Toad Hall publishes books and booklets under four different imprints:

• Toad Hall Press: Publishes non-fiction, informational and how-to books. Currently we are focusing on books for writers.
  
• Belfry Books: Publishes New Age, paranormal, and out-of-the ordinary books. We're looking for books on local but true ghost stories, also books on magick (spells, formulas, rituals).
  
• Hands & Heart Books: Publishes books on home and garden, hobbies, cooking, etc. We're looking for new approaches to homey topics. Right now, though, we are not set up for books that rely on full-color interior illustrations; we are more interested in drawings and black and white photographs.
  
• The Bradford Press: Publishes fiction and poetry by co-op arrangement only.
  
• The Library of Old-Tyme Knowledge: Publishes booklets and small books on old-time practical and useful things, including agricultural, medical, herbal, animal husbandry, etc., generally from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Currently we publish about 6 titles a year by authors with track records and/or heavy experience in the fields they're writing about. Publication is by invitation only. Sometimes we pay varying advances, depending on the author, but generally there is no advance. Authors receive a straight 10% of our net profits--or more, if it is a co-op arrangement. (See the section on co-op publishing for further details.)

Submissions: Do not send any text, send a query letter only. If we are interested in the project, we will ask to see specific material or we will ask for further information.

A query letter must include the following:

1. the title of the book or booklet

2. the number of words in the manuscript

3. a brief description of not more than two paragraphs

4. a paragraph of biographical information

5. a self-addressed stamped envelope

In addition to the letter, please include the following material:

• For Novels: Include a synopsis of not more than 6 pages. An author biography should be on a separate sheet of paper. If you have been published before, include a list of title, publisher, publication date, approximate number of copies sold. Also include copies of any reviews.
  
• For Short Story Collections: Include a listing of the stories along with a few sentences (up to one-paragraph) describing each story. An author biography should be on a separate sheet of paper. If you have been published before, include a list of title, publisher, publication date, and circulation numbers (if you have that info). Also include copies of any reviews.
  
• For Poetry Collections: Include two or three random poems, adding up to not more than 6 pages. An author biography should be on a separate sheet of paper. If you have been published before, include a list of title, publisher, publication date, and circulation numbers (if you have that info). Also include copies of any reviews. Indicate the number of poems you have.
  
• What We Are Looking For in Fiction: We will consider all types and genres of fiction, stories and poetry—for adults and children. However, for novels and short stories, we are not interested in: adventure, picture books, comics, feminist, humor, satire, literary, military, New Age, contemporary romance (except for erotica), and Regencies—although there are always exceptions.

Although we are interested in religious and inspirational books, we do not want religious fantasy, mystery, suspense, thriller or romance. For Young Adult books, we will consider easy-to-read, fantasy, science fiction, historical, horror, mystery, suspense, and "problem" novels. For Children's books, be aware that color interiors are expense and often require sending the book to a printer outside the United States. We would prefer to avoid this.

In all cases, we are looking for the story that's out of the ordinary.

For Non-fiction: Proposals must include an expanded Table of Contents. An author biography and/or a curriculum vitae should also be included. If you have been published before, include a list of title, publisher, publication date, approximate number of copies sold. Also include copies of any reviews.

If you are unsure about how to write a proper query letter or how to do a synopsis, consider obtaining PITCHING YOUR PROJECT # 1: HOW TO SELL YOUR NOVEL TO AGENTS AND EDITORS by Sharon Jarvis, which is featured elsewhere on this site. You might want to check out the other titles we have available for writers, which provide very useful information and instructions on getting published.