Our submission guidelines
Gecko Press publishes 16-20 books each year, and 85 percent of these are books translated from other languages. This means we only publish a very small number of original titles, most by New Zealand authors and illustrators. Very occasionally, we commission original cover illustrations.
We only accept submissions if your work is recommended to us by an agent, manuscript assessor or book industry contact or if you have been previously published.
We are currently not accepting any international submissions unless through an agent.
If you do not fit these criteria, you may not hear a response to your submission.
Submission instructions
If your work fits the criteria above and you would like to make a submission, please follow
these guidelines:
Manuscripts by post: typed, double-spaced, with a wide margin and all pages numbered.
Illustration samples by post or iIllustrators may send a link to a portfolio.
Your manuscript or illustrations should be accompanied by:
1. A cover letter, including your email address.
2. A list of any previous work you have had published, awards you have won and relevant background information about you.
3. If appropriate, samples of illustrations (not originals).
4. Self-addressed pre-paid packaging, if you wish to have your material returned. If you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope, your submission will be destroyed.
Please note that Gecko Press does not carry insurance for submitted manuscripts, so always keep a copy of your work.
Post manuscripts to:
Editor
Gecko Press
PO Box 9335
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
What happens next?
We will email you an acknowledgement within ten days of receiving your submission.
We do not offer a response or feedback on unsuccessful submissions—this is because our feedback would be by necessity shallow and therefore not helpful. For a full assessment try the NZAMA (New Zealand Association of Manuscript Assessors).