No doubt publishing historical fiction presents a unique challenge. Authors need to simultaneously juggle storytelling and be impeccable historians. Success in this genre is indeed demanding (thanks to its nature), and authors need to have more than just a worthwhile manuscript.
It requires partnering with a publisher who understands niche market dynamics, ethical demands for historical accuracy, and the specific reader communities that can lead the genre with relevant authority and trust. This is something historical fiction book publishers want.
How challenging and demanding is this genre?
Submitting the manuscript to the wrong historical fiction book publishers is the quickest way to receive an instant rejection. It is not only because of poor writing but also because the work does not align with their existing list or their editorial focus.
How’s the current market for this genre?
The market for this genre is currently booming for immersive and properly researched historical narratives. Yet, gatekeepers and traditional publishers are very selective. Beating the odds requires authors to move beyond the largest names and identify the specialized editors who can genuinely champion the author’s era, sub-genre, and tone.
This targeted approach can save them months of wasted time and significantly increase their chance of landing a worthwhile deal.
How can the blog post help?
This blog post will serve as a guide that helps remove the guesswork through providing a definitive and curated list of the top five publishers, and also imprints, placing current priority on accurate historical fiction submissions.
Each specific focus will be detailed briefly, along with submission guidelines, and what they look for in the qualities of authors. This will give them the tactful advantage required to secure a publishing contract.
Understanding historical fiction
Historical Fiction Book Publishers explain that historical fiction is a genre of fictional stories set in the past. They usually incorporate real historical events, figures, or time periods to create a sense of authenticity.
Blog posts about historical fiction may include book reviews, author interviews, discussions of historical events, and explorations of how certain themes, such as animals or family history, are portrayed in the genre. It considers the following factors:
- A fictional story takes place in a certain and identifiable past time period.
- It can include real historical figures, settings, and events. Yet the plot is a work of imagination that is not preposterous.
- It can explore what life was like in the past and how people navigated the challenges or triumphs of their time.
Some blog posts about historical fiction
Here are some blog posts about historical fiction that people can read online with ease:
- Book reviews: These posts critically evaluate new and classic historical fiction books, providing accurate summaries and opinions on their writing, characters and historical accuracy.
- Author interviews: Bloggers take interviews of authors to learn about their writing processes and styles, research methods, and inspirations for historical novels.
- Thematic discussions: Posts exploring certain themes within the genre, like how animals are used to tell stories, the role of women, the impact of warfare and the like.
- Historical context: Some blogs focus on the history behind the stories by offering insights into the real events and people that helped inspire these novels.
- Virtual book tours: Some authors and reviewers participate in online tours where they can share their work and engage with readers on numerous blogs over a certain period of time.
Rules for Publishing Historical Fiction – How to Get a Historical Fiction Book Published?
Authors must first complete and proofread their manuscript when embarking on a mission to publish historical fiction. They should research and contact literary agents who can pitch their book to publishers.
The historical fiction market is robust. Both traditional and independent publishers accept submissions. Once authors have secure representation and a worthwhile deal, they will work with the publisher’s team via editing and production to launch their book and continue promoting it with ease.
Steps to take before they start the queries
Here are some steps authors must take before they start the query process:
- Completing the manuscript: Authors must ensure their book is complete and proofread thoroughly. For most publishers, the manuscript that is as long as a novel should have between 50,000-110,000 words.
- Crafting a compelling story: Authors must focus on the core elements of historical fiction. This includes the character, plot, setting, dialogue, conflict, and theme. They should remember to balance factual accuracy with creative storytelling.
- Researching the market: Researching publishers and literary agents specializing in historical fiction. A top-notch literary agent can help authors navigate the complex publishing landscape, as historical fiction publishers taking unsolicited manuscripts are a rarity.
Steps to take during and after the publishing process
Here are some steps authors must take during the publishing process:
- Contacting the right query agents: Once they have their manuscript completed and polished, they can start by contacting and querying literary agents. Their query letter should introduce their story and explain why it is a very good fit for their list.
- Signing with a publisher: If an agent represents the author’s work, they will work with them to pitch their book to publishers. Then they will sign with the publisher that is the right fit for their literature.
- Working on the book: Authors will work with the publisher’s team on editing and production to get the book ready for release.
- Promoting the book: Once the book has been published, promotion will continue. Authors will need to be involved in marketing and promotion efforts to reach their readers.
The top five publishers that accept submissions
An individual top five list for historical fiction publishers is not easy to make; there are five companies that have a history of accepting submissions in the genre. Authors need to conduct their research, find out about each publisher’s specific submission guidelines, and review recent publications before submission.
- Kensington Publishing: They are known for a wide array of fiction, especially historical fiction.
- Hemingway Publishers: The company caters to both books and eBooks across various genres. Historical fiction is one of them.
- Severn House: A publisher that can focus specifically on fiction, especially historical fiction.
- Quirk Books: The publisher is known for a unique and often commercial approach to fiction. They have published historical fiction with a distinct perspective.
- Turner Publishing Company: They have a division that publishes historical fiction. They are also worth checking for certain opportunities.
What are the next steps important for authors?
Once they have found the publishers that can now accept submissions, it is wise for authors to follow the next steps to ensure they are on the right track:
- Researching each publisher’s submission guidelines: Before submitting, authors must always check the publisher’s official website for their current submission policies. They can change without notice.
- Looking for certain imprints: Large publishers have numerous imprints. Authors must focus on those who are known for publishing historical fiction.
- Checking for open submission periods: Some publishers only accept submissions during specific windows. Authors must keep an eye on their websites for the latest announcements.
Conclusion
Historical fiction book publishers won’t be scarce. Thankfully, worthwhile ones are present. But authors must always do their research on both the literature and publishers. They must not miss out on anything to ensure they have the best historical fiction book ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it mandatory to include a bibliography or notes with my manuscript?
A: Yes. For Historical Fiction, publishers highly recommend providing a section detailing your research sources to prove historical accuracy and diligence.
Q: What type of historical fiction is currently in high demand?
A: Publishers are actively seeking stories with diverse, overlooked perspectives or unique settings outside of the highly saturated World War II era. As there are rules for writing historical fiction, authors need to add accurate facts when needed.
Q: Do I need a literary agent to submit to these publishers?
A: Almost certainly. Most major publishers listed only accept submissions that come directly from a recognized literary agent. In case you ask how to Publish Historical Fiction, you can ask your agent or the self-publishing platform.
Q: Should I include a contemporary storyline alongside the historical one?
A: It depends on the publisher’s list, but the dual timeline structure is currently very popular and widely accepted in commercial HF.