Children’s Mystery Submission Guidelines

February 30th Publishers

At February 30th Publishers, we are committed to discovering and publishing exceptional children’s mystery and adventure stories. We seek original, engaging manuscripts that spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and keep young readers turning the pages.

Our focus is on high-quality, age-appropriate storytelling — narratives that balance adventure, mystery, and fun, with memorable characters and well-paced plots.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking manuscripts that:

• Are targeted at readers aged 7–12 years.

• Feature light, adventurous mysteries that are exciting and safe for children.

• Include strong central characters, preferably children or pre-teens, who solve problems through teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.

• Are set in relatable environments — neighborhoods, small towns, schools, summer camps, or familiar outdoor spaces.

• Build suspense while keeping language and themes accessible to young readers.

• Promote positive values like curiosity, friendship, courage, and resilience.

• Avoid inappropriate material, such as explicit violence, mature themes, or unsuitable language.

Preferred Themes

We are especially interested in stories that explore:

• Friendship and Teamwork – Groups of children working together to solve problems or mysteries.

• Community Adventures – Stories grounded in everyday life but filled with wonder and excitement.

• School and Camp Mysteries – Adventures that take place in classrooms, dorms, or summer programs.

• Nature and Exploration – Mysteries connected to forests, lakes, wildlife, or environmental themes.

• Cultural or Historical Twists – Stories that introduce children to folklore, history, or local legends in an age-appropriate way.

• Puzzle or Clue-Driven Plots – Adventures that engage readers with codes, riddles, or interactive elements.

Manuscript Guidelines

• Length: Between 20,000 and 30,000 words.

• Format:

  • Submit as a PDF file only.

  • Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spacing, and 1-inch margins.

  • Include a header with your name, manuscript title, and page number on every page.

• File Name: Save your file as:
  YourName_ManuscriptTitle_Date.pdf

• Illustrations: Illustrated and non-illustrated manuscripts are welcome. Submit illustrations in a separate, clearly labeled PDF.

Submission Package

Your email should include:

1. Cover Letter – A brief introduction, contact details, and a short author bio. Mention if you have an existing author platform (website, social media, or previous publications).

2. Synopsis – A one-page summary of the plot, characters, and intended audience.

3. Sample Chapters – The first three chapters or first 5,000 words.

4. Full Manuscript – Attached as a formatted PDF.

Email your submission to: Feb30thpublishers@gmail.com

Subject line: CHIBOOK25 – Children’s Mystery – [Your Book Title]

Publishing Terms

• Ebook-First Model: Shortlisted titles will be published as ebooks.

• Print Editions: If a title performs well, we will consider a paperback edition.

• Royalties & Author Copies: Accepted authors will receive royalties and 10 complimentary copies of the print edition.

• No Fees: We never request payment at any stage of the submission, review, or publishing process.

Rights and Ownership

• Authors retain full copyright to their work.

• By signing a publishing contract, authors grant February 30th Publishers exclusive worldwide English-language rights to publish and distribute the book in ebook and print formats for a standard term of 3–5 years.

• At the end of the contract term, all rights automatically revert to the author unless both parties agree to renew.

• Authors maintain the right to adapt their work into other formats (e.g., audio, film, foreign editions) unless those rights are specifically licensed to us under a separate agreement.

Review Process

• Submissions are reviewed within 6–8 weeks.

• If you have not heard from us after 6 weeks, please consider your submission not accepted.

• Due to high volume, we cannot offer individual feedback on manuscripts unless shortlisted.

Important Policies

• Original Work Only: Submissions must be your own, original work.

• AI-Generated Content: Manuscripts generated or assisted by AI tools are strictly prohibited.

• Plagiarism Checks: All submissions undergo originality screening. Plagiarized works will be automatically rejected.

• Simultaneous Submissions: Allowed, but please notify us promptly if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Craft a plot that is clear, engaging, and age-appropriate.

• Develop memorable, relatable characters with realistic dialogue.

• Keep your language polished and professional, while remaining accessible to children.

• Proofread thoroughly before sending — clean manuscripts create a stronger first impression.

Good luck