Publishing support
Publishing and printing serve different needs
Authors seeking editorial consideration and full publishing support should remain within the Publishing section.
Publish with TOMIO
Publishing with TOMIO
Tomio Publishing House works with writers whose work demonstrates originality, substance and the potential to contribute meaningfully to literary and cultural life.
If you are considering submitting a manuscript or discussing a publishing project with TOMIO, the information below explains our publishing interests and how to make an initial enquiry.
Publishing interests
What We Publish
Our interests span established catalogue areas and broader literary forms. These descriptions indicate the kind of work TOMIO may consider; they are not automatic acceptance criteria.
- 01
Fiction
TOMIO may consider literary and contemporary fiction distinguished by a clear voice, strong storytelling and meaningful engagement with individual, social or cultural experience.
Explore Fiction - 02
Short Stories
Short story collections and related short form creative work may be considered where the writing demonstrates coherence, originality and literary quality.
Explore Short Stories - 03
Non Fiction
TOMIO may consider non fiction engaging with social, cultural, historical, educational and intellectual subjects.
Explore Non-Fiction - 04
Poetry
Poetry may be considered where the work demonstrates originality, craft and a clear literary purpose.
- 05
Anthologies
Anthology projects may be considered where they have a clear editorial concept and purpose. This does not indicate that a particular anthology call is open.
- 06
Essays
TOMIO may consider essays that engage thoughtfully with identity, society, history, culture, community, social change and African experience.
- 07
African Literature
TOMIO has a particular interest in work rooted in African experience, culture, society and history while recognising that literature can speak beyond national and regional boundaries.
Explore African Literature - 08
Cultural & Social Commentary
Writing that examines culture, society, identity, history and contemporary experience may be considered where it offers substance and a clear contribution.
Editorial consideration
What We Look For
TOMIO considers each work in context. The qualities below guide editorial attention rather than forming a rigid scoring framework.
Publication decisions consider both the quality of the work and its fit with TOMIO's publishing programme. Quality alone does not guarantee publication.
- 01
Originality
- 02
Literary quality
- 03
Clarity of voice
- 04
Editorial potential
- 05
Cultural or intellectual substance
- 06
A clear intended readership
- 07
Professional presentation
Before you contact us
Manuscript Submissions
A concise, professional introduction helps TOMIO understand the work and decide whether further information may be appropriate. Do not include unnecessary sensitive personal information.
Initial enquiry first
At the initial enquiry stage, introduce your work through the TOMIO enquiry form. If additional manuscript material is required, TOMIO can request it as part of the subsequent discussion.
The public form is text based and does not accept file uploads. Do not email a full manuscript unless TOMIO specifically requests it.
What to include
- Working or final title
- Genre or subject area
- A short synopsis or project description
- A brief author introduction
- Approximate manuscript length
- Whether the manuscript is complete
- Previous publication status where relevant
- Rights or permissions issues already known
- Any other relevant publishing context
Previously published work
If a work has previously been published, contracted or made available elsewhere, include that information in the initial enquiry so the relevant publishing and rights position can be understood.
An indicative journey
Our Publishing Process
The precise publishing journey varies according to the nature and stage of each project. A typical TOMIO publishing process may include the following stages.
- 01
Initial Enquiry
The author introduces the work through the secure Publishing Enquiry or Manuscript Submission route. TOMIO receives the enquiry with its generated reference.
- 02
Manuscript or Proposal Review
TOMIO may request additional information or material where a project appears potentially relevant to its publishing programme.
- 03
Editorial Assessment
Assessment may consider literary quality, originality, relevance, readership, editorial potential and publishing fit. This is not a rigid scoring system.
- 04
Author Discussion
Where TOMIO wishes to explore a project further, it may contact the author to discuss the work, editorial direction, publishing expectations and possible next steps.
- 05
Publishing Decision
Publishing decisions are made after appropriate editorial consideration. An enquiry or manuscript is not an offer, contract or guarantee of publication.
- 06
Editorial Development
Depending on the project, activities may include structural editing, author revision, copy editing and proofreading. Not every project requires every activity.
- 07
Production
Depending on the publication, production may include cover development, typesetting, layout, publication preparation, ISBN administration and print or digital production where applicable.
- 08
Publication
Publication arrangements are developed for projects that TOMIO has decided to publish and will vary according to the work.
- 09
Promotion & Distribution
Depending on the publication, TOMIO may undertake appropriate publication, promotion and distribution activity.
Where TOMIO decides to proceed with publication, contractual and rights arrangements will be discussed separately.
After submission
What Happens After You Contact Us?
- 01The secure enquiry is submitted to TOMIO.
- 02A TOMIO enquiry reference is issued and should be retained.
- 03TOMIO reviews the information provided.
- 04TOMIO may request additional information or material where appropriate.
- 05TOMIO contacts the author where further discussion is required.
Successful enquiries receive a reference in the format TOM-ENQ-YYYYMMDD-XXXXXX. Retain it for future correspondence. It is not an online tracking number.
Review times vary according to the nature of the enquiry and project. TOMIO does not currently publish a guaranteed response or publication timeframe.
Rights guidance
Rights & Permissions
Rights enquiries may concern permission to reproduce TOMIO material, extracts, translation, adaptation, educational use, licensing or another rights matter.
Rights enquiries are considered according to the rights held by TOMIO and/or the relevant author or other rights holder. This practical guidance is not legal advice and does not set legal terms or licensing fees.
Material supplied by authors
Prospective authors should identify known third party material where permission may be relevant.
- Photographs
- Illustrations
- Long quotations
- Lyrics
- Maps
- Other copyrighted material
General print work
Need printing without a publishing project?
Customers who already have materials or need general commercial print work can use the separate TOMIO Printing Services area.
Explore TOMIO Printing ServicesDetailed guidance
Continue with the information you need
Manuscript Submissions
Read the full initial enquiry guidance before introducing a manuscript or publishing project.
Read Manuscript Submission GuidanceRights & Permissions
Review the information needed for reproduction, translation, adaptation, educational use or another rights request.
Rights & Permissions GuidancePublishing FAQ
Questions from prospective authors
What types of work does TOMIO publish?
TOMIO's interests include fiction, short stories, non fiction, poetry, anthologies, essays, African literature, and cultural and social commentary. Each project is considered in relation to its quality and fit with the publishing programme.
How do I make a publishing enquiry?
Use the secure Contact form and select Publishing Enquiry. Introduce the work and provide the practical information requested on this page.
Should I send my full manuscript immediately?
No. At the initial enquiry stage, introduce your work through the TOMIO enquiry form. If additional manuscript material is required, TOMIO can request it as part of the subsequent discussion.
What information should I include in my initial enquiry?
Include the title, genre or subject, a short synopsis, a brief author introduction, approximate length, completion status, previous publication information and any known rights matters that are relevant.
Does submitting an enquiry guarantee publication?
No. No submission or enquiry guarantees publication. Publishing decisions are made after appropriate editorial consideration and assessment of publishing fit.
How will I know my enquiry has been received?
A successful enquiry receives a TOMIO reference. Retain that reference and quote it in future correspondence. It is not an online tracking number.
Can previously published work be considered?
If a work has previously been published, contracted or made available elsewhere, include that information in the initial enquiry so the relevant publishing and rights position can be understood. This is not a blanket prohibition.
How long does the publishing process take?
Review and publication times vary according to the nature and stage of each project. TOMIO does not currently publish a guaranteed response or publication timeframe.
How do I make a Rights & Permissions enquiry?
Use the secure Contact form and select Rights & Permissions for reproduction, extract, translation, adaptation, educational use, licensing or another rights matter.
Have a manuscript or publishing project to discuss?
Introduce your work through our existing enquiry form.