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Guidelines for Authors & Illustrators
In General:
We only accept manuscripts from Canadian writers.
No seasonal stories (Christmas, Hallowe'en, Easter, etc.), "I Can Read" books or collections of poetry
Faxed or emailed submissions will not be read or responded to.
Submissions without a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) will not be read, returned or responded to.
No editorial comment will be given unless we feel the submission has the potential for publication with Orca.
SASEs with foreign postage, cheques or money orders are not accepted.
Submission Guidelines:
All submissions should be on 8.5 x 11" white paper, typed and double-spaced on one side only.
A typed cover letter of no more than one page should accompany all submissions. Cover letters, synopses and the first page of manuscripts should include the author's name, address and phone number.
All submissions must be accompanied by a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) for reply and/or return of manuscript.
Do not send more than one manuscript at a time.
Submissions using colored paper, handwriting or script fonts, or typed in ALL CAPITALS will not be given serious consideration.
Do not bind your work in any way (paper clips are fine). No staples, report covers, binders or boxes.
An unprofessional-looking submission has the potential to prejudice even the most open-minded editor.
Submissions are usually processed within four (4) months. Please do not contact us any sooner about your submission.
If you are considering submitting to Orca (or any other publisher for that matter), it's a good idea to spend some time in a bookstore or library looking at the kind of books we publish. A quick read of three or four of our picturebooks or the back-cover copy of three or four novels will give you a good idea whether your manuscript will be a good fit with our list. This kind of advance research will pay dividends in saved time and postage.
Manuscripts can be mailed to:
Orca Book Publishers
PO Box 5626, Station B
Victoria, BC
V8R 6S4
Orca Book Publishers is presently seeking manuscripts in the following genres:
Good stories, well told. Any lesson or moral should be secondary to credible characters, an engaging plot and strong writing. The point of view should invite the child reader into the story.
Even if you have written a series, please send only one submission. We rarely publish sequels to our picturebooks, and then only if the first book has been very successful.
Picturebook manuscripts should typically be 1,500 words or less
No art should be included with picturebook submissions unless you are a professional illustrator. Original art should never be included.
Complete manuscripts (no queries, please) should be sent to the attention of Christi Howes, Editor.
Contemporary stories or fantasy with a universal theme, a compelling, unified plot and a strong, sympathetic child protagonist who grows through the course of the story and solves the central problem him/herself
Stories that deal with or take their inspiration from historical subjects should not be thinly disguised history lessons.
5,500 to 6,000 words (max.)
Aimed at seven-year-olds
Submissions should be sent in their entirety to the attention of Christi Howes, Editor.
Contemporary stories or fantasy with a universal theme, a compelling, unified plot and a strong, sympathetic child protagonist who grows through the course of the story and solves the central problem him/herself
Well-researched stories dealing with or taking their inspiration from historical subjects, but not thinly disguised history lessons
15,000 to 18,000 words
Aimed at eight- to ten-year-olds
A cover letter and the first three (3) chapters should be sent to the attention of Sarah Harvey, Editor.
Contemporary stories or fantasy with a universal theme, a compelling, unified plot and a strong, sympathetic child protagonist who grows through the course of the story and solves the central problem him/herself
Well-researched stories dealing with or taking their inspiration from historical subjects, but not thinly disguised history lessons
25,000 to 35,000 words
Aimed at nine- to thirteen-year-olds
A cover letter and the first three (3) chapters should be sent to the attention of Sarah Harvey, Editor.
High-interest intermediate novels aimed at reluctant readers
These stories should have middle-school-appropriate story lines (family issues, humor, sports, adventure, mystery/suspense, fantasy, etc.).
Strong plots, credible characters/situations and fine writing remain essential to this series. Please avoid awkward moralizing.
The novels feature simple language and short, high-interest chapters. Protagonists are between 12 and 14 years old and should be appealing and believable.
14,000 to 16,000 words, 12 to 16 short chapters.
A chapter-by-chapter outline and one (1) sample chapter should be sent to the attention of Melanie Jeffs, Editor.
High-interest sports action combined with mystery/suspense
Interest level ages 10+
Strong plots, credible characters/situations and fine writing remain essential to this series. Please avoid awkward moralizing.
The novels feature simple language and short, high-interest chapters. Protagonists are between 14 and 17 years old and should appeal to juvenile as well as teen readers.
23,000 to 25,000 words
A chapter-by-chapter outline and first three (3) chapters should be sent to the attention of Christi Howes, Editor.
High-interest teen novels aimed at reluctant readers
These stories should reflect the universal struggles that young people face. They need not be limited to "gritty" urban tales. Can include adventures, mystery/suspense, fantasy, etc. There is a definite need for humorous stories that will appeal to teens of both sexes.
Try to avoid "disease-of-the-week" potboilers or awkward moralizing.
The novels feature simple language and short, high-interest chapters. Protagonists are between 14 and 17 years old and should be appealing and believable.
14,000 to 16,000 words, 12 to 16 short chapters
A chapter-by-chapter outline and one (1) sample chapter should be sent to the attention of Andrew Wooldridge, Publisher.
Issue-oriented contemporary stories exploring a universal theme, with a compelling, unified plot and strong, sympathetic protagonist(s)
Well-researched stories dealing with or taking their inspiration from historical subjects, but not thinly disguised history lessons
40,000 to 60,000 words
Submissions should include a cover letter, synopsis and the first 3 or 4 chapters only.
Send submissions or query letters to the attention of Bob Tyrrell, Editorial Director or
Sarah Harvey, Editor. See below for a list of recent books Bob and Sarah have edited.
We are looking for stories for all ages that can be told in graphic novel format. We are not looking for manga and anime.
Submissions should include a cover letter, synopsis and full text of the story. The more complete the submission, the better. If you are working with an illustrator, please include samples of their work and any finished art (copies only).
Send submissions to the attention of Andrew Wooldridge, Publisher.
Orca publishes a very limited selection of nonfiction titles. We are looking for unique, stand-alone projects that will have broad appeal to young North American readers.
Material should be appropriate for juvenile and young adult readers.
Query first, please. DO NOT send outlines, sample chapters, complete manuscripts or illustrations.
Queries should be sent to the attention of Sarah Harvey, Editor.
Plots should involve contemporary, straightforward stories using a linear narrative format (little or no use of flashbacks) and the action should take place over a relatively short time frame.
12,000—20,000 words
Written in simple language with limited use of complex sentences and multiple clauses.
A small cast of characters is most effective.
Your initial submission should include a brief synopsis, a sample chapter, a detailed chapter outline and an author biography.
Send submissions to the attention of Bob Tyrrell, Editorial Director.
Orca Book Publishers accepts submissions from Canadian artists and illustrators who wish to work with some of Canada's best authors for young people. We require artists to illustrate full-color picturebooks and full-color covers for our fiction titles, including first chapter books, juvenile fiction and books for young adults. We also require illustrators for black-and-white interior images for the Orca Echoes series. These are sketches, typically rendered in pencil, and are used to interpret the story.
Our publishing program varies in its scope from books with realistic situations and milieus, historic and contemporary, to humorous stories that tickle the funny bone.
When we review a portfolio we look for art that is either realistic, or abstracted and stylized to any degree, but executed in a professional manner, consistent with the high standards of children’s publishing in Canada. We look for accomplished drawing and execution in the chosen medium. The ability to create a believable individual character is essential, as is the ability to understand, interpret and illustrate a literary text. Character development, consistency and accurate, thorough research are important. We always need to see images of children interacting and showing emotions. Conventional cartoon or animation styles are not needed.
Send samples of your work in a self-contained, labeled folder in the following formats:
4 to 8 copies, digital proofs, tear sheets, press sheets (Please be sure to include your name and contact information on each sheet.)
1 copy of any published book or set of folded and gathered sheets
Any number of images on a CD in jpeg, tif or pdf format
Do not send:
Original art
Any material that you need returned
Mail to:
Art Director
Orca Book Publishers
1016 Balmoral Road
Victoria, BC, V8T 1A8
Web portfolios may be sent to orca@orcabook.com to the attention of the Art Director.
Thank you for considering Orca Book Publishers. And good luck in your search for the right publisher for your work.
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