Before you query us

Emrae is a small press operating on a profit-share model. We are looking for authors with incredible talent, but also a deep passion for taking a completely different path to publishing.

We approach books as a team sport.

Every project we take on gets an editorial team assigned to bring it to life, from developmental editing, to creative, to marketing and distribution. We don't pay advances, but we also don't charge you a dime for editing, cover design, formatting, or publishing. Instead, we work together to hone your vision, and we split the profits.

As the author, you keep the majority of your sales (for most authors this looks like 60% of your royalties, but this varies depending on editorial needs!) and the remaining profits are split between your editorial team and the house.

This means we only make money when you do. Our entire team is invested in your success.

What does working with us actually look like?

Have you ever had a bunch of really cool sisters who share all their knowledge and also cheer you on big time at every milestone?

You do now.

Querying FAQs

How do I know if my work is ready to query?

We are only able to take complete manuscripts.

We recommend taking your manuscript as far as you possibly can on your own before querying, as you only get one shot with our review board.

Tips to succeed:

  • Check out our free Final Revision Guide to ensure your work is as clean as possible.
  • Have a clear and unique voice from the jump.
  • Don't start with your protagonist waking up. Just, don't do it.

What genres are you looking for?

Our editorial calendar for larger fantasy books (100k words+) is full until 2028, but we're still signing authors who are happy to wait. We're currently open to reviewing queries from any other genre, but are particularly interested in women's fiction, poetry, standalone contemporary romance, and speculative fiction.

Honestly, if you want to work with us, we're interested in seeing what you've got.

How long does it take to review my query?

Please allow at least 4 weeks for our editorial board to review your query. If you haven't heard from us after 6 weeks, feel free to send an email to hello@reademrae.com to inquire—we will always let you know if we've decided not to request your full manuscript.

Do you take work generated with AI?

No. And we can tell.

Do you take previously published work?

It's not an automatic no, but the circumstances have to be pretty specific for us to take previously published work. If your publisher has gone under, or you've left your contract, let's talk.

If you previously self-published the work, please include your sales information in your query, how you've marketed the book so far, and why you'd like to switch publishing methods.