About Book Dragon Press

Book Dragon Press established December 2025 is an independent traditional publisher arm of The Book Dragon Ltd, established on 4 July 2022, based in Stockton on Tees in the heart of the North East. We publish compelling fiction across all age ranges—from teen readers to adults—championing diverse voices and exceptional storytelling that speaks to contemporary audiences.

Our mission is to discover and nurture talented authors writing fiction that matters. We believe in the power of stories to inspire change, build empathy, and explore the pressing issues of our time. As an independent publisher, we’re nimble enough to take risks on innovative narratives whilst providing the professional support authors need to reach their readers.

Our Publishing Model

• End-to-end publishing support from manuscript to market
• Professional editorial, design, and production services
• Distribution through bookshops and online retailers
• Active marketing and publicity campaigns tailored to target audiences
• Fair and transparent contracts with competitive royalties
• No hidden fees or author contributions required

What We Publish

We are open to all genres of fiction across multiple age categories:

Age Categories

• Teen Fiction (13-17 years)
• Young Adult (16-25 years)
• New Adult (18-30 years)
• Adult Fiction (18+)

Genres We Publish

We welcome submissions across all fiction genres, including but not limited to:

• Literary Fiction
• Contemporary Fiction
• Romance (all heat levels)
• Fantasy (epic, urban, contemporary)
• Science Fiction
• Thriller and Suspense
• Mystery and Crime
• Horror and Gothic
• Historical Fiction
• Women’s Fiction
• LGBTQ+ Fiction
• Speculative Fiction

Areas of Particular Interest

We are especially keen to receive submissions in these emerging and vital genres:

Climate Fiction & Eco Narratives (including Solarpunk): Stories that engage with environmental themes, climate change, and humanity’s relationship with nature. We seek both cautionary tales and stories of resilience and hope.

AI-Themed Science Fiction: Explorations of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology. From near-future realism to far-future speculation.

Romantasy: The perfect blend of romance and fantasy, featuring epic love stories set in magical worlds. We love strong character chemistry alongside imaginative worldbuilding.

Word Count Guidelines

• Teen Fiction: 50,000-80,000 words
• Young Adult: 60,000-90,000 words
• New Adult: 60,000-100,000 words
• Adult Fiction: 70,000-120,000 words (genre dependent)

Please Note: We do not publish non-fiction, children’s picture books.

Submission Guidelines

Before You Submit

Manuscript Requirements

• Your manuscript must be complete (we do not accept partial manuscripts)
• Target age category should be clearly identified (Teen, YA, New Adult, or Adult)
• Word count should align with genre expectations (see guidelines above)
• The work must be original and not previously published (excluding self-published works, which we will consider on a case-by-case basis)
• You must own all rights to your work
• The manuscript must not be under consideration with another publisher whilst submitted to us

Professional Standards

We expect all submissions to be professionally presented:

• Thoroughly edited and proofread
• Formatted according to our guidelines (see below)
• Accompanied by all required materials

Submission Requirements

Current Submission Status

OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS – We are currently accepting submissions for all genres listed. We review submissions year-round, though we may close temporarily if we receive an exceptionally high volume. Check our website or social media for the most current status.

What to Include

1. Cover Letter (One Page Maximum)

Your cover letter should include:

• Title and genre of your work
• Target age category (Teen, YA, New Adult, or Adult)
• Word count
• Brief synopsis (2-3 sentences)
• If submitting in our areas of special interest, why your work fits
• Your writing credentials (if any)
• Why you’ve chosen The Book Dragon Press
• Comparable titles (2-3 recently published books similar to yours)
• Whether this is a standalone or series (if series, brief overview)
• Whether this is a simultaneous submission

2. Synopsis (Two Pages Maximum)

• Written in present tense, third person
• Covers the entire plot including the ending
• Identifies main characters and their arcs
• Highlights major themes and conflicts
• Single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman

3. Sample Material

• First three chapters or first 10,000 words (whichever is shorter)
• Must be consecutive chapters starting from the beginning
• Include any prologue if present

4. Author Biography (300 Words Maximum)

• Written in third person
• Relevant writing experience and publications
• Professional background if relevant to your book
• Any platform or audience you’ve built
• Location (city/county)

5. Marketing and Platform Information (Optional but Helpful)

• Your social media presence and follower counts
• Previous sales figures (if previously published)
• Speaking engagements or media appearances
• Professional networks or associations
• Ideas for reaching your target readership
• How you plan to support the book’s promotion

Manuscript Formatting

All submissions must adhere to these formatting standards:

• A4 page size
• Times New Roman or Garamond, 12-point font
• Double-spaced (except synopsis)
• 2.5cm margins on all sides
• Left-aligned text (not justified)
• Indent first line of paragraphs by 1.25cm (do not use extra line spaces between paragraphs)
• Number all pages in the footer (except title page)
• Include header with: Surname/TITLE/Page number
• Begin chapters on a new page
• Use single space after full stops

File Requirements

• Submit all documents as .doc, .docx, or .pdf files
• Name files clearly: Surname_Title_Document (e.g., Smith_Dragon_Days_Synopsis.docx)
• Maximum file size: 10MB per attachment
• No password-protected files

How to Submit

Electronic Submissions Only

Send your submission to: submissions@thebookdragonpress.co.uk

Email Subject Line Format: SUBMISSION: [Age Category] [Genre] – [Title] – [Your Surname]

Examples:

• SUBMISSION: Adult Climate Fiction – After the Floods – Thompson
• SUBMISSION: YA Romantasy – Crown of Stars – Mitchell
• SUBMISSION: New Adult Contemporary – Starting Over – Chen

Important Notes

• We only accept email submissions (no postal submissions)
• Send all materials in a single email where possible
• Do not send manuscripts as email text – use attachments only
• Include your contact details in the email body

What Happens Next

Response Times

• Acknowledgement of receipt: Within 7 days (automated confirmation)
• Initial review period: 12-16 weeks
• We endeavour to respond to all submissions

Submission Tracking: You will receive an automated acknowledgement when we receive your submission. If you don’t receive this within 7 days, please check your spam folder, then resend your submission with “RESEND:” added to the subject line.

Our Review Process

1. Initial screening for adherence to guidelines
2. First read by our editorial assistants
3. Editorial board review for shortlisted manuscripts
4. Acquisition meeting for final selections

If We’re Interested

We will contact you to:

• Request the full manuscript
• Discuss your work in more detail
• Potentially arrange a meeting (in-person or virtual)

If We Decline

• We will notify you by email
• Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot provide individual feedback
• A rejection does not reflect on your worth as a writer – publishing is highly subjective

If Your Manuscript Doesn’t Fit Our List

Not all manuscripts are suitable for traditional publishing, but that doesn’t mean your story shouldn’t be told. If your submission shows promise but doesn’t quite fit our current needs, we’ll offer you the option to work with our Book Dragon Alden Department.

Reasons we might redirect to Alden:

• Non-fiction, poetry, or children’s books
• Middle grade fiction (ages 8-12)
• Strong concept needing significant development
• Niche market requiring specialised approach
• Author preference for faster publication timeline
• Previous self-publishing success seeking support
• Experimental or hybrid formats better suited to flexible publishing

You’re never obligated to use the Alden Department—this is simply an alternative path we can offer. We’ll be transparent about why we think this route might serve you better.

Rights and Terms

What We Offer

• Traditional publishing contract (no fees to authors)
• Professional editing and proofreading
• Cover design and production
• ISBN assignment
• Marketing and publicity support
• Distribution to bookshops and online retailers 
• Competitive royalty rates above industry standard for both print and digital

Rights

We typically request:

• UK and Commonwealth rights (minimum)
• World English rights (preferred)
• Electronic and audio rights

Translation Rights

Translation rights are handled on a case-by-case basis. We actively seek translation opportunities for our titles and work with international publishers and agents to secure foreign language editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you accept simultaneous submissions? A: Yes, but please inform us in your cover letter and notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Q: Do you accept series submissions? A: Yes, we welcome series proposals. Please submit the first book in full along with detailed synopses for the subsequent books in the series. Include your vision for the complete series arc in your cover letter.

Q: Can I submit more than one manuscript? A: Please submit only one manuscript at a time. Wait for a response before submitting additional work.

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

Q: What about previously self-published work? A: We will consider previously self-published works that have demonstrated strong sales (typically 5,000+ copies) and positive reader reception.

Q: Do you publish debut authors? A: Absolutely. We are always searching for fresh voices across all fiction genres.

Q: What if my book doesn’t fit your fiction focus? A: If your manuscript is non-fiction or children’s literature, we may offer to redirect you to our Book Dragon Alden Department for assisted self-publishing support.

Q: Is there any obligation to use the Alden Department if offered? A: No. The Alden Department is simply an alternative option we can provide. You’re free to decline and seek publication elsewhere.

Q: What age categories do you publish? A: We publish Teen (13-17), Young Adult (16-25), New Adult (18-30), and Adult (18+) fiction. Note that there can be overlap in these categories depending on content and themes.

Q: Are you particularly interested in any specific genres? A: While we’re open to all fiction, we’re especially keen on Climate Fiction, AI-themed Science Fiction, Romantasy, Solarpunk, and Hopeful Climate Fiction.

Q: Can I submit if I’m not a UK resident? A: Yes, we accept international submissions, though we primarily publish for the UK and Commonwealth markets.

Resubmission Policy

We understand that manuscripts evolve and improve. If your submission has been declined by The Book Dragon Press, we welcome resubmissions under the following conditions:

Eligible for Resubmission:

• Manuscripts that have undergone substantial revision (not just proofreading)
• Works declined with encouragement to revise and resubmit
• Manuscripts rejected more than 12 months ago
• Books initially submitted in wrong age category now appropriately revised

Not Eligible for Resubmission:

• The same manuscript with only minor edits
• Works declined less than 12 months ago (unless specifically invited to resubmit)
• Non-fiction resubmitted as fiction without complete rewriting
• Manuscripts redirected to Book Dragon Alden Department (unless substantially revised)

How to Resubmit:

• Wait at least 12 months from your rejection date (unless invited sooner)
• Include “RESUBMISSION:” in your email subject line
• In your cover letter, briefly explain the substantial changes made
• Submit as a new submission, following all current guidelines

Editorial Preferences

What We Love

• Distinctive voices and fresh perspectives
• Strong character development across all age categories
• Innovative approaches to genre conventions
• Stories that engage with contemporary issues
• Diverse representation and #OwnVoices narratives
• Genre-blending and experimental narratives
• Beautiful, precise prose regardless of genre
• Page-turning plots with emotional depth
• Authentic dialogue appropriate to target audience
• Worldbuilding that feels immersive and original

Special Interest Areas

We’re particularly excited by:

• Climate narratives that explore our changing world
• Technology themes examining AI, digital life, and human connection
• Hope-driven fiction that imagines better futures
• Genre fusion especially romantasy and speculative blends
• Environmental storytelling from solarpunk to eco-thrillers

What We Avoid

• Poorly edited manuscripts
• Derivative plots that closely mirror existing bestsellers
• Excessive graphic content without narrative purpose
• Discriminatory content or harmful stereotypes
• Outdated or inauthentic dialogue for target age group
• Issues-based books without strong story foundation
• Works that haven’t been properly researched

Diversity and Inclusion

The Book Dragon Press is committed to publishing diverse voices and stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience across all age categories. We actively encourage submissions from:

• Writers from underrepresented backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ authors
• Writers with disabilities
• Authors from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Writers from all socioeconomic backgrounds
• International voices writing in English

We particularly welcome #OwnVoices manuscripts and stories that authentically represent marginalised communities. Readers of all ages deserve to see themselves reflected in the books they read, and we’re committed to making fiction more inclusive and representative.

Professional Conduct

We expect all correspondence to be:

• Professional and courteous
• Patient and understanding of our timelines
• Respectful of our editorial decisions

Aggressive, abusive, or unprofessional behaviour will result in immediate rejection and blacklisting from future submissions.

Contact Information

Submissions: submissions@thebookdragonpress.co.uk

Postal Address: The Book Dragon Press 42 High Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1SB United Kingdom

Please Note: Do not send manuscripts to our postal address. All submissions must be electronic.

Legal Notice

By submitting your work to The Book Dragon Press, you confirm that:

• The work is original and your own
• You own all rights to the material
• The work does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other rights
• The work does not contain libellous or defamatory material
• All necessary permissions for quoted material have been obtained

Updates to Guidelines

These guidelines are effective from December 2025 and supersede all previous versions. We reserve the right to update these guidelines at any time. Please check our website for the most current version before submitting.

Thank you for considering The Book Dragon Press. We look forward to reading your work.

Last updated: December 2025