Pioneer Readers: our next submission window for previously unpublished novelists

Pioneer Readers:

How you can submit your work

Watch this space for details of our next submission window when we will invite previously unpublished novelists to submit their manuscripts.

However, please note that we set aside specific windows of time when we are geared up to read manuscripts and therefore we cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts at other times.

What kind of novels do we publish?

We consider work of any genre that will be of interest to general adult fiction readers.

Whose novels have we published in the past?

Pioneer Readers was set up in 2007 when we published our first novel: Despite Losing it on Finkle Street by Samantha Priestley, a short story writer whose work had been published in magazines and various anthologies.

Why was this novel chosen from amongst all the submissions received? Our editor replies:

Despite Losing it on Finkle Street is a beautifully unfolding story, with a plot and narrative style which both overflow with the quality and originality we are looking for, and the book will appeal to a broad readership.

The innovative concept of the plot centres around the reader joining 30-something Rachel in trying to put together the pieces of her new boyfriend's past, which adds a detective-style element to the novel, and ensures that it is multi-dimensional in genre.

At the same time the book addresses the real-life issue of imperfections in a relationship, while the author maintains a gentle and flowing tone throughout that refuses to get depressed by the difficulties the characters face.

The novel functions on many levels and also sets a challenge to the reader by bringing up the issue of whether we can determine our own future against the power of fate. It walks this philosophical tightrope while at the same time reminding us that whatever our outlook, we need to equip ourselves to be able to deal with the down-to-earth realities of life at its hardest.

Pioneer Readers: what we are - and what we are not!

We are: a publisher for new authors. We exist in order to publish first-time writers, and we therefore welcome submissions of any genre from authors who have not had a novel published before. However, please note that we are committed to publishing work of high quality that will be of interest to readers of general adult fiction.

We are not: a self-publishing imprint. Writers will not contribute to the publishing costs of their book, and they will receive a royalty payment for each copy sold.

We are: a business. Sales of pioneer readers' copies are one means for us to finance the publication of new work by other debut authors. The more people who join, the more opportunities we will be able to provide for other writers.
The pioneer readers group is part of Fygleaves Ltd, registered company 5208760 (England and Wales).

We are not: a multi-million pound organisation. We do not have a big marketing budget for new authors, and our business strategy relies on gaining the support of pioneer readers. This means we do not expect our writers to make millions, but we do aim to provide a practical means of helping those who have come up against the brick wall of the publishing world.

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