Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I submit my manuscript to Black Trident Publishing?

• Authors interested in submitting should review our submissions page and follow the submission guidelines carefully. We accept digital submissions in PDF or Word format only.

2. Does Black Trident Publishing accept unsolicited manuscripts?

• Yes, we do accept unsolicited manuscripts for review. However, preference is given to manuscripts in the military, spy, thriller, and mystery genres, especially those with realistic and authentic themes.

3. What happens after I submit my manuscript?

• Once your manuscript is submitted, it will go through an initial review. If it meets our requirements, we will contact you for the next steps, which may include editorial feedback or a discussion on contract terms.

4. Do I need an agent to submit my manuscript?

• No, we accept direct submissions from authors, whether you have an agent or not.

5. Will Black Trident Publishing edit my manuscript?

• We require all manuscripts to be polished and publication-ready. Minor editing and proofreading will be provided, but we encourage authors to submit manuscripts that are as complete as possible.

6. What kind of royalties or payment can I expect?

• Our royalty and payment structure will be discussed if your manuscript is accepted. Authors have the option to choose between a royalty-based structure or a profit-sharing model. Our Royalty Policy will be shared with you once your manuscript has been accepted.

7. Does Black Trident Publishing cover marketing and promotion?

• While we provide some promotional support, including press releases and social media features, authors are expected to lead their book’s marketing efforts. Our Marketing and Promotion Policy details what support we offer and how authors can maximize their reach.

8. Will I retain copyright of my work?

• Yes, authors retain copyright ownership of their work. Black Trident Publishing is granted publishing rights under contract terms, as outlined in our Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy.

9. Can I submit my manuscript if it has been previously self-published?

• Yes, we consider previously self-published works on a case-by-case basis. Please include any relevant details about your previous publication in your submission.

10. Can I still promote my book independently?

• Absolutely. We encourage authors to take an active role in promoting their book. We provide resources, but an author’s personal outreach is a key factor in a book’s success.

11. Will Black Trident Publishing help with distribution to bookstores?

• We partner with distributors to make your book available for purchase online and through various retail channels. However, in-store placement depends on retailer interest and is not guaranteed.

12. How does Black Trident Publishing handle sensitive or controversial topics?

• We believe in honest storytelling. If your work touches on sensitive topics, we encourage respectful and accurate portrayals. Final decisions on content are made in collaboration with our editorial team.

13. Why doesn’t Black Trident Publishing have many authors at the moment?

• We are a niche publishing house focused on capturing the authenticity and grit of military experiences, particularly from veterans. While we could accept more manuscripts to boost numbers, we prioritize quality over quantity, turning away works that don’t align with our commitment to realism and genuine storytelling.

14. What happens if I want to terminate my contract?

• Terms for termination and rights reversion are outlined in our Termination and Rights Reversion Policy. Please review this policy to understand your rights and obligations.

15. You mention various policies, how can I obtain a copy of them?

• Upon acceptance of your manuscript, you’ll receive a contract along with our policies and best practices in a comprehensive onboarding package.

16. Other publishers I’ve researched require packages costing thousands of dollars. Will I need to pay any fees to publish with Black Trident Publishing?

• At Black Trident Publishing, we don’t require authors to pay for publishing. Though we are a smaller, more selective boutique publisher, we believe in supporting authors through a traditional publishing model, where our focus is on fostering your story's success rather than charging fees. If your manuscript is accepted, we handle the costs of production, distribution, and basic marketing, allowing you to focus on sharing your work with readers.

17. Once my manuscript is accepted and I receive my contract, am I required to accept it?

• We will only finalize and send the contract after discussing the terms with you to ensure you’re fully satisfied. You are under no obligation to accept the offer from Black Trident Publishing.

18. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

• If you have more questions, please reach out to our Author Relations Specialist through the contact form on our website. We’re here to help guide you through every step of the publishing process!