Our approach to submissions.
Chartley Books is a quality-first independent publisher. We are interested in the strength of the writing, the originality of the work and its potential to reward readers. Our requirements below explain how an enquiry will work when submissions reopen. The genres and categories open for consideration will be confirmed at that time.
Original work and rights
Authors must have the rights needed to submit their work and must identify material owned by others, including quotations, lyrics, images and any licensed content. Adaptations, translations and editions of previously published or public-domain work require clear disclosure of the underlying sources and the contributor's role. We reserve the right to request supporting information before considering publication.
Our policy on artificial intelligence
Chartley Books publishes writing created by people, not prose generated by AI. We accept responsible use of generative-AI tools during research and early preparation. We do not accept AI-generated or AI-rewritten creative text as part of a submitted manuscript. The words and creative expression that reach our editorial desk must be the author’s own.
Acceptable uses
- Exploring background subjects, identifying research leads or finding possible sources, provided that the author independently verifies factual claims and references.
- Brainstorming themes, questions, concepts and alternative directions.
- Pre-drafting work: organising notes, developing an outline, considering a plot structure, mapping a timeline or testing possible approaches before writing the manuscript.
- Standard spelling, punctuation and grammar checking that does not generate or substantially rewrite passages.
What we do not accept
- AI-generated prose, scenes, dialogue, descriptions, poetry, chapters or other passages presented for publication, even when subsequently edited or paraphrased.
- AI rewriting or extensive stylistic revision that replaces the author's wording, narrative voice or creative choices.
- Machine-generated translations presented as the author's own translation without prior agreement.
- Invented quotations, references, interviews, facts or sources, whether produced by AI or otherwise.
- AI-generated illustrations or other creative assets included in a submission without our prior express approval and disclosure.
The practical distinction is between assistance before writing and generation of the work itself. An author may use an AI tool to discuss plot possibilities or examine an outline, then independently write the manuscript. Copying a tool's draft into the manuscript, or asking it to rewrite a passage in a publishable style, falls outside this policy. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction, including introductions, essays and supplementary material submitted for publication.
AI declaration and editorial checks
When submissions reopen, authors must declare any substantive generative-AI assistance used in developing the work, naming the tool and explaining its role. This includes substantial use for research, planning, structural development or translation. If no generative AI was used, a simple statement to that effect is sufficient. Routine spelling and grammar checking does not need to be declared.
Authors remain responsible for the originality, accuracy and rights clearance of everything submitted. We may request clarification about how a manuscript was prepared and may decline or discontinue consideration if its AI use breaches this policy or has been materially misrepresented. We will not rely on an automated AI-detection score alone as proof of a breach.
Do not upload confidential material, private information or another person's unpublished writing to an external AI service without the appropriate permission. Generative AI may produce inaccurate information and fictitious references; authors must independently check their sources.
Our staged submission process
We use a two-stage process, so authors need not send complete manuscripts before we have confirmed an interest. All submissions are currently closed. These instructions explain what we expect when we next open for submissions; they are not permission to send work now.
- Initial enquiry by email. When submissions reopen we will publish a dedicated submission address and any categories we are considering. Send a concise covering letter in the email itself and attach a synopsis. We do not use a public submission form.
- Initial editorial review. We will consider the premise, synopsis, suitability for our list and any relevant background provided. We may decline at this stage, without requesting manuscript pages.
- Sample chapters by invitation. If we wish to read more, we will send the author a private, individual upload link for the opening three chapters. Please do not send manuscript files or unsolicited cloud-folder links with the first enquiry.
- Further consideration. If the sample is promising, we may request the complete manuscript and further information. A request to read material is not an offer of publication.
What to include in the initial email
- Covering letter: the manuscript title, genre or category, approximate total word count, whether it is complete, and a short explanation of its premise and intended readership. Add a brief author biography and any relevant publication history.
- Synopsis: ideally one to two A4 pages for a novel, explaining the principal characters, central conflict, major developments and ending. We want to understand the whole story, not just read a promotional blurb. For non-fiction, provide a concise proposal describing the subject, intended reader, structure and your relevant expertise.
- AI disclosure: a brief statement identifying the generative-AI tools used and their role in research, planning, structural development or other preparation. If none were used, state that no generative AI was used.
Formatting for invited sample chapters
When invited, provide the first three consecutive chapters from the beginning of the manuscript, rather than selected favourite extracts. Submit a .docx file unless we ask for another format. Use A4 pages, 12-point readable type (for example Times New Roman or Georgia), double spacing, standard margins, numbered pages and a clear title and author name. Avoid decorative layouts, tracked changes and comments. Keep a separate copy of your original work.
Other important conditions
- Only submit work you are entitled to offer, and disclose previous publication, current representation, any simultaneous submissions and material requiring third-party permission.
- Do not send a complete manuscript, printed copies, large media files or links to a public cloud folder unless we specifically request them.
- We cannot promise individual feedback or a fixed response time. When a submission window opens, we will publish its relevant timeframe and any further conditions.
- Submitting work does not transfer copyright or give Chartley Books exclusive rights. Any publication arrangement would be documented separately.