Submission Guidelines

Hane Lake Press accepts a limited number of publishing proposals each year. We are currently inviting artists, writers, and creators rooted in Florida or the South to submit book proposals for consideration for publication in 2026.

What We’re Looking For

Hane Lake Press publishes thoughtfully crafted books rooted in Florida and the American South, shaped by artistic practice, lived experience, or careful research. We are drawn to projects that are visually, structurally, or conceptually captivating—books designed to endure beyond a single season or trend. Our interests often lie at the intersection of natural history, ecology, and conservation, as well as regional culture, memory, and place. We value art-forward and hybrid visual-literary formats, along with educational or archival approaches presented in creative, unexpected ways.

This call is not limited to traditional manuscripts; we welcome visual books, field-guide formats, artist books, narrative and creative nonfiction, and interdisciplinary projects that expand what a book can be.

What we publish

We publish a small number of carefully curated books, including visual nonfiction, illustrated works, and select fiction and children’s titles.

Who we work with

We work with Southern authors and artists whose projects align with our editorial focus and who value collaboration, craft, and clarity.

Our review process

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis with attention to editorial fit, quality, and long-term viability.

What to expect

You can expect clear communication, realistic timelines, and an honest assessment of whether a project is a good fit.

Submit Your Proposal

Submission Options

Hane Lake Press accepts a limited number of proposals for review. All submissions receive a complete human review by the publisher.

Standard Submission — $20 (non-refundable)

This submission fee supports:

A full editorial review of your proposal
Time spent evaluating concept, scope, and feasibility
Internal review notes used in selection decisions

Hane Lake Press is a small, independent imprint. The submission fee allows proposals to be reviewed carefully and respectfully without open-call overload.

Payment of the submission fee does not guarantee acceptance.

Submission + Editorial Feedback — $35 (non-refundable)

Everything in Standard Submission plus written feedback on your proposal.

Editorial feedback may include:

Strengths of the project
Areas that may need clarification or development
Overall alignment with Hane Lake Press

Feedback is evaluative, not instructional, and does not include editing, coaching, or revision services. Selecting this option does not influence acceptance decisions.

Submit Your Proposal

All submission fees are non-refundable. Payment of submission fees do not guarantee acceptance. Editorial feedback cannot be purchased after submission determination.

What to Expect

Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected projects will be contacted directly. Hane Lake Press reserves the right to close the window for accepting proposal submissions at any time. We do not provide individualized feedback on every submission, unless the editorial feedback option is selected. Strong proposals may be invited to continue the conversation through further project development, discussions around production scope and timeline, and, when appropriate, entry into a publishing agreement.

Before You Submit

Hane Lake Press does not publish rushed or incomplete projects, nor do we take on work that conflicts with the imprint’s values or mission. If you are unsure whether your project is a fit, you are welcome to submit; however, proposals that demonstrate thoughtful alignment with the press’s focus and intent are more likely to be considered.

Submit Your Proposal

After Submission

Once your submission is received, you will find an automated confirmation email in your inbox. Your proposal will enter the review queue. Decisions are made as capacity allows. You will hear from us regarding your proposal within 30 days.

Thank you for your interest in Hane Lake Press. We recognize and value the work it takes to bring a serious project forward for consideration.

Answers To Questions You May Have

What types of projects does Hane Lake Press publish?

Hane Lake Press publishes thoughtfully developed books rooted in Southern landscapes, ecosystems, culture, and storytelling. We focus on visual art–driven books, illustrated works, narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction, field-guide–inspired projects, and select literary titles that demonstrate strong creative vision and purpose.

What services does Hane Lake Press provide during the publishing process?

Hane Lake Press offers flexible, project-specific support. Depending on the proposal, this may include writing, editing, illustration, design, layout, or collaborative development. The level of involvement is determined by the needs of each project.

What is the deadline for submitting proposals?

Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis. Hane Lake Press reserves the right to close the window for accepting proposal submissions at any time.

Does Hane Lake Press handle ISBNs, copyright, and Library of Congress registration?

Yes. Hane Lake Press manages ISBN registration, copyright filing, and Library of Congress cataloging for all published titles.

What role does the author or artist play during production?

Authors and artists provide input on desired format and sizing, but Hane Lake Press oversees production. Books are printed in hardcover and paperback using high-quality materials through IngramSpark. Final production decisions are made by Hane Lake to ensure consistency and quality.

Does Hane Lake Press provide marketing or promotional support?

No. Hane Lake Press does not provide marketing, advertising, or promotional services. Authors and artists are responsible for promoting their own books.

Where are Hane Lake Press books distributed and sold?

Books are made available to retail, e-commerce, and library services via print-on-demand through platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Authors and artists may also order copies directly through Hane Lake Press for personal sales and local distribution. Availability does not guarantee placement in retail stores or libraries.

What is the royalty structure?

Royalties begin at 10% and increase based on the level of publication support and involvement requested during the publishing process. Projects involving editorial development, creative collaboration, or artistic support may carry higher royalty percentages, up to 50% for fully collaborative, partnership works. Royalties are negotiated and set at the beginning of the publication relationship.

Does Hane Lake Press publish both text-based and visual art books?

Yes. Hane Lake Press publishes both traditional manuscripts and image-forward or visual art–driven books.

Are there any fees associated with submission or publication?

Hane Lake Press is a selective imprint and does not operate on a pay-to-publish model. All submissions are reviewed based on artistic merit, alignment with the press’s mission, and feasibility for publication.

A non-refundable $20 submission fee is required to support proposal review and administrative processing. This fee does not guarantee acceptance. Additional editorial feedback can be requested during the proposal review for a $15 upcharge.

For accepted projects, authors and artists share in the baseline administrative costs required to bring a book into publication. This one-time $500 project initiation cost covers essential publishing infrastructure, including contract initiation, ISBN registration, Library of Congress cataloging, copyright registration, and initial title setup within IngramSpark.

Hane Lake Press does not offer publishing packages, marketing packages, or guaranteed outcomes. The press remains selective, maintains editorial discretion, and participates in the long-term success of each title through royalty-based partnerships.