New Publisher Alert: Owl Talyn Press Now Accepting Submissions

There are many paths a writer can take to publication. One is self-publishing, one is traditional publishing, and one is hybrid publishing. For many writers, being traditionally published – that’s when a publisher handles publishing, printing, and selling your content – is the sought-after dream. It allows you as the writer to do what you do best (write) while industry experts help you with the hard stuff. It’s not often that new publishers arrive on the scene, but Owl Talyn Press is now accepting submissions. They’re also looking for freelance cover artists, so designers… keep this one on your radar, too!

With a passion for captivating storytelling and a commitment to promoting diverse voices, Owl Talyn Press is poised to make an impact on the literary world. And the best part? This publishing house is founded by two writers, so they’ve been in your shoes.

If you write fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction, you’ll want to keep these guys on your radar. This year, submissions will be accepted through Friday, May 31, 2024 at midnight EDT.

How to submit your work to Owl Talyn Press

Submitting your work to a publisher can be a daunting task, but Owl Talyn Press aims to make the process as smooth as possible. The first step is to visit their website and familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines. These guidelines will provide you with all the necessary information on how to prepare your manuscript and what to include in your submission.

Submission guidelines and requirements

One of the key things to know is that Owl Talyn Press only accepts electronic submissions. This means that you will need to submit your manuscript in PDF format, and it should include the first three chapters and the final chapter. Additionally, they require a query letter to be included in your submission.

Stories offered for their consideration should be between 60k and 110k words. Going past these limits will not immediately disqualify you, but it may be a sign that more editing is required.

Tips for preparing your manuscript for submission

Preparing your manuscript for submission is important for catching the attention of Owl Talyn Press. Here are some tips to help you present your work in the best possible light:

1. Edit and proofread: Ensure that your manuscript is free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. Edit and proofread your work thoroughly before submitting. Personally, I love Grammarly as a backup tool, but nothing beats tapping in a seasoned writer friend for a second set of eyes.
2. Formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by Owl Talyn Press by providing a PDF. You don’t need a special software to prepare one! Most document hosts have a feature that allows you to export or save your document as a PDF. Sometimes, however, changing a file type in this way can do wonky things to your work. Be sure to double check your exported file before handing it off. 
3. Polish your query: For many writers, nailing down the query letter is the hardest piece of the publishing puzzle. Look for some examples online… I like Reddit as a resource, as many successful authors will share the query letters that found their books a home there.

How to write a query letter for a publisher

A well-crafted query letter can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of a publisher like Owl Talyn Press. Here are some tips to help you write an effective query letter:

1. Personalize your letter: Address the letter to the team at Owl Talyn Press. Research their names and ensure that you spell them correctly. Let them know why you think your book and Owl Talyn Press are meant for each other… remember that they specialize in fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction.
2. Introduce yourself and your work: Provide a brief introduction of yourself, including any writing credentials or relevant experience. Summarize your manuscript in a concise and engaging manner, highlighting its unique aspects. I like to include an if/then statement to highlight the stakes in the book. 
3. Include a compelling hook: Grab the attention of the reader with a compelling opening sentence or paragraph. Make them curious about your story and eager to read more. Don’t make it cheesy or overly self-serving, but do your best to capture attention. After all, this is a book pitch! Sell them on your work.

Getting to know the team behind Owl Talyn Press

Owl Talyn Press was founded by two passionate writers who understand the struggles and aspirations of authors. Let’s take a closer look at the team behind this new and exciting publishing house:

1. David F. Balog: David, author of Necromancer’s Sorrow and Necromancer’s Lament, is a Clevelander… like me! I may be biased, but I love seeing writers with whom I share roots do big things. An avid reader and researcher, finding his way into the publishing world was only natural for David. 

2. H. C. Kilgour: Haley, author of Nanagin, enjoyed a colorful childhood in North Carolina. A marine biologist by trade, she “jokes” that she’s part mermaid (although I naturally have a few suspicions about this being a joke). A lover of travel, it’s no wonder this co-founder found her way into publishing.

Genres accepted by Owl Talyn Press

Owl Talyn Press specializes in certain genres that align with their vision and interests. These genres include:

1. Fantasy: If you have a fresh and imaginative take on fantasy, Owl Talyn Press is the perfect publisher for you. They are looking for unique worlds, well-developed magic systems, and compelling characters.
2. Romantasy: Romantasy is a blend of romance and fantasy. If you have a story that combines these two genres seamlessly, Owl Talyn Press is open to considering your work. They are particularly interested in diverse romantasy stories that break traditional tropes.
3. Sci-fi: Owl Talyn Press is also open to science fiction submissions. If you have a thought-provoking and innovative sci-fi story, they would love to hear from you.
4. Historical fiction: Historical fiction authors will find a home at Owl Talyn Press. They appreciate well-researched stories that transport readers to different time periods.

What to expect after submitting your work

After submitting your work to Owl Talyn Press, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

1. Confirmation of receipt: Once you submit your work, you will receive a confirmation from Owl Talyn Press acknowledging that they have received your submission. 
2. Review process: Owl Talyn Press carefully reviews each submission. The review process may take several weeks or months, depending on their current workload. They strive to provide timely responses, but it’s important to be patient during this stage.
3. Acceptance or rejection: If your submission is accepted, congratulations! Owl Talyn Press will reach out to discuss the next steps, including contract negotiations and publication details. If your submission is rejected, don’t be discouraged. Keep refining your craft and consider submitting to other publishers who may be a better fit for your work.

In conclusion, Owl Talyn Press offers an exciting opportunity for writers looking to be traditionally published. With their passion for storytelling and dedication to promoting diverse voices, they are a publisher to watch. Remember to carefully review their submission guidelines, prepare your manuscript with care, and craft a compelling query letter. Good luck on your publishing journey with Owl Talyn Press!