Manuscript Guidelines

Holiday House is an independent publisher of children's books only. We specialize in quality hardcovers from the picture book level to young adult, both fiction and non-fiction.

While we publish books for ages four and up, we are now especially interested in acquiring literary middle-grade novels. We do not publish mass-market books, including, but not limited to, board books, pop-ups, activity books, sticker books, coloring books, series books,licensed books, or paperback originals.

All submissions should be directed to the Editorial Department, Holiday House, 425 Madison Ave., NY, NY 10017. Due to the volume of manuscripts we are receiving, Holiday House will no longer accept multiple submissions. Please send a query letter only, describing what the manuscript is about, for picture books as well as books for older readers. A SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE OR POSTCARD MUST BE INCLUDED OR THERE WILL BE NO REPLY.

If we wish to follow up, we will notify you by mail. Once a manuscript has been requested, the writer should send in the exclusive submission with a self-addressed, stamped envelope; otherwise, the manuscript will not be returned.

Send your manuscript U.S. Mail. (WE DO NOT ACCEPT CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, NOR DO WE CONSIDER SUBMISSIONS BY E-MAIL OR FAX.) Do not send International Postal Coupons for return postage. We will only accept United States postage for return postage.

Please allow two months for a response. A proposal under serious consideration may require more time. If you have any questions about a submission, please send a self-addressed, stamped postcard. No phone calls please. Also, please do not submit or query us by email or fax.

Thank you for your interest in Holiday House.