Submissions
Grace Bell Publishing operates on a traditional royalty model. Royalties are paid in line with standard Australian publishing industry practices.
Grace Bell Publishing now open to fiction submissions, and submissions for picture book manuscripts. SUBMISSIONS WILL CLOSE ON 31 OCTOBER 2025.
Make sure to follow along on the Grace Bell Publishing Facebook page or sign up to the newsletter.
Illustrators are welcome to get in touch now with a digital portfolio. Email: submissions@gracebellpublishing.com.au
Grace Bell Publishing - Manuscript Wish List
About Grace Bell Publishing
- Please read the About section for Grace Bell Publishing (GBP).
- As we are an Australian publishing company, GBP will give preference to Australian authors.
Recommended Reading
For an understanding of the publishing industry, we recommend the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. This is a UK publication, but the Australian publishing industry is similar to the UK. You can also borrow it from your local library.
What We are Looking For
Overall
We are seeking stories that are interesting, well written, and have a clear hook.
As the saying goes: ‘I’ll know it when I see it…’
Picture Books
We are looking for:
- themed picture books with humour, heart, or, ideally, both. For example: Easter.
- word count under 1,000 words
- rhyme is welcome, if done well
- a strong plot with a clear commercial hook
- stories that fill a gap in the market
- 24- or 32-page spreads
- a fresh voice and engaging storytelling
- Matches in with the tagline for the Grace Bell Kids imprint, which is 'Pure Fun.'
Illustrators – please ensure your portfolio shows:
- expression, energy, movement, consistency, and varied angles
Middle Grade / Teen / Young Adult
We welcome series or standalones.
- We’d love to see more books for boys
- Topics that genuinely resonate with kids and teens
- Historical, fantasy, action, comedy, or contemporary genres
- Authentic, relatable characters
- Sweet, funny, or heartfelt stories are always of interest
Ideally, your book or series will:
- have a strong hook
- offer a fresh and unique plot
- include some humour
- be commercial with broad appeal to the target audience
Adult Fiction
We’re open to all well-written, commercial fiction. We have a particular love for historical fiction (please!)
GBP Publishing Director’s reading taste
This list reflects the kinds of books our Director, Justine, enjoys:
Picture books
- You Are Special – Max Lucado (classic, brilliant)
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Emily Winfield Martin (heartfelt)
- Dragons Love Tacos – Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri (fun, playful, surprising)
- Hug – Jez Alborough (emotion from one word!)
- Maisy – Lucy Cousins (sweet and cute)
- The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be – Joanna Gaines
- The Great Aussie Animal Easter Egg Hunt – Emma Middleton (love the illustrations and storyline)
- Guess How Much I Love You – Sam McBratney (heartstrings)
- Who Sank the Boat? – Pamela Allen (great writing)
Young adult
- All books by Melanie Dickerson (great plots)
- Daughters of Peverell series by Hannah Currie (talented—and Australian!)
- Diary of a Teenage Girl – Melody Carlson (impactful and memorable)
- Waterfall – Lisa Tawn Bergren (Italy, time travel, history)
- The Selection – Kiera Cass (dystopian meets The Bachelor)
- Anne of Green Gables – L. M. Montgomery (the writing!)
Adult fiction
- All books by Jen Turano (favourite author)
- The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley – Courtney Walsh (almost non-fiction in fiction form)
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
- Redemption – Karen Kingsbury