Layton Publishing
Submission Requirements and Guidelines
Manuscript quality
Don't fret about errors in spelling, spacing or grammar. Our interest is in content.
Manuscript content
Taste, tact and integrity are our hallmark. Sexual innuendos, obscene language and violence have never been vital ingredients to quality literature. We are willing to addres any subject matter if the writing harmonizes with the above halllmark.
Stories however, must be woven around one or more of Layton Publishing's featured characters.
Manuscript length
Our editorial policy is short chapters that are easy to read on the go, between bus stops, during coffee breaks or while waiting for appointments. We strive to make them long enough for an enjoyable evening read, yet short enough to possibly read just one more chapter before turning out the light.
Finished chapters for the "Toy" series run approximately from 550 to 1,000 words and chapters for Yabit books run from 700 to 1,400 words but that is often after severe editing and polishing by our staff; therefore, have no fear about submitting somewhat longer or rambling copy. Even the work of our own staff often requires brutal editorial dissection. If we like your basic content, we will edit as needed.
Does my story need to be complete?
No. Study our present publications. Incomplete stories involving a compelling theme are welcome.
Single or groups of chapters for any of Layton Publishing's series of books are welcome. These are short and much more "do-able" than a full length manuscript.
Poetry, lyrics and songs
An occasional chapter may include lyrics or partial lyrics to a song as part of a character’s conversation. If you choose to do so, please include the full lyrics at the end of your manuscript along with the melody if you have one.
BOOKS: Toy Series
The first of the "Toy" series will make its debut early in 2011. A delightful mix of fantasy and reality, these are childrens books designed for the elementary age student. Although the protagonists in each case are toys, they do interact with their often astonished mistress or master (people/owner). The toys are always good and any evil in these books is always perpretrated by peole. Look for more about this series the first of the year.
These paperback books rarely exceed 10,000 words and chapter lengths are 600-1,000 words.
BOOKS: "How-To"
These books are really two books in one. Prefaced to each necessarily dry chapter of how-to diagrams and pictures is a breezy chapter designed to prevent overtaxed brains from locking up and provide a fanciful break in the work. These chapters, initiated by Bear in From Cover to Cover, tell the creatiave story of how she (Bear) along with the twin rag dolls Elizabeth Anne and Jenny Marie actually made what is explained in the longer chapters....much to the surprise of their beloved mistress (owner).
The "toy" chapters run from 600 to 1,000 words. The length of the how-to chapters is determined by the project but always with diagrams, photographs and step by step instructions.
Coming examples are an inexpensive and quiet home air compressor and a big throat vertical bandsaw. There seems to be no limit to the need or the possibilities in this genre. However, always items previously considered to be impossible for an average person to make become possible to create from relataively inexpensive materials and readily available parts. Each book also contains a list of references/resources and a glossary if appropriate.
BOOKS: Yabit
Since Yabit and her cast of characters are central points of view, we discourage first person submissions. Yabit and her cast of characters are complex but flexible points of view which allow an astonishing variety of subject treatment. The best way and perhaps the only way to make their full acquaintance is to read, reread and study her books. Take your time. They are neither restrictive nor confining. They are fllexible and considerably deeper than they may first appear.
A full understanding of Yabit and her stories is not possible without reading and studying her books. Genesis According to Yabit describes Yabit's purpose and creation. Counterfeit Yabit shows her interaction with people of today.
Yabit, is a complex creation, always full of surprises
and should never be taken for granted. For more about Yabit and who she is: About Yabit
Yabit books average 65,000 to 75,000 words. When the subject matter is lengthy, two or more volumes are used.
Yabit books in process or planning: Biblical
Genesis According to Yabit (Part Two) is underway and will include the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Genesis According to Yabit (Part Three) is in the planning stage and will tell the story of Joseph and finish the three part Genesis series.
Miriam, Moses’ sister; Jochebed, her mother; and Moses, her brother, will be starring in the next book.
Joshua will be the subject of the following book.
Christmas According to Yabit will tell the story of Yabit and Elisabeth, Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, the angels, the wise men, Herod, Simeon, Anna and Gabriel (That’s General Gabriel Gruff, of course).
Yabit books in process or planning: historical
China and its history from its first people. This series will show Yabit’s help and encouragement at critical times during the development of the nation. Research must include sources from European and or eastern books for a more accurate portrayl of events.
Yabit books in process or planning: contemporary
Closing Costs, sequel number one in the contemporary series, will continue the story begun in Counterfeit Yabit. Of course there will be a sequel to the sequel. Then guess what? A sequel to the sequel to the sequel...
Yabit books in process or planning: biographical
In time, the Yabit books will expand to include biographical stories.
How to submit
Submit cover letter,100-200 word biography, and manuscript.
By email: books@laytonpublishing.com Layton Publishing
Attach manuscript word document to your email.
Be sure to include your name, address and contact information--
on your email and your manuscript
By snail mail:
Virginia Pong, Editor in Chief
2845 Ocean Avenue
Raymond WA 98577
An SASE must accompany any hard copy material you want returned.
Payment
Chapters: 11¢ per word, after acceptance and editing by Layton Publishing
Full length manuscripts: to be negotiated
U.S. dollars paid to a U.S. address.
Pseudonyms: Submit under any name you like but if it is not a name that your bank will honor, please so advise and provide us with payment information.
Editorial rights
Please understand that Layton Publishing purchases all rights to the manuscript and its content and reserves the right to edit, expand and/or change characters, story line, names, places and time frame; neither shall we be liable for any apparent changes in meaning, definition or story line.
Chapter contributions will receive no by-lines or authorial credit in the finished book. Authorial credit for complete book length manuscript submissions will be negotiated.
A word of encouragement
The editorial staff along with Sarah and Yabit look forward to receiving your writing and reading about your ideas and your characters. The very best ideas, which may strike you at any time of day or night, will often arrive fully mature in a seductive package of fantasy, complete with exciting beginnings and endings. Then as you try to put it all down on paper, it begins to fall apart; but this happens to all writers. Trust us. It is a rare manuscript that cannot with authorial discipline and courage along with a little editorial help be hammered into an acceptable form.
Finishing is always harder than starting. It was ever thus. It will always be. Wind the clock. Put the cat out. Turn off your phone and start writing. Determine not to quit. Finish. Refuse to listen to the whisper that says your writing is not good enough. Send it along anyway.
We want to see your work.
Email us at: Layton Publishing
Snail mail us at: 2845 Ocean Avenue
Raymond Washington 98577, USA.
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