Below are our style guideline documents for querying our publishing house. The documents go over query letter styling, document formatting, and story content submission. If a query falls outside these guidelines, it may not be read.
Also listed below the guidelines is an outline of everything Nightshade provides as a publisher to the authors we sign.
Please do not email us for an update on query position. We will respond to authors in due time (we will be aiming for a two week span between receiving a query and sending a response, but that is not guaranteed).
If you are offered representation for your story by an agent or at another publishing house, do let us know so we can respond appropriately.
Nightshade Publishing does not publish or represent stories that have used any Generative AI in their development or creation. Included, but not limited to: outlining, scene development, character development, story writing. Using grammar checkers in programs such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid does not count as Generative AI usage.
We look forward to reading your queries,
The Nightshade Publishing® Team
Of Ink and Paper
Of Ink and Paper is an anthology of short stories and poems revolving around the process of writing. . .
Closed for Submissions
Balloon Children
This anthology is a look back at childhood and the fantastical memories we have. . .
Closed for Submissions
The House Built Between the Branches
This anthology dives into the world we find deep within the woods. . .
Open for Submissions till 3/23/2023
Novel Submission Guidelines
Novel Submission Guidelines
<!---If you are looking to submit for the Nightshade Novel Open Call, please read this submission guideline before submitting your query. Nightshade Publishing is not currently open to novel queries.
Short Story Submission Guidelines
Short Story Submission Guidelines
If you are looking to submit for the Nightshade Novel Open Call, please read this submission guideline before submitting your query.
Nightshade Publishing is currently open to short story queries through September 2025.
Anthology Submission Guidelines
We do accept previously published pieces so long as the rights to said piece have reverted back to the author and the author understands any requirements from the previous publisher about republishing their story.
Submission Guidelines
We have a set of guidelines for authors to follow for submitting stories and poems for anthologies to Nightshade Publishing.
What's Included With Publishing?
Editing
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide several rounds of edits on any manuscripts signed to the company. Edits include Developmental, Line, Copy, and Proof Reading all as needed.
Formatting
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide interior formatting of the novel in any and all editions sold, including paperback, hardback, and epub.
Cover Design
Nightshade Publishing® offers two cover design options for authors. One in which the publisher contracts an artist and one in which the author contracts an artist with Nightshade's aid. This is discussed in depth in the publishing contract.
Marketing Assists
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide social media marketing assists to the author, along with posting to Nightshade's own social media accounts. The company will also work with the author to make a press kit and will aid the author in other marketing endeavors.
Wide Distribution
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide wide mass distribution of the authors book. This will make books available for purchase through brick and mortar stores, and online globally to customers.
Editing
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide several rounds of edits on any manuscripts signed to the company. Edits include Developmental, Line, Copy, and Proof Reading all as needed.
Formatting
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide interior formatting of the novel in any and all editions sold, including paperback, hardback, and epub.
Cover Design
Nightshade Publishing® will at no cost to the author provide a cover artist for the novel signed. Nightshade will work with the cover designer to make a cover for the authors book. If an author has an artist they wish to work with, Nightshade will do their best to contract said artist. If an author specifically wants to contract an artist on their own it will be something worked out between the author and the company before the author contracts an artist.
