Thinking of Submitting to Windy Hollow Books? Here’s What You Need to Know

Every submission round, we’re lucky enough to receive an extraordinary range of stories from writers and illustrators across Australia — and now, from all over the world. We also notice that many creators share the same questions, so we thought we’d put together a friendly guide to help you decide what (and how) to submit.

Can I submit multiple manuscripts?

Absolutely. If you have more than one story you feel passionate about, you’re welcome to send them in. Just remember: we only publish around six titles a year, so choose the manuscripts you genuinely feel are the strongest and most suitable for our list.

How do I know which manuscript is right for Windy Hollow?

The best way is to spend a little time with our books. Get a sense of the tone, style, and literary quality we gravitate toward. We’re not looking for stories that mimic what we’ve already done, but you’ll notice a thread through our list: strong narratives, poetic or beautiful language, and picture books that offer something a little special.

So… what exactly are you looking for?

We don’t work from a shopping list of themes or trends. Instead, we’re searching for manuscripts that feel exceptional — stories with heart, depth, and a voice that lingers. If your book carries emotional weight, originality, or a fresh perspective, we want to see it.

Do I need to include illustrations?

No — in fact, we prefer that you don’t. Unless you’re a professional illustrator submitting your own work, please send text only. Matching manuscripts with the right illustrator is part of our creative process.

How long should my manuscript be?

Picture books vary, and so do we. We don’t prescribe a specific word count, but keep in mind that our books are typically 28 or 32 pages with relatively light text on each page. Think rhythm, pacing, and page turns rather than hitting a number.

Can I submit something that has been previously published?

We’re looking for original, unpublished work. Fresh stories excite us most.

I’m not based in Australia — can I still submit?

Yes! This submission round is open internationally. That said, our focus remains on championing Australian stories, so that’s where our strongest preference lies.

Should I include a cover letter?

A short paragraph about you and a little context for your story is perfect. No need for anything formal or lengthy — just a snapshot is enough.

How do I send in my submission?

Please email your manuscript to submissions@windyhollowbooks.com.au.
A PDF or Word document works well. If you’re sending illustrations, keep the file sizes small — low-res is perfectly fine.

What about illustrators — can they submit work too?

Yes! We’re always interested in illustration portfolios. A link to your website or social media folio is the most helpful way to share your work with us.

Will I receive feedback?

Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide personalised feedback. We receive a high volume of submissions, and while we read them all carefully, we can only respond to those we wish to take further.

When will I hear back?

If we’re interested in publishing your manuscript, we’ll be in touch within three months. If you haven’t heard from us after that time, then your submission hasn’t been successful on this occasion. Please don’t be discouraged — we are a tiny publisher, and our decisions often come down to what best fits our very small list.