Call for modern crime and detective fiction manuscripts, Dutton Guilt Edge Mysteries (Penguin Group)

Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries was a pulp imprint that published hard-boiled noir detective fiction from 1947 to 1956. The imprint published eighty-two novels in ten years, including noir icon Mickey Spillane, whose first seven Mike Hammer novels were published under the Guilt Edged logo.

To commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of Dutton’s publication of I, The Jury (1947), Dutton is relaunching the Guilt Edged Mysteries program in Summer 2012 as a digital imprint. The program will be dedicated to discovering and publishing original crime short stories and novellas as eBooks. Each month, DGE will publish a modern work between ten thousand and fifty thousand words that has a sharp, fresh voice and captures the noir spirit in an exciting, imaginative, and modern way.

SUBMISSIONS

Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries is looking for original works of modern crime and detective fiction between ten thousand and fifty thousand words that have a fresh voice and capture the noir spirit in an exciting, imaginative way. Is that your story? Please submit!

To submit your work, please fill out this form in its entirety and e-mail it with your submission to duttonguiltedged[at]us.penguingroup.com. The subject line should read "DGE: [your title]/[your name or pen name, if applicable]." Your short story or novella should be formatted as a Word document (.doc) and attached to the e-mail. We are only accepting e-mailed submissions at this time.

Please note that careful attention to the submission guidelines will help us consider your submission and respond to your e-mail in a timely fashion. We look forward to reading your work!

Author FAQ

What is Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries?

From 1947 to 1956, Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries was a pulp imprint that published hard-boiled noir detective fiction, including noir icon Mickey Spillane, whose first seven Mike Hammer novels were published under the Guilt Edged logo. Relaunched in 2012 as a yearlong Penguin eSpecial imprint, the program will be dedicated to publishing original crime short stories and novellas as eBooks.

What are we looking for in a publication?

Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries is looking for original works of modern crime and detective fiction between ten thousand and fifty thousand words that have a fresh voice and capture the noir spirit in an exciting, imaginative way.

How do I submit my work?

Please send submissions to duttonguiltedged[at]us.penguingroup.com. The subject line should read “DGE: [your title]/[your name or pen name, if applicable].” Attached to the e-mail should be a completed submission form and your story or novella. Please format your work as a Word document (.doc) and leave the body of the e-mail blank. Only e-mailed submissions will be accepted at this time. Careful attention to the submission guidelines will ensure that your work is considered and that you receive a timely response.

When will I get a response?

You will hear back from us within three weeks of your submission date (possibly longer if the office is closed for more than two consecutive days, such as over the Christmas holiday).

What happens if my novella is selected for publication?

If your novella is selected for publication, first of all, congratulations! You will now be in contact with a Guilt Edged editor, who will explain payment and rights information. Your story will then be edited and copyedited for eBook publication, available wherever eBooks are sold.

Will I get rich publishing with Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries?

We pay an advance of a nickel a word against industry standard royalties. If your eBook catches on in a major way there is money to be made (and we might even publish a physical book).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: duttonguiltedged@us.penguingroup.com

For submissions: duttonguiltedged@us.penguingroup.com

Website: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/duttonguiltedged/index.html