publishing assignment

The publisher I chose is Acorn Press...

General Information:

Acorn Press was founded by Laurie Brinklow - an editor, poet, and publisher - in 1994. Starting Acorn Press, has a huge milestone for her, as she always dreamed of owning publishing company. Acorn Press is based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Prince Edward Island, though Canada's smallest province, has produced some of Canada's most important literature, including the novels of L. M. Montgomery - such as the children's classic Anne of Green Gables!

Works published by Acorn Press continue the PEI tradition of literature with local interest and global appeal. The goal and purpose of Acorn Press is to encourage the flourishing literary culture of Prince Edward Island - they do this by primarily publishing 'books about Prince Edward Island, written by Prince Edward Islanders'.

They are also committed to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. On their website, they state "we are committed to implementing policies that will facilitate the meaningful conservation of ancient and endangered forests globally, and ensure that we are not contributing to the destruction of these irreplaceable natural treasures". 

As a book publisher, paper is obviously a core part of their business. They not only use it in the manufacturing of books, but also other products in the office environment. While they expressed they would like to ensure that all wood-based products they use are derived from ecologically sustainable sources (such as not utilizing trees from old growth forests), they admitted their options are limited by both cost and availability. As these factors change—as alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective become available—they stated they will be able to commit to practices that will not contribute to the destruction of natural resources.

Number & Types of Books They Publish:

Acorn Press has published a wide array of books; including art & photography, biographies, business/politics, non-fiction for children/teens, heritage (especially of PEI, the indigenous communities, and culture of the island), fiction, history, and home & garden.

They've published just over two hundred books, the majority being children & teen books, fiction, and books about the province's heritage. 

Submission Expectations & Requirements:

As mentioned, Acorn Press primarily publishes books about PEI, that are written by the islanders. 

On their website, it says you may send in a manuscript by regular post, if it meets their guidelines; It must be typed and double-spaced (double-sided printing is acceptable as long as the pages are clearly numbered), and they don't accept original copies. The website also mentions that it can take up to 12 months for a reply, and that they will send you a postcard once your manuscript has been received. 

They also ask that you include a cover letter, with your full contact information, relevant writing experience, and publication credits/prizes, as well as a one-page synopsis of what your book is about.

There are some additional guidelines, depending on the genre:

FICTION/NON-FICTION: send an outline, and a couple sample chapters demonstrating your writing. If you are submitting a proposal for non-fiction, include a list of possible illustrations (e.g., maps, photos, artwork).

POETRY: Submit your manuscript in its entirety (no more than 100 pages). 

CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOKS: As with the guidelines for fiction/nonfiction books, send an outline, and a couple sample chapters demonstrating your writing. 

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS: Please submit your manuscript in its entirety. It is not necessary to submit illustrations. 

- no matter the genre, it's required to send cover letter.

They also have a general list of 'do's and don'ts', for submitting your work...

Do:

- Send a cover letter with a current mailing address, phone number and email address, as well as a description of the book, its market, and a short bio.

- Send a detailed table of contents or outline.

- Send the first three to four chapters (or approximately 50 pages).

- Browse the website to ensure your project is a good fit with the publishing program.

- Include a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your submission, if you would like to be notified that your submission was received

- Send simultaneous submissions - simply notify the company if your manuscript is under consideration elsewhere, and of course, if it is accepted for publication while it is still under the consideration of Acorn Press.

- Be patient - it can take the, anywhere from four to twelve months to respond to a submission.

- Expect them to treat all materials confidentially.

Don't: 

- Propose a project that does not reflect, or speak directly to Atlantic Canada's people, places, history, or culture.

- Send original material, artwork, or manuscripts. Proposal materials are not returned, so please do not send postage or self-addressed stamped envelopes.

- Include illustrations with a proposal. Illustrators interested in working with Acorn Press, must send a letter of introduction, with a website address and/or a portfolio to their address. Please only send materials you do not need returned.

-Phone them about a submission.

- Expect feedback. They receive many submissions each month, and are only able to offer feedback to those submissions that are possibilities for our publishing program.

- Send submissions by email. All submissions must be received by regular mail 

It seems as though Acorn Press accepts unsolicited manuscripts; as long as your manuscript fits the mentioned guidelines, you may send it without invites or queries beforehand.