Submission Guidelines

 

We are not a story sweatshop driven by volume. We seek distinctive, well-crafted novels that showcase authentic human creativity. Manuscripts containing AI-generated content will not be considered.

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Lawless Trails Press is seeking Western novels in the following categories:

• Traditional Westerns

• Historical Fiction (Westerns)

• Modern/Contemporary Westerns

At this time, we are not accepting nonfiction, poetry, novellas, short stories, or works outside of the Western genre. We are not accepting crossover Westerns (such as paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, or horror). Future submission periods may open to additional types of Western fiction, but not right now.

 

Our Focus

• Western First: All submissions must place the Western front and center. Romance or mystery elements are welcome, but we are not looking for romance novels or thrillers that are merely set in the West. The Western setting, culture, and spirit must be essential to the story—not just a backdrop.

• Characters and Plot: Strong plots are required, but what we are most interested in are unforgettable, well-developed characters that readers will carry with them long after the book ends.

• Inclusive Storytelling: We encourage submissions from authors of all backgrounds and walks of life. The West was diverse, and we want stories that reflect its richness and complexity.

 

What We Want to See

We welcome manuscripts that demonstrate originality, craft, and a compelling voice. Specifically, we are looking for:

• Strong storytelling: Narratives with clear conflict, stakes, and resolution that hold the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

• Distinctive voice: A narrator or style that feels fresh, engaging, and confident.

• Well-developed characters: Complex, believable characters who grow, struggle, and resonate with readers.

• Polished prose: Manuscripts free of distracting errors, with attention to pacing, structure, and readability.

• Emotional resonance: Stories that make us feel something—whether that’s laughter, heartbreak, fear, or hope.

• Creative risk-taking: Fresh perspectives, unexpected twists, and original approaches to genre conventions.

• Cohesive world-building: For historical or contemporary Westerns, immersive and internally consistent settings.

• Complete works: Finished manuscripts that are ready for editorial review.

 

What We Do Not Want to See

When submitting, please avoid the following:

• Stories with agendas: overtly political, religious, or ideological tracts. Subtle themes are fine, but the narrative should not read like propaganda.

• Gratuitous content: excessive or sensationalized sex, profanity, or gore that does not serve the story.

• Unfinished or unpolished manuscripts: first drafts, works with poor grammar, typos, or formatting issues.

• Fanfiction or derivative works: stories that rely on copyrighted characters, settings, or worlds you don’t own the rights to.

• AI-generated works of any kind.

• Unoriginal plots: clichés, thinly veiled rewrites of well-known works, or stories that rely solely on overused tropes without fresh perspective.

• Thinly veiled memoirs or revenge fiction: personal grievances disguised as novels, especially if written to settle scores.

• Stories without conflict or stakes: quiet slice-of-life pieces can work, but they must still offer narrative drive.

• Incomplete submissions: partial manuscripts, outlines, or query letters without a finished story.

• Misaligned genres: works outside our accepted categories (please see our “What We Do Want” section).

• Revisionist history storytelling: we are not interested in works that deliberately rewrite or distort established Western history to push a modern agenda. Accuracy, authenticity, and respect for the historical record are expected.

 

What We’re Looking For

• Word Count: Full-length novels between 70,000–100,000 words. Exceptional works slightly outside this range may be considered.

• Genre Boundaries: We are not accepting crossover Westerns (such as paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, or horror). This may change in the future.

• Unpublished Work Only: We are only considering unpublished manuscripts. Please do not submit works that have been previously self-published, traditionally published, or posted online.

 

Submission Requirements

• One manuscript at a time: Please do not send multiple submissions. Wait until you receive a decision before submitting another.

• Format: All submissions must follow Shunn Standard Manuscript Format. (https://www.shunn.net/format/novel/)

• File type: Attach your manuscript as a .docx or .rtf file only. Please do not send PDFs, Google Docs, or cloud links.

• File naming: Please name your file: LASTNAME_TITLE.docx.

• Synopsis: Include a 1–2 page synopsis with your submission.

• Cover letter: Include a brief cover letter. An author bio is encouraged.

 

Additional Policies

• Response time: Please allow up to 90 days for a decision. If you haven’t heard from us after that time, you are welcome to contact us to inquire about the status of your submission.

• Confirmation of receipt: You will receive an email confirming that your submission was received. This may take a day or so.

• Simultaneous submissions: These are welcome, but if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, please notify us as soon as possible and withdraw it from consideration.

• Resubmissions: Do not resubmit revised manuscripts unless we specifically request them.

• AI policy: We do not accept manuscripts that have been written, generated, or assisted by artificial intelligence in any way. 

• Withdrawal policy: If you wish to withdraw your manuscript, please notify us promptly by email.

• Rights: We are seeking first worldwide English-language rights in print and digital, which includes audiobook. All other rights remain with the author.

• Payment: Payment terms and royalty structure will be provided upon acceptance.

• Publication timeline: Timelines vary, but generally a book will be scheduled for release within 12–18 months after acceptance.

• Professionalism: Please submit only your best, fully edited work. Rough or incomplete drafts will not be considered.

 

How to Submit

Send your submission to: lawlesstrails@gmail.com
Subject line: LAWLESS TRAILS PRESS NOVEL SUBMISSION

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you want a synopsis?
A: Yes, please include a 1–2 page synopsis along with your manuscript.

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Q: Can I just send sample chapters instead of the full manuscript?
A: No. We are only considering complete manuscripts.

 

Q: Can I resubmit my manuscript if it is revised?
A: Not unless we specifically request it. Please wait until you receive a decision before sending any new or revised drafts.

 

Q: What file formats do you accept?
A: Only .docx or .rtf. Please do not send PDFs, Google Docs, or cloud links.

 

Q: Will I get a response even if it’s a rejection?
A: Yes. Every submission will receive a response, whether accepted or declined. Please wait 90 days before checking on status.

 

Q: Do you accept agented and unagented submissions?
A: Yes, we welcome submissions from both.

 

Q: Do you accept reprints or previously self-published books?
A: No. We are only considering unpublished manuscripts at this time.

 

Q: What about novellas or short stories?
A: At this time, we are only considering full-length novels.

 

Q: Do you provide editorial feedback on rejections?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback due to the volume of submissions.

 

Q: Should my manuscript be professionally edited before submitting?
A: While hiring an editor is not required, we strongly encourage submitting your most polished draft.

 

Q: Do you accept submissions from outside the United States?
A: Yes, as long as the manuscript is written in English.