Submission Guidelines for Authors

For Beginners^®, publishers of documentary comic books, welcomes unsolicited submissions from published and unpublished writers.

Before you contact us, we suggest that you review our already published books through your local library, a well-stocked bookstore, or an online bookseller to get a sense of what kind of books we publish and what topics we find appropriate for readers. On our Web site (www.forbeginnersbooks.com) you will find all of our current titles. Your submission as well as all materials that are submitted to us are kept on file and reviewed as new projects arise however due to the large number of submissions, we are unable to acknowledge their receipt. If you would like your manuscript returned, it must be sent with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Basic Guidelines and Types of Submission

Nonfiction Books

Please submit a proposal which must include an Outline of all of the books’ chapters and a sample chapter of approximately 10 to 15 pages. We will request the balance of the manuscript if we are interested.

General Guidelines

Material must be original, accurate, and in the Chicago style editorially. The manuscript should be informative, summarizing the basic facts and conclusions, and maintaining coherence and unity of thought. Controversial topics should be treated in a factually sound and reasonably unbiased manner. Spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and the mechanical elements of arrangements, spacing, length, and consistency of usage in form and descriptions should be studied before submission. Please note Wikipedia is NOT a valid source. Please do not cite or copy any material from this website.

Originality

All manuscripts must be original. All references must be cited throughout the work. No manuscript will be considered which has already been published or is being considered by another publisher. Submission of a manuscript represents certification by the author that the book is not being considered nor has been published elsewhere.

Proposals

Most of our For Beginners^® books have between 144 and 176 pages of text, and generally the following calculations apply:

30,000 words = 144 pages
40,000 words = 176 pages

Every proposal should have an Outline and a Table of Contents so that we may see the book as a whole in a single glance as well as see the logical structure of the proposed book.

For Beginners^® books are built on these principles:

Great ideas and formidable thinkers are too important to be left to intellectuals.
We publish simple, interesting, informative, and often humorous books on complex subjects through an easy to understand, graphic format presentation.
Many subjects lend themselves to better understanding if presented in illustrative form.
We look to serve a community of readers that desire to educate themselves and others through our books to achieve a greater understanding of major ideas, concepts and historical individuals

Personal Biography or Resume

You must also include a detailed bibliography with your submission. We highly recommend including a detailed explanation of the books in the marketplace that are similar to the one you propose as well as relevant group and organizations that would benefit from this book and information.

Where to Send Your Submission

Please submit your manuscript with a cover letter of relevant information, including your own experience with writing and publishing. Label the package “MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION” and include an SASE if you would like the manuscript returned.

All submissions should be sent to:
Attn: Acquisitions Manager, For Beginners LLC , 155 Main Street, Suite 201 , Danbury, CT 06810

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Submission Guidelines for Illustrators

For Beginners^® LLC, publisher of documentary comic books is always interested in talented, hard-working illustrators. We use artists with a range of styles and techniques, and are happy to consider unsolicited illustration submissions to use as a reference for making possible book assignments to you in the future.

Before you contact us, we suggest that you review our already published books through your local library, a well-stocked bookstore, or an online bookseller to get a sense of what kind of illustration styles we find appropriate for readers. On this Web site (www.forbeginnersbooks.com) you will find all of our current titles. In addition, below please download the sample chapter to be illustrated, as that will give you an idea of the required work. Your sample chapter as well as all materials that are submitted to us are kept on file and reviewed as new projects arise. Below are our basic guidelines for submissions.

Appointments

For Beginners prefers submission by mail or email (info@forbeginnersbooks.com) only. If an appointment is necessary, contact will be made with the artist.

Resumes & Artwork

Artists should send a current resume as well as color copies, tear sheets, and/or other illustration samples in addition to the sample chapter. Please do not send original artwork. Our policy is to keep only artwork of interest on file. We DO NOT return art samples. Please send all materials securely packed and insured if necessary.

Artwork Markings

Be sure all materials have your complete name, address and phone number in case the materials are separated.

Artwork Format

Try to keep the size of all materials under 8-1/2 x 11 unless they may be folded. For electronic files, please keep all images to 300 dpi jpg’s or below. Color and B/W copies are both acceptable. Submissions by email must include URLs to artist. Please do not send samples via fax unless requested

Suggested Subject Matter

Our books generally require black/white line work in a mostly realistic style, with both whimsical human characters and historical figures. If your work includes the ability to illustrate various types of people, landscapes, objects, or if you work in various or styles, please include a mix of these capabilities. (However, please limit your style submissions to two or three.) Additional technical illustrations would include maps, diagrams, charts, etc. Most importantly, you must be able to develop illustrations that match the meaning and ideas of the given text as well as extend the story with relevant details.

Where to Send Your Submission

All submissions should be sent (we suggest you send them via UPS, USPS or Federal Express) to:
Attn: Acquisitions Manager , For Beginners LLC,  155 Main Street, Suite 201 , Danbury, CT 06810

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Sample Chapter

Download as a Word file
Download as a PDF file

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