Pajama Press wants your picture books and middle grade manuscripts – both fiction and nonfiction

Pajama Press

11 Davies Ave., Suite 103
Toronto, Ontario
https://pajamapress.ca/ 

Pajama Press is a small literary press. Working with skilled authors, illustrators, editors, and educators, they aim to craft books that spark curiosity, develop empathy, and grow joy and self-empowerment.

Pajama Press publishes picture books for toddlers and for 5 to 8-year-olds, early chapter books for new readers, middle grade novels, and literary nonfiction. Currently they’re looking for both picture books and middle grade books, both fiction and nonfiction. They’re seeking works from diverse Canadian authors. 

Early picture book stories:

150 words or less. High concept, simple ideas, word play. Suitable for ages 1–2 or 3–5. 

Picture books for 5–8:

300–800 words. Fictional, character-driven stories, or stories that emphasize word play, vocabulary building, rhythm, with a strong hook.

Non-fiction picture books that have STEM connections, historical or biographical content, and social justice topics.

To submit picture books, please email: pajamapresspbsubs@gmail.com

In your email, include a brief summary of your picture book, the text in a PDF with word count, and information about your writing background. Do not include illustration instructions, just your text file.

Middle-Grade novels:

24,000–40,000 words. More complex, character-driven stories that feature a single or dual point of view. Some excellent themes include the environment, animal stories, children dealing with life challenges, humour, sports, social justice, feminism, mystery, fantasy, and community stories with diverse casts and a universal appeal.

To submit middle grade fiction or nonfiction, please email: pajamapresspbsubs@gmail.com

In your email, include a brief summary of your novel, the first ten chapters of your manuscript, and information about your writing background.

Pajama Press only respond to submissions if they determine your project is a good fit for their publishing program. They aim to review submissions within four to six months. If you haven’t received a reply within six months, it is safe to assume they’re no longer considering your manuscript.

Full submission guidelines here.

Art Submissions

Illustrators who wish to share a portfolio with Pajama Press’s Art Director may send links or attachments via email to info@pajamapress.ca at any time.

For information about other publishers looking for manuscripts, see here (and scroll down).

See Brian Henry’s upcoming weekly writing classes, afternoon workshops, and wonderful writing retreats here.