Submission Requirements for Book Publishing Consideration
Our Submission Philosophy
At Black Trident Publishing, we believe every story matters, but not every story is ready for the world. Our mission is to publish work that demonstrates excellence in craft, purpose, and authenticity. We are selective by design. A book carrying the Black Trident imprint must reflect the strength, discipline, and integrity that define our brand and our authors.
We evaluate each submission with respect and care, looking for compelling narratives, clear intention, and the willingness of the author to grow their craft. We do not accept every manuscript we receive; doing so would serve no one, least of all the writers who trust us with their work. Instead, we curate a focused catalog built on quality rather than volume, ensuring that every book we publish earns its place.
Our goal is to develop partnerships with authors whose stories resonate, challenge, inspire, or illuminate. When we say yes, it means we believe in the work, the message, and the potential for meaningful impact. When we say no, it is never a dismissal, it is a commitment to upholding the standards that protect both our authors and our readers.
Black Trident Publishing exists to elevate voices, not exploit them. We do not charge excessive fees, promise shortcuts, or publish manuscripts without careful consideration. We stand behind the work we produce, and we stand beside the writers who entrust us with their stories.
We publish with purpose.
We curate with integrity.
And we’re proud of the catalog we are building—one powerful book at a time.
If You’re Interested in Submitting
Please review and follow the guidelines below, or download our full Submissions Policy for detailed instructions. It is essential that you read the requirements in their entirety and adhere to them closely. Submissions that do not meet these guidelines will be rejected prior to review to avoid delays for compliant authors.
At Black Trident Publishing, we give priority to military veterans, whose unique experiences bring depth, authenticity, and realism to the genres we champion. Manuscripts that meet our submission requirements will be carefully reviewed and considered for acceptance.
Manuscript Format:
Your manuscript should be in english, complete, and thoroughly edited. While we provide minor editing, please only submit polished, publication-ready works, as we do not accept drafts that require extensive revision.
Use a standard font (such as Times New Roman or Arial) in 12-point size, with double-spaced lines and numbered pages.
Ensure consistent formatting throughout to maintain clear readability.
Ensure you submit your complete manuscript. In the header, please include the title of your manuscript, your name, the submission date, and the statement 'For Publication Consideration.’
Submission Length and Genre:
We accept veteran and military-oriented memoirs and fiction manuscripts, with a strong preference for military and spy genres. Non-military mystery and thriller submissions may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
While Black Trident Publishing prioritizes manuscripts authored by military veterans and prior-service individuals, we do consider a limited number of submissions from civilian authors whose work demonstrates exceptional accuracy, authenticity, and respect for the military experience. Civilian authors with close familial or professional connections to the military community may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please include the approximate word count in your submission and ensure it aligns with the typical length for your genre. We do not accept submissions under 40,000 words for a memoir and 70,000 words for a novel.
Query/Cover Letter:
Include a concise query letter introducing yourself and your manuscript. Remember, you’re pitching your book, so focus on answering the question, 'Why should we consider your work for publication?' Your query should include:
The book title, genre, and word count.
A brief synopsis of the book’s plot and themes (500-800 words).
Any relevant information about your background or previous publications.
Synopsis:
Your synopsis should detail the main plot points and story arc. This synopsis should provide a clear overview of the storyline without giving away every detail.
Author Bio:
Provide a brief author bio (up to 200 words) that highlights your writing experience, credentials, and any previous publications, awards, or recognitions.
If you are a military veteran, you may use an additional 100 words (up to 300 words total) to highlight your military service and its relevance to your work.
Sample Chapters:
In your submission, include a separate and distinct document with the first three chapters (or approximately the first 50 pages) of your manuscript. This sample will help our team evaluate your writing style, voice, and story progression.
Contact Information:
Make sure your full name, email address, and phone number are included in your query letter and/or cover letter.
If you are using a pen name or pseudonym, we will still require your legal name for our contact records.
Submission Method:
Send all submissions electronically to submissions@blacktridentpublishing.com. We do not accept physical submissions at this time.
Ensure all attachments are submitted in PDF or Word format unless otherwise specified. Please do not lock, password-protect or watermark the manuscript, as such submissions will be automatically disregarded.
Additional Notes:
Due to the high volume of submissions, response times may vary. While we aim to confirm receipt of your manuscript, delays can happen. If you haven't received a confirmation within two weeks, please feel free to reach out. We appreciate your patience, and we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiring about the status of your submission after receiving confirmation.
The current decision notification timeframe is approximately two to three months.
Only one submission per author at a time, please. Revisions and additional works may be submitted following acceptance and feedback.
If your manuscript is accepted, we will reach out to discuss any necessary edits, contract terms, royalty structure, and derivative rights in detail.
Thank you for considering us for your manuscript. We look forward to reviewing your work and discovering new literary voices!