The Northern Weird Project

Wild Hunt Books are seeking short novellas from writers living in the North of England who are also engaging in the North as setting, subject, character or any way that highlights this part of the country. For clarity, we define the North based on the Arts Council England boundary map.

The weird aspect of this project asks writers to twist expectations. For example, does a lush and tranquil landscape turn into something much darker and simmering beneath the surface? Does an unexpected stranger show up to a village making all of the locals question what they thought they knew about themselves? What happens in the city centre nightclub on Monday afternoons when they are normally closed? We are looking for novellas in the range of 20-25K words.

We hope to publish 5 or 6 pocket-sized paperbacks (and ebooks) with one to be released every other month starting in the autumn. They will also be available as a set.

Tell Me More.

Not sure where to start? How about a little inspiration…

We love the work of Northern authors Andrew Michael Hurley, Matt Wesolowski, Eliza Clark and Jenn Ashworth. We also enjoy the non-Northern vibes of Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward, The Keeper by Sarah Langan, Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield and Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater.

If you enjoy playing with structure, don’t be shy! We love that, too. Think Bear Season by Gemma Fairclough, His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet and Plunge Hill: A Case Study by JM McVulpin.

Publishing with us…

The Northern Weird Project is looking for quality fiction that we can publish and promote in an expedited timeframe (we plan to start releasing the first title in Autumn 2024). Authors will work in collaboration with the editorial director to perfect their novellas. Because we anticipate the preparation and production to run quicker than a normal publishing schedule we do understand that this might not work for every writer - if you have accessibility needs or a limited schedule, please let us know when you submit. We do not want the timeframe to put off writers who might otherwise want to publish with us. Unlike our normal acquisition process, there is no advance. However, the royalty structure is higher and you should begin earning out straightaway.

  • You can be any nationality but you must reside in the North of England. If you’re a Northerner now living in a different place, we are unable to consider your work for this project.

  • One of Wild Hunt Books main missions is to highlight authors who may otherwise be overlooked. Much of British publishing is concentrated in London and we would like to remedy that.

  • We are seeking short novellas in the 20-25k range.

  • Yes! We are accepting submissions from either agented or unagented writers.

  • The submission portal will be open from 1-21 May 2024. We are only considering manuscripts sent via the portal. Please to do not send by email.

  • Please read below in the Ready to Submit? section. We only accept submissions through our online portal.

  • We hope to widen this project to places like Wales, Scotland and Cornwall.

  • Unlike our normal acquisitions, we are not offering an advance for this project. However, the royalty structure is higher: 15% on RRP (paperback) and 50% on net (ebook). You should begin to earn out right away.

  • Yes! This will outline expectations and the royalties structure, and worldwide rights. You can read more about what publishing with what publishing with us means.

FAQ.

  • We are open to submissions from anyone currently living in the North of England writing in English (but no translations). Please refer to the ACE boundary map.

  • Only short novellas with a word count between 20,000-25,000 words will be considered.

  • Please send a short query letter and a synopsis that runs no longer than one A4 page along with your completed manuscript.

  • All novellas must be original and unpublished, including not previously in newsletters, self-published and blogs. We will not consider or respond to AI-generated work.

  • You must be 18+ years old by the final day of the submission window.

  • At this time, we’re not considering poetry or non-fiction. Nor are we a suitable venue for high fantasy, erotica, and work that is written for children and YA markets.

  • Please format your work to the requirements on the submission page.

  • Anything sent that is bigoted, racist, derogatory and/or mean and vile will be swiftly ignored.

  • You can address any correspondence to the ‘editor’ or ‘Ariell’. Don’t sweat it.

  • Before submitting, please read our Terms & Conditions specifically for this project.

  • The submission portal will be open from 1-21 May 2024. We are only considering manuscripts sent via the portal. Please to do not send by email.

Ready to submit?