A query letter should discuss the following: the book's content, its anticipated length (in double-spaced pages, not in words), its intended audience, the author's writing and professional background, and any promotional ideas and contacts the author may have. If another firm has previously published the author, please specify why a change is being sought. A formal synopsis, chapter outline, and/or one or two sample chapters may be sent with a query letter, but these are not required. Never send the original copy of any material.

We will respond as promptly as possible (usually one month), letting you know whether or not we feel the project is worth pursuing further. If we feel that it is worthy of consideration, we will request a partial or full manuscript. Following this procedure ensures the most expeditious treatment of all inquiries. We discourage phone inquiries. We do not require that writers contacting us have a literary agent representing them.

Solicited manuscripts are carefully scrutinized by the editor(s). This process may take up to three months (12 weeks). If acceptance is recommended, the author(s) will be asked to sign a contract with Palari Publishing. Palari Publishing requires exclusive submission for all solicited manuscripts during the 12-week period mentioned above. This is for obvious reasons. We can only give full attention to those manuscripts that we are likely to be able to publish if accepted by us.

Materials will not be returned unless they are accompanied by sufficient postage. Policies regarding SASE's apply to all submissions from foreign countries, including Canada. Return postage must be in stamps, checks on U.S. banks, or International Money Orders in U.S. money.

We require all submissions, including outlines, resumes, sample chapters, etc., be neatly typed on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper and double-spaced with sufficient margins (1 inch on all sides). Query letters are customarily single-spaced. Submissions with numerous misspellings, typographical errors, and handwritten corrections reflect unfavorably on the author and may contribute heavily toward a rejection.

We accept no responsibility for original and only-copies of material. We require that all writers send us copies of their work and to retain the originals at home. We will not be responsible for misplaced or lost material.

We look for clarity and conciseness of expression and presentation in a synopsis/outline and we ask to see those that will most likely yield proposals fitting our list and that we feel we can market successfully. We turn down thousands of adequate proposals every year just because they have no clear "hooks" or well-defined audiences. The author should present a strong case as to why we should take on the book and who would buy it. Saying that "all children would love it" is very vague, but saying "libraries and schools in Virginia would like this" is more informative.

If an author seeking to publish an illustrated work plans to use artwork copyrighted by an author, illustrator, publication, or syndicate, permission must be obtained in writing from that source. Permission in writing must also be obtained by any author seeking to use quotes or other materials from previously copyrighted publications. We will not publish illustrations or portions of another copyrighted work without written authorization.

Authors seeking to have previously published books reprinted must have, in writing from their previous publisher, a signed letter transferring all rights (including copyright) to them. This is required under the 1978 Copyright Law and must be adhered to in all such cases. Under the revisions contained in the 1978 Copyright Law, a work is automatically copyrighted at the time of creation. If we agree to accept the work for publication, we will apply for the copyright in the author's name on publication.

TYPES OF BOOK PUBLISHED: Hardcover and trade paperback originals. Specialties are Virginia/regional, nonfiction, mystery, and memoirs. We seek writers on the cutting edge of ideas who do not write in clichés.

PAYMENT POLICY: Palari pays its authors a royalty based on sales. The rate depends on the type of material and the format. All terms are specified in the contract all authors publishing under our imprint(s) are required to sign. Palari will publish no book without a contract signed beforehand.

All guidelines listed above are subject to revision at any time by Palari Publishing.