Submission Guide

It is very important that you read and understand our submissions guide and rules of entry before submitting your work to Axe River Books.

Who We Are Looking For

We are a South West England-based publisher seeking exceptional literary fiction from writers ready to make their mark. Whether you are a first-time author or already established, we want to hear from voices that resonate with a compelling story and a literary touch.

What We Are Looking For

Manuscripts: Completed works of long-form prose fiction.
Genres: All genres are welcome, provided they have a literary edge and prioritize storytelling excellence.
Exclusions: We are not accepting novellas, short story collections, poetry or books that rely heavily on illustrations to tell the story.
Regional Focus: Writers must reside in or have a solid connection to the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, or Berkshire). If you’re based outside this area, the manuscript or the author’s background must have a significant link to the region.

Before Submitting

To familiarise yourself with our house style and storytelling preferences, we encourage you to explore our latest anthology, available for just £4.99. This collection exemplifies the creative, engaging, and boundary-pushing work we champion.

How to Submit

Please email us a word.doc or PDF file of the first three chapters of your manuscript in a readable format (size and choice of font, for example) to axeriverbooks@gmail.com.

Attach it to an email with the subject line: Submissions 2024/25.

In the email body, introduce yourself and explain why you are the right person to write this story. A short paragraph will do.

In the email body, include a full synopsis of your work (here is a guide to synopsis writing)

Give us your full name and contact details.