Submissions

Stillwater Story House publishes original, character-driven fiction with voice, momentum, emotional impact, and a strong sense of place.
We’re especially interested in stories with a connection to Minnesota or the Upper Midwest—through setting, atmosphere, or author background.
We welcome commercial fiction that knows how to entertain, surprise, and stay with the reader.

What We’re Looking For

Strong hooks
Memorable characters
Distinct voice
Emotional stakes
Sharp pacing
Commercial appeal
Fresh angles within familiar genres

Current Interests

Thriller / Suspense
Mystery / Crime
Romantic Comedy
Middle Grade
Upmarket Fiction
Smart, genre-blending fiction

Not a Fit (At This Time)

Poetry
Screenplays
Children’s picture books
Nonfiction
AI-created books

What to Send

Please submit the following:

1. Query Letter

Include:

  • A high-concept logline (1 sentence)
  • Brief story description
  • Genre
  • Word count
  • Comparable titles (optional)
  • Short author bio and socials
  • Your Minnesota or regional connection (if applicable)

2. Sample Pages

Attach or paste the first chapter of your manuscript.

Response Time

If your work feels like a fit, we aim to respond within 6–8 weeks.

Because we’re a small press, we may not be able to respond to every submission individually.

Ready to Submit?

Enter your full name.
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Optional: Provide a link to your website or blog.
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One-sentence pitch that captures your novel’s core idea (A cynical weatherman is forced to relive the same day over and over until he changes himself.)
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Enter your novel’s working title
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A short pitch (150-300 words) that reads like back-cover copy—with character, goal, stakes, etc.
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Specify your novel’s genre.
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Provide the total word count of your manuscript.
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List titles similar to your manuscript.
Include a brief bio and links to your social media.
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Explain any connection to Minnesota or the region.
Paste the text of your first chapter here.
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Stillwater Story House was built to champion bold stories with heart, voice, and something to say. If that sounds like your work, we’d love to hear from you.