Freehand Books is a literary imprint. We publish original fiction, poetry, and literary non-fiction by Canadian writers at all stages of their careers.
Submission Guidelines
We are no longer able to accept packages requiring a signature! We simply do not have the man- or womanpower to trek to the post office each day to pick them up! Our apologies.
Please note that we are unable to accept e-mail submissions. As well, we are only seeking work by Canadian citizens or permanent residents at this time.
For fiction and non-fiction submissions, you may either query with a sample (of at least twenty pages) or submit a full manuscript.
No queries for poetry; full manuscripts of book-length collections only.
Please submit only one manuscript at a time.
The Nits:
Use 8 ½ by 11-inch white paper with good quality ink; one side of the page only, please.
Prose should be double-spaced and in 12-point type with standard margins. Poetry should be single-spaced with standard margins; each new poem should begin on a new page unless there is a compelling artistic reason for presenting the work otherwise.
Include full name, address, and e-mail address in an upper corner of the first page.
Number all pages! As well, a Table of Contents is much appreciated for submissions of collections.
Include a brief cover letter. A succinct outline of your writing experience and/or publication history is welcome. For non-fiction submissions, you may wish to include a paragraph or two outlining the relevant expertise or experience you bring to your particular subject. Tear sheets are welcome—in moderate numbers—but not required.
If you wish to learn that your submission has been received, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Otherwise, it may be four to five months before you hear from us. Please avoid querying us about our decision before the five months have elapsed.
Should you wish the manuscript returned to you, include a SASE of appropriate size and with sufficient postage. If you would like us to recycle your manuscript and send our response only, a standard 9.5" x 4" envelope (nothing smaller, please) with sufficient postage for a letter will suffice (if submitting from outside Canada, include an International Reply Coupon, available at any post office). Submissions without a SASE for reply will not receive a response, even if you include an e-mail address.
We regret that we can not offer editorial comments on declined manuscripts or in correspondence. Likewise, we do not have sufficient time to discuss concepts or specific submissions over the telephone or by e-mail. Please do not telephone us to inquire about your submission.
There are many excellent resources for writers looking for feedback on their work. We suggest Writer-in-residence programs run by local libraries and universities, as well as the excellent manuscript evaluation programs offered by the Writers’ Union of Canada and most provincial writers’ guilds.
Send your submissions to:
Melanie Little, Editor, Freehand Books
412, 815-1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 1N3
