Submission Guidelines for Authors | Purple Diamond Press

We’re honored that you’re considering Purple Diamond Press as your publishing home. We are a mission-driven, independent publishing company committed to sharing impactful stories that make a difference in the lives of children and families around the world. Please review the submission guidelines carefully before sending your work.

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Last updated: December 2025

1. Children's Books
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2. Adult Genre
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3. Illustrators
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4. Other
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1. Children's Books Submissions

We’re currently accepting manuscripts for children’s picture books that:

  • Focus on kindness, inclusion, friendship, emotional learning, and diverse representation
  • Focus on character building or positive life choices
  • We do accept silly books (depending)
  • Are intended for readers ages 3–14
  • Have a word count between 300–900 words (picture book)
  • Have a word count between 1200–4500 words (chapter books/YA)
  • Feature strong story arcs with a clear message or takeaway
  • Embrace creativity, warmth, and age-appropriate themes
     

We do not accept:

  • AI-generated stories or illustrations
  • Previously published works (unless discussed in advance)
  • Negative or profanity filled stories
  • Stolen or copyrighted work
  • Sexual content & inappropriate themes
     

👉 All submissions must be original and submitted via our official form. Unsolicited emails will not be reviewed. You may email general questions

Apply & Submit

2. Adult Genre

We are now accepting select submissions for adult novels that align with our mission and values. We are especially interested in:

 

  • Diverse stories with underrepresented voices
  • Contemporary fiction, heartfelt narratives, or uplifting stories with a purpose
  • Themes around resilience, identity, empowerment, or emotional growth
  • Manuscripts between 30,000–80,000 words
  • We generally accept all fiction gentes

 

Please note:

  • We do not accept AI-written content
  • Submissions must be complete and original
  • Genre fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • No erotica
  • No demonic themes
     

👉 You must complete the official submission form for your work to be considered. Incomplete or emailed submissions will be declined.

Apply & Submit

3. Illustrators

At Purple Diamond Press, we work with illustrators who bring warmth, personality, and vibrant storytelling to every page. Our books are known for their positive messages, emotional depth, and inclusive representation—and our illustrations are a big part of that magic.

 

If you’re passionate about visual storytelling for children and want to collaborate with a mission-driven independent publisher, we’d love to hear from you.

 

 

What We’re Looking For

 

We’re currently seeking illustrators with:

  • A strong portfolio showcasing children’s illustration
  • Experience with picture books or chapter books
  • A unique, consistent style that feels warm, expressive, and engaging
  • An ability to illustrate diverse characters and inclusive settings
  • Professionalism, timely communication, and ability to meet deadlines
  • Digital illustration capability and delivery of files in high resolution (minimum 300 DPI)
  • MUST have online presence 
  • Previous children's books illustrations preferred

What We Do Not Accept

  • AI-generated art or art assisted by AI tools
  • Incomplete portfolios or low-resolution sample work
  • Work that includes stereotypes or lacks inclusive representation
  • Illustrators who do not accept feedback or collaboration

 

👉 All illustrator inquiries must go through our official form. Direct emails or DMs will not be considered.

 

 

 Our Promise
 

We deeply value creative talent and work closely with our illustrators to ensure that every book is a joyful, collaborative process. When you illustrate for Purple Diamond Press, your work will be credited and celebrated.

4. Important

To maintain the authenticity and heart of our stories, we do not accept manuscripts or illustrations created using AI tools. We believe in championing human creativity and storytelling, and we seek authors who share that value.

Click above to complete the form and upload your manuscript for review. Please allow up to 1 week for a response.

Our Publishing Model: What Authors Should Expect

At Purple Diamond Press, we offer a guided publishing partnership designed for authors who want professional support, creative control, and a trusted team by their side from manuscript to publication.

 

We are a hybrid publishing company, which means authors invest upfront in the publishing process while retaining full copyright ownership and the majority of royalties. There are no hidden fees, no royalties taken by us, and no long-term contracts.

 

Our goal is to make the process clear, empowering, and sustainable—so authors can move forward with confidence.

At Purple Diamond Press, we offer two guided publishing experiences designed to support authors at different stages of their journey. Our publishing packages are structured as one-time investments, with options that provide comprehensive publishing support as well as expanded, high-touch guidance for authors seeking additional marketing and launch assistance. All authors retain full copyright ownership and the majority of royalties, with no ongoing fees. 

 

Package details and pricing are shared after a manuscript has been reviewed and accepted, ensuring we recommend the best fit based on your goals, timeline, and vision.

Purple Diamond Press offers two structured publishing packages designed for authors seeking a professional, guided path to publication. Our packages operate on a one-time publishing investment model, allowing authors to retain full copyright ownership and the majority of royalties, with no ongoing fees. Each package includes end-to-end publishing support, with an enhanced option available for authors requiring expanded marketing and launch assistance. 

 

Package placement and pricing are discussed only after a manuscript has been reviewed and accepted, ensuring alignment with the author’s publishing goals, scope, and timeline.

Working With Editors & Illustrators

Professional editing and illustration services are paid directly by the author, allowing you creative control over who you work with.

 

We assist you in sourcing PDP-vetted professionals whose style, experience, and pricing align with your vision and budget. All collaborators must be approved by Purple Diamond Press to ensure quality and professionalism.

 

Typical investment ranges:
    •    Editor: $250–$500
    •    Illustrator: $1,200–$3,500

 

(Fees vary by experience, scope, and timeline. Payment plans may be available through individual professionals.)
 

What Authors Can Expect From a Hybrid Publishing Partnership

As a hybrid children’s book publisher, Purple Diamond Press operates as a collaborative publishing partner, not a traditional gatekeeper and not a self-publishing platform. Authors who publish with us should expect a structured, transparent process that combines professional publishing services with shared responsibility.

 

In a hybrid publishing partnership, authors make a one-time investment in the publishing process while retaining full copyright ownership and the majority of royalties. Purple Diamond Press provides strategic guidance, production oversight, and access to vetted industry professionals, ensuring each book meets professional and market-ready standards.

 

Authors can expect hands-on support throughout the publishing lifecycle, including editorial coordination, design and formatting, distribution setup, and marketing strategy development. While Purple Diamond Press offers marketing guidance and promotional support, authors remain actively involved in building demand and engaging their audience, as no one advocates for a story more effectively than its creator.

 

This partnership is best suited for authors who value professionalism, creative control, and accountability, and who are prepared to approach publishing as both a creative endeavor and a business investment.
 

Start Your Publishing Journey With Purple Diamond Press

Publishing is a meaningful decision—not one that should feel rushed or pressured.

 

We encourage authors to move forward when the timing feels right. Questions are always welcome, and flexible payment scheduling for publishing fees may be available upon request.

 

At Purple Diamond Press, you’re not just paying for services—you’re investing in professional guidance, award-winning expertise, and a publishing partner who genuinely cares about your story’s success.