Publishing inquiries
A practical, thoughtful path for Southern writers and historians who are ready to discuss a book project.
Southern stories that deserve a lasting form.
Pineridge Press considers Southern-themed nonfiction, fiction, and histories. We are particularly interested in local and family histories, researched regional studies, and fiction rooted in the people, places, and culture of the South.
The press was founded in part to help independent Southern authors, local historians, and first-time writers who have meaningful work but need a clearer path from manuscript to finished book.
Is your book a fit?
Projects might include a carefully researched county history, a family history that connects individual lives to a broader Southern place or period, a regional nonfiction narrative, or a novel shaped by Southern settings and communities. A clear sense of audience and a distinctive point of view matter more than prior publishing experience. These examples are a guide, not an exhaustive list.
What to send
Keep the first email concise. Include:
- A brief description of the book, what makes it distinctive, and who you hope will read it.
- A short biography and any relevant research or writing background.
- An estimated word count, whether the manuscript is complete, and an expected completion date if it is not.
- A table of contents or chapter outline, if one would help explain the project.
- One representative sample chapter or excerpt as a PDF or Word document. If you prefer, you may paste a short excerpt into the email.
- For projects with photographs, maps, or archival images, a note about what you plan to include and whether you have permission to use them.
Attach only material relevant to the initial inquiry. Pineridge Press may request a full manuscript or other materials after reviewing the project.
AI-written submissions
Pineridge Press does not accept manuscripts, sample chapters, or excerpts written by generative AI. The writing you submit must be your own. Please do not send work drafted or substantially rewritten by an AI tool as an original author submission.
What happens next
- Initial review. The press considers the project’s fit with its publishing focus and current capacity.
- More material, if needed. Pineridge Press may ask for additional chapters, a full manuscript, or details about the intended audience and research.
- Conversation. If the project looks promising, the publisher will discuss its scope and possible path to publication with you.
- Decision and terms. Any publication arrangement would be set out in writing before work begins. An inquiry or conversation does not promise publication.
Review times depend on current publishing work. You are welcome to ask for an update if you have not heard back after a reasonable interval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I inquire before my manuscript is finished?
Yes. Tell us what is complete, your estimated final length, and when you expect to finish the manuscript.
Do you consider first-time authors?
Yes. Helping smaller and first-time Southern authors find a clearer publishing path is part of the press’s mission. Prior publishing credits are not required to start a conversation.
Are family histories a fit?
They can be, particularly when the research and story speak to readers beyond one family. Explain the wider historical or regional context in your inquiry.
Do you consider both fiction and nonfiction?
Yes. Pineridge Press considers Southern-themed fiction, nonfiction, and histories. Explain how the setting, subject, or perspective connects your project to the South.
Should I send images with my first email?
Describe the photographs, maps, or archival materials you hope to use. You may send a few examples if they help explain the book; note what permissions you already have and what remains to be secured.
Should I send my entire manuscript?
No. Begin with the inquiry materials above. The press will ask for a full manuscript if it would be helpful.
How long will it take to hear back?
Review times depend on the press’s current publishing work. If you have not heard back after a reasonable interval, you are welcome to ask for an update by email.
Does an inquiry commit me to publishing with the press?
No. An initial conversation helps both sides decide whether the project is a fit. Any proposed arrangement would be explained in writing before either side commits.
When will we discuss editing, rights, and costs?
If the project is a good fit, those details can be discussed before any publication arrangement. The specifics depend on the project; see “Discussing publishing terms” below.
Do I need a literary agent to contact Pineridge Press?
No. Authors may contact Pineridge Press directly using the inquiry guidelines on this page. An agent is not required to begin a conversation about a project.
Do I need to live in Georgia to submit a project?
No. The press’s focus is the South and Southern stories rather than an author’s home address. Explain the project’s connection to Southern people, places, history, or culture in your inquiry.
Is there a required word count?
There is no single required length for every project. Include your current or estimated word count so the press can consider whether the scope and format are appropriate for the book you are proposing.
Can I inquire about a book that was previously self-published or published elsewhere?
Yes, but explain the book’s publication history in your first email, including any previous editions and what rights you currently control. A previously published project would be considered according to its individual circumstances.
Do I need to have every image permission secured before I inquire?
Not necessarily. Describe the photographs, maps, illustrations, or archival material you expect to use and identify which permissions you already have. If the project moves forward, any required permissions and rights would need to be resolved before publication.
What parts of publishing can Pineridge Press help with?
Editorial work, design, production, distribution, rights, promotion, and author responsibilities are discussed according to the needs of the individual project. If a manuscript is a good fit, the proposed responsibilities and terms would be explained in writing before either side commits.
Discussing publishing terms
If a project is a good fit, the next conversation should cover the proposed editorial work, design and production, distribution, rights, author responsibilities, and any costs or payments. The details depend on the project and would be explained in writing before either side commits. You can raise questions about any of these topics in your first email.