FAQ
Everything you might want to know before you knock.
What kind of publisher is JAVAHouse?
JAVAHouse is an independent, traditional small press. We pay our authors a signing payment and royalties, and we cover every cost of making the book. Money flows to the author, never the other way around.
Do you charge authors anything?
No. JAVAHouse never charges authors. No reading fees, no publishing fees, no packages. We cover editing, design, production, and distribution.
Who runs JAVAHouse?
JAVAHouse was founded in 2026 by K.J. Moore, a writer based in Mobile, Alabama. We work with professional freelance editors and designers, and we are building toward a full in-house team as the catalog grows.
Who can submit?
Black American authors living in the United States who write Fantasy or Horror. As a small press, we are focused on growing here at home first. Full guidelines are on our Submissions page.
Does my story have to be about Black history or folklore?
No. Witches, vampires, epic quests, hauntings: if it belongs to Fantasy or Horror, it belongs here. Your story does not need to be about Black history or folklore. It needs to be yours.
Which age categories do you publish?
Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult. We are not publishing middle grade or children’s books at this time.
Do you accept short stories, anthologies, poetry, or graphic novels?
Not at this time. We are focused on novels and novellas for now, and we look forward to growing into new formats.
Do I need an agent?
No. You do not need an agent to submit to JAVAHouse.
Can I submit to other presses at the same time?
Yes. Simultaneous submissions are welcome. If your book is accepted elsewhere, we ask for a courtesy email so we can close your submission.
Will you consider a book I already self-published?
Not at this time. We are only considering books that have not been self-published.
What about a story I have posted online for free?
That is welcome. Stories shared on platforms like Wattpad or AO3 can be submitted. Let us know where it was posted in your query.
How long until I hear back?
Six to eight weeks. You will hear from us either way: a pass or a request for the full manuscript.
Will I get feedback on my submission?
Every submission is read by a real person at JAVAHouse. We try our best to offer feedback, but when submissions are high we are not able to respond personally to everyone.
If you pass, can I resubmit?
Yes. You are welcome to resubmit after four months.
What is your policy on AI?
We do not accept AI-generated writing or art. JAVAHouse does not use AI to create our covers or artwork.
Do you pay an advance?
Yes. Every author receives a signing payment plus royalties. Royalties are paid quarterly, not twice a year like much of the industry.
Which rights does JAVAHouse acquire?
Print, ebook, and audio rights. We also ask for a first look at film and television, meaning we get the first opportunity to discuss an adaptation with you. Film and TV rights stay with you.
Do authors have a say in the cover?
Yes. Authors give feedback at two points during cover development. JAVAHouse makes the final decision.
How much marketing will I be expected to do?
We ask every author to help with marketing in ways that fit their abilities and comfort. You will never be marketing your book alone. JAVAHouse leads every launch.
When is the first book coming out?
We are working toward our debut release in 2027. Join the list to hear first when a date is set.
Where can I buy JAVAHouse books?
Through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Links to every title will live here on our website.
Do you offer signed copies, preorders, or events?
Signed copies and preorders will be available with each release. There are no events scheduled at this time. Follow @javahousepress to hear when there are.
Do your books include content warnings?
Yes. Our books include content warnings where needed, so readers know what they are opening before they begin.
What is the Inkwood Society, and does it cost anything?
The Inkwood Society is a free, interactive story told through monthly letters, original art, and puzzles, created by K.J. Moore. It costs nothing to join. Enter the Society.
How do I request an advance reader copy?
Join our press list. Reviewers, creators, journalists, booksellers, and librarians all receive ARCs and announcements ahead of each launch.
Are you hiring?
We work with paid freelance editors, designers, illustrators, and publicists. All roles are remote. Tell us about your work on our Careers page.
Do you offer internships?
Not yet, but we plan to in the future. Join the list to hear when we do.
Ask us directly
If your question is not here, write to us. We read everything.
javahousemedias@gmail.com