Submission Guidelines
About Lyon’s Lair
Lyon’s Lair is a curated reading app dedicated to exceptional writing. We are not an open upload platform. Every title in our library has been hand-selected based on one simple standard: does the writing stop you in your tracks?
We believe that great writing announces itself immediately. It is present in the first sentence, the first page, and every page after. It does not ask for patience or context — it simply grabs you, and refuses to let you go.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for writing that is genuinely, undeniably good — regardless of genre, format, or subject matter.
We evaluate every submission the same way a reader does: we read the back cover, the opening page, and a passage from somewhere in the middle. What we are waiting for is the moment we stop skimming and start reading — the moment the writing earns our full attention without asking for it.
If that moment doesn’t come in those three places, it isn’t the right fit for our platform.
This is not a reflection of effort, ambition, or heart. Some writers have an ineffable quality that is difficult to define and impossible to manufacture. We are looking for that quality. We will know it when we see it.
Please be advised that we accept less than 10% of submissions.
In the event that you are not accepted, please don’t take it as suggesting that you aren’t meant to be an author. Writing is hard work! It simply means that your writing isn’t a good fit for us at this time.
Genres We Accept
We accept submissions in the following genres:
Literary Fiction, Contemporary/Upmarket, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Historical Fiction, Humor, and Other.
Poetry
We accept poetry, but we are exceptionally selective. We look for work that demonstrates genuine craft, intentionality, and emotional precision. A poem should earn every line break. Emotional authenticity alone is not sufficient — the language itself must be doing something remarkable.
What We Do Not Accept
We do not accept:
- AI-generated content — in whole or in part. Submissions found to contain AI-generated writing will be permanently disqualified and the author will be removed from consideration for future submissions.
- Erotica
- Plagiarized work — submission constitutes a guarantee that the work is original and entirely your own.
Accepted Formats
We accept Novels, Novellas, Novelettes, Short Stories, Serials, Comics/Graphic Novels, and Poetry. Note that in the case of poetry, it must be a poetry collection rather than a single poem.
Formatting & Submission Requirements
- Accepted file formats: PDF, EPUB, CBZ (comics)
- Please include a back cover blurb of no more than 150 words
Rights
By submitting your work, you grant Lyon’s Lair a non-exclusive license to display your work on our platform. You retain full ownership and copyright of your work at all times. We do not claim any rights beyond display on our platform.
Response Time
We aim to respond to all submissions within 30 days. Due to volume, we are unable to provide individual feedback on submissions that are not selected. Please do not follow up before the response window has passed.
Resubmission Policy
We do not encourage resubmission of declined work. In rare cases where we see exceptional promise, we will proactively invite an author to revise and resubmit. Uninvited resubmissions of previously declined work will not be reviewed.
Multiple Submissions
Authors may submit one work at a time. If your submission is declined, you are welcome to submit a different work after 90 days.
Withdrawal
If you wish to withdraw a submission under consideration, please contact us at [email]. We will confirm withdrawal within 3-5 business days.
We read everything. We are rooting for you. You got this.