✦ Est. MMXXVI · Children's & Adult Fiction ✦
McGuffinPress
A small forward-thinking traditional press with big attitude.
Because every great story needs a McGuffin.
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A small forward-thinking traditional press with big attitude.
Because every great story needs a McGuffin.
"We do not charge authors for reads, edits, or illustrations. We offer a small advance."
McGuffin Press was born from a simple conviction: great stories deserve a champion. We are a small, forward-thinking traditional press that bets on authors and illustrators who have something genuine to say.
We publish children's books and adult fiction with equal passion — believing the best storytelling transcends age. Whether a picture book a child carries into adulthood, or a novel that returns a grown reader to wonder.
No reading fees. No hidden costs. Just honest editorial partnership and attention that respects the work.
Being an author has been a rewarding experience. I have been a student, a mentor, a critique partner, and a published author — done book fairs, signings, and author school visits. Through it all, I have learned a great deal.
While I bid the sun farewell as it sets on the "actively writing" chapter of my life, I write a new chapter — helping the sun rise for fellow authors and illustrators. I want to carve a path for their success.
Onto the next! Allow me to introduce McGuffin Press.
Three principles that govern every manuscript we read, every author we sign, every book we send into the world.
We never charge for manuscript reads, editorial notes, or illustrations. We only win when you do.
A small advance. We're a small press — we say that clearly. What we lack in scale we make up in dedication.
Children's books and adult fiction chosen because they have something genuine to say. Great storytelling has no age limit.
The voices behind our books — writers who trusted us with their stories.
Born in California and now adventuring through Arizona, Lorraine Hawley is a retired paramedic and licensed nurse. A fantasy author, she delights in stories where courage, friendship, and self-discovery collide. Author of Curious World of Dandy-Lion, Lorraine hopes to ignite wonder and share magic with readers everywhere.
Visit Website →Our next author will be announced soon. Stay tuned for an exciting addition to the McGuffin Press family.
The artists who bring our stories to life — because in a picture book, illustration is half the soul.
Jocie Salveson believes the world is her blank canvas. Born and raised in North Dakota, she's lived in Germany and Japan, and now resides in the Pacific Northwest. She brings her imagination and creativity wherever she goes — one can make art anywhere, and that's what she intends to do!
Visit Website →
Mark Sean Wilson attended the Walt Disney School of Animation and Platt College for Graphic Design, graduating in 2002 with honors. In his 25 years of creating he has generated a vast portfolio spanning logos, storyboards, film editing, technical illustration, and children's books.
Visit Website →Our first title, Cusp Born by Lorraine Hawley, arrives April 14, 2026. More titles to be announced.
Collector's editions, signed copies, and limited runs — for readers who want something truly extraordinary.
A stunning hardback collector's edition of Lorraine Hawley's middle-grade fantasy — featuring cover art and illustrations by Jocie Salveson.
Coming SoonA beautifully illustrated map of the Zodiac Realm from Cusp Born — rendered in stunning detail by illustrator Mark Sean Wilson. A must-have for fans of the series.
Coming SoonStay tuned — more limited editions, signed copies, and collectible releases are in the works.
Get Notified"We look forward to hearing from you — and to reading every word you send."
McGuffin Press accepts children's books (picture books through middle grade) and adult fiction. No reading fees. No hidden costs.
We offer a small advance commensurate with our small press budget. Transparency from the first query.
Electronic submissions only. Include a query letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or complete picture book text.
"These are the stories we lie awake dreaming about."
Stories where young heroes discover courage they didn't know they had.
Whimsical, warm, and wonder-filled. Stories that help children feel seen.
Literary fiction with heart. Stories about ordinary people in extraordinary moments.
Stories driven by curiosity, exploration, and the thrill of finding something new.
Books written by those with lived expertise — bringing authentic authority to the stories they tell.
Book launches, readings, signings, and giveaways.
Join our mailing list for book giveaways, release announcements, author spotlights, and secrets we share only with our most devoted readers.
Limited editions, special printings, and McGuffin-branded goods — for readers who believe every great story deserves a place on the shelf. Secure payments powered by Square.
A hardback Cusp Born with UV spot cover. Limited quantities — the kind of thing that becomes an heirloom.
Purchases are processed securely through Square. All major credit and debit cards accepted.
Giveaways, new releases, author spotlights, and secrets we share only with our most devoted readers.
Giveaways for subscribers every quarter. No strings, just stories.
Be the first to know when a new McGuffin Press title arrives.
Behind-the-scenes stories from the writers and illustrators we champion.