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Tips for Submitting Your Manuscript

At Swoon Romance, we are hosting an open call for submissions for contemporary YA, NA, and Adult Romance from October 1st to October 31st, 2025. We are excited to read submissions and have set some strict rules and guidelines in place for the process. Below are some tips you can use to increase your chances of being read and considered!

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Don’t (intentionally or unintentionally) Break or Ignore Submission Guidelines!

We have strict requirements which will enable us to test a writer's attention to detail and ability to follow directions. Even small deviations can disqualify your submission before your work is read.

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Demonstrate Professionalism: Act Like You Belong Here!

  • Proofread for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.

  • Ensure your form is filled out completely.

  • Don’t try to “stand out” with fancy fonts or colors unless explicitly requested.

  • Follow Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.

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Mind Deadlines and Time Zones

Submit at least 72 hours early—technical glitches or slow uploads on the final day are common. If the deadline is midnight in our time zone (EST), calculate exactly when that is for you!

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Make a “Submission Checklist”

Before sending, confirm:

  • Correct file format and name (per instructions).

  • Word count within limits.

  • All required sections included.

 

Match “How to Send” Instructions Precisely

  • We require a PDF, please DO NOT send a Word doc.

  • We want ONE attachment only! Please do not send more than 1.

  • Name your file exactly as instructed.

 

Read the Guidelines Twice—Then Read Them Again!

  • Read the form questions prior to deciding whether to submit.

  • Highlight key requirements like word count, file type, font, line spacing, and naming convention, if offered.

  • Look for less obvious rules—e.g., whether a title page is required, if your name should be included or omitted, and if excerpts must start at page 1.

 

Make a GREAT First Impression!

  • You will be ONLY allowed ONE submission. Don’t ruin your chances by rushing!

  • Don’t gloss over guidelines because you are in a hurry to submit.

  • Make sure you understand what is being asked of you.

 

Follow the “What to Send” List Exactly

  • Send ONLY what we ask for

  • Please DO NOT SEND YOUR FULL MANUSCRIPT. We only want a partial.

  • Please DO NOT SEND more than what is required because it “only gets good after that.”

  • Please DO NOT SEND “the good chapters” if they occur after the first five.

 

Even after following all of the above, there’s no guarantee that your work will be accepted or considered for publication. However, NOT following the above will ensure your work will not have the chance to be read by our editorial team.

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