Frequently asked questions - Submission guidelines for Black Library
The open submissions window runs annually between May 1st and July 31st, with occasional additional windows for specific projects. During these open submission windows Black Library will be looking for new writers to join the hallowed ranks of our best-selling Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 authors.
Prospective authors will be able submit to us in the following ways:
Short Stories
We require:
- a single paragraph summary
- a 500-1,000 word synopsis and
- 1,000 words of sample text.
If accepted the final word count for short story manuscripts is typically between 5,000 and 8,000 words.
Novels
We require:
- a 1,000 word summary
- chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the entire novel (no more than 6 pages) and
- the first 3 chapters (10,000 words minimum).
When accepted the final word count for novel manuscripts is in the region of 100,000 words.
Writers whose work we consider fit for publication will be contacted within 4 months of a submission window closing. Rejected submissions will not receive a response.
Any submissions which do not adhere to the submissions guidelines will be rejected.
Unfortunately, we are not currently looking for Horus Heresy or Time of Legends submissions .
Please e-mail all submissions as a single attachment (in Word format, 12pt Times) to: submissions@blacklibrary.com (this e-mail address is for submissions only and we will not reply to any queries we receive via this address), there is no automated receipt response.
Frequently asked questions - Editing and Proofing for Black Library
How do I report a typographical error in one of your books?
Please contact us listing the book title, page number and details of the error.
I have no experience as a professional editor / proof reader but think I could do a good job
We recommend that you visit the Society for Editors and Proofreaders website for pointers and information on breaking into the industry.
Frequently asked questions - Submissions
Why don’t rejected submissions receive a response?
Past experience tells us that we’ll receive many hundreds of submissions, even during such a short submissions window. Responding to every single one would take up valuable time better spent working on the fantastic novels and short stories that are worthy of publication.
What’s a summary/synopsis/chapter-by-chapter breakdown?
Black Library publish professional work by professional authors. Consider finding out the answer to the above question your first step to becoming a professional author, perhaps visiting your local bookstore or library for reference material or searching for reading material on professional writing may help.
Will I need to have my entire story written by the end of the submission period?
Don't worry about when you will need to be finished by, if we are interested in your submission we will work with you to produce the finished story later.
Can I include a prologue / prelude in my novel submission?
Please only include the first three chapters as requested in the guidelines above.
Why do you have a submissions window? Why don’t you accept submissions throughout the year?
As with all publishers, we have times of the year that are busier than others. By only having a limited submissions window it allows us to schedule the rush of submissions during a period where the extra work will be manageable.
Is there a particular army/race/event you are looking for?
We are looking for stories of great adventure which fit the world of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Can I include an established character in my proposal?
We recommend that you don't use characters already established elsewhere in Games Workshop publications or Black Library novels as this may mean your story won't fit well.
What time period can I set my story in?
All submissions should be set in the contemporary timeline for Warhammer and within the 41st Millennium for Warhammer 40,000.
I have the best idea ever for a Horus Heresy/Time of Legends novel. How do I submit it?
Wait until you’ve had a few novels published and wait for us to invite you to submit it.
How many submissions am I allowed to make?
As many as you feel you want to, but keep in mind that we are looking for quality not quantity so it may be worthwhile to keep to your very best idea first and discuss other ideas later if we accept your submission.
I’ve written a novel that isn’t based in the worlds of Warhammer, will you publish it?
I’m sorry, but we only publish novels based in the worlds of Warhammer.
I’ve written a book of poetry, will you publish it?
No.
I am a professional artist and would like to submit my work, asI think it would be appropriate for use as Black Library illustration, how do I go about this?
Please send three or four screen resolution JPGs to contact@blacklibrary.com at least one of these pictures MUST be based in either the Warhammer orWarhammer 40,000 settings. Don’t send a link to your website or hundreds of images, choose three or four images that best represent your work.
Can you give me any feedback or advice on my artwork?
I’m sorry, we do receive many requests like this, but responding to everyone would take up valuable time which we feel would be better spent ensuring the novels we produce will be as fantastic as possible