Author Guidelines
Mission
The goal of Discovery House Publishers is to publish books that lead people to Christ and foster Christian growth and godliness. These books should feed the soul with the Word of God. Our desire is to serve members of the body of Christ by providing them with materials that will lead them to know God.
Kinds of books published
We are looking for books of general interest to evangelical Christians. Our publishing list includes devotional books, Bible study materials and reference books, books about the spiritual life, commentaries, personal growth books, books that address issues that believers face in contemporary society. We do not publish curriculum, plays, skits, poetry, sermons, short stories, cartoons, cookbooks, autobiographies, dissertations, games, novels, or textbooks. We aim for junior high/high school reading levels. We look for materials that will interest the lay reader and student of the Bible.
Preparing your manuscript for Discovery House
Your manuscript should be neatly typed, double-spaced on white 8 1/2" by 11" typing paper on one side of the paper only. Photocopies are acceptable. If you write on a word processor, please be sure that the copy is legible. Do not send us the only copy of your manuscript—be sure to keep a copy for your files.
Submitting your work
Write a query letter to: Manuscript Review Editor, Discovery House Publishers, P.O. Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. The query letter should include information about you (your qualifications for writing on the topic, your educational background if it has relevance to the topic on which you are writing), an overview of the book’s subject matter, some indication of the audience you want to reach, and how your work is significantly different from other books that may be available. Along with the query letter, you should include an outline of your material, two sample chapters, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Discovery House’s response to your work
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for a response from us. Your manuscript will be reviewed by qualified readers. If their evaluations are favorable, the publishing committee will consider your proposal. They will make a final decision based on the reviewers’ reports; the contribution the manuscript makes to Discovery House’s publishing goals; its biblical accuracy; its power to instruct, encourage, and inspire God’s people; the quality of the writing; and the manuscript’s relevance to today’s world. This committee may reject the proposal, request revisions, or issue a contract. If Discovery House Publishers decides to publish your book, we will issue a contract that clearly defines the publishing arrangements. We will agree to cover costs of publishing and promoting the book as well as paying you royalties on copies sold.
We welcome your inquiry about publishing with Discovery House Publishers. If we can be of further assistance, or if you have a question that is not specifically addressed in these guidelines, please call or write us.
Discovery House Publishers
P.O. Box 3566
Grand Rapids, MI 49501, USA
Phone: +1 616-942-9218
Affiliated with RBC Ministries