Deep Hearts Jr.

Deep Hearts YA announces Deep Hearts Jr, a middle-grade sub-imprint focussing on queer-positive stories for younger readers!

Call for Submissions

Deep Hearts YA is launching a new line of books for younger readers in the Middle Grade (MG) age range, typically ages 8 through 12. This new “sub-imprint” will be called Deep Hearts Jr.

Deep Hearts Jr. is presently OPEN to submissions.

Authors will receive full editing, cover art, and marketing support from Deep Hearts YA. Submissions are expected to be well-written, well-edited, and reasonably error-free.

First, a few general details: 

Genres: We are focusing primarily on LGBTQ+ middle grade fiction, in all genres and sub-genres. While Deep Hearts YA, our parent brand, is romance focussed, that is not necessary (and may not make sense) for MG readers under Deep Hearts Jr. The queer element of a Deep Hearts Jr. book should be present in the main character’s immediate life, which could be an identity they are coming to terms with, they may be in a queer family, or there may be other opportunities for queerness in the character’s life. (Having queer friends is too “distant”; queerness must be immediately present in the character’s life.) Some themes we enjoy are self-empowerment, self-acceptance, or other related messages.

Social Media and Self-Promotion: When submitting, please include relevant links in your query letter.

Rights: Deep Hearts YA will seek ebook, print, and audio rights from the author. At present, we publish only in ebook and print format; publishing in audio is decided on a case-by-case basis. Contracts are for three years from publication, renewed on an annual basis thereafter.

New Content: We are primarily looking for new works only.

What we’re looking for: 

Current wants / don't wants:

  • Want
    • Diverse stories with diverse characters
    • Happy, positive endings
    • Stories that explore real issues that queer kids or kids in queer families face
  • Don't Want
    • Sad endings
    • Lead characters that are over 13 (they should be the same age as the reader, 8-13)

Novels:

Genres: All

Length: 25,000 - 50,000 words. We are willing to consider longer books, provided the novel fits a specific sub-genre where longer fiction is expected, such as fantasy, science fiction, or historical.

How to submit: 

Please query via email to submissions@deepdesirespress.com, following the guidelines below:

In the subject line of your email, please write "MG Query: [Title of Your Book]".

In the body of your email, please include a brief query letter outlining who you are, what your book is about, the length of your book, your plans for sequels (if any), and relevant social media links. Please also include a complete synopsis of your work in the body of your email, below your letter.

Please attach the complete manuscript of your novel to the email as a Word file (doc or docx).

At present, response time is within three to eight weeks.

For more information: 

For more information, please email us at submissions@deepdesirespress.com.

Thank you for your interest.