Beyond Words

At Beyond Words, we're looking for the first and best non-fiction books in the genres of Mind, Body, and Spirit. At this time, we are not accepting any unsolicited queries or proposals, and recommend that all authors work with a Literary Agent in submitting their work. Authors, for more information on how to get Literary Agent, there are some Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.

For agents interested in learning more about the genres we publish, we reccomend surveying the list below, as well as browsing our recent titles, to paint a clear picture of what we're looking for. Please note that we are unable to respond to unsolicited email, telephone, and fax queries.

We ARE accepting agented queries in Adult non-fiction:

• Mind, Body & Spirit—Material that fosters total well being in all aspects of a person's life.
  
• Global Native Wisdom—Work that represents the wisdom, traditions, and spiritual viewpoints of indigenous cultures from around the world.
• Spiritual Lifestyles—Books that reflect the changing balance between spirituality and the modern world.
• Spiritual Parenting—Thoughtful works for raising and educating spiritual children.
• Holistic Health—Guidance from doctors or other medical professionals that integrates the mind, body, and spirit into medical issues.
• Science & Spirituality—Investigations into the emerging realms of science.
  

We are NOT accepting queries in the following categories:

• Children’s and Young Adult books of any kind, including poetry/rhyme
• Fiction, short stories, memoirs, poetry or novels
• Cookbooks,Textbooks/reference books
• Illustrated coffee table books or Photography books
  

Please do not send the entire manuscript unless we request it, but please do indicate in your letter the current status of the manuscript, whether it is partial or complete, and what the word count is.
           
A complete proposal should also contain the following pieces:

• A one- or two-page query letter
• Author biography, including any promotional activities, websites, or marketing items they may already be involved with
• One to two sample chapters
• Complete synopsis of the book, plus table of contents
• Market analysis, including comparative/competitive titles already out as well as the book’s intended audience

All materials must be submitted double-spaced and in 12-point font on white 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Please limit your collateral or unusual packaging to the minimum needed to express your point, and always include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient American postage to cover the return of the materials, if desired. If you would not need your materials returned, please state this on your query letter, and let us know whether your submission is simultaneous or exclusive.

When/How will I receive a response?

• Email, telephone, and fax queries will not receive a response.
• Because of the volume of submissions we receive, it may take up to six months to receive a reply. Please do not contact us for updates during this period.
• Only submissions that include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient American postage will be returned or replied to.
• We regret that we are not able to provide critiques or comments on any work submitted.
• If you would like to receive notification that a submission has been received and logged, please include a stamped, self-addressed postcard, which we will use to notify you.
  

F.A.Q. For Authors:

How can I submit my work for consideration?

Because of the high volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. Submissions must come from an agent or through one of our trusted advisers. For more information about how to find a publisher or agent, see below.

How can I be published elsewhere?

If you are interested in being published elsewhere, we recommend you start with the following:

Go to a bookstore or library and find books that are similar to your book idea. If your idea is completely unique, look for something in a closely related field or subject area.

Look at the copyright page of the similar books and find out the name of the publishers.

Consult the Literary Marketplace at your local library. Find the current address and phone number of each publisher you found. Contact the publishers and request their submissions guidelines, ask if they prefer to work with agents and if they prefer query letters. For children’s books and photography books, keep in mind that many publishers prefer to choose the illustrator, so samples do not need to be sent (unless you want to be considered as an illustrator as well).

Follow the guidelines the publisher gives you.

Please be patient. Publishing houses are continuously working on projects at many different stages. Some will have their titles chosen years in advance. It may take awhile to respond to your submission and, if chosen, it may take a year before your book is complete.

How do I get an agent?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual recommendations on agents for your work. However, every year, a guidebook is published for the industry called Literary Marketplace. This will contain a listing of agents and publishers which will help you select one who will be your advocate and know how to work with your kind of project. Additionally, a book called Writer’s Market is an excellent guide to selling your work to different magazines, literary journals, and other opportunities. Both of these books are available at your local library.

Additionally, the book Spiritual Writing will give you guidelines that are useful for this genre of publishing.