Iconic Publishing

Iconic Publishing looks for well-told and well-written stories. We want stories that are new and fresh and that readers find hard to put down. If the reader is engaged and wants more, that enthusiasm drives the writer and the publisher to keep doing what they do best.  We seek new and established authors, and while we are not a vanity press, we welcome previously published stories that have passed out-of-print from the closing of a publishing house or the expiration of a contract, though we do vet every submission.

But, before sending a manuscript, a few words:

First Things First:

1. Finish Writing.  When we read your submission and request the full manuscript, we do not want to wait, we want to read it immediately. If it is not finished, we have no idea when or if we will see it.
2. Edit. Make a good faith edit. Editing is part of our job, but a great story can be lost in unrefined writing. If it is not clean and readable, it will not inspire us to ask for more. A editor’s job is primarily to edit for story and content, to help the author tell the story the in the best way possible.  Editing for grammar and mechanics should be completed before we see it.
3. Look at the genres page. These are the types of stories we look for. If it does not fit neatly into one of them, as long as it is in the arena, send it. Crossovers happen all the time and new ideas spark new styles. We want to see new speculative fiction, especially if it is unique.
4. Pay attention to format. Iconic prefers: 1″ margins, double-spaced, 12-pt font, Times New Roman or Courier. While all of this can be done on our end in about thirty seconds, it speaks to the length of what we want to see, the first 50 pages or so, depending on chapter lengths, approximately 12,000 – 20,000 words.  We need enough with which to make a decision.
5. Additionally, we want to know more about the story.  Tell us what genres the manuscript falls into. Who is your audience? We would like to see a one-to-three page synopsis or plot outline of the entire story, and a brief breakdown of the primary characters, just two or three sentences on each.  We want to know the author’s plans for the novel, and any subsequent novels if it is a series.

Second Things Second:

1. Iconic, in an effort to keep overhead costs low, does not pay advances. This allows us to focus those energies towards making the book a success. Advances have to be offset for a company to remain viable. Since we do not succeed unless our authors succeed, we feel it is in everyone’s best interest to put those resources to the best use. Besides, it means we can start paying royalties sooner.
2. Royalties are based on net profit.  We calculate net profit by subtracting the retailer discount and production costs from the sale price.  The result is split 50/50 with the author so the the Author’s Royalties are 50% of net profits.
3. Previously published. We are willing to consider previously published or self-published works that have been published in limited formats, such as being published only as an e-book. Some small presses limit themselves to electronic formats.  while this keeps costs low, it also limits access and reach. If the author retains print rights or electronic rights, we will consider the work, but contracts with other companies will be respected.  For previously print-published works, if the print rights have reverted back to the author, we could look at a new edition.
4. Iconic wants authors who will support their work. We expect our authors to attend signings and readings, though we would never ask anyone to travel outside of their immediate region. This helps the author get their name and face in front of their audience and builds a positive impression.

Third Things Third:

1. Be patient. To be perfectly honest, we have to give priority to our signed authors and their stories. This does not mean we do not want to read your submission, quite the contrary. Our continued prosperity depends on bringing new novels to the public. Besides, we just really enjoy reading a good story.

Fourth Things Fourth:

1. How to Submit. Yes, we left this for last hoping you would read everything above first. Editors pull from the submissions pile, it is that easy. We would like to have everything as an attachment in either a .doc (Word) or .rtf (Rich Text Format) format. Microsoft Word is the preferred format.

Submissions: Submissions@iconicpublishing.com

We hope to hear from you soon. Keep writing.