Larrikin House love character driven stories that help kids see themselves in a joyful and positive light. We enjoy quirky stories that push boundaries and challenge stereotypes.

On 1 June 2026 Larrikin House will open the submissions portal for 24 hours.

We are accepting:

• Picture books (ages 3-8) no more than 400 words (complete)
• Middle grade fiction (ages 9-13) no more than 1000 words (sample)
• Young Adult fiction (ages 13+) no more than 1000 words (sample)
• Adult commercial fiction no more than 1000 words (sample)
• Illustrator portfolios.

We are not accepting graphic novels or junior fiction at this time.

Before submitting, please read and follow the guidelines. Submissions will only be accepted via this website portal, not via email. 

You can also access ON DEMAND workshops including how to submit a manuscript.

Only ONE manuscript per creative will be accepted. 

We try very hard to get back to all creatives, but this depends on the number of submissions we receive.

If you haven’t heard from us after 3 months, please understand that we won’t be moving forward with your manuscript.

Other ways you can submit a manuscript:

1. Join one of our Pitch Parties or Larrikin House events.
2. Invest in a manuscript assessment or mentorship program, where you get the chance to submit anytime.
3. Via an agent. 
4. If you book a pitch or assessment with us at a conference.  
5. If you’ve been published with us in the last 2 years, you can submit a manuscript to us directly. 
6. We may request a manuscript. 

We understand how difficult it  can be to wait for a response. We support all creatives; aspiring, emerging, and established. 

However the story has to not only be commercial, it has to fit into the larrikin brand and include a subtle message that educators and parents will love.

If you’re interested in the process, keep reading…

1. All manuscripts are considered.
2. If a manuscript is considered on brand and well-written it will go into acquisitions.
3. We may ask the creative to re-write aspects of the manuscript or have a chat with them.
4. A final decision is made about publication. 

• Brand is everything to Larrikin House. Familiarise yourself with our latest and best-selling titles and their authors/ illustrators. 
• Engage with us at literary festivals.
• Learn about the industry by attending workshops, festivals and joining associations and writing groups.
• Follow Larrikin House and their authors/ illustrators on social media.

• Getting to know us through a School of Larrikins workshops, including our ON DEMAND videos. 
• A 1:1 manuscript assessment with Dani Vee
• A Pitch Party
• Other writing/ industry courses with trusted providers 

• Know our brand and what we are publishing right now.
• Characters are everything. Make them interesting through story, plot, banter or dialogue. Think about how they might push boundaries or challenge current stereotypes.
• Include a hook in your title and first spread. What’s your problem? What’s at stake?
• Can kids see themselves in your story, and will they feel better about themselves after reading it?
• Is your story commercial?
• Does your story have a subtle message?
• Is your story fun, funny, quirky or unique?
• Work hard on your manuscript. Write several drafts, deliberate over it, and make it the best piece of work you can before submitting. 
• If you’re writing in rhyme, ensure your rhyme, meter and rhythm are top notch, and you minimise near rhymes. 
• What’s the buy in for the kid? Why will kids want to read this story again and again?
• We love the unexpected!
• Consider using contemporary names for characters.
• Respect the craft, don’t send your first draft!

Please note – manuscripts may not be read if formatting guidelines are not followed.

1. Include your name and email address in the header.
2. Name your document ‘TITLE – YOUR NAME.’
3. Begin with a clean version of your manuscript with brief illustration notes kept in the margins.
4. If including a bio, please include it after the manuscript. It should be no more than 250 words and only include previous traditionally published works and/ or your involvement in the industry.
5. All manuscripts should be double spaced, font 12, using Arial or Times New Roman.

Due to the high volume of manuscripts we receive, we may not be able to reply to all creatives. 

You will hear from us if we are interested in taking your manuscript to acquisitions.