Publishing With Us

Manuscript Submissions

SUBMISSIONS FOR OUR TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED CHILDREN’S LIST ARE CURRENTLY OPEN IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

  • Middle Grade Novels
  • Graphic Novels
  • Junior Fiction
  • Picture Books that meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • Manuscripts that have already been partially or fully illustrated (by an author-illustrator or a team.)
    • Authors currently residing in the Blue Mountains NSW
  • Across all categories we’re looking for stories that feature diverse characters (with a strong preference towards “own voices”), stories with themes of social justice, animals rights, activism, environment and sustainability, books that inspire creativity or have a focus on the arts. We love a rhyming text (if done well) and colourful, unique artwork.
  • We will NOT consider any artwork or manuscripts created with the use of generative AI tools. Young readers deserve art made by real people.
  • We only accept submissions from authors and illustrators currently residing in Australia.

    HOW TO SUBMIT: Please make sure you’ve read our criteria and if your manuscript fits in with what we’re looking for, email Sharon Baldwin: hello@looseparts.com.au and include:
  • Your manuscript attached as a pdf.
  • Subject line should have the name of the manuscript and whether it falls into MG / GN / JF or PB category. Example: MG Submission: “The Lost Ghosts of Lawson”
  • A brief cover letter telling us a bit about yourself (where you’re from, any relevant website or social media links), your book and why you think it would be a good fit for Loose Parts Press.

    Please submit only ONE manuscript for this submission window, that you feel best aligns with what we’re looking for. We are a small press that publishes only a few titles per year and have limited resources. We endeavour to respond to all submissions within 3 months but submissions that do not meet our criteria may simply be deleted.

    SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 30 JANUARY 2026.

Self-Publishing

If you are interested in self-publishing, we also offer paid self-publishing design, editorial and marketing services.

You can also book a one-on-one consultation with our publisher Sharon Baldwin for advice around your publishing project.

Illustrator Submissions

We are always looking to expand our pool of illustrators, as well as work with illustrators on developing their own children’s book ideas. Please note:

  • Currently we are only accepting submissions from Australian residents.
  • We pay all our creatives, but we are a small indie publisher – and our budget reflects that.
  • We are happy to accept submissions from emerging illustrators and students, artists working in digital and/or traditional media, and artists from diverse and under-represented backgrounds.
  • We do NOT accept artwork made using generative AI tools.

Please email Sharon Baldwin at: hello@looseparts.com.au and include links to your online portfolio and/or Instagram account – and tell us a little bit about yourself.