Submission Guidelines - updated April 4, 2008

The Lotus Circle is always open to submissions of fiction and non-fiction books,
as well as metaphysically oriented products and services for our Store.

FICTION
     We are looking for manuscripts of 50,000 words and up, in which the heroine or female protagonist has at least one extrasensory ability or metaphysical skill that is integral to the plot of the story. Some examples of gifts or talents that we are looking for are clairvoyance, clairaudience, visions of future or past events, telepathy, remote viewing, lucid dreaming, past life regression, reincarnation, meditation, guided imagery, shamanism, healing, empathy, channeling, mediumship, communicating with disembodied spirits (ghosts) and beings or spirit guides on The Other Side, numerology, astrology and forecasting with tools such as Tarot cards, rune stones, I Ching and so forth.

      Rather than present these gifts or talents as mysterious, we want our authors to educate the readers about them within their stories by showing how the main character uses or learns how to develop the gift. When feasible, the ability should be presented in such a way that suggests the average person might already possess such a gift or learn to use or develop it as well.

     Genres we are looking for are romance (sensual, even steamy, is good, but no straight erotica, please), general fiction, women’s fiction (self-empowerment, personal growth and development), spiritual journeys (development or acceptance of extrasensory gifts), mystery/suspense (no graphic violence, please) or comedies. Historicals will be considered if they are directly connected with The Lotus Circle’s past, as established in the background story provided on this site.

      We are not considering submissions in the genres of science fiction (including time-travel), fantasy (including magic), paranormal (such as vampires and shape-shifters) or horror.

       It is not necessary for any of the characters to be members of The Lotus Circle. If the fictional secret society is woven into the story, however, the book will carry a specific designation to let readers know that. Basic information about the Circle can be found in the background story provided on this site.

NON-FICTION

      We are looking for non-fiction metaphysical manuscripts of 25,000 words or more for our trade-size books and manuscripts of 10-20,000 words for our “To Go” kits. Some examples might be instructional books or guides to using such tools as astrology, numerology, tarot cards or palmistry; advice on using metaphysical practices such as meditation or aromatherapy to improve the quality of one’s life or true life experiences related to psychic or extrasensory abilities.

     We are not looking for traditional physical fitness, diet, medical, or religion-based books.

PRODUCTS

     Our Store is ready and waiting to handle your new-age style products from crystals, cards and incense to scarves, stones and zodiac symbols.

      Send an email to Submissions@TheLotusCircle.com describing your product with a picture and your selling price and we’ll send you the details about selling through our Store.

SERVICES

If you are interested in providing services on our site or through our Store, such as psychic readings or astrological charts, please send an email to Submissions@TheLotusCircle.com describing your service and fees, and we’ll send you the details of how to become a part of The Lotus Circle talent.

How to Submit a manuscript

FICTION

     Send a brief synopsis (under 5 pages, single-spaced) describing setting, main characters and full plot, including resolution, plus the first three chapters and final chapter, via e-mail, as attached files (.doc or .rtf format) to Submissions@TheLotusCircle.com. A 1-3 sentence pitch summarizing your submission should be included in the body of the e-mail.

NON-FICTION

     Send a very brief description of the work (under 250 words), along with a detailed Table of Contents or classroom-style outline of chapters and sections, and the first three chapters, via e-mail, as an attached file (.doc or .rtf format) to Submissions@TheLotusCircle.com. Identify whether the work is beginner, intermediate or advanced level material.

Notice for previously published authors: We will only consider your out-of-print books if you hold exclusive rights.

Note: The Lotus Circle is a publisher of electronic books (although many of our titles are also issued in print). We do almost all our work electronically; we communicate via e-mail. Editors and authors exchange electronic files of the manuscript at all stages. No paper submissions, no paper edits, no paper galleys.

Writing Guidelines

FORMAT

     We will not reject a manuscript due to formatting, but we suggest 1” margins all around, 1.5 line spacing and a variable-space, easy to read font (such as Times New Roman, Arial or Book Antiqua).

      We will reject a manuscript due to poor typing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence or paragraph structure. We strongly suggest you have your work proofread by someone, other than yourself, with excellent language skills, such as a frank critique partner or professional editing service.

      We are not “book doctors”. Manuscripts must be submitted in final, polished form.

In Fiction Novels,we will be looking for the following elements:

  • Professional, error-free cover e-mail.
  • Clear, interesting synopsis that shows how the manuscript will fit into The Lotus Circle line.
  • A connection between the heroine or female protagonist and The Lotus Circle.
  • Main female character must have an extrasensory ability or metaphysical skill that plays an integral part in the plot.
  • Originality.
  • Strong, believable, internal and external plots, with correlations between the two.
  • Strong, believable, internal and external conflicts.
  • Believable, well-developed characters.
  • Steady, quick pacing (no “sagging middles” or lengthy, descriptive filler).
  • Good hooks at the beginning and ending of chapters.
  • Balance of dialogue, action and introspection.
  • Correct usage of point-of-view (no head-hopping).
  • Satisfying climax.
  • Clear resolution to all conflicts, plots and sub-plots.

In Non-Fiction books, we will be looking for the following elements:

  • Professional, error-free cover e-mail.
  • Clear description and Table of Contents or outline that shows how the manuscript will fit into The Lotus Circle line.
  • Metaphysical topic that could be of interest to a wide range of readers, whether new to the genre or long-time students.
  • All material presented in clear, easy to understand language.
  • Any pictures, graphs or artwork must be provided by author.
  • Unusual or advanced terminology, or that which is specific to the subject matter, must be defined, within the text, as a footnote or in a glossary.
  • Appropriate references given for any quotations or excerpts from other work.
  • No copyright or trademark infringement; proof of permissions granted where required.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an agent to submit a manuscript to The Lotus Circle?

No. Although quite a few of our authors have agents, it is not necessary to have one in order to submit a manuscript to us for consideration.

How do I submit to The Lotus Circle?

Electronic submissions only; no paper. Authors must be competent in MSword, comfortable with email and online discussion groups. Send an email to Submissions@TheLotusCircle.com:

  • Subject line: List line for which you are submitting the story.
  • Message: Briefly list title, author, genre, short blurb of story, publication history.
  • Attached file in doc or rtf format, containing detailed synopsis, first three chapters, last chapter.

How long does it take to find out whether my manuscript has been accepted or rejected?

It depends on many factors, but the most important one being how busy we are at the time we receive it. Submissions of a synopsis plus chapters typically receive an initial response within two months.

What are The Lotus Circle’s contract terms?

  • Full contract supplied for review upon acceptance of story.
  • Royalties: 37.5% for digital releases; 7.5% for print books.
  • Length of grant of publishing rights: Full term of copyright.
  • Includes digital, print, audio, translation and secondary/subsidiary rights.
  • Royalty payments contractually guaranteed quarterly, but in actuality we have always paid monthly. (And plan to continue to do so.)

How often do The Lotus Circle authors get paid?

Monthly.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still write for The Lotus Circle?

If your bank will accept checks in U.S. dollars drawn on an American bank, then yes, you can. We will not, however, pay wiring fees to electronically transfer the funds into your bank account. We have authors located in Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.