Down & Out Books is an independent publishing house founded in 2011 by Eric Campbell, dedicated to crime fiction, noir, and hardboiled literature. From its inception, the press has championed gritty, character-driven narratives that explore the darker corners of society, often featuring marginalized voices and morally complex protagonists. Its mission is to publish compelling stories that might be overlooked by larger commercial houses, emphasizing quality writing and authentic storytelling over market trends. The press has grown to include a diverse roster of authors, from debut novelists to established names in the genre, and has been recognized for its commitment to the crime fiction community through anthologies and collaborative projects.
Publishing focus
Founded in 2011, Down & Out Books is an independent publisher of literary and crime fiction based in Tampa, Florida.
FictionNovellaShort Story CollectionsNovel
Calls & opportunities
3 listed
Manuscript submissions
Reading periodFeb 1 to Apr 30
Reading feeNo
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes
Down & Out Books accepts submissions directly from authors, but only during specific reading periods, which are announced on their website and social media. They seek complete manuscripts in crime fiction, noir, and hardboiled genres, typically between 60,000 and 90,000 words. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but notify them immediately if accepted elsewhere. Include a concise cover letter with your query, a synopsis, and the first three chapters. They value strong, distinctive voices and stories with a clear sense of place and character. Response times can be lengthy due to high volume, so patience is advised. They do not accept submissions for poetry, children's books, or non-crime genres.
Books
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