Traditional Publishing
As a growing independent press, AlònTala is intentional about the projects we take on and values close collaboration with authors throughout the publishing process.
This is not a production service and not a guaranteed outcome of submission.
How to Pitch
All authors interested in Traditional Publishing begin with a pitch.
Your pitch should include:
1. Project Details
- Working title
- Genre or form
- Approximate word count
- Manuscript status (must be complete and publication-ready)
2. Story Summary
In 2–3 short paragraphs, tell us:
- What the book is about
- How the story unfolds
- How it ends
We are looking for clarity, not teaser copy.
3. What Makes It Distinct
Briefly explain what sets this project apart.
This may relate to voice, structure, theme, or approach.
4. Publishing Intent
Let us know you are submitting for Traditional Publishing, and why this path feels right for the project.
5. Sample
Please include the first three chapters of the manuscript, carefully edited and representative of the final work.
What Traditional Publishing Means at AlònTala
When a manuscript is accepted for traditional publication, AlònTala becomes the book’s publisher.
This means we take primary responsibility for bringing the book to publication, including editorial development, production, and release planning.
We invest time, resources, and care into each title. In return, we look for manuscripts that are complete, intentional, and aligned with our publishing vision.
Our Editorial Approach
We value:
- Clarity of voice
- Coherence of structure
- Intention behind craft choices
Our editorial process may include structural feedback, line editing, and collaborative revision.
Our goal is to strengthen the work without flattening it.
What We Look For
We are drawn to projects that demonstrate:
- A clear sense of direction
- Thoughtful engagement with form, theme, or voice
- Readiness for publication, not early-stage drafting
We consider all genres and forms. We are especially attentive to work that feels deliberate rather than rushed.
Author–Publisher Partnership
Traditional publishing at AlònTala is collaborative.
We expect authors to:
- Engage seriously with the editorial process
- Communicate professionally
- Participate in the life of the book beyond publication
Publishing is something we do with authors, not to them.
Rights, Compensation, and Contracts
Authors accepted for traditional publication are offered a publishing contract outlining:
- Rights granted and retained
- Royalty structure
- Publication timeline
- Term and scope of the agreement
All terms are discussed transparently at the offer stage. We encourage authors to review contracts carefully and ask questions before signing.
For more context on the financial side of publishing, see Money Matters.
How to Submit
Please review our Terms & Conditions before submitting. Submission indicates agreement with these terms.
Send your pitch and manuscript sample to:
Submission guidelines:
- All materials must be submitted as PDF files
- File formatting is flexible, as long as documents are clear, readable, and presentable
- Please include both the pitch and sample in the same email