Submissions are OPEN!
We accept agented submissions and queries from referrals by a SBB team member or contracted SBB author anytime.
Stag Beetle Books publishes fiction that leaves a mark.
We’re a small press with a big mission: emotionally rich, high-impact stories that don’t shy away from grit, darkness, or beauty. If your book punches readers in the gut and stays with them long after the last page, we want to read it.
Right now, we’re especially excited to see standalone YA fiction.
What We’re Looking For:
We seek middle-grade and young adult speculative fiction—all subgenres of science fiction and fantasy are welcome (horror, cyberpunk, paranormal, etc.). We love unique premises, engaging characters, and fast-paced plots that keep readers hooked.
What NOT to Submit:
❌ Previously published material (including prequels/sequels)
❌ Manuscripts you plan to self-publish
❌ Stories featuring fae/fairies (our catalog is full)
❌ Sexual content** (see content policy below)
❌ Unfinished manuscripts (unless you're an established SBB author)
We’d Love to See:
✅ Male protagonists
✅ Ghost stories
✅ Enemies-to-lovers
✅ Found family
✅ Emotionally rich middle-grade fiction
✅ Highly intelligent YA protagonists
✅ Bilingual characters
Content & Language Policy:
We publish clean YA fiction. Romantic subplots are welcome, but we avoid explicit sexual themes. Occasional profanity is acceptable if used effectively, but excessive swearing is discouraged. We aim to keep content PG-13 for accessibility. We respect young readers and parents who trust us to provide engaging, appropriate fiction.
Submission Guidelines:
Email submissions to: submissions[at]stagbeetlebooks[dot]com or Kevin, Katie, or Chey directly if you think you're query is best suited for them.
- Subject line: “Query – [Your Book Title]”
- Attach the first ~30 pages of your manuscript (Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, with page numbers).
- In the email:
- Query letter (pasted in the body)
- Book details: Title, genre, word count, standalone or series
- Writing credentials (if applicable)
- Website & social media links (if available)
- Optional: A synopsis, a marketing plan
Word Count Guidelines:
-YA (ages 12-17): 70k–150k words
-MG (ages 8-12): 25k–80k words
We accept multiple and simultaneous submissions (send separate emails for each work).
Series manuscripts: If submitting a series, the full series must be completed or a detailed outline provided.
Response Times:
Query responses: Within 14 days, with either a request for the manuscript or constructive feedback.
Full manuscript responses: Within one month, with either an offer or detailed feedback.
If you haven’t heard from us within these timelines, feel free to follow up!
Questions? Contact us at: contact[at]stagbeetlebooks[dot]com
We seek middle-grade and young adult speculative fiction—all subgenres of science fiction and fantasy are welcome (horror, cyberpunk, paranormal, etc.). We love unique premises, engaging characters, and fast-paced plots that keep readers hooked.
What NOT to Submit:
❌ Previously published material (including prequels/sequels)
❌ Manuscripts you plan to self-publish
❌ Stories featuring fae/fairies (our catalog is full)
❌ Sexual content** (see content policy below)
❌ Unfinished manuscripts (unless you're an established SBB author)
We’d Love to See:
✅ Male protagonists
✅ Ghost stories
✅ Enemies-to-lovers
✅ Found family
✅ Emotionally rich middle-grade fiction
✅ Highly intelligent YA protagonists
✅ Bilingual characters
Content & Language Policy:
We publish clean YA fiction. Romantic subplots are welcome, but we avoid explicit sexual themes. Occasional profanity is acceptable if used effectively, but excessive swearing is discouraged. We aim to keep content PG-13 for accessibility. We respect young readers and parents who trust us to provide engaging, appropriate fiction.
Submission Guidelines:
Email submissions to: submissions[at]stagbeetlebooks[dot]com or Kevin, Katie, or Chey directly if you think you're query is best suited for them.
- Subject line: “Query – [Your Book Title]”
- Attach the first ~30 pages of your manuscript (Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, with page numbers).
- In the email:
- Query letter (pasted in the body)
- Book details: Title, genre, word count, standalone or series
- Writing credentials (if applicable)
- Website & social media links (if available)
- Optional: A synopsis, a marketing plan
Word Count Guidelines:
-YA (ages 12-17): 70k–150k words
-MG (ages 8-12): 25k–80k words
We accept multiple and simultaneous submissions (send separate emails for each work).
Series manuscripts: If submitting a series, the full series must be completed or a detailed outline provided.
Response Times:
Query responses: Within 14 days, with either a request for the manuscript or constructive feedback.
Full manuscript responses: Within one month, with either an offer or detailed feedback.
If you haven’t heard from us within these timelines, feel free to follow up!
Questions? Contact us at: contact[at]stagbeetlebooks[dot]com
Things we want you to keep in mind before submitting:
At Stag Beetle Books, we believe writing, publishing, and even marketing should be fun—but we also take it seriously. We're a business, and selling books is the goal, but we never lose sight of the joy in creating and reaching readers.
We value a strong author-publisher relationship built on honesty and communication.
When we request a full manuscript, we also take time to learn about the author behind the story. We look for writers who are hardworking, tenacious, personable, and communicative—because publishing is a team effort. From the moment you submit, we invest time, talent, and resources into your work, and we appreciate authors who approach the process professionally.
We want to champion your story and build long-term relationships with our authors. Our goal is for you to love working with us so much that you keep writing books we’re excited to publish.
We value a strong author-publisher relationship built on honesty and communication.
When we request a full manuscript, we also take time to learn about the author behind the story. We look for writers who are hardworking, tenacious, personable, and communicative—because publishing is a team effort. From the moment you submit, we invest time, talent, and resources into your work, and we appreciate authors who approach the process professionally.
We want to champion your story and build long-term relationships with our authors. Our goal is for you to love working with us so much that you keep writing books we’re excited to publish.
What's it like to work with us?
TESTIMONIALS from our Authors:
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"Joining Stag Beetle Books as an author is truly like joining a family and feeling like you're part of something bigger. The whole experience has been easy and friendly and I've enjoyed every moment."
-Bianca Breen, Made of Steam and Stardust "Stag Beetle Books treats authors right. They’re easy to work with, responsive, and genuinely care about the work. Plus, there's a welcoming community of fellow authors to share the writer’s journey with." -Fred Stesney, Saint Destiny "Stag Beetle Books gave me a voice in an industry that doesn’t often care about their authors after they sign the contract. I love that I’m still a real person to them and they know how much my books mean to me beyond the contract." -Elizabeth Drysdale, Burden of the Banished Duology, Lost Trident Duology, Veins of Darkness "As an author, I of course have unbounded enthusiasm for the books I write, but one of the most amazing things about working with Stag Beetle Books is how much they share that passion. Laura and the entire Stag Beetle Books team treat each and every project with such care and attention to detail. They are helpful and encouraging, but always leave the author with a sense of ownership over their own books. I look forward to many more books to come!" - Christopher Bodmann, Kid Comet Trilogy "Stag Beetle Books is more than just a publisher. By encouraging friendships between their authors they’ve created something magical… a family." -Polly Bringhurst, Finnegan Flynt and the Value of Pi |