Please study our categories to make sure your manuscript fits with the criteria of our list. Because of the incredible volume of e-mail queries and manuscript submissions it is simply not possible to give a personal response to every individual who sends us his or her work. We do look at everything that we receive and if we feel your query or submission is pertinent for our publishing program, we will contact you. If you have queried us or submitted a manuscript (which we do not encourage without an invitation in response to your query) and you have not heard back from us within eight weeks, please understand that your query or manuscript is not appropriate for our publishing house. We would love to be able to answer each and every one of you individually however that is simply not possible. We wish you the best of success with your work and thank you for your interest in Inner Traditions and Bear & Company.

In order to make the review process more efficient for prospective authors and for our editorial staff, we have prepared a list of requirements for authors who are submitting work. Please include the following when presenting a proposal:

1) A BRIEF LETTER THAT INCLUDES A SHORT SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK

a) The letter should be no more than two pages long and should tell how your manuscript contributes to its field and what makes it unique.
b) As specifically as you can, tell us who the audience is for your book.
c) Give a brief biography of yourself, noting especially any specific qualifications for writing your subject.

2) A TABLE OF CONTENTS, INTRODUCTION AND SAMPLE CHAPTER(S)

There is no need to send a complete manuscript unless it is specifically asked for. Proposals including the above materials are reviewed much faster than thick manuscripts sent unsolicited.

3) WE CANNOT RETURN PROPOSALS OR MANUSCRIPTS UNLESS THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE STAMPED WITH SUFFICIENT POSTAGE.

Some prospective authors write or e-mail a query letter before sending a proposal. This is a good idea and can save time and postage, especially when you are not familiar with the books we publish. A list of our seven imprints follows, please read these before sending us a query letter or proposal.

Note-do not send manuscripts via e-mail unless invited to do so after initial query.

If you have questions that have not been addressed above regarding our submission guidelines, please check out our frequently asked questions page. If the question is not covered there, please DO NOT call the acquisitions editor; send a query letter to our submissions department at the above address. Your query letter should provide enough information about your work that the acquisitions editor can make an informed decision and contact you for further details.

Books on Eastern and Western philosophy, psychology, and metaphysics—particularly works that draw from the world's spiritual traditions.

Books on ancient wisdom, new science, visionary fiction, Western thought, indigenous traditions, Maya studies, extraterrestrial consciousness, and complementary medicine.

Books for kids that feed the growing mind, body and spirit.

Books on popular occult topics with original, substantive content that the reader can readily apply to his or her own life.

Books on alternative medicine and holistic health, including titles on natural foods, cooking, and self-help.

Books on spirituality and self-transformation especially for young adults.

Books on travel, psychology, consumer and environmental issues, women's and men's studies, and New Science. While this imprint is directed to a wider audience than are the other three imprints, it focuses on subjects that enhance our understanding of the world in which we live and that improve our quality of life.