Submissions - Candy Jar Books

Book Submissions

We are always on the lookout for new ideas and talent, for stories that are fresh and engaging. We’d love to read what you have been working on. If you have an agent, great, but don’t worry if not; we welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Please email submissions@candyjarbooks.co.uk or shaun@candyjarbooks.co.uk

Candy Jar Books maintains rigorous standards of integrity and quality across all of our publications. While AI tools may be used to support the writing process, they are not considered eligible for authorship. All authors must take full responsibility for the originality, accuracy, and ethical soundness of the work they submit. Any use of AI must be openly acknowledged and clearly explained within the manuscript. Candy Jar Books reserves the right to decline any submission that does not comply with these guidelines.

Please note that our schedule for 2025/26 is now full, and we will not be commissioning any new books for the forseeable future. We’re still happy to review submissions, but please be aware that any new projects will not be scheduled until autumn 2026 or later. If you're still interested in working with us, we do have availability through our self-publishing sister imprint, Jelly Bean Books.

We also do not accept children’s picture books. If you have written a children’s picture book, please contact Jelly Bean Books.


What to send

A covering letter giving your book’s working title and an outline of your idea. Please include a synopsis of your book, 2-3 chapters, and an idea of the kind of readers you think will enjoy it.

Please be aware that we can no longer return manuscripts. Just email us a Word document and we can go from there. If we do not reply straight away please do not be disheartened. Email us again or call 02921 157202.

Please email shaun@candyjarbooks.co.uk or submissions@candyjarbooks.co.uk

Our address, if you still want to send us a hard copy, is:

Candy Jar Books
Mackintosh House
136 Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 1DJ


What we are looking for

Shaun Russell - Head of Publishing and Director
I am looking for children's books for 8-12 year olds (ghosts, time travel and adventure stories always go down well). We would also like to see young adult stories with strong distinctive ideas.

In addition, cultural biographies would most certainly be welcome. Think of the type of documentary as seen on BBC 4: 100 Years of the Girls Guides, Northern Soul, The Ballad of Mott the Hoople, Children’s TV Trials, 100 Years of the Palladium.

Added to this, non-fiction cult TV/film books – similar to 100 Objects of Dr Who.  

I do not want children’s picture books. If you have written a children’s picture book, please check out our sister imprint, Jelly Bean Self Publishing.