Marketing Guidance
Our team provides marketing strategies tailored to you, helping you build a strong author brand, create author websites, and launch successful social media campaigns to connect with your audience.
✅ Exclusive Author Portal
Gain access to author only resources, submit updates for upcoming events, news articles and updating your author information. You can also engage with fellow authors through live networking events, virtual writing sessions, workshops, and schedule one-on-one coaching sessions.
✅ Author Networking
Join a vibrant community of authors where you can share successes, discuss your current works-in-progress, and have candid conversations about the publishing world.
Rights, Royalties, and Compensation
We fully believe in fair compensation and empowering you with ownership of your work:
✅ Rights and Royalties
You retain the copyright to your work while granting us publishing and distribution rights for various formats, including print, digital, audio, commercial, and screen rights. Authors receive a competitive 50% royalty rate on all media types, reflecting our commitment to fair compensation.
✅ Royalty Payouts
Authors receive royalties on a quarterly basis.
✅ Advances
Our unique publishing model prioritizes higher royalty rates (well above the industry standard) based on book sales, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We do not provide publishing advances currently at this time.
Publishing Process and Transparency
We ensure clarity and transparency every step of the way, providing you with a clear roadmap from submission to publication:
✅ Clear Roadmap
Before you officially sign with Wicked Ink, we provide a detailed timeline outlining all deliverables, ensuring you know exactly what to expect and when.
✅ Publishing Costs
We take on all the financial responsibilities related to editing, publication, and production, allowing you to focus entirely on your creative process.
Opportunities for Growth
We're committed to supporting your long-term creative vision and providing opportunities for future success:
✅ Multi-Book Opportunities
For authors with series or long-term projects in mind, we offer multi-book deals to support your ongoing creative journey.
Our commitment to our authors goes beyond just publishing.
We're your dedicated partners, offering invaluable support and guidance throughout your creative journey.
We are Currently Accepting the Following Genres
-
(Stories set in imaginary realms with magic, mythical creatures, or supernatural elements)
Epic Fantasy (100K - 150K)
Large-scale, immersive worlds with multiple characters and grand storylines.
High Fantasy (100K - 150K)
Set in a completely fictional world, often with a strong magical system.
Fantasy (80K - 120K)
A broad genre with magical or mythical elements in any setting.
Dark Fantasy (90K - 120K)
Blends fantasy with horror or grim themes.
Urban Fantasy (70K - 100K)
Magic and supernatural creatures exist in a modern city setting.
Fairy Tale Retelling (70K - 100K)
A fresh spin on classic fairy tales, often with a darker or unexpected twist.
-
(Futuristic, technological, or society-driven narratives)
Science Fiction (80K - 120K)
Stories exploring advanced technology, space travel, or futuristic societies.
Dystopian (80K - 110K)
Set in oppressive future societies where survival or rebellion is key.
Cyberpunk (70K - 100K)
High-tech, futuristic settings with cybernetic enhancements and hackers.
Space Opera (90K - 130K)
Sweeping, adventure-filled sci-fi epics with intergalactic conflicts.
Time Travel (70K - 110K)
Characters move through time, often dealing with paradoxes and consequences.
Post-Apocalyptic (80K - 110K)
Society has collapsed due to war, plague, or disaster.
-
(Stories designed to evoke fear, suspense, or psychological unease)
Horror (70K - 100K)
A broad genre meant to frighten, terrify, or unsettle.
Slasher (60K - 80K)
Features a relentless killer, usually with high body counts.
Serial Killer (70K - 90K)
Focuses on a murderer’s methods, psychology, or pursuit.
Supernatural Horror (70K - 100K)
Paranormal forces, ghosts, or demons haunt the characters.
Gothic Horror (80K - 110K)
Dark, atmospheric horror with mystery and romance.
Psychological Horror (70K - 100K)
The terror comes from the mind, paranoia, or delusions.
-
(Crime-driven, high-stakes, or tension-filled stories)
Mystery (70K - 100K)
A crime or event must be solved, with clues leading to a reveal.
Cozy Mystery (65K - 85K)
Lighthearted mysteries, often in small towns, with amateur sleuths.
Crime (70K - 90K)
Stories focusing on criminals, law enforcement, or the underworld.
Psychological Thriller (70K - 90K)
Suspenseful, mind-bending stories with unreliable narrators.
Suspense (70K - 90K)
Tension builds as characters are in danger or uncover secrets.
Detective Fiction (75K - 100K)
A detective (amateur or professional) solves a crime.
-
(Emotionally driven stories focusing on relationships and personal growth)
Romance (70K - 100K)
The primary focus is on romantic relationships.
Dark Romance (70K - 100K)
Romance with toxic or intense relationships.
New Adult (60K - 90K)
Focuses on characters in their late teens or early twenties.
Women’s Fiction (80K - 110K)
Stories about personal and emotional growth.
Romantic Suspense (70K - 100K)
Romance mixed with thriller or crime elements.
-
(Fast-paced, high-energy narratives or stories of personal development)
Action & Adventure (80K - 110K)
Protagonists embark on dangerous, thrilling journeys (Indiana Jones).
Young Adult (60K - 90K)
Stories about teenage protagonists and their struggles.
Coming of Age (70K - 100K)
Follows characters growing into adulthood.
Survival Fiction (70K - 100K)
Characters must endure extreme conditions.
Note: We are not currently accepting short stories, or collections for consideration.
Submission Guidelines
Please note, submissions that do not follow these guidelines may not be reviewed.
Step 1 - Submission Form Checklist:
✅ The Hook or Book Blurb (150 - 300 words)
✅ Synopsis (500 - 800 words)
✅ About the Author (short bio about yourself)
✅ Your Submission’s Genre
✅ Manuscript Title
✅ Word Count
Step 2 - Submit One Document:
✅ First 3 chapters or 10,000 words of the manuscript
✅ 1.5 or 2.0 Line Spacing
✅ 12 point font - Times New Roman
✅ File Type: PDF
✅ File Name: “yourname_title”
Your Novel Deserves the Spotlight — Are You Ready?
From Query to Signed Author
An overview of our Manuscript Submission review process.
-
Complete the manuscript submission form and uploading your query file.
Submission File Requirements:
First 3 chapters or 10,000 words of the manuscript
1.5 or 2.0 Line Spacing
12 point font - Times New Roman
File Type: PDF
File Name: “yourname_title”
-
Once the submission has been received, we begin our review process. Expect a response within two weeks. At this point, we will either request a full manuscript or decline moving forward.
-
If we decide to move forward with a full manuscript request. You would submit to us your completed manuscript following the guidelines.
Submission File Requirements:
Full manuscript
1.5 or 2.0 Line Spacing
12 point font - Times New Roman
File Type: PDF
File Name: “yourname_title”
-
Once the full manuscript has been received, we begin our review process. Expect a response within six weeks. At this point, we will either ask for more information regarding your manuscript or decline moving forward.
Note: Unfortunately we do not provide feedback on submitted manuscripts. If you would like professional feedback, you can book us for a Beta Reading or Developmental Editing service.
-
Once we have received more information about your manuscript, and we feel like you may be a good fit, we will schedule a virtual call with you. The virtual call is to get to know you a bit more as an author, for you to get to know us as a publisher, providing more information on a potential contract, and for you to ask any questions you may have regarding steps moving forward.
-
Following the call, we determine if in fact we would be a good fit as a publisher for you and your work, and if you feel comfortable with us moving forward. If we are all aligned, a publishing contract will be drawn up for you to review and sign.
Your literary journey starts now, at Wicked Ink Publishing!
Learn More About Publishing
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We only accept submissions during our designated submission periods in 2025:
March 1 - 31
June 1 - 30
October 1 - 31
-
We currently accept a wide range of genres. Please click on the drop down menu in the above section (We are Currently Accepting the Following Genres) for our full list of currently accepted genres.
Below are the main genre categories we accept:
Fantasy & Magical Worlds
Science Fiction & Dystopian
Horror & Dark Fiction
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Romance & Drama
Action, Adventure & Coming of Age
-
Yes! You are welcome to submit multiple manuscripts, as long as each submission follows our guidelines.
-
No, we only accept original, unpublished manuscripts that have not been self-published, posted on blogs, or released in any format.
-
We aim to respond to all submissions within two weeks. If we request a full manuscript, the review process may take up to six weeks.
-
Yes, ensuring the security and confidentiality of your submitted manuscript is a top priority. Only authorized personnel, such as our editors and acquisitions team assigned to evaluate your manuscript, have access to your submission. Access is strictly limited to those involved in the evaluation process. Your manuscript is never shared publicly or with unauthorized individuals. It remains confidential throughout the submission, and evaluation process.
-
Due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback on manuscripts that we do not accept.
Note: If you would like professional feedback, you can book us for a Beta Reading or Developmental Editing service.
-
If your manuscript is accepted by another publisher, please notify us as soon as possible so we can update our records.
-
No, we do not offer advances. However, we provide a competitive 50% royalty rate—one of the highest in the industry.
-
We take on all financial responsibilities related to editing, production, and distribution, so you can focus entirely on your writing.
-
You retain copyright to your work while granting us publishing and distribution rights for print, digital, audio, commercial, and potential screen adaptations.
-
Royalties are paid quarterly, ensuring you receive compensation regularly based on book sales.
-
Yes! We provide marketing strategies, author branding guidance, social media support, and access to an exclusive author portal with networking opportunities with other authors.
-
Your submission must include:
A Hook or Book Blurb (150 - 300 words)
A Synopsis (500 - 800 words)
A Short Author Bio
Your Submission’s Genre
Manuscript Title & Word Count
You must also submit one document containing:
The First 3 Chapters or 10,000 Words
1.5 or 2.0 Line Spacing
12 pt Times New Roman font
PDF Format with File Name: “yourname_title”
-
Yes! We welcome submissions from authors worldwide as long as they are in English and meet our submission guidelines.
-
While our submissions are closed, we encourage you to use this time to polish your manuscript and ensure it’s in the best possible shape for our next open period.
You can:
Refine Your Story – Take a fresh look at your manuscript, strengthen your narrative, and fine-tune character development.
Prepare Your Submission Materials – Ensure your synopsis, blurb, and author bio meet our guidelines.
Download Our Submission Information Booklet – This resource provides a detailed overview of our process, submission requirements, and helpful tips to get your manuscript ready.
Follow Us for Updates – Keep an eye on our website and social media for announcements on upcoming submission periods.
You can download our Manuscript Submission Information Booklet (coming soon) to get a head start on preparing your submission. We look forward to reading your work when submissions reopen!
-
Yes, we offer professional editing services to help authors refine their work, whether they plan to self-publish or submit to other traditional publishers. However, these services are completely separate from our manuscript submissions process. Every submission is evaluated on its own merit.
Wicked Ink Publishing is not a vanity publisher. Vanity publishers require authors to pay for publishing, editing, and production costs, often with little editorial oversight or marketing support. In contrast, we are a traditional independent publisher—if we sign your book, we fully invest in its success. Our authors do not pay for editing, design, production, or marketing; we cover all publishing costs and offer competitive royalties to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Our goal is to support authors on their publishing journey, whether through our editing services or by offering a full publishing contract for selected manuscripts.
Connect with us on Instagram @wickedinkpublishing
Get exclusive access to cover reveals, book launch announcements, author spotlights, publishing deals, and exciting giveaways you won’t want to miss. From spine-chilling horror and gripping psychological thrillers to epic fantasy sagas, we shine a light on the boldest, most daring voices in fiction.
