Submission Guidelines

Our Philosophy:

Rising Phoenix Press, founded by authors and illustrators, believes that a network of people working together to promote all titles is far more effective than one person marketing on their own.  Based on this philosophy, certain requirements are mandatory and are non-negotiable.  We are building a select list, based on quality work that represents our company as a whole.  Works submitted must complement the titles we currently publish. 

We are not a traditional publisher.  Our company is based on promoting each other as a whole and producing titles that we feel will benefit everyone involved at Rising Phoenix. There is a one-time author fee.  This fee is discounted for multiple pieces and is payable to Rising Phoenix Press.  Authors retain 100% of their royalties, less production costs.  Production costs are calculated per title per sales channel by the printer.

What we are looking for:

We publish young adult novels, early/middle readers, and children’s picture books.  We are not interested in short stories, short story collections, novellas, poetry, or adult novels.  Responses to submissions can take up to 6months, but will usually come much sooner. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as we are notified if your manuscript is picked up by another publisher.

How to submit:

All submissions should be attached to an e-mail and sent to submissions@risingphoenixpress.net.  Please include your name, the name of the work and age level (YA, MR, ER, or PB) in the subject line (i.e. C.S. Lewis,The Silver Chair, YA).  In the body text of the e-mail, briefly describe the manuscript’s plot, intended age group, your publishing credits (if any), and any other information you feel pertinent. Manuscripts must be on 8 ½” x 11” paper, Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spaced, 12-14 point type, with at least 1” margins all around.  Please number the pages consecutively and include the title of the work at the top of each page.

Please type your name,e-mail address, and phone number in the upper right hand corner of the first page of your manuscript.  Right under this, please put the length of your manuscript in number of words.  Click here for a manuscript sample.

YA Novels, Middle and Early Readers:  Please send at least 10 pages from the opening chapter(s) along with a detailed synopsis.

Picture Books:  Send entire manuscript

Submission Guidelines for Independent Contractors

Rising Phoenix Press is currently building a list of independent contractors that we will provide to our authors as a resource to aid in the creation of quality, original children’s picture books and young adult novels.  Rising Phoenix Press is providing this list to our authors for informational purposes only.  All contracts, fees, and time requirements will be negotiated directly between the contractor and author.  Below is a list of services that we are currently seeking to add to our list.  If you would like to be considered for our list, please follow the submission guidelines below.  

Illustrators – Picture Book and YA Covers

You may send a link to online portfolios to submissions@risingphoenixpress.net.  Please provide the necessary contact information: name, e-mail, telephone.  We would also appreciate knowing the medium used to create the work as well as an approximate working time-frame per project.  If you would prefer to send non-returnable samples or dummies by mail, you may send them to:

Rising Phoenix Press, LLC

Attn:  Art Director

100 Goldmine Ct

Aledo, TX 76008

Editors

You may send sample work to submissions@risingphoenixpress.net. Please provide the necessary contact information:  name, e-mail, telephone, as well as an approximate time-frame for projects.

Novels – Please provide a list of previously edited work as well as text from at least two complete chapters from the most recent project that you have edited.

Picture books – Please provide a list of previously edited work as well the complete text from your most recently edited book.

Book Layout, Interior and Exterior

You may send a link to online portfolios/samples to submissions@risingphoenixpress.net.  Please provide the necessary contact information: name, e-mail, telephone, as well as an approximate working time-frame per project. 

Novels – Please provide a list of previously completed work as well as two full cover layouts from the most recent projects that you have completed.

Picture books – Please provide a list of previously completed work as well as two two-page spreads from your two most recently completed projects.

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to each submission or query.  If we find your work to be of interest for future projects, we will certainly contact you.  Please send any questions to contact@risingphoenixpress.net.

Sometimes a distraction is exactly what you need!

I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for Christmas. I’m always thankful for the reason behind the season, I am, but these days that doesn’t seem to be what Christmas is all about. “Oh my goodness, I sound like my mom!”

Let’s see, it started with the request for flat screens, laptops and IPhones. This one’s new, at least to me, Beats (apparently a new type of headphone) and it would seem high on the list for pre-teens this year, a horse and clothes. I’m a buyer, not a shopper (hate shopping), so I appreciate the list but this list is daunting!

Eagles Eyes

When I was my daughters' ages, seven and nine years old, I had never seen a bald eagle. I think I was probably 30 years old before I saw my first bald eagle in nature, and I don't remember even seeing one in captivity before that. However, living on land between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, it has become quite common during the past decade to site bald eagles, especially along the larger creeks, streams, and canals.

The Bright Moon Light

This morning I crawled out of my warm and cozy bed to go running. Since it had been a few days since my last run, I was anxious to get back to my normal routine, so that made getting out of bed on a dark, cold morning a little easier. As I left the house, bundled in my warm running gear, I noticed the moon. The light radiating from the full moon was stunning.

Watching You Like a Hawk

My normal route to work includes many country roads. Since crops have long been harvested, the land is wide open, and you can see for miles. Lately, I have noticed several red-tailed hawks on my drives. Sometimes I see hawks perched on fence posts, and many times they are perched on tree branches, road signs or power poles. It doesn’t really matter where I spot these giant birds of prey, they are an awesome site, and they always seem to be keeping an eye on me.

DEJA VU ... Embrace It!

Everybody’s done it, at least once in their lives, walked into an unfamiliar place and felt as if they’d been there before.  It’s often referred to as DÉJÀ VU. I visited a school today, Meadowbrook Elementary, I’d never been there before but as soon as I walked into the building, I felt as if I had. It was quite bizarre really, that feeling. This particular school appeared much older than it was. It was built in the seventies, but it had a much older feel, to me, than that.

Walking the path toward the school, laced with grass and trees, I immediately noticed the concrete steps that led to the large double doors. The brickwork caught my attention, real brick, with pillars, and accents that stood out. Details that I appreciate, and are often found in older structures. The difference between built and poured comes to mind, and this structure was solid.

Schools as a whole smell the same, especially to a visitor. Kids, cleaning solutions, cafeteria food, and all of these odors wafted through the air. Huge clocks hung from the walls, and I couldn’t help but notice the filing cabinets, they were old, like the building, but they fit. My mind grabbed every detail as I walked the corridors that it could: the floors, ceilings, kids, chairs, clocks,

"That's what it's all about!"

“That’s what it’s about!”

It’s book fair time in Texas, for me, a very busy time of the year. Jessica Prigg, CRM, Barnes & Noble the Parks at Arlington, and I partnered in a very unique program. It has become a phenomenal tool for our local schools.  I think it’s safe to say that when we started this program, though we hoped we’d make a difference, we had no idea of the impact that we would have on the schools that we visit. Book fairs within the Barnes & Noble store are a norm; the way that we do it, is not. We decided we wanted to make a difference. Raise money for local schools, yes, and yet motivate, hopefully inspire, and teach the children what writers really do. 

Children have a vision of what they think a writer does, but truth be told, they really don’t have a clue. They don’t really understand the role of the author either, until discussed in depth. What it really takes to bring a creative thought to life, most kids believe you simply sit down and write.  I know, I’ve asked them, but it’s a beautiful thing as a writer, presenter and author, watching their eyes sparkle as they suddenly ‘get it.’ Every now and then, you find a child that loves to write as much as you did at that age. It truly is a privilege, being able to share with them and I can honestly say that it never gets old.

When visiting a school, it’s not unusual to speak all day long. We fill the library with every grade level, several times if need be.  I always take a manuscript with me; shocks the kids every time, ink on paper versus the book in my hand, 68,420 words looks completely different. Throw in ‘slice & dice’ (cuts writers make before the editor touches it), and the gasps fill the room. Kids often refuse to think before they write, don’t believe me, ask their teachers, so I always discuss my thinking process. In the evening we meet at Barnes & Noble, the kids perform, I sign books, visit with parents, and we raise funds for the school that I visited. 

Last week when I walked into Barnes & Noble, the librarian from Bebensee greeted me; she had something to tell me. “You wouldn’t believe it,” she said, “The kids can’t wait until Monday to write, (I’m teaching a workshop for 4^th graders), they wanted to write as soon as they got back to their classrooms.” I smiled, couldn’t help it, “That’s what it’s all about,” I said, and she agreed. She went on to say that kids had brought their writings to her already, at the store, and how happy this had made her. This book fair was very special for me and for the kids. I spoke all day as usual, but at the signing three of my characters from ‘The Ghost of Whispering Willow’ signed copies of the book (Ally Collinsworth, Kendall Lipscomb and Krista Thrasher), my cover artist, Kinsy McVay, signed as well. Having the kids get it,  “That’s what it’s all about!”

Lucky Rainbows

Ideas for the fourth book in the Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk series spent months spinning around in my head. One day on my drive to work, I looked out the window at one of the many farms on my back road commute. I've done field work on this farm several times for work and enjoy the view of the farm's creek, well preserved red barn, rolling crop ground and pasture, and mixture of oak and hickory trees. As I

Leave the Highway

Driving along the interstate highways in Wisconsin on our Columbus Day weekend getaway, I was amazed at how beautiful the trees looked. We had driven on some of these same roads in August, when trees were merely green, and the difference was astounding.

"And They're Off!"

Originally posted on Cereal Authors

When beautiful racehorses leave the gate, the commentator usually says, “And they’re off!” That’s how I believe we're feeling at Rising Phoenix Press, so when I was asked to post about our recent LLC, "They're off," came to mind. 

I typically tackle things in my life ninety to nothing. Don’t believe me? Ask my family, friends, and those closest to me. An idea becomes a goal, a goal becomes a plan, and a plan put into motion will either work or it won’t, but it certainly won’t be from lack of effort.

Onward and Upward

    The concept behind Rising Phoenix Press is a simple one: authors helping authors.  By supporting, encouraging, and promoting one another, we have adopted an "All for one, and one for all!" attitude. We're doing this together.

We want to hear from you!

Thank you so much for your interest in Rising Phoenix Press.  We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions and strive to respond to all e-mails within 48 hours. 


General Inquiries or to Request Review Copies

contact@risingphoenixpress.net


Contact Our Creativity Specialists

Jannifer Powelson - jannifer@risingphoenixpress.net
Amanda M. Thrasher - amanda@risingphoenixpress.net
Kinsy McVay - kinsy@risingphoenixpress.net


Submissions

Please click here for our author submissions guidelines.

Illustrators, editors, or designers please click here.

What Do You Want to be When You Grow UP?

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow UP?

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” a question that children are asked at some point during their childhood. I asked my four-year-old grandson, Tyler, that very question and his answer took me by surprise.  

Over the years I have often posted about how proud I am of my son and his wife. They seemed so young, kids themselves, when they stepped into this thing we call life, a grown up’s world at best. To say we were worried, understatement of the century, and yet that worry seems so misplaced now.

During a casual conversation I asked the age-old question, “Tyler, what do you want to be when you grow up?” He stopped what he was doing, playing with a truck at the time, and thought for a second or two. His answer surprised me and reminded me of how proud of my son I am.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kinsy McVay

An Interview with Author/Illustrator Kinsy McVay

Originally appearing at Author Bill Wetterman's Website.

I’d like to thank Kinsy McVay for taking time from his many projects to appear on my blog.

Kinsy McVay was born in 1978 in Liberal, KS and was raised with his younger brother and sister by two wonderful parents in the little blip-in-the-road of Plains, KS. He attended junior college in Liberal before moving on to the University of Kansas in Lawrence where he earned his degree in Illustration. While in Lawrence, Kinsy married his long-time love, Tricia, who has since blessed him with two wonderful sons. Kinsy currently lives with his family in Fort Worth, TX, where he teaches elementary art. He wrote his first children’s book, Just Line Around, to be used in his classroom to inspire and encourage his awesome students.

Have Book -- Will Travel!

I’ve been working with a local library to set up an event using my book, “Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees”, as part of the library’s summer reading program. I love the 2013 theme for summer reading, “Have Book – Will Travel”. That theme pretty much summarizes my life. I love books, and I love to travel!

Color Coded of Course!

Color Coded of course!

I personally believe that simplicity is a beautiful thing. Keep it simple, don’t make it harder than it needs to be, and figure it in order to get it done. Based on this belief, we decided to get back to the basics.  “Think like a child," so we asked ourselves, "What would the children say?”

Recently we started our own label, an imprint, Rising Phoenix Press. Our reason was simply this: “We started this label in order to do it our way.”  We knew what needed to be done, we were already doing it, but we knew we could gear a program precisely to the needs of our work. 

News - Rising Phoenix Press Author & Educator Reception

   If you're an educator living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, be sure you don't miss this event.  Barnes & Noble Booksellers will be hosting their annual "High Tea Educator Reception" on October 13th, started at noon.  There will be tons of gifts and discounts for educators, as well as a chance to win a $500 gift card!

   As an added bonus, Amanda M. Thrasher will be on site signing copies of her new YA novel, The Ghost of Whispering Willow.  Click here for more information on the event.  See you there!

A Beautiful Day to Learn About Trees!

It was the first day of autumn and a bright and beautiful day. I was on my way to Forest Park Nature Center, where I was reading "Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" and leading a nature walk. After a busy morning of doing household chores and preparing for the program, it was almost a relief to hop into the car and begin the hour long drive.

What! No Internet?

I've just recently moved. The house, new, is amazing, perfect for me, and the community and neighbors are lovely. I'm certain everyone has a horror story or two, regarding moves, and I am no exception to the rule. It's safe to say though, that we got through.

It never once occurred to me, while preparing to move, that Internet would ever be an issue. After all, "Who doesn't have access to the Internet, right?" Oh my goodness, I was wrong. It started with a simple phone call. "I'd like to transfer service please." The lady was lovely, pleasant, helpful, but unfortunately declared that they were unable to offer service in my area. "There must be some mistake," I said, politely,

A Perfect Day to Visit the Prairie

On Saturday, the weather was perfect. The temperature was warm, but not hot, and the sky was sunny and filled with big, puffy clouds. After a hot, dry summer, this nice day was a welcome relief.

Old way of thinking...new way of doing it!

Old way of thinking…new way of doing it!

There was a time when everyone worked together for the good of ‘the’ company, but over the years it seemed we went through a phase of ‘fend’ for yourself. The weak seemed to barely survive and the strong, got stronger. At Rising Phoenix Press we’ve taken a step back, but in the greatest way.

To say that we know what we’re doing is just plain crazy…but we like crazy. There are a million normal thinkers out there, we’re not in that bunch, and we don’t mind. We don’t know what we’re doing, yet, but we do have most of it

If at First You Don't Succeed...

   To be honest, the past few months have been very busy, stressful, fun, and exciting times, all rolled into one. When fellow authors, Amanda M. Thrasher and Jannifer Powelson, and I decided to get our feet wet on the publishing side of this business, I must admit that I had many more questions than answers.
 
  It was really all of the little things that I just took for granted. Things like what is the ideal font size for a book? What about margins? Anyone know how to layout a cover? What fonts look good on a cover? How do I get all of the text to stop at the same place on the bottom of each page? (That one was tougher than you might think...) How is a normal print file laid out differently than a file for an e-reader? The questions just went on and on.

On Top of the World!

School for my two daughters started last week, and I recently changed my work schedule to allow me to pick them up after school. In order to go to school directly from work, I also changed my driving route. I still take the same blacktop, but I travel on it longer, and I bypass another road I used to take. These two blacktops converge near what I am told, is the highest point in the county. Driving over the

New Release

 The Ghost of Whispering Willow  has arrived!

   We have a tagline here at Rising Phoenix Press. It’s simple, we all believe in it, and hope to share it with others. Creative Expression. Reborn. Today was a good day; a day that we celebrated together. We started this co-op knowing that once we put it into motion, there was absolutely no turning back. We’ve been working, ninety-to-nothing, since the idea of Rising Phoenix Press was created. Today we released The Ghost of Whispering Willow under our new label. It’s an important piece, there’s a story behind the story, and the first piece that we truly put together from start to finish: writer, artist, layout, and we did it! Beautifully I might add, or at least I hope so.

Branching Out!

Hello! My name is Jannifer Powelson, and I am the author of three children’s books, “Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie”, “Rachel and Sammy Visit the Forest”, and “Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees”. All three of these titles are “new and improved” versions and are being republished by Rising Phoenix Press. I’m currently working on my fourth book in the Rachel and Sammy series, “Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve”.

The Mischief Patch Series, Re-release, Coming Soon

The Mischief Patch series, Mischief in the Mushroom Patch & A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, will be re-released in the fall,  September -  2012.

Complete with a fresh new look, courtesy of illustrator, Kinsy McVay, Lilly, Boris and Jack will be back! The third installment of
the series, A Spider Web Scramble in the Mushroom Patch is underway, so stay tuned!

"There's a story behind THAT story."

The Ghost of Whispering Willow

At some point or another, I am certain everyone has heard the words “There’s a story behind THAT story.” Well, it just so happens that I’m about to use those words too, because there is a story behind my story, The Ghost of Whispering Willow.

I remember the day that my daughter and her friends sat at the
foot of my desk and asked if I would write them a scary story.  I had just finished the second installment of the mischief series A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, and I had no idea what I was going to write next. They had another request, too, and this one wasn’t as easy to fulfill as I thought that it would be.  The request seemed simple enough “Please put us in the story,” but it wasn’t simple at all.

Moving Right Along...

Have you ever had one of those thoughts that sticks with you and just won't go away? On a whim, I recently started touring the Fort Worth area looking for a possible location for an art studio. Just to be clear, this was, and is, a totally unattainable goal at this point. It was just fun to consider the possibilities.