When you've written a book, it is highly possible you may be like me and not know what exactly you have. When I first started on my writing career five years ago, I didn't know the difference between a novel, novelette, or novella. Word count is what determines the category, so let's break it down here. Remember, word count requirements can and will vary from publisher to publisher.
Categories marked with an * are categories currently being accepted at Coffee Cakes.
Flash Fiction
Only a few hundred words.
Short Story
From 3,500 to 7,500 words.
Novelette
7,500 to 17,500 words.
*Novella
Typically a novella is between 17,000 to 40,000 words, but here at Coffee Cakes Publishing, we like to see at least 25,000 words in our novellas.
*Novel
A novel is usually considered a novel at 40,000 words or more.
Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Cakes table!
-- S.B.
Coffee Cakes Publishing
Welcome to the Coffee Cake table. Perhaps you found your way here because you are new to the publishing arena, or maybe you're a seasoned writer with multiple credits to your name, but are simply looking for a smaller press to showcase your work and make it shine. Writers of all phases are welcome. Have you written an Amish, Romance, or Christian novel? If yes, pull up a seat and grab a coffee mug . . .
Coffee Cakes Publishing FAQ
What is Coffee Cakes Publishing?
Coffee Cakes Publishing is a royalty paying, independent, privately owned press that focuses on the positive in life. Just like a good cup of coffee can start your day off right, we want our books to be uplifting to our readers.
You will never be asked to pay Coffee Cakes (or any true publisher) any fees for reading, editing, formatting, etc.
Remember, we are investing in you!
What kind of work does Coffee Cakes accept?
Coffee Cakes is currently accepting Inspirational Romance, Amish, and Christian Fiction novels and novellas.
Is there any genre Coffee Cakes doesn't prefer to consider?
Coffee Cakes is ONLY considering the above mentioned genres at this time.
Who can submit to Coffee Cakes?
Coffee Cakes Publishing accepts both agented and unagented queries.
We will consider your project with the same critical eye as we consider all projects that cross our inbox. Please only send your best work, and never EVER submit a rough draft for publication.
If you are toying with the idea of publication, we suggest joining critique groups, blog hops, and developing a support network early on -- regardless of your current publication status.
You must be eighteen or older to submit to Coffee Cakes Publishing.
What are Coffee Cakes' submission guidelines?
Coffee Cakes Publishing runs a green office and accepts only electronic queries. Hard copy manuscripts will be considered only on a case by case basis. Please follow directions.
Address your email to: CoffeeCakesPublishing@gmail.com
The subject line should read: QUERY - The Title of Your Work - Your Name
Your entire query should be included in the body of the email as Coffee Cakes won't open attachments. Address your query to Coffee Cakes Publishing. In the first paragraph, hook us with the first sentence. Make it so intriguing that we must read on! The remainder of the first paragraph should read like the blurb on the front cover of your book cover would read. Take your time and craft this paragraph carefully.
Okay. You've hooked us in the first paragraph, now moving on. In the second paragraph, give us a short synopsis of your book. Think of this paragraph as how the back matter of the book would read. Whet our appetites and make your book irresistible.
In the third paragraph, tell us about your marketing strategies and your platform for making your book a success. Do you have an author Facebook, Twitter, website? How many followers do you have? Do you blog regularly? What are your links? Do you have contacts for book signings, media outlets, or other sources for getting your book out into the public eye? Coffee Cakes will do some promotion, but the key to success in indie book marketing is for the author to promote themselves and their book(s). How will you work to promote your book?
In your last paragraph, tell us about you. Where are you from? What do you do? Why did you write this book? Do you have any other publishing credits to your name or will this be your debut work? Have you won any contests or awards?
Beneath your query, paste the first chapter of your manuscript.
Are you open to submissions?
Yes. We are now open to new submissions.
What should I expect next?
Once you submit your work to us, expect a reply within three weeks. If three weeks pass and you do not receive a reply, feel free to send a follow up email to CoffeeCakesPublishing@gmail.com with the subject line QUERY FOLLOW UP and your name and manuscript title in the body of the email. :-)
