After focusing heavily on producing our mid- and backlist titles into audio during the end of 2020, Black Lyon Publishing is very actively seeking queries with the goal of greatly expanding our print catalog in 2021 as we did during the first 10 months of 2020. Specific areas of interest in 2021 are:

45,000-85,000 words in all catagories.

TRUE CRIME: Please see our recently released true crime titles as examples of the quality of work we're seeking for this line. Cases should be well researched legally and in terms of character/psychology of all involved. Focus on high profile cases is encouraged, but not required.

SPIRITUALITY: Sample topics might include the mysteries of ancient civilizations, near death experiences, angelic experiences, soul connections, quantum physics, kundalini, spiritual awakenings, healing, etc.

TRAVEL: We're looking for unique travel guides with a specific interest in well-known (or even obscure) tourist destinations focused on around historical events, buildings, myths or lore. These guides might be perfect for onsite gift shops, or fans who have developed a fascination with the location. Cities, regions, and countries are also of interest.

ROMANTIC ADVENTURE: 60,000-90,000 words. Unlike our other fiction categories, the romance is not the core of the story. The story should revolve around the adventure and be supplemented by a secondary romance between a hero and heroine. Think Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Da Vinci Code (and works by Dana Lyons.) Series ideas welcome.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: 45,000 - 65,000 words. There's nothing like a good romance novel with attractive characters, and we don't just mean physically. Heroes and heroines in Black Lyon contemporary romance novels have personality and depth of character. Heroines can come from all walks of life and have all sorts of interests. Settings should preferably be in America. Rural or urban - it doesn't matter. Traditional contemporary heroes such as businessmen and cowboys are welcome in our contemporaries, as are most other heroes. We accept fictional rockstar or moviestar heroes if the character does not demonstrate the lifestyle often associated with those professions. Sexual tension is vital, but we do enjoy sweet romances in the contemporary line. Manuscripts should not contain swearing beyond "damn" or "hell." Happy endings are mandatory. Manuscripts containing infidelity, abuse, addiction or similar behavior on the part of the two main characters will be rejected. Stories should be written in third-person and above all, be romantic. Readers should remember that feeling of falling in love simply by reading one of these books.

PARANORMAL ROMANCE: 60,000 - 80,000 words. Black Lyon paranormal romance heroes and heroines have elements in their personalities that set them apart from everyday people while still being firmly grounded in modern society. These paranormals should have a dark, sensuously gothic feel in addition to the romance element. Immortals, vampires, werewolves, mermaids, twisted fairy tales, Roman gods - whatever tickles your fancy as long as the characters are darkly creative and seductive. These are not sweet romances. Steamy sexuality is acceptable for this line, but keep in mind that this is not erotica, either. Happy endings are mandatory. Settings can be anywhere in the world - in exotic locales or in the characters' own backyards. Manuscripts containing infidelity, abuse, addiction or other offensive behavior on the part of the two main characters will be rejected. Stories should be written in third-person and above all, be romantic. Series ideas welcome.

HISTORICAL ROMANCE: 65,000 - 85,000 words. Unique heroes, but also standard heroes such as nobility or pirates work well in our historicals. Heroines should be bright and independent, yet believable given the time period. Settings include England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, though other exotic settings are definitely encouraged if well done. While settings in the 1000-1600 AD range are preferred, other timeframes are also accepted. Sexuality should be appropriate to the storyline. Happy endings are mandatory. Manuscripts containing infidelity, abuse, addiction or other offensive behavior on the part of the two main characters will be rejected. Stories should be written in third-person and above all, be romantic.