How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to submit a book to Baen Books
Reads unsolicited work
Baen takes manuscripts through the submission form on its site, baen.com/slush, and prefers the complete manuscript with a synopsis. It bought Larry Correia’s self-published Monster Hunter International.
Where pitches like these are made: Frankfurt Book Fair · Bartleby08, CC BY-SA 4.0
In its own words
“Send your manuscript by using the submission form at:”
“We prefer to see complete manuscripts accompanied by a synopsis.”
“Reporting time: usually within 9 to 12 Months.”
What it says it looks for
“We publish only science fiction and fantasy.”
“Writers familiar with what we have published in the past will know what sort of material we are most likely to publish in the future: powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings are the sine qua non for consideration for science fiction submissions.”
“Generally we are uncomfortable with manuscripts under 100,000 words, but if your novel is really wonderful send it along regardless of length.”
What it has bought from outside
2009
Monster Hunter International, a self-published novel that had already hit the Entertainment Weekly bestseller list from Larry Correia
“One of these posters had once worked in a large independent bookstore, and passed it on to his old employer—who in turn passed it to Baen Books —which offered Correia a publishing contract.” en.wikipedia.org
