Submit to Cipher Press 

Submit to us!

 Cipher will be opening for fiction submissions in January 2025.

Submissions will open on January 1st and close on January 31st. Please do not submit to us outside of this window.

We’re looking for book-length adult fiction or short story collections from both agented and unagented authors who identify as LGBTQI+. We’re open to any genre and style, as long as the work fits somewhere within the literary bracket and reflects some aspect of the queer and/or trans experience.

We’d really like to open this submissions opportunity to as many people as possible and so we’re happy to read unfinished manuscripts, as long as you’ve written a substantial amount and have a clear view of the direction your book will take.

If you’re unsure whether your book will be a good fit, take a look at our books page. This will give you an idea of the kind of stuff we’re looking for. You can read more about Cipher Press and our mission here.

We want the submissions process to be as accessible as possible so if you have any questions get in touch via the Contact Us page on our website. If you’re a neurodivergent or disabled author and would like additional support, drop us an email. We can offer an alternative to writing a synopsis of your book if you need.

Sorry to say we’re not accepting poetry or non-fiction this time around, and we don’t publish graphic novels, children’s, or YA.

 Submission Guidelines

 To submit a novel or short story collection, please email us with:

·       A brief synopsis of your book (no more than a page)

The synopsis should outline your main plot points, tell us about the themes and ideas behind the book, and introduce us to your characters. Keep it snappy!

·       The first three chapters or equivalent

If your chapters are short (or long), aim for the first 50 pages. For short story collections, we’d ideally like to read the first three stories.

·       A 200-word biography to tell us a bit about yourself

Tell us what kind of writer you are and if you’ve published anything before (although it’s okay if you haven’t).

If we think your work is a good fit and would like to read more, we’ll aim to be in touch within 8 weeks to ask for the full manuscript.

Please send all submissions to both jack [at] cipherpress.co.uk and ellis [at] cipherpress.co.uk with the subject line ‘2025 Submission: [Your Name]’

We will do our very best to get back to everyone who submits, but please be patient – we’re a two-person team!

Looking forward to reading you,

Ellis & Jack