Ravenstone is a genre imprint of Turnstone Press. We are interested in tightly written, well-plotted manuscripts in the sub-genres of hard-boiled, police procedural, private eye, suspense, and thriller. At this time we are not considering cozies or "special knowledge" manuscripts. If you are uncertain what sub-genre your manuscript falls within, visit http://www.mysteryguide.com for a comprehensive guide.

Basic Guidelines
Although we do review unsolicited manuscripts, we prefer a query first, accompanied by a sample. Samples should be 20 to 40 pages, typed/printed in a minimum 10-12 pt. font, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 white paper, with all pages numbered, name and address on all pages, and without binding or stapling. For fiction and non-fiction, also provide a one-page synopsis of the work. We regret to inform that, due to time constraints, we are unable to provide feedback on all the manuscripts we receive.

Only submissions including a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) will be responded to and/or returned. Please make sure the SASE is of sufficient size, with sufficient postage, for your manuscript if you wish it sent back. For Canadian citizens submitting from a foreign country, please include an international reply coupon. Manuscripts arriving without a SASE will be recycled.

We consider only exclusive queries/submissions. We do not accept submissions/queries sent on computer disk/CD, by e-mail or by fax—these are discarded.

Timelines
In general, we plan at least 18 months in advance. Submissions are first screened in-house, so an initial response or query will normally be answered within 16 weeks. If the manuscript is being seriously considered, a final decision will normally take an additional 2 to 3 months.

Every calendar year we receive more than one thousand unsolicited manuscripts. About 5 per cent are seriously considered and about 1 per cent are published—10 to 12 per year. Those not published might well be published in another year or by another publishing house. Although literary merit is the most important determining factor, list balance and marketability are also considered.

Final Words
Follow these guidelines, write well, be patient.

Send your submission to:

Acquisitions Editor
Turnstone Press
Artspace Building
607-100 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 1H3

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