Submissions

Deep Hearts YA is presently OPEN to submissions.

For middle grade fiction, click here for the Deep Hearts Jr call for submissions.

Deep Hearts YA is a publisher of LGBTQ+ young adult fiction.

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+ young adult fiction, in all genres and sub-genres, including aro and ace lead characters. While we are primarily a romance publisher, romance need not be the primary plot, provided there is some theme of self-empowerment, self-acceptance, or other related message. Given that the characters and target readers are underage, there is to be no erotic content.

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 youth face
  • Don't Want
    • Sad endings
    • Lead characters that are over 20

Novels:

Genres: All

Length: 50,000 - 80,000 words. We are open to considering shorter books, so long as the novel reads as a complete novel. Shorter books may not be released in paperback. We are willing to consider longer books, provided the novel fits a specific sub-genre, such as fantasy, science fiction, or historical.

How to submit: 

Please query via email to submissions@deepdesirespress.com, with the subject line "YA Query: [Title of Book]", and include the following items:

  • Query Letter
    • This is a brief introductory 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.
  • Synopsis, either as an attachment or pasted in the body of your email
    • A synopsis is a 1-2 page summary of your book that outlines your entire plot in non-salesy language. It describes the full story arc of your book, including every significant character, key plot points, and the full ending. Everything gets shared and nothing is kept hidden as a surprise for the submissions team.
  • Complete Manuscript
    • We require the complete manuscript, not a sample or excerpt.
    • This must come as an attachment and not as a link to an online document.

Submissions missing any of these items will be returned unread, with a request to resubmit with all required items.

Please do not share files with us as links to Google Docs or other online file sharing systems. Rather, include the attachment(s) as a DOC or DOCX file.

We do not accept manuscripts created with the assistance of AI.

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.