Author Submissions
We're Looking For Something Real
At Hidden Shelf Publishing House we've always believed that the best stories are the ones that needed to be told — the ones that come from a place of genuine urgency, lived experience, and a voice that couldn't stay quiet any longer.
Since 2017 we've built our catalog around exactly that. Historical accounts that illuminate forgotten chapters. Fiction that crosses borders and challenges assumptions. Children's literature that respects young readers enough to tell them the truth. We're a small press, which means every title we take on matters deeply to us — and every author we sign becomes a genuine partner in bringing their story to the world.
If that sounds like the kind of publisher you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
What We're Looking For
Hidden Shelf is actively acquiring across all of our core genres:
- Literary Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Multicultural Fiction
- Women's Fiction
- Mystery
- Non-Fiction
- Youth, Teen, and Children's Literature
We're drawn to stories that amplify underrepresented voices, illuminate hidden narratives, and bring something genuinely new to their genre. If your book has a unique perspective, a compelling voice, and something important to say — we want to read it.
A Note on Author Partnership
We want to be upfront about something, because we think it's important and because the authors who thrive with Hidden Shelf already understand it: publishing a book is only half the work.
Hidden Shelf is a small, dedicated team. We invest real time, care, and resources into every title we publish. In return, we ask that our authors show up as active partners in the process — willing to promote their work, build their personal brand, engage with readers, and work closely with our marketing team to help move their title.
This isn't about being a salesperson. It's about being an author who believes in their book enough to champion it. If you're excited about the prospect of getting out there and sharing your story with the world, you'll fit right in here.
If you're looking for a publisher to do all the heavy lifting while you stay in the background, we're probably not the right fit — and we'd rather both of us know that upfront.
Submission Guidelines
To submit a proposal to Hidden Shelf Publishing House, please send the following by email attachment to info@hiddenshelfpublishinghouse.com:
Contact Information Your name, address, city, zip code, phone number, and email address.
Overview Include your book title and genre, plus two summaries: a detailed summary of no longer than one page, and one to two sentences that capture the essence of your book.
Prospectus A statement explaining what makes your book important, timely, or unique. Include an analysis of comparable titles currently on the market (with publishers and publication dates), a description of your target audience, your manuscript word count, and if the manuscript isn't complete, an estimated completion date.
Outline A table of contents with a paragraph describing each chapter.
Writing Samples One or two sample chapters. If your book includes an introduction, please include it. If no chapters are ready, a comparable writing sample is acceptable.
Author Platform Tell us about your presence and reach — previous media appearances, an active blog, author website, social media following, or prominent reviews of previous work all help us understand how we can work together to get your book into readers' hands. Please include links to your website or blog and your handles for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and your Amazon Author Page if applicable.
Please note: Do not send your full manuscript unless it has been requested. We are unable to return hard copies of submitted materials unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included.
What Happens Next
We acknowledge receipt of every proposal within two weeks. We are typically able to render a contract decision within three months. We review new submissions on a monthly basis, so please be patient — we read everything carefully.
Submissions FAQs
Does Hidden Shelf accept unsolicited manuscripts? Yes. We welcome submissions from both authors and literary agents. Our acquisitions team reviews new submissions on a monthly basis.
What genres is Hidden Shelf currently acquiring? We're actively acquiring across all of our core categories — literary fiction, historical fiction, multicultural fiction, women's fiction, mystery, non-fiction, and youth and children's literature. We have a particular focus on underrepresented voices and stories that illuminate hidden or overlooked narratives.
How long does the submission review process take? We acknowledge receipt of a proposal within two weeks and are typically able to render a contract decision within three months. Please do not send your full manuscript unless it has been requested.
Does Hidden Shelf work with literary agents? Yes. Literary agents are welcome to submit on behalf of their clients following the same guidelines above or by emailing info@hiddenshelfpublishinghouse.com directly.
Ready to Submit?
We can't wait to read what you've been working on. Send your submission to:
info@hiddenshelfpublishinghouse.com
Hidden Shelf Publishing House P.O. Box 4168 McCall, Idaho 83638
Have a question not covered here? Reach out to us at info@hiddenshelfpublishinghouse.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.