PUBLISHING WITH HORRORSMITH
OUR HISTORY
The publishing journey looks different for everyone. And no one understands that better than Horrorsmith. We were founded by Lyndsey Smith, a freelance fiction editor who works with self-publishing authors, authors hoping to query traditional publishers, and larger traditional publishing houses who contracted their editing needs. With each project, she uses a wealth of expertise to guide authors toward their publishing goals.
But what she hoped to do with Horrorsmith Publishing was form a team of authors looking to immerse themselves in their genres, in their careers, and in their communities.
EXPECTATIONS
When considering a traditional publishing model, either through a small indie publishing house or one of the more established imprints, it's imperative for authors to understand what they're up against. Nothing about publishing normalizes "Get Rich Quick."
Even with larger publishing houses with deeper pockets and marketing budgets, the average novel sells approximately 3,000 books in their lifetime. Only 200-300 of these are usually sold in the first year after the novel's release. In comparison, the average self-published novel sells 250 books in its lifetime, but 90% sell less than 100 copies.
OUR FUTURE
These are realistic expectations, but our founder has inspired us to push our boundaries and think outside the box. It's our goal to elevate genre fiction across horror, thriller, young adult, and romance imprints and help our authors reach the upper echelon who persevere over “average.” We aren't just writing books; we're creating empires.
If you’re looking for a true team, a family of like-minded authors working together toward greatness, a group of individuals non-compliant with the normal restrictions of the publishing industry, then welcome to Horrorsmith.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres, except extreme horror, are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- Current preferred sub-genres are psychological, domestic, cozy, romantic, historical, disaster, or supernatural.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
Look for more anthology open calls in 2025.
- Word Count - 3,000-10,000 words
- Theme - Open
- Flat Payment of $25 currently, though we hope to increase this amount soon, eventually to pro-paying levels.
- Must not be a simultaneous submission. Must not be a reprint.
- Submit stories to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like: Short Story - Project Title - Word Count.
- Story must be submitted as a Word .docx.
Terms of Our CONTRACT
At Horrorsmith Publishing, we believe in full transparency. As such, we think it is important for you to know the major terms of our author contracts.
- Horrorsmith Publishing will not accept any work generated by AI.
- We also vow to not use AI images in our illustrations or covers.
- Our exclusivity period lasts for three years from your release date.
- We consider marketing a team effort. It is in our marketing plan to make the formal signing announcements, book you on podcast interviews and local book signings, maintain your ARC team, enter your published work into relevant awards, and utilize paid ads. However, our marketing efforts will not be effective if you aren't working in tandem with us by establishing an author brand and an active social media presence.
- If we do not publish your book within twenty-four months, all rights automatically revert back to you.
- If Horrorsmith Publishing closes its doors unexpectedly, all rights will automatically revert back to you. You will also be given full authority to use any book covers or edits that were created for or made on your manuscript.
- Horrorsmith Publishing reserves the right to cancel an author contract for morality reasons. If this occurs, your rights will automatically revert back to you, but you will not be authorized to use the cover we obtained for you or any edits/adjustments made to your manuscript.
- We will make every effort possible to apply your input to your cover. However, if we feel as if a different cover would be more marketable for the success of your novel, we will make the final judgment.
- No developmental changes will be made to your novel without your express permission. However, Horrorsmith Publishing reserves the right to cancel the author contract if a compromise cannot be met where those edits are concerned, if necessary.
- Line and copy edits maintain the quality of the novels Horrorsmith Publishing produces. This means that we are less lenient about these. We reserve the right to make the last call, though we will absolutely take into consideration any changes you request that you feel maintain intent and author voice in your novel.