Author Guidelines...
The mission of Summer's Island Press is to shine sparkling light throughout the children's book world for picture books through young adult readers, which will be available via every door that opens for us. Our purpose is to return “hope, happiness, and heroes” to children whose hearts are starving for these things. We have good treasure! And our promise to them is not only a guarantee that there will be treasure (something of value that they may discover and use in their own real life) in every book, but that we will teach them how to be “treasure hunters,” too.
Our books are “answer books,” because they focus on the pressing questions kids have, right now. Especially the big ones, like how to SURVIVE, as opposed to what we as adults would prefer them to think—or not think—about. Do you have a treasure you are passionate to share with today's young people? If so, your manuscript may fit into one of our following categories...
LITTLE TREASURES
(picture books through 8 yrs)
These are books that teach important concepts in delightful ways. Things like: why you should be kind to others, how to make friends, that all choices have consequences, how to tell if something is good or bad, what to do when you are scared, lost—or sad, and many others. And while we don't mind talking animal books, we prefer that the animals themselves reflect animal characteristics that agree with nature, as opposed to characters that talk and relate more as humans in animal costumes. Children have too much in their lives that either makes no sense at all (even little ones are thinkers!), or numbs their amazing little brains with mindless repetitions.
We are looking for: stories that are highly motivational, wholesomely entertaining, and morally sound. The kind that will become favorites they will want to read over and over.
We are NOT looking for: dark themes that include monsters, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient to parents and teachers without appropriate consequences. For example, a disagreement with a sibling might result in a mandatory apology and certain duties to make amends, rather than some black hole that opens up under the bed and swallows a child up at night.
A good overall rule for our Little Treasures age group is: nothing ugly.
MYSTERIOUS TREASURES
(8 yrs through YA)
These books include themes that revolve around the amazing mysteries in both nature and science. While the stories are not limited to today's reality (automated space travel for private citizens, for instance), all should comply to logical speculation. Even time-travel is acceptable as long as you construct a reasonable bridge over which our imaginations can take us there.
What we are looking for: ordinary kids doing extraordinary things, and learning how to solve problems along the way. Especially real things. Such as discovering an alternative fuel system, a new planet in near space, or a new tool for communicating with animals. We like adventures which explore natural phenomena, or take characters on a journey through wilderness places they will have to learn survival skills to get out of. Stories should compel readers toward a personal study of our amazing planet and universe, as well as its history.
We are NOT looking for: dark themes that include fantasy or magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise.
An overall rule for our Mysterious Treasures age group is: we are looking to enlighten, not frighten our readers.
HERO TREASURES
(10 yrs through YA)
Heroes come in all ages and sizes, and there have been many child heroes down through the years. Their stories are some of the most inspiring. Especially because children love reading about children. It's human nature. When they learn what others have done through unwavering love and bravery, they begin to dream of themselves doing similar things. And considering we are what we think most about... this is how heroes are made. Here at Summers Island Press, we consider future heroes the very best treasures we are responsible for, and that the hearts they entrust to us via our stories are priceless. Can you "inspire a fire?"
Here's what we're looking for: Fiction and non-fiction about real kids doing heroic things by putting the safety of others ahead of themselves. While our main characters might have a rocky road to travel before they get to this point, they must be making good progress along the way, and achieve this goal at the end. Remember the old Knights Code of Honor? We want to bring that back again, in stories that range from History to the Future, by any means possible that we can communicate it. Because HEROES ARE WHAT KIDS WANT MOST. Period.
What we are NOT looking for: Characters whose strengths or special abilities come from magic, or superpowers endowed by aliens. And while we are looking to teach children the difference between good and evil, we do not want stories of spiritual warfare that include demons popping up, or angels making appearances to give the guidance and instruction that children should be learning to handle themselves. Once, again, we are striving to "keep things in the physical world," and avoid dark themes that include fantasy or magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While our characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise. We are also not looking for stories that are predominately dark with merely a flash of light at the end.
An overall rule for our Hero Treasures line-up is: stories should be more thrilling than frightening, and promote brotherhood, freedom, and any other high moral concept that reflects these things.
TREASURES OF THE HEART
(10 through YA)
These stories deal predominately with relationships--both family and friendships--as well as the the first stirrings of true love that we all look and long for. Promoting positive values to overcome the negatives in life, they should also be "havens" readers can escape to, of how they dream things could (and should) be. Closer families, protective older siblings instead of combative ones, and heroes that rescue them out of circumstances they have either created themselves, or been forced to endure through no fault of their own. At the same time, these books may be set in any locale or time frame, with a wide assortment of interesting themes and backdrops to weave the plot through.
What we are looking for: Themes that involve a cause to fight for, a search for identity and a sense of belonging, overcoming bad circumstances, and finding true love. While characters may come from dark circumstances, stories should begin at the point at which the characters are thrust out of these and embark on a journey of new discoveries about themselves and others. Emphasis should be on the good rather than negative, and the personal worth and value of seeking after good things. These books should leave readers with the desire to make their own world better for themselves and others, by learning how to do that from the characters they read about. Dialog should be realistic but not profane.
What we are NOT looking for: Graphic descriptions of abuse or violence, loose moral character without consequences, or adult characters who seem more stupid than kids. No profanity, or urban crime settings. No situations where a character has to do evil, or become evil (even for a short time) in order to save friends or family. No dark urban fantasy or illogical speculative fiction, and no comedy based on loose morals or the degradation of others. And we are still not looking for magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While our characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise.
A good overall rule for Treasures of the Heart is: A great escape into a world where--though there are dangers--there are close families, brave heroes (of all ages), and everything works out in the end.
FINDING TREASURES
( Our Non-Fiction books -- picture book through YA)
We are not looking to re-create as much as rediscover some of the many wonderful things that have already been written for children. Because of our new technologies, it has now become possible to locate many past literary treasures that have been hidden for generations. We want to do that! It's one of the reasons we call ourselves "treasure hunters." What's more, we want to teach kids how to do this for themselves. Our criteria for non-fiction is wide and broad, as long as it contains something of value inside. A treasure. The kind that can be taken back to the "right now" and will work just as well in today's world as it did in the past.
What we are looking for: translations of lesser-known classics into everyday language (without losing force or meaning), that include modern-day links to subjects of interest to children. We call these "deep links," as they are more than just interesting facts that can be taken or left. They are motivational glimpses into subject areas a young person will want to delve further into on their own. We want to open doors they can walk through, they never knew were there. At the same time, all books must answer a compelling question that kids are asking, right now. Such as, what should I do if our country goes to war, how do I survive if I get left all alone, or how do I tell a good person from a bad one? Tips, tricks, and how-to books for learning important skills they will need in life, no matter where it takes them. We are also looking for anthologies of specific subjects, true stories of heroes, scientists, explorers, etc. As well as original manuscripts on any of these subjects.
What we are not looking for: Public domain material that is merely a reprint of what is currently available for free online, even if it has a new introduction or commentary included. New versions of popular classics that have already been done over and over, and are for sale in any bookstore. Books or manuscripts that do not fit with our general philosophies or goals. Such as Witch Hilda's Best Recipe's For Revenge. That sort of thing. We are also not interested in science experiments (or projects) that have no use in everyday life, like miniature volcanoes, the creation of green slime, or any subject that might better fit into the Guiness Book of World Records. How to turn your bicycle into a battery charger? Yes. How to make it sound like one loud continuous body function as you peddle? No.
A good rule of thumb for our Finding Treasure books: They have to not only include the kind of treasure readers would want to read about over and over, again, but might even carry around in backpacks for reference.
Our books are “answer books,” because they focus on the pressing questions kids have, right now. Especially the big ones, like how to SURVIVE, as opposed to what we as adults would prefer them to think—or not think—about. Do you have a treasure you are passionate to share with today's young people? If so, your manuscript may fit into one of our following categories...
LITTLE TREASURES
(picture books through 8 yrs)
These are books that teach important concepts in delightful ways. Things like: why you should be kind to others, how to make friends, that all choices have consequences, how to tell if something is good or bad, what to do when you are scared, lost—or sad, and many others. And while we don't mind talking animal books, we prefer that the animals themselves reflect animal characteristics that agree with nature, as opposed to characters that talk and relate more as humans in animal costumes. Children have too much in their lives that either makes no sense at all (even little ones are thinkers!), or numbs their amazing little brains with mindless repetitions.
We are looking for: stories that are highly motivational, wholesomely entertaining, and morally sound. The kind that will become favorites they will want to read over and over.
We are NOT looking for: dark themes that include monsters, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient to parents and teachers without appropriate consequences. For example, a disagreement with a sibling might result in a mandatory apology and certain duties to make amends, rather than some black hole that opens up under the bed and swallows a child up at night.
A good overall rule for our Little Treasures age group is: nothing ugly.
MYSTERIOUS TREASURES
(8 yrs through YA)
These books include themes that revolve around the amazing mysteries in both nature and science. While the stories are not limited to today's reality (automated space travel for private citizens, for instance), all should comply to logical speculation. Even time-travel is acceptable as long as you construct a reasonable bridge over which our imaginations can take us there.
What we are looking for: ordinary kids doing extraordinary things, and learning how to solve problems along the way. Especially real things. Such as discovering an alternative fuel system, a new planet in near space, or a new tool for communicating with animals. We like adventures which explore natural phenomena, or take characters on a journey through wilderness places they will have to learn survival skills to get out of. Stories should compel readers toward a personal study of our amazing planet and universe, as well as its history.
We are NOT looking for: dark themes that include fantasy or magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise.
An overall rule for our Mysterious Treasures age group is: we are looking to enlighten, not frighten our readers.
HERO TREASURES
(10 yrs through YA)
Heroes come in all ages and sizes, and there have been many child heroes down through the years. Their stories are some of the most inspiring. Especially because children love reading about children. It's human nature. When they learn what others have done through unwavering love and bravery, they begin to dream of themselves doing similar things. And considering we are what we think most about... this is how heroes are made. Here at Summers Island Press, we consider future heroes the very best treasures we are responsible for, and that the hearts they entrust to us via our stories are priceless. Can you "inspire a fire?"
Here's what we're looking for: Fiction and non-fiction about real kids doing heroic things by putting the safety of others ahead of themselves. While our main characters might have a rocky road to travel before they get to this point, they must be making good progress along the way, and achieve this goal at the end. Remember the old Knights Code of Honor? We want to bring that back again, in stories that range from History to the Future, by any means possible that we can communicate it. Because HEROES ARE WHAT KIDS WANT MOST. Period.
What we are NOT looking for: Characters whose strengths or special abilities come from magic, or superpowers endowed by aliens. And while we are looking to teach children the difference between good and evil, we do not want stories of spiritual warfare that include demons popping up, or angels making appearances to give the guidance and instruction that children should be learning to handle themselves. Once, again, we are striving to "keep things in the physical world," and avoid dark themes that include fantasy or magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While our characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise. We are also not looking for stories that are predominately dark with merely a flash of light at the end.
An overall rule for our Hero Treasures line-up is: stories should be more thrilling than frightening, and promote brotherhood, freedom, and any other high moral concept that reflects these things.
TREASURES OF THE HEART
(10 through YA)
These stories deal predominately with relationships--both family and friendships--as well as the the first stirrings of true love that we all look and long for. Promoting positive values to overcome the negatives in life, they should also be "havens" readers can escape to, of how they dream things could (and should) be. Closer families, protective older siblings instead of combative ones, and heroes that rescue them out of circumstances they have either created themselves, or been forced to endure through no fault of their own. At the same time, these books may be set in any locale or time frame, with a wide assortment of interesting themes and backdrops to weave the plot through.
What we are looking for: Themes that involve a cause to fight for, a search for identity and a sense of belonging, overcoming bad circumstances, and finding true love. While characters may come from dark circumstances, stories should begin at the point at which the characters are thrust out of these and embark on a journey of new discoveries about themselves and others. Emphasis should be on the good rather than negative, and the personal worth and value of seeking after good things. These books should leave readers with the desire to make their own world better for themselves and others, by learning how to do that from the characters they read about. Dialog should be realistic but not profane.
What we are NOT looking for: Graphic descriptions of abuse or violence, loose moral character without consequences, or adult characters who seem more stupid than kids. No profanity, or urban crime settings. No situations where a character has to do evil, or become evil (even for a short time) in order to save friends or family. No dark urban fantasy or illogical speculative fiction, and no comedy based on loose morals or the degradation of others. And we are still not looking for magic, monsters, ghosts, zombies, aliens, mean siblings, or main characters that are disobedient without appropriate consequences. While our characters may think they are encountering some of these things, there must be a logical explanation that eventually proves otherwise.
A good overall rule for Treasures of the Heart is: A great escape into a world where--though there are dangers--there are close families, brave heroes (of all ages), and everything works out in the end.
FINDING TREASURES
( Our Non-Fiction books -- picture book through YA)
We are not looking to re-create as much as rediscover some of the many wonderful things that have already been written for children. Because of our new technologies, it has now become possible to locate many past literary treasures that have been hidden for generations. We want to do that! It's one of the reasons we call ourselves "treasure hunters." What's more, we want to teach kids how to do this for themselves. Our criteria for non-fiction is wide and broad, as long as it contains something of value inside. A treasure. The kind that can be taken back to the "right now" and will work just as well in today's world as it did in the past.
What we are looking for: translations of lesser-known classics into everyday language (without losing force or meaning), that include modern-day links to subjects of interest to children. We call these "deep links," as they are more than just interesting facts that can be taken or left. They are motivational glimpses into subject areas a young person will want to delve further into on their own. We want to open doors they can walk through, they never knew were there. At the same time, all books must answer a compelling question that kids are asking, right now. Such as, what should I do if our country goes to war, how do I survive if I get left all alone, or how do I tell a good person from a bad one? Tips, tricks, and how-to books for learning important skills they will need in life, no matter where it takes them. We are also looking for anthologies of specific subjects, true stories of heroes, scientists, explorers, etc. As well as original manuscripts on any of these subjects.
What we are not looking for: Public domain material that is merely a reprint of what is currently available for free online, even if it has a new introduction or commentary included. New versions of popular classics that have already been done over and over, and are for sale in any bookstore. Books or manuscripts that do not fit with our general philosophies or goals. Such as Witch Hilda's Best Recipe's For Revenge. That sort of thing. We are also not interested in science experiments (or projects) that have no use in everyday life, like miniature volcanoes, the creation of green slime, or any subject that might better fit into the Guiness Book of World Records. How to turn your bicycle into a battery charger? Yes. How to make it sound like one loud continuous body function as you peddle? No.
A good rule of thumb for our Finding Treasure books: They have to not only include the kind of treasure readers would want to read about over and over, again, but might even carry around in backpacks for reference.
