Shared-World Series Rules

Write Together. Build a Connected Literary Universe.

Kepressng Publishing invites submissions for its Shared-World Series programme—collaborative publishing projects in which multiple authors write standalone novels set within a unified world, timeline, and series framework.

Each novel is independently complete, yet contributes to a broader, interconnected story universe shaped by shared history, recurring locations, thematic catalysts, and coordinated worldbuilding.

This initiative is designed for authors who are comfortable writing within structured creative guidelines while still developing original characters, romantic arcs, and compelling standalone narratives.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Participation in a Shared-World Series is a professional publishing collaboration.

Selected authors will receive access to detailed worldbuilding documents, continuity guidelines, and series-specific frameworks. All contributors are expected to write within established parameters while maintaining their own creative voice.

Selection is highly competitive and limited to available author slots per series.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT (STRICT)

To apply, authors must meet the following requirement:

  • Applicants must have at least one previously published long-form fiction work (self-published or traditionally published accepted if verifiable).
  • AI-generated manuscripts or AI-written published works are not permitted for submission or evaluation.
  • Any submission found to be substantially AI-generated without disclosure will be automatically disqualified.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are not required to submit a completed manuscript at the initial stage.

Instead, submissions must include the following:

1. Series Selection

Clearly indicate which Shared-World Series you are applying for.

Multiple applications are allowed, but each series requires a separate submission package.

2. Story Concept Proposal

Submit a structured proposal including:

Working Title

Your proposed novel title.

Main Characters

Brief descriptions of key protagonists and significant supporting characters.

Romance Trope

If your proposal form does not include a designated trope field, you must include your chosen romance trope(s) in your cover letter.

Examples include:

  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Second Chance Romance
  • Forbidden Love
  • Fake Relationship

Story Premise

A concise overview of the narrative and central romantic arc.

Conflict Overview

Outline internal and external conflicts affecting the romance and plot progression.

Estimated Word Count

Projected manuscript length.

Shared-World Integration

Explain how your story aligns with the series catalyst, setting, and worldbuilding framework.

3. Writing Sample

Submit ONE of the following:

Option A

The first three chapters of your proposed manuscript.

Option B

A 3,000–5,000 word excerpt from a completed long-form fiction work demonstrating your ability to write within the genre.

4. Author Biography

Provide a professional biography (maximum 250 words) including:

  • Published works (mandatory at least one long-form fiction title)
  • Writing experience and credentials
  • Genre focus
  • Relevant achievements or recognitions

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Originality and strength of concept
  • Writing quality and narrative control
  • Character depth and emotional engagement
  • Understanding of romance genre conventions
  • Ability to collaborate within a structured shared world
  • Alignment with the series catalyst and world framework

AUTHOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Selected authors must agree to:

  • Follow all series bible and worldbuilding guidelines
  • Adhere strictly to deadlines and delivery schedules
  • Participate in collaborative planning and editorial discussions where required
  • Maintain continuity with established canon and shared-world rules
  • Accept and implement editorial feedback in good faith
  • Communicate professionally throughout the project lifecycle

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & RIGHTS

Authors retain copyright over their individual manuscripts unless otherwise specified in a formal publishing agreement.

By participating, authors grant Kepressng Publishing the necessary rights to:

  • Publish and distribute their work as part of the Shared-World Series
  • Market and promote the series across platforms
  • Use approved excerpts for promotional purposes
  • Integrate works within the broader series branding and universe

All detailed contractual terms, royalties, and rights arrangements will be provided upon selection.

GROUNDS FOR REJECTION

Submissions may be rejected if they:

  • Do not meet submission requirements
  • Fall outside the scope of the selected series
  • Demonstrate insufficient writing quality
  • Contain plagiarism or copyright infringement
  • Include hate speech, discriminatory content, or harmful material
  • Are substantially AI-generated without disclosure
  • Do not align with Kepressng Publishing editorial standards or values

Current Open Series

Fantasy Romance Series

Setting: Africa-inspired fantasy kingdom
Minimum Word Count: 90,000 words

Catalyst

A thriving kingdom faces an imminent succession crisis. Three competing prophecies emerge—each pointing toward different heirs, destinies, and interpretations of divine will. As spiritual leaders, royal factions, and communities interpret the prophecies differently, political tension rises across the realm.

Author Opportunity

Authors are invited to explore romance unfolding amid:

  • Political power struggles
  • Prophecy interpretation and fulfilment
  • Spiritual rituals and belief systems
  • Cultural traditions and community pressure
  • Competing visions of destiny and leadership

Romances should be deeply integrated into the unfolding political and spiritual landscape of the kingdom.

Historical Romance Series

Setting: Nigeria
Time Period: 1960 (Independence Era)
Minimum Word Count: 70,000 words

Catalyst

Nigeria stands on the threshold of independence in 1960. Political uncertainty, national optimism, cultural identity shifts, and colonial withdrawal create intense social and emotional upheaval across communities.

Author Opportunity

Authors are expected to explore how love:

  • Survives under political pressure
  • Is reshaped by cultural transition
  • Is challenged by identity, class, and tradition
  • Intersects with real historical events

Each novel should focus on one primary romance trope, explored deeply within the historical context.

Contemporary Romance Series

Setting: Modern-Day Nigeria (Kaduna–Port Harcourt–Obudu Mountain Resort)
Minimum Word Count: 70,000 words

Catalyst

A cartographer from Kaduna travels to Port Harcourt to collaborate on a mapping project linked to the restoration of the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort. During this period, her friend launches a bold initiative offering free residency opportunities to 25 couples, unintentionally setting off a chain of romantic, emotional, and social entanglements within multiple communities.

Author Opportunity

Writers are invited to create standalone romance stories rooted in:

  • Modern Nigerian urban and rural life
  • Cultural identity and regional diversity
  • Community relationships and social pressure
  • Unexpected romantic opportunities shaped by shared spaces and initiatives

Stories should remain grounded in contemporary emotional realism.

Christian Romance Series

Setting: United Kingdom (Multicultural Church Community)
Minimum Word Count: 70,000 words

Catalyst

An orthodox church retreat in England is disrupted by a major organisational mishap, triggering a chain reaction of events including youth ministry discussions, pastoral training tensions, new converts’ classes, and a developing scandal involving a senior pastor, a reverend and a nosy novi.

Author Opportunity

Authors are invited to explore:

  • Faith-driven romantic relationships
  • Redemption and forgiveness arcs
  • Spiritual growth and moral conflict
  • Community dynamics within church settings
  • Emotional healing through faith and relationships

Stories should remain respectful, character-driven, and grounded in contemporary Christian life.

FINAL NOTES

Please ensure all application materials are complete before submission. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

Kepressng Publishing is committed to discovering exceptional storytellers and building a vibrant, collaborative publishing ecosystem. We welcome diverse voices, strong narratives, and authors who are excited to contribute to a shared creative world.

We look forward to your submission.

Pages, Stories, Memories.

Kepressng Publishing

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