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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hot Tree Publishing a vanity publisher?
Is Hot Tree Publishing a vanity publisher?
No.
Hot Tree Publishing is a traditional publisher. We do not charge authors to publish with us, nor do we require authors to purchase services or books as a condition of publication.
Do authors pay for editing, cover design, formatting, or marketing?
Do authors pay for editing, cover design, formatting, or marketing?
No.
Hot Tree Publishing covers the costs of professional editing, cover design, interior formatting, distribution, ISBNs, and standard marketing undertaken by the publishing house.
Do you pay advances?
Do you pay advances?
No.
We do not currently offer advances. Instead, authors receive royalties in accordance with their publishing agreement.
What royalties do authors receive?
What royalties do authors receive?
Royalty rates are outlined in each publishing agreement and vary depending on the publication format.
What genres do you publish?
What genres do you publish?
Hot Tree Publishing is an exclusively romance publisher.
Every story we publish must have a central romantic relationship and a satisfying, emotionally fulfilling ending (HEA or HFN).
We welcome romance across a wide range of subgenres, including (but not limited to):
Contemporary Romance
Romantic Suspense
Paranormal Romance
Fantasy Romance
Science Fiction Romance
Historical Romance
Monster Romance
Sports Romance
Romantic Comedy
Small Town Romance
Mystery Romance
Dark Romance*
New Adult and Adult Romance
We proudly publish stories featuring diverse romantic pairings and identities, including M/F, M/M, F/F, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships. What matters most to us is a compelling romance and a well-crafted story.
*We consider darker romance on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate content warnings where applicable.
Do you accept previously published books?
Do you accept previously published books?
No.
We only accept unpublished works unless we have specifically invited a submission.
Can I submit a manuscript that has been self-published?
Can I submit a manuscript that has been self-published?
No, unless specifically requested by Hot Tree Publishing.
Can I submit to other publishers at the same time?
Can I submit to other publishers at the same time?
Please let us know if your manuscript is under consideration elsewhere.
If your manuscript is accepted by another publisher while under review with Hot Tree Publishing, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible.
Do you accept AI-assisted manuscripts?
Do you accept AI-assisted manuscripts?
No.
Hot Tree Publishing only publishes works created through human creativity.
Generative AI must not be used at any stage of the creative development of a submitted work, including brainstorming, plotting, outlining, beat sheets, scene planning, character development, world-building, drafting, rewriting, summarising, or generating creative content.
Traditional writing tools used for spelling, grammar, proofreading, or formatting are acceptable provided they are not generating or rewriting the creative work itself.
What writing tools are acceptable?
What writing tools are acceptable?
Examples of acceptable tools include:
dictionaries
thesauruses
standard spellcheck
traditional grammar and proofreading software
accessibility tools
These tools may assist with presentation and accuracy but must not generate the creative content of the work.
What happens if AI use is discovered after publication?
What happens if AI use is discovered after publication?
Authors are required to warrant that their submitted work complies with our AI policy.
Failure to comply may result in the rejection of a submission or other action in accordance with the publishing agreement.
Will my manuscript be edited?
Will my manuscript be edited?
Yes.
Every accepted manuscript goes through our editorial process. We work collaboratively with our authors to ensure every book is the strongest version of itself while respecting the author's creative vision.
Will you market my book?
Will you market my book?
Yes—but publishing is a partnership.
Hot Tree Publishing promotes every title through our available marketing channels. We also expect our authors to actively participate in promoting their books through their own platforms, reader engagement, and other reasonable promotional activities. Readers connect with authors, and an author's involvement plays an important role in a book's success.
Who owns the copyright?
Who owns the copyright?
The author.
Authors retain copyright in their work. Publishing rights are licensed to Hot Tree Publishing in accordance with the publishing agreement.
How long does the submission process take?
How long does the submission process take?
Because every manuscript receives individual consideration, response times vary depending on submission volume. We appreciate your patience and ask that you refrain from submitting the same manuscript multiple times.
Do I need to disclose conflicts of interest or endorsements?
Do I need to disclose conflicts of interest or endorsements?
If you publicly promote products, services, or technologies that could reasonably create confusion about your writing or publishing practices, we expect transparency and open communication with the publishing house.
What do you expect from contracted authors?
What do you expect from contracted authors?
We view publishing as a professional partnership. We ask our authors to:
communicate openly and honestly;
meet agreed deadlines where reasonably possible;
behave professionally when representing themselves and Hot Tree Publishing;
actively participate in marketing and promotional activities; and
uphold the integrity and values of the publishing house.
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