The Benchmark Group LLC Writer's Guidelines

For The Young Writers Series 

Types of Books We Publish: Fiction and nonfiction. Our books will be available through many bookstores, but they are actively marketed to teens in Christian schools and home-schooling environments with conservative values. We will not publish anything that contains or promotes profanity or morally questionable situations. Though our books aren't all overtly Christian, they are decent, honest, and non-discriminatory to race, creed, color, or religious origin. Our books will not proselyte or in any way promote a particular denomination over any other. Neither will we publish any book that suggests that any religious cult is to be accepted or promoted.  

Types of Authors We Want: We want talented young writers who speak clearly to their generation. Following the guidelines doesn't necessarily mean that you will have a publishable manuscript that will be accepted. Some things can be taught about writing, but we believe that there is a definite gift that all good writers have. We are looking for the best young writers we can find. Our editors will have final say about whose work we publish. (If it comes to our attention that one of our authors or a potential author is involved in any immoral or illegal situation that is of their own choosing, we have the right to pull their published book(s) and/or to not publish what is being considered.) 

Author's Age: Our authors must be between 13-19 at the time of publication.  

What to Send: We prefer to see a book proposal in MS Word sent attached to an e-mail with "your last name submission" in the subject line. With submission of any proposal, include contact information for yourself and parent or legal guardian including e-mails, street addresses, and phone numbers. In your book proposal, please include: 

1)  A 3 to 5 paragraph summary of the whole book, including its purpose, anticipated length (word count), and estimated time of arrival for the complete manuscript if it is later requested.

2)  A 1 to 2 paragraph synopsis of each planned chapter and a sample chapter to show your writing style.

3)  Some biographical info about yourself and any other information that you think we should know. If your book is chosen to be published, we will ask you to help with marketing it by providing information, including potential endorsers (well-known people with whom you're acquainted who might be willing to lend a blurb), potential channels for promotional efforts, and organizations with which you have a relationship that would be willing to help market the book.  

Format Your Book Proposal: Use all double-spacing with no extra lines between paragraphs unless to indicate a change of scene. Indent the first word to indicate paragraphs, 12 point size, and Times New Roman font. Only use italics for emphasized words, words from another language, dream scenes, or thoughts. Don't use different fonts for different speakers or unusual graphics in your manuscripts. Use spell check and make it as error-free as possible. 

Actual Manuscript Word Count:  Manuscripts must be no more than 42,000 words. The Young Writer Series is published in soft cover and in various sizes from 96 pages to 176 pages, so your word count can be less than 42,000 but no more than that.  

Originality: Make sure all material is completely yours--not co-written with any other person, regardless of age. If you use historical backgrounds, your facts need to be accurate. You also must make sure that you have not inadvertently used verbatim material from reference or other books or copyrighted material. You can use research material, but reword it completely in your own words to make it a part of your book.  

Author/Publisher Interaction: All authors who are invited to submit full manuscripts for consideration must sign and abide by a Confidentiality Agreement, along with their parents or legal guardians, until the author is twenty-one (21).  The parents or legal guardians of authors or potential authors who are minors will be notified of conversations and e-mails between Benchmark and the minor. As publishers/editors, we expect respect and professional behavior from each author and potential author, as we deal with each author and potential author in a respectful and professional way. 

The Benchmark Group LLC is very excited about this opportunity to do what no one else is doing and publish literature authored by young writers. We are praying God's highest blessings on this endeavor, and we trust our authors to do the same because without His blessing we will not be successful. We encourage our authors and potential authors to share appropriate information about their publication and other publications by The Benchmark Group LLC. 

We're ready to work very hard with you and for you to help you make a mark in the publishing world. Are you ready to do the hard work necessary to make that happen? 

Vicki Huffman

Senior Editor/VP

The Benchmark Group LLC

e-mail: Benchmarkgroup2@aol.com