About US
Author Manuscript Submission
Our mission is to move boys to read and to encourage them to talk about the books they enjoy. We acquire books for middle-grade readers ages 8-12 with boy protagonists and, when included, strong secondary female characters. We look for strong character development and emotional arc.
Submission Guidelines:
- Minimum 35,000 words
- Maximum of 25 pages
- Double-spaced
- Times New Roman, Arial, or comparable font
- 12 pt font only
- Numbered pages
Due to the volume of submissions we receive, manuscripts which do not follow the guidelines will not be reviewed. Thank you for your understanding.
NOTE: Please send only the first 25 pages of your completed novel. All novels must be complete in the event you receive a request for the entire manuscript. Queries or submissions for incomplete, unfinished manuscripts will not be accepted.
Move Books’ vision is to grow and sustain boys’ appetite for reading—to move them to read for the long term.
Our mission is to cultivate a generation of boys who are recreational readers, who will choose their own books and don’t have to be led. We want boys to be compelled and inspired to read on their own because the stories and experiences mean something to them. We want to change the way boys look at reading.
Submission FAQs
My chapter doesn’t end with 25 pages, can I send more?
No. Please send the requested amount of pages. Sending more or sending the whole manuscript, as some have done, may result in rejections.
Should I email my query?
All queries need to be sent here via our website.
Should I put my name, address, and phone number as a header on each page?
No. If it makes you feel comfortable you can put your name at the top of the page with ample space between it and the text. And of course don’t forget to number your pages.
What if I’m not sure you received my manuscript?
You may send an email to questions@move-books.com. Please note that our slush pile is high and it may take several months for our editors to review your submission.
Queries and Manuscripts
Move Books is now considering queries or manuscripts for the Middle-Grade audience, ages 8-12. We are open to all genres; however we are only accepting Middle-Grade novels.
All manuscript submissions must be boy-centered stories or topics. We would love to entertain series but your story must be able to stand on its own.
Move Books is also considering illustrators. Please see details below. There are general submissions and a current call (which means we are looking for something specific now, and there is a deadline).
Manuscript Format and Submission
All manuscripts should be in standard manuscript format, double-spaced and printed on one side of the page only. Please keep a copy of your manuscript and include your name, address, email address, and or phone number on your manuscript.
Manuscripts sent via snail mail will not be returned. Submissions should be made here, through our website.
Please send one manuscript at a time. Every effort will be made to respond within three to seven months time, depending on the volume. If you have not received a response in seven months, although there is a possibility you may still hear from us if there is a backlog, you can assume your manuscript has been rejected.
Please, no phone calls from authors.
Do not submit full manuscripts. We will review the first 25 pages only. All novels must be complete in the event you receive a request for the entire manuscript. Queries or submissions for incomplete, unfinished manuscripts will not be accepted at this time.
We will not be responsible for manuscripts lost in the mail. If you are a writer and have a quick question that is not addressed here, you can email questions@move-books.com. Agents and press, please see contact information page.
Note: F1rst Pages and Move Books are separate companies. Manuscripts submitted to F1rst Pages are not privileged in any way.
Children’s Book Illustrators – General Submissions
Move Books is accepting ongoing submissions from illustrators. We are looking for artists who can do spot art well, comic strip kind of art and also covers. We will be taking a close look at how well you illustrate objects and scenes rather than specific characters. You can submit to illustrators@move-books.com.
Note: Please email the link to your page or you can email no more than 3 JPEG’s or PDF’s, at least 500 pixels wide. If you send more than the requested attachments, we will not consider your work. We will let you know we received your artwork. But please, no phone calls or follow-up emails. We will contact you if we are interested. Please also include a contact number where you can be reached.
You can also mail two or three samples of your artwork if you prefer. These will not be returned.
Current Call
Sometimes we will be looking for artists with specific skills. So please check back frequently. Thank you.
