How much do freelance writers get paid?

Our freelance writers get paid anywhere from $1.00 for poetry submissions up to $10 for articles above 1,000 words in length. See our freelance guidelines for more details.

How can I become a Freelance writer/editor for Ellechor?

How do I submit my work or suggest a manuscript idea for Ellechor?

We only accept completed manuscripts for review.

To submit a completed manuscript, please use the form on the Submit Manuscript page

Here is what we'll need:

1. Create and attach a Chapter Outline (annotated table of contents). Include chapter titles, plus a 4- or 5-sentence summary of each chapter.
   • Use MS Word or RTF friendly formats only, no PDF files.
   • This gives the scope of the book at a glance-where you start, where you end, how you transition in between.
2. Prepare your manuscript with a very straight forward format in MS Word (i.e. Arial, single-space, 11-pt, normal margins).
   • Sometimes authors "fancy" up their manuscripts by laying it out in book format, etc. But it's a waste of time- yours and ours-because we simply have to strip everything out and reformat before we can begin to work with it.

Once we have your proposal/ms in hand, it goes through our Product Review Process that looks over all incoming manuscripts. At the reviewers recommendation, we may send it in for evaluation and presentation at the next Book Committee (meets approximately every two weeks), which is the group that makes publication decisions.

Submit online: Use the form on the Submit Manuscript page

Submit by snail mail:

Rochelle Carter
Acquisitions Dept.
P.O. Box 5489
Beaverton, OR 97006

*If submitting via snail mail, please note that we do not return any materials submitted for consideration. Our preferred method is for you to submit via our Website.

How do I format a manuscript for publishing consideration?

1. Create and attach a Chapter Outline (annotated table of contents). Include chapter titles, plus a 4- or 5-sentence summary of each chapter.
   • Use MS Word or RTF friendly formats only, no PDF files.
   • This gives the scope of the book at a glance-where you start, where you end, how you transition in between.
2. Prepare your manuscript with a very straight forward format in MSWord (i.e. Arial, single-space, 11-pt, normal margins). Nothing fancy, please.

Can I submit my manuscript simultaneously?

Since our review process is shorter than most other publishing houses (3-4 weeks for initial feedback), we prefer that you do not submit your work simultaneously.

If you have submitted your work elsewhere, please indicate when you Submit Online

What Is Ellechor Publishing Most Interested In?

We are especially interested in manuscripts that deal with practical Christian living in the modern world, that nurture the spiritual and physical life and shows the rational (not just scriptural) basis for denominational distinctions. This does not need to be in a "preachy" manner, we pride ourselves on the QUALITY of our authors. If you feel you have a suitable novel and are willing to work with our editors to make requested changes, then please submit your work anyway.

We need books that deal with the questions and issues of contemporary Christian youth. Frequently these take the form of a narrative: a skillful writer can weave ethics, morality, and age-old truths through the plot of a story. Christ Himself taught through stories. 

We have a growing market for books slanted toward women's concerns and toward the needs of singles and Youth in the church. 

We can always use relevant manuscripts on doctrinal, inspirational, and theological subjects. We need manuscripts on Christian witnessing and on marriage and family concerns. We are looking for manuscripts that discuss nature, scientific issues, reasons to believe, social problems, health, how-to's, even humorous topics all with a Christian slant, of course.

We are not interested in Bible revisions, sermon compilations or materials better suited for Church guides/handbooks/schools.

Does Ellechor focus on any special markets?

While we target a broad spectrum of buyers, several special markets attract our attention. We are looking for manuscripts for the secular inquirer, the nominal Christian, and today's Christian woman.

Agewise, we try to publish books for preschool, young adult, and adult readers. 

As a wise author, you will carefully target your manuscript to one of these age-specific audiences, keeping vocabulary, style, and content appropriate for that particular readership.

Do you welcome unsolicited manuscripts?

What will Book Editors do to my manuscript?

You and your editors form a team. In cooperation with you, their decades of experience will increase the value of your book.
Editors provide the little finishing touches that authors would have done themselves if they hadn't been so familiar with every word of the manuscript that they couldn't see what needed polishing.

 The editors are on your side! They want the readers of your book to say "Wow! What a fantastic writer!" The editors don't get the credit--and don't want it. Their job is to make you shine. Here are some of the things your editors will do to your manuscript:

• Change most of your passive verbs to the active voice.
• Occasionally select more concrete nouns and verbs.
• Eliminate most of the "to be" verbs.
• Rework awkward sentences, vary sentence structure, and correct spelling and grammar.
• Rearrange chapters, pages, or paragraphs if the flow of logic demands it.
• Delete repetitious or irrelevant material.
• Check logic and facts, updating if necessary.
• May even do a little basic research on the topic, and may also write to you concerning your interpretation of a doctrine or a Scripture passage. 

1. Evaluate your sample chapters;
2. Offer suggestions for your manuscript, if it looks interesting;
3. Occasionally suggest other publishers, if your manuscript does not meet our current needs. 

How long will it take to evaluate my manuscript?

The preliminary evaluation of a manuscript usually takes up to 3-4 weeks, after which we notify the author of our initial interest. After that, we try to report our final decision to the author within two months, depending on:

1. When the next Book Committee meeting occurs
2. The availability of evaluators 
3. The type of readers required (consulting a specialist takes time)
4. The current schedule and workload in the Book Editorial and Marketing Departments.

What do evaluators look for when reading a manuscript?

They look for top quality writing that grabs readers and won't let them go. In a story they look for character development, for motivation of characters, for interesting plots. Stories with "pat" solutions are not right for today's readers.

We receive many conversion stories, mission stories, and biographies of unknown people. Far too often these manuscripts are not written for a specific audience. Frequently there is no plot or plan that moves to a logical climax and that touches the reader's heart.

One common problem in doctrinal or practical manuscripts is a lack of illustrative stories. For example, a manuscript on the techniques of soul-winning without case studies is bound for rejection.

If you want your manuscript to be accepted, it should entertain, inspire, and inform. We do not usually think of religious books as being entertaining, but if they are boring they will not be read. You should write with a flair that is fun to read. The language should sparkle. Throw in a bit of holy humor.

More important, you must inspire. Your readers should find themselves moved to action and motivated to live a better life. One way to do this is with stories that model the desired behavior.

Finally most important of all is information. A high new-information content is important. This is not easy to achieve; it requires research and hard work. You should make a contribution to the field. We regularly reject manuscripts that are simply a rearrangement and restatement of old principles.

You need several types of information: authoritative statements (from inspiration and from experts), anecdotes from personal experience and the experience of others, and empirical data (research studies, etc.). Without this richness of data your thesis will not be convincing.

In the end, evaluators must ask themselves Why should EPH invest the thousands of dollars required to publish this manuscript?

What happens if you reject my manuscript?

The Acquisitions Editor will notify you in writing or via email, depending on your submission method. Please don't take this personally; remember that all writers--even experienced ones--get rejection slips. Some runaway best sellers have been rejected many times.

You should fight off discouragement and:

1. submit your manuscript elsewhere;
2. reevaluate your topic, content, and style;
3. read some of the most current books on proper writing techniques, and study the marketing needs of different publishers.

*Please do not submit accepted or rejected manuscripts to our contests, they will be automatically disqualified.

Why do you reject a manuscript?

Any one of the following provides sufficient cause for rejection:

1. The style is amateurish; content lacks depth.
2. It tells, but does not show. It speaks in abstractions, instead of using concrete examples and descriptive narration that involves the senses of the reader.
3. It is poorly organized.
4. The manuscript has a wrong slant--that is, the wrong approach and presuppositions.
5. It has doctrinal problems.
6. The publishing costs would be too high because of length, expensive art work, or other factors.
7. It does not zero in on a particular audience.
8. Our market for this manuscript is too small. Ellechor is unlikely to publish a book unless we believe we can sell at least 1,000 copies.
9. It duplicates material already in print by Ellechor.
10. It does not pique the imagination of our evaluators.

What happens if you accept my manuscript?

We will notify you of the Book Committee's decision. After final acceptance based on an analysis of the market and cost of publication, we will send you a contract to sign and a check for advance royalties.

Who is Responsible For Getting Permission to Use Quoted Material?

You are. That's part of the contract. You must get written permission to use all poems and songs (even single lines) and extended quotations not covered by "fair use." Usually, permission to cite a poem or song requires a fee, which you are responsible for paying.

Under the present copyright law, determining fair use is not always simple. Your editor will let you know what items need copyright permission.

How Much Will I Get to Say About How My Book Will Appear?

Ellechor Publishing assumes all responsibility for designing your book, though we welcome your comments and suggestions. Our Book Packaging Committee will develop an attractive cover with a winning title for your book that begs the reader, "Pick me up. Buy me."

Another committee decides on such points as whether your book will be hardcover or paperback, its size, the number of inside illustrations (if any), and the kind of paper and material used. We want the book to reflect the message inside. Our business depends upon satisfied purchasers and happy authors.

How Long Will I Have to Wait to See My Book in Print?

On average we try to release books within a year of acceptance. However, the process can take up to two years, which is normal for most publishers. Many factors affect publication time.

Will I Get Free Copies of My Book?

Yes, you will receive 5 complimentary copies when we release your book for sale. You may also arrange through the Operations Department to buy at a special discount as many copies of your book as you wish for personal use.

Terms of the special discount are spelled out in your contract, so please refer to your contract prior to putting in a request.

How Much Will I Earn From My Book?

Royalty rates are typically set between 10-15 percent of the wholesale cost of the book for soft cover, and 12-17 percent for hardcover. Royalties go up by 2% percent once 5,000 copies are sold and by 4% once 10,000 copies are sold. Rates are less for certain high-volume items such as devotionals. 

Royalty checks are sent out at least once a year in the first quarter.

There is no charge to you at any time in this process. You don't pay us; we pay you.

Can I Get Rich by Publishing a Book?

Well, yes- in a way. You will have the satisfaction that comes from bringing inspiration to others and building up the church. Your knowledge base will expand. You will experience the thrill of accomplishment that comes from human creativity. Finally, the personal responses from readers will lead to new friendships; and friends are true riches.

Do you only accept work from Adventists?

We accept any well-written manuscripts that meet general Christian fiction guidelines, including no gratuitous violence and no graphic sex scenes.

How do I apply for a job or internship at Ellechor?

Our internship opportunities can be found HERE

Our current job opportunities can be found HERE