Guidelines for Submitting Manuscripts
Mountain State Press considers for publication book-length manuscripts of fiction, poetry, drama, history, biography, memoir, and general interest non-fiction by West Virginians or on West Virginia themes.
Mountain State Press does not publish text books, teacher's guides, technical manuals, genealogy, children's books that require color illustrations, or books with limited audience appeal.
The Press publishes about three to five titles per year. Each manuscript is reviewed by several editors, and a decision is usually made within three or four months. Quality of writing in the chosen genre is the primary criterion of selection, we also consider potential appeal to a wide audience and suitability for MSP.
1.) Send a paper copy of your complete book manuscript, typed, double-spaced, with pages numbered, unbound. (An electronic version of you manuscript is desirable if it should be selected for publication.)
2.) Manuscripts of prose books (fiction or non-fiction) should be a minimum of 150 pages in length; poetry manuscripts, a minimum of 75 pages.
3.) Edit the manuscript carefully for errors before preparing the final copy. The text should not have extensive corrections, strikeouts, or handwritten additions.
4.) Include a table of contents if appropriate. Use chapter divisions unless your manuscript is a collection of poems or short stories or a drama.
5.) Include a cover letter with a synopsis (one or two pages in all) that will help the editors review your book. The letter should include the following information:
What is the overall form or genre of your work?
What is the primary subject-matter or theme? (give a brief summary or synopsis)
What is the intended audience (adult, young readers)?
how does the work relate to West Virginia life or culture? Or what is your personal connection to West Virginia?
For non-fiction works, what experience, research, or expertise did you bring to the writing of the work?
have you published previously? First-time authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts. (However, we urge you to become familiar with contemporary published works in your genre or field, especially if you are writing poetry or fiction.)
6.) Include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage if you want your manuscript returned to you.
7.) Address your submission to:
Mountain State Press
2300 MacCorkle Ave., S.E.
Charleston, WV 25304