Manuscript submission guidelines

Thank you for your interest in John Garratt Publishing. We are a Catholic book publisher serving the spiritual and educational needs of individuals, groups, and the church as a whole. While many of our books address a wide ecumenical readership, our primary interest is in books for Catholics and Catholic institutions. While we receive many manuscripts annually, very few are selected for publication. If you wish to submit a proposal that you think is appropriate to our interest, please do so. We ask that before submitting your proposal to John Garratt Publishing please read the following guidelines carefully.


Accepted genres for submission

John Garratt Publishing  will accept submissions for religious literary works as well as religious education materials.

John Garratt Publishing does not accept submissions for:
Poetry,  Non Religious works, Short stories, Fiction, Children's books, although there are exceptions.
If your manuscript falls in one of these categories, we advise you to seek a publisher active in your area of interest.
 

How to submit your manuscript

If after reviewing the information above you decide to submit your proposal to John Garratt Publishing please enclose the following:

A covering letter that addresses the following:

  • How you came to write the book.
  • The market for your proposed book and how your proposed book fits in to the market.
  • List any additional markets that your proposed book could sell in, besides bookstores.
  • How you would promote your book, including any of your relevant media or corporate contacts or other contacts that would help us in publicising and marketing your book.
  • What your intended audience is. What sections of society would be interested in what you have written?
  • Proposal title
  • A synopsis of your proposed book.
  • Table of contents
  • At least three chapters white A4 paper, double spaced, not bound
  • Approximate length (must be word length, not page length) Estimated time for completion of manuscript, if still in progress
  • Evaluation of what is unique about the book (e.g., takes a unique stand on a particular issue, introduces material not readily available, explains in accessible language material that has previously been discussed in technical language).
  • Please also include a discussion of other published books in the field and the way your work relates to them.
  • Intended Audience. Discussion of who you think will read, discuss, and buy the book. Examples include professors, adult education groups, individuals interested in spiritual reading, senior undergraduates, deacons, priests and ministers, and so forth.
  • Resume or c.v. with cover letter. This should explain why you are the best person to write on this topic.
    Examples: You have years of experience working with small group faith formation you hold a Ph.D. in your field and have excellent recommendations from your peers.  You enjoy speaking to groups to generate interest in your message you have several articles to your name.

A stamped, self-addressed envelope or appropriately sized postpak for the return of your material. If this is not supplied, your material may not be returned.

Although all possible care is taken with all submissions, John Garratt Publishing bears no responsibility for the loss or damage of materials received. Please ensure that you send only copies of materials you are submitting. Do not send original illustrations or photographs.
 

The address for submissions

The Publisher
John Garratt Publishing
Private Bag 400
MULGRAVE VIC 3170
 

Our response time

Due to the volume of submissions it takes approximately two to three months for submissions to be assessed, though sometimes it takes longer. Understand that manuscripts require as long as several months, particularly if we are heavily backlogged or if we ask for an outside reader's opinion. There is no fee for evaluating your manuscript. However, time constraints do not permit us to offer detailed evaluations. No acknowledgement of receipt will be sent. You will be advised in writing when your submission has been assessed.

Please keep in mind that while the review of manuscripts is an assessment of the value of the ideas and writing, we must also, in fairness to you and your work, evaluate if we are the most suitable house for your manuscript's intended audience, given our current publishing plans.