Submissions Re-Open: What Purple Diamond Press Looks for in Authors and Illustrators

May 29, 2026

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At  Purple Diamond Press, we know that behind every manuscript and portfolio is a creator hoping to make an impact through storytelling.

 

Over the past seven years, we’ve worked with authors and illustrators from many different backgrounds — some publishing for the very first time, others expanding their careers and reaching new audiences. As our company continues to grow, so does our commitment to finding meaningful stories and talented creatives who align with our mission.

 

And right now, submissions are officially re-open.

 

More Than Just a Good Idea

One of the biggest misconceptions about publishing is that a strong concept alone is enough to carry a book. While originality matters, successful children’s books require far more than just an idea.

 

We look for stories that create emotional connection.

 

That may mean:

* A story that helps children feel seen
* A manuscript that encourages kindness or empathy
* A character that reflects real-life challenges
* Humor that genuinely resonates with young readers
* Educational themes woven naturally into storytelling
* Strong pacing, page turns, and age-appropriate language

 

We are especially passionate about stories that support:

* Social-emotional learning (SEL)
* Inclusion and representation
* Disability awareness
* Friendship and kindness
* Emotional growth
* Family and community themes

 

Children deserve books that not only entertain them, but also help shape how they see themselves and others.

 

As we prepare for our next season of impactful book releases we welcome all aspiring authors and even those who are already published. We have received many submissions already and although we have read some polished and well structured stories, we cannot accept them all.

 

The Purple Diamond Press experience is unique. We work with you, not for you and we are not free, there is a fee. We understand publishing a book is a big investment and that's why we are committed to preparing your book with the best outcome. We are proud to say we have a 100% satisfaction rate and have truly enjoyed working with all of our incredible authors.

 

We pride ourselves with transparency and integrity as we guide you through your book journey and after 7 hard working years by our CEO, we are thrilled for our upcoming distribution partnership with the Independent Publishing Group that allows us to reach an even wider audience worldwide.

 

If you're ready for an adventure, apply today! LINK BELOW

 

Looking to self-publish with some help? Purple Diamond Press now offers independent services for authors needing help with uploading, formatting, LCCN, and more. CLICK HERE.

 

 

What We Look for in Illustrators

 

Illustrations are one of the most important elements of a children’s book. In many ways, the art becomes the child’s first connection to the story.

 

At Purple Diamond Press, we look for illustrators with:

* Strong character expression
* Consistency across spreads
* The ability to tell visual stories
* Emotional depth
* Dynamic compositions
* Professionalism and communication skills

 

Most importantly, we look for artists who understand storytelling — not just drawing.

 

Children’s publishing is highly collaborative. Authors, illustrators, editors, and designers all work together to create a final product that feels cohesive, engaging, and market-ready.

 

And, yes — we maintain a strict no-AI policy regarding illustration submissions. We value authentic artistry, human creativity, and original visual storytelling.

 

Why Professional Publishing Standards Matter

 

The publishing industry is more competitive than ever. Retailers, educators, libraries, and distributors expect books to meet professional standards from the very beginning.

 

That means:

* Professional editing
* High-quality formatting
* Marketable covers
* Accurate metadata
* Strong typography
* Retail-ready production files
* Strategic positioning

 

At  Purple Diamond Press, we help authors understand that publishing is both creative and technical. A beautiful story still needs the infrastructure to reach readers successfully.

 

The Industry Is Changing

 

Independent publishing has evolved dramatically over the last decade.

Today, authors have more opportunities than ever before — but they also face more competition, more visibility challenges, and higher expectations from retailers and consumers.

 

Readers want authenticity.
Educators want meaningful content.
Parents want books with purpose.
And retailers want books that are professionally positioned.

 

That is why authors and illustrators who approach publishing seriously stand out.

 

Building Stories That Last

 

Some books are created simply to exist.
Others are created to endure.

 

At Purple Diamond Press, our goal has always been to publish stories that leave a lasting impact on children, classrooms, and families. Stories that start conversations. Stories that encourage kindness. Stories that help children feel understood.

 

We are incredibly proud of the creators we’ve worked with over the years, and we are excited to discover new voices and artistic talent as submissions continue to open.

 

If you are an author or illustrator with a story worth sharing, this may be your moment to take the next step.

 

Please note that all illustrators must apply exclusively through our official submission form. To ensure fairness and proper review, portfolios sent via email or direct message on social media will not be considered and may result in disqualification from the selection process. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, the application form allows our team to review portfolios in an organized and professional manner. We kindly ask all illustrators to carefully follow the submission instructions provided.

 

If you are accepted for consideration you will reaceive an email in 2-4 weeks with additional questions or acceptance for our list.

 

Ready to Submit?

 

Learn more about our submission process and publishing opportunities at:

Purple Diamond Press Submissions

 

Your story matters.
And the right story can make a difference for generations of readers.

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Independent Author Services

Independent Author Services

$499.00

Your book is written—but the technical side of publishing can feel overwhelming.
This service is designed to help you move forward with confidence and professionalism.

This is a professional support service for independent authors who want expert help preparing their book for self-publishing.

Ideal for:

  • Authors with a completed manuscript
  • Authors preparing to publish independently
  • Authors who want a polished, professional result

This service does not include publishing or distribution. You will publish your book under your own account. We provide professional support to help you prepare your files and materials.

Turnaround time: 3–5 business days (may vary based on project)

After purchase, you will receive instructions to submit your manuscript and project details so we can begin your service.

Get the support you need to move forward and bring your book to life. All genres accepted.

BOOK FORMATTING

Your book is written—but turning it into a clean, professional interior can be challenging. 

This service is designed to format your manuscript to meet industry standards so your book is ready for print.

What’s included:

  • Interior layout formatting
  • Proper margins, spacing, and trim setup
  • Clean, readable design
  • Print-ready PDF file

Ideal for:

  • Authors with a completed manuscript
  • Authors preparing for print production

Important:
This service does not include publishing or distribution. You will publish your book under your own account.

E-BOOK CONVERSION

Your story deserves to be read everywhere.

This service converts your manuscript into a professionally formatted e-book ready for digital platforms.

What’s included:

  • EPUB file creation
  • Mobile-friendly formatting

Ideal for:

  • Authors publishing on digital platforms
  • Authors wanting a polished e-book version

Important:
This service does not include publishing. You will upload your e-book to your own account.

UPLOAD ASSISTANCE

Uploading your book shouldn’t feel confusing or overwhelming.

This service provides guided support so you can confidently publish your book on your own.

What’s included:

  • Done for you upload guidance with IngramSpark or KDP
  • Help entering book details correctly
  • Support avoiding common mistakes

Ideal for:

  • First-time authors with files ready to upload

Important:
You will publish the book yourself. We do not publish on your behalf.

CATEGORY & KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION (BISAC)

Make sure your book is positioned to be found.

This service helps identify the right categories and keywords so your book reaches the right audience.

What’s included:

  • BISAC category guidance
  • Keyword recommendations
  • Category strategy for publishing platforms
  • Basic metadata review

Ideal for:

  • Authors preparing to publish
  • Authors who want stronger visibility

Important:
This service supports your publishing process but does not include publishing.

AUTHOR SETUP BUNDLE

Everything you need to prepare your book for publishing—without the confusion.

This bundle combines essential services to help you move from manuscript to ready-to-publish.

What’s included:

  • Book formatting
  • E-book conversion
  • Upload assistance
  • (Optional) Category & keyword optimization
  • LCCN registration

Ideal for:

  • Authors ready to publish
  • Authors who want a complete support solution

Important:
This is not a publishing package. You will publish your book under your own account.

Turnaround time: 5–9 business days

 
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Jul 09, 2024

Authors Beware: Protect Yourself from Scammers in the Industry

As an author, you pour your heart and soul into your work, and you deserve to see it reach its audience without falling prey to scammers. Unfortunately, the publishing and marketing industries are not immune to fraudulent practices. Staying vigilant and protecting yourself from those who might take advantage of your passion and dedication is essential.

Recognizing the Red Flags

A fellow author recently experienced a situation that highlights the need for caution. They paid a significant amount for a marketing service that promised to include their promotional materials in swag bags at a major event. Despite a written agreement, the service provider failed to deliver their promises and refused to refund the payment.

Here are some key red flags to watch out for:

1. Lack of Professionalism: A service provider displaying unprofessional behavior or a negative attitude could be a warning sign. Trust your instincts—if someone seems untrustworthy, they probably are.

2. Payment Methods: Be cautious when paying via methods that offer little recourse for disputes, such as cash, wire transfers, or payment apps like Zelle. Credit cards and payment services like PayPal offer better protection against fraud. Be sure you read and understand the terms and conditions before using them. 

3. Lack of Transparency: A legitimate service provider should be open and transparent about their operations, providing verifiable references and a clear plan for delivering services.

4. No Online Presence: If a company or individual claims to provide professional services but has little to no online presence or reviews, this is a red flag. Always research and verify the credibility of anyone you plan to do business with.

Protecting Yourself

Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your interests:

1. Do Your Research: Before entering any agreement, thoroughly research the service provider. Look for reviews, ask for references, and verify their participation in any events they claim to be associated with.

2. Get It in Writing: Always have a written agreement outlining the specifics of the services to be provided, the payment terms, and what happens if either party fails to uphold their end of the deal.

3. Verify Claims: If a service provider claims to be associated with a major event or organization, verify this independently. Contact the event organizers or the organization directly to confirm.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods: ALWAYS use fraud-protecting payment methods. Credit cards, for example, often allow you to dispute charges if services are not rendered as promised.

5. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. It’s better to walk away from a questionable deal than to risk losing your hard-earned money.

 

What to Do if You’re Scammed

If you do fall victim to a scam, here are some steps you can take: 

DO NOT IGNORE THE RED FLAGS!

1. Document Everything: Keep all correspondence, contracts, and proof of payment. This documentation will be crucial if you need to pursue legal action.

2. Request a Refund: Send a formal demand letter requesting the return of your money. Be clear about the terms of your agreement and the service provider’s failure to fulfill their obligations.

3. Report the Scam: Report the scam to consumer protection agencies and, if applicable, the event organizers. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.

4. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a lawyer to explore your options. Depending on the amount involved, you may be able to pursue a claim in small claims court.

While the publishing and marketing industries offer many legitimate opportunities, they also attract scammers looking to exploit eager authors. By staying vigilant, researching, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself and ensure your hard work is recognized and rewarded without falling victim to fraud. Remember, your work is valuable—don’t let anyone take advantage of your dedication and passion.
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Author Spotlight With Imeisha Williams

Discover children’s author Imeisha Williams and her inspiring journey of storytelling! In this exclusive interview, she shares the heart behind her book, the importance of representation, and how her story encourages kids to be brave and face their fears. Read more about her magical world and passion for children’s literature.