Frequently Asked Questions
About Mystic Arc
What is Mystic Arc Publishing?
An independent publisher built around getting good stories in front of readers while treating the authors who write them fairly. Our full commitments are on our Submission Policy page.
Is Mystic Arc a hybrid or pay-to-publish press?
No. We only offer our Standard Path: we cover production costs, and no submission is ever evaluated differently based on an author's willingness to pay.
Are you currently accepting new authors?
Yes. We're actively open to submissions across the genres we accept: psychological thrillers and suspense, fantasy romance, romance more broadly, cozy and domestic mystery, YA fantasy, children's picture books, and non-fiction.
What formats do you publish?
It depends on the title. Not every book is available in every format. Each book's page lists which editions, ebook, paperback, or audiobook, are currently available for that title.
Where can I buy Mystic Arc books?
Through the retailer links on each book's page on our site. Availability varies by title and format.
How can I stay updated on new releases?
Sign up for our email list in the footer of any page for updates on new titles and announcements.
How can I contact Mystic Arc directly?
Visit our Contact page for the best way to reach us.
Submitting to Mystic Arc
What genres do you accept?
Psychological thrillers and suspense, fantasy romance, romance more broadly, cozy and domestic mystery, YA fantasy, children's picture books, and non-fiction.
Is there a fee to submit?
No. Submitting to Mystic Arc is always free. We never charge reading fees, "processing" fees, or any fee disguised as anything else.
Can I submit to other publishers or agents at the same time?
Yes. Simultaneous submissions are completely normal and welcome. Just let us know if you receive an offer elsewhere so we can prioritize our review.
Do you accept manuscripts written with AI assistance?
If any portion of a manuscript was generated or substantially drafted with AI tools, please disclose that in your query. It's not a disqualifier, but we need to know in order to represent the book honestly and confirm the rights being offered are actually yours to give.
Does my manuscript need to be finished?
Yes. For novels, we're looking for genuinely finished, revised manuscripts, not first drafts. For children's picture books, we need the complete manuscript text; illustrations are welcome but not required.
How long until I hear back?
We aim to acknowledge every submission within 10 business days. Initial review of your query and sample pages typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, resulting in either a pass or a request for the full manuscript. If we request the full manuscript, that review takes an additional 6 to 10 weeks. If you haven't heard back within 12 weeks total, you're free to consider the submission closed and query elsewhere.
Will I get feedback if you pass on my submission?
Not typically. The volume of submissions a small press receives makes detailed critique on every pass unsustainable. A pass isn't a verdict on your talent, only a fit decision for our catalog right now.
What do you actually need me to send?
A short query letter, a one-page synopsis, and either your first three chapters (novels) or your complete manuscript (picture books). Full details and the submission form are on our Submissions page.
Contracts & Royalties
Do I have to pay anything to be published?
No, never. Under our Standard Path, we pay for editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, and ISBN registration. Money flows to you, not from you.
What royalty rate do you pay?
A standard contract is 43% of our net receipts on every format, from your first sale, until your book has paid you $5,000 in cumulative royalties. After that, 60% of net receipts for the life of the agreement.
Do you pay an advance?
Our standard offer is $0 advance. In place of an advance, our royalty structure means you're paid on every sale from day one, with no advance to earn out first.
What rights do you ask for?
Only the ones we're actually going to use: print, ebook, and audiobook rights for formats we're actively publishing, plus standard merchandising. Foreign/translation rights are requested case-by-case, only when we plan to produce that edition. Film, TV, and anything not explicitly listed stays with you.
What if my book is the first in a series?
We get a right of first refusal on the next book in that same series, under the same terms, with a defined window to decide. If we pass, or the window lapses, you're free to place it elsewhere. This applies only to that series, never your other work.
What happens if my book goes out of print?
Your initial term is 2 years, fixed, during which no reversion can be triggered regardless of sales. After that, "out of print" is defined in numbers: less than $500 in our own net receipts, across all formats, in a trailing 12-month period. Rights revert to you automatically once that threshold is met and the process runs its course.
Can I have someone review the contract before I sign?
Yes, and we actively encourage it, in writing. Having an attorney, agent, or a group like the Authors Guild review your contract before signing is never discouraged or rushed.
