We’re thrilled that you’re interested in submitting an eBook idea to Ella Publishing Co.! Please read through this short guide to help you understand what we’re looking for and how to format your eBook proposal. When you're finished, email it to submissions@ellapublishing.com with "eBook Idea" in the subject line.
_{Note: To submit layouts or article ideas for our online magazine, Scrapbook Ellaments, click here.}

Choosing Your Topic

Ella Publishing Co. is always looking for creative, fun, well-written books that will appeal to scrapbookers of all levels. We currently publish an average of one title per month, and we work several months in advance (that means if you have a time-sensitive topic, plan ahead!). We are especially open to unique ideas in the following broad categories:
Because our books are currently 30 pages or less, one of the most important elements of a successful submission is choosing a narrow, yet interesting, topic. For instance, a title like "Design for Scrapbookers” is much too broad, while “20 Ideas for Scrapbooking About Amphibians” is perfect (if a little lame)! When in doubt, go narrow!

What We Need

To evaluate your proposal, we DON’T need (or want!) a finished document with all your images and photographs completed. What we DO need is a carefully thought-out topic, some background information, and a good sense of your familiarity with and enthusiasm for the project. Remember, you’re selling us on YOU as much as you are selling us on your topic. Even if we can’t use your proposal right now, we’ll remember excited, talented people and keep you in mind for the future.

The Process

When you email us your proposal, you'll receive an automated confirmation email letting you know it was received. Each proposal is then reviewed by our editorial board (that is, Angie and Lain). If we believe your proposal will fit in our catalog, we will contact you with assignment details.

Publishing FAQs

How can I increase my chances of being published?
The best way to increase your odds of publication is to review our current titles and choose a topic that is a natural companion to what we’re already offering. Pick something that is appealing to YOU personally, as your enthusiasm for the project is the number-one predictor of its success! Follow all our submission guidelines, and remember that while we are a professional publishing company, we are crafters too and we want to be inspired, educated, and entertained—just like our readers do.

Do I need to complete my manuscript and/or all my projects before submitting them to you?
No! In fact, we discourage authors from completing the book before they’ve gotten the go-ahead from us. Sometimes we need to tweak a topic a bit to make it narrower, broader, or different from another book we’re currently working on.

Do I need to be a professional photographer/writer/designer to have my book accepted?
While professional qualifications always help, you do NOT need to be a “professional” to be an Ella author. In some cases, we can match your skills with a professional who can assist you in the process. NOTE: You do need to have some level of expertise about your topic to be selected to write a book about it. For instance, if you propose a book on photography, you must at least be an accomplished amateur photographer.

Do you pay your authors?
Yes! The amount we offer depends on professional qualifications, the length of the book, and several other factors.

Do I need to be a scrapbook “celebrity” to write for Ella Publishing Co.?
Absolutely not. We are eager to receive proposals from ANY scrapbooker. We’d much rather work with an “unknown” author with a true passion for her subject than a “celebrity” who views the project as just another notch in her design team belt.

Do you work with international authors?
Definitely! We’d work with intergalactic authors if they had good ideas.

I followed all your guidelines and my idea still wasn't chosen. Why?
We’ve been on the submitting end before and know that rejection can really hurt. So please know that your proposal was carefully considered. The main reason proposals are rejected is that the topic does not fit our current needs, not that it was a bad idea. We publish an average of 12 titles a year, and that means that unfortunately, we have to turn down most proposed ideas. Remember that a rejection of a topic is NOT a rejection of YOU. Please try again!

What if I have an idea for a book but I don’t want to or can’t write it?
Have an idea for a book you’d love to read? Please send it to submissions@ellapublishing.com, again with "eBook Idea" in the subject line, and just clarify that you're not offering to author it.

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Proposal Guidelines

Please complete the following questions in a word-processing document and email it as an attachment to submissions@ellapublishing.com. Please include "eBook Idea" as your subject line. You may also include up to three visuals that demonstrate your scrapbooking style. Include "Book Proposal” as your subject line.

The Usual
Name
Email
Address
Phone Number

About Your Proposal
What is the proposed title for your book?
In 100 words or less, describe what your book is about.
Why would scrapbookers want to read about this topic?
Do you have any ideas about how you plan to organize your content?
Describe the types of images (layouts, projects, etc.) that would accompany your text.

About You
Why should YOU be the person to write this book?
Why do you scrapbook?
How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
Who are your scrapbook inspirations?
What makes you laugh?
What’s your biggest scrapbooking challenge?
What one thing do you want us to know about you?
When working on a project, do you prefer to have many small deadlines and check-ins with your project manager, or do you just want everyone to leave you alone until you’re finished? (No wrong answer here!)