How to contribute
Save the Novel is a collection of letters from readers to the authors of the books that changed their lives. Here is how to send yours.
Draft rules — S.E. to finalize.
- What is a Save the Novel letter?
- A personal letter or essay addressed to the author of a book that changed your life. Not a review — a reckoning. Tell them what their book did to you.
- How long should it be?
- Roughly 600–1,200 words. Long enough to do the book justice, short enough to read in one sitting. We edit gently for length, never for voice.
- One book, or several?
- One letter, one book. If three books changed your life, send three letters.
- What do you need from me?
- The book’s title and author; the name you want printed; and your favorite independent bookstore (with a link) — every letter points readers somewhere they can buy the book new. A link to your own site or Substack is welcome if you have one.
- Can the author be dead?
- Yes. The letters are for any book that changed you. The pledge — no used books from living authors — is how we look after the writers who are still with us.
- What happens after I submit?
- We read everything. If we’d like to publish your letter, we’ll write back — we’re publishing reader letters now, and one featured letter goes out to the mailing list each month.