Airlift Publishing

For authors

Your story is ready before you think it is.

We've published first-time authors with no agent, no platform, and no idea where to start — just a manuscript that needed to exist.

“I'd been turned down by six agents. Airlift read the full manuscript and came back with actual notes, not a form rejection. That alone changed how I thought about my book.”

— Cecelia M.

Author, Still Here, Still Praying

“I didn't have a platform. I didn't have an agent. I had a story I needed to write. That was enough for Airlift.”

— David K.

Author, Frequency of Grace

“The process was transparent and respectful from the first email. They told me exactly what they needed and exactly how long it would take.”

— Priya N.

Author, The Quiet Return

Submission guidelines

What we're looking for

We accept manuscripts across four categories. Read each carefully — we give every submission a real read by real humans.

The Devotion Wing

Devotionals & Faith Planners

Scripture-centered planners, prayer journals, daily devotionals, motherhood-and-faith books, and family devotional guides. Explicitly Christian in voice and theology — not interfaith. We love first-time authors here.

15,000–60,000 words or planners/journals with structured daily content

The Awakening Wing

Healing, Growth & Intuition

Books about healing after loss or burnout, energy and frequency practices, intuition development, and personal spiritual growth. Universal in spiritual language — not explicitly religious. Clear, specific promises over vague uplift.

25,000–80,000 words

Wonder for Kids

Children's Books & Craft Titles

Picture books and early-reader titles that teach kindness, curiosity, and wonder. Also grammar and writing guides for adults. Illustrated manuscripts must include a description of intended artwork style.

Picture books: 300–1,000 words · Chapter books & craft: 15,000–50,000 words

Memoir & Essay

Spiritual Memoir & Personal Essay

First-person accounts of faith, healing, survival, and becoming. We look for writing that is specific and honest rather than broadly inspirational — the exact details of a particular life, not universal platitudes.

40,000–90,000 words

Readiness checklist

Is your manuscript ready to submit?

Most submissions that don't advance aren't bad manuscripts — they're manuscripts that needed three more weeks. Use this list before you hit send.

  • The manuscript is complete (or the proposal includes 3 full sample chapters)
  • You've read it aloud at least once and fixed everything that made you wince
  • You can answer "who is this for, specifically?" in one sentence
  • You have a 1–2 sentence description of the book that isn't your life story
  • It fits one of the four Airlift categories above
  • You're genuinely okay with editorial feedback if we request changes before accepting

Submit your manuscript

We read everything we receive.

No agent required. No platform required. Just a completed manuscript or solid proposal, and a reason you had to write this book.

Response time: 8–12 weeks. We respond to every submission.

Submit your manuscript