Deep Hearts YA is presently OPEN to 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: We work actively and collaboratively with authors on setting up a platform and developing a promotional plan, but we do prefer if authors already have at least two mediums for self-promotion, such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, newsletter, Pinterest, blog, website, etc. 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(at)deepdesirespress(dot)com, following the guidelines below:

In the subject line of your email, please write "YA 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 synopsis of your work in the body of your email, below your letter.

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

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

For more information: 

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

Thank you for your interest.