submissions

Our submissions open on August 21st 2026. Any query sent before this date will not be considered

what we’re looking for

Please note: We are not accepting previously self-published work in your initial query. We are looking for new projects, with the option to explore published back-list opportunities should we move ahead to representation.

Adult: Romance

We’re looking for romances with: heart, heat, and humour that are forward-thinking, homely, and emotionally satisfying. We want stories that celebrate love in all its complexities, with characters who feel real and relationships that stay with you long after the final page that ultimately have a HEA.

We are also looking for dark romances/ dark romcoms — think books similar to Butcher & Blackbird, Lights Out and Rook & Rebel.

We are not looking for RH at this time.

Historical Women’s Fiction

We are seeking immersive, female-centred historical fiction under 90k words. We want stories featuring compelling women at the centre of important historical moments, prioritising narratives that explore themes and lessons which resonate with modern life.

Adult: Fantasy/Romantasy/ Sci-mance (Sci-Fi Romance)

We’re looking for fantasy that blends richly developed plots with immersive, emotionally resonant writing (110k words). Give us imaginative, innovative worlds that feel lived-in and layered with a healthy dash of romance (HEA required). Stories where magic has rules, stakes feel real, and romantic plots or sub-plots deepen the narrative rather than distract from it.

Suspense/Crime (standard & romantic)

We’re looking for romantic suspense that blurs the line between love and danger — where passion simmers beneath secrets, obsession, and betrayal (85k words). Think romantic plots that go wrong: doomed entanglements, unreliable narrators, and twists that leave readers breathless. We’re drawn to morally grey characters, tense atmospheres, and endings that shock, unsettle, or linger. Dark, addictive, and emotionally charged. These are the kind of stories you can’t put down, and can’t stop thinking about.

Need examples? Think — The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden (standard) and The Eden Series by Devney Perry (romantic).

Horror:

We’re on the look out for the following sub-genres:

Slasher

Gothic Horror

Psychological

Femgore/ Good for her

Haunted House/ Ghost/ Paranormal

We’re looking for horror novels up to 85k words.

What to include in your query

  • Genre

  • Word count

  • A query no longer than 400 words (to fit on a A4 document)

  • Comparison titles (so we can easily understand the vibe!)

At this time, we are only accepting submissions within the specified genres. Please do not send work outside of these guidelines, as it will not be reviewed. Please do not submit your full manuscript, we will reach out for sample chapters if we are interested post query.

Please send your query to query@theberryagency.com.au.