Spark Your Imagination with a Cozy Mystery You’ll Love: Overdue for Murder
23 Jan, 2026
Writers are at the heart of every culture, driving change, claiming their stories, and reshaping the literary landscape for generations to come. At All Girl Publishing Company, we see ourselves not just as a women-led independent publishing house but as champions of your voice, mentors through every creative hurdle, and partners on your journey to publication.
We know firsthand how tough (and thrilling!) the world of storytelling can be. Today, we’re stepping out from behind the manuscript pile to give you an inside look at how we help writers get from brilliant idea to beautifully published book.
Every writer’s path to publication is unique. Still, nearly all of us have felt the sting of uncertainty or rejection. At All Girl Publishing Company, our journey started with a powerful promise: to make publishing kinder, more accessible, and more creative for women, nonbinary, and underrepresented voices. Our founder, Margaret South, drew on years of Hollywood film and storytelling experience to build something different: a hands-on company with heart, intuition, and deep industry insight.
When Margaret transitioned from pitching scripts and getting movies produced to championing unpublished authors, she saw the same three frustrations keep popping up:
● Great ideas, but no clue where to start.
● Stuck in the infamous “Muddy Middle.”
● Manuscripts finished – but feedback that doesn’t help.
We believe guidance shouldn’t end when the first draft is done. That’s why we work closely with every writer, guiding manuscripts from raw inspiration to publish-ready, helping storytellers avoid the most common creative traps.
What sets us apart? For starters, we’re fiercely proud to be a women-led independent publishing house. Our publishing team isn’t just about checking boxes for diversity; instead, we build real relationships with writers, centering creative collaboration at every step.
Our approach means:
● Writers collaborate directly with our editing and feedback team.
● Decisions prioritize the story’s integrity and the author’s vision.
● Authors are supported throughout editing, development, design, and publication.
We know the publishing process can feel lonely. Here, we promise you’ll never feel like just another name in an inbox. Our community is tight-knit, honest, and always cheering each other on.
We meet writers exactly where they are, whether at the starting gate or polishing the last chapter. Our three pathways reflect the typical crossroads every writer faces:
● Unsure how to begin? First, we brainstorm, shape, and organize ideas together.
● Stuck in the middle? Second, we get inside your story and help you push forward.
● Manuscript nearly done? Third, we give robust, actionable feedback to elevate your draft.
From there, we work hands-on to prepare each project for publication. Our editorial process is thorough, honest feedback, zero sugar-coating, and endless encouragement. We know what it’s like to put your story out there, and we handle every manuscript with compassion and expert care.
In launching All Girl Publishing Company, our first book project emerged from years of collaboration. Author Suzanne Lay partnered with Margaret South to co-create and meticulously shape the gripping mystery “Overdue for Murder.” Only after investing in the characters, suspense, and voice did the project move forward to publication. Stories like these set the tone for our mission: invested, deliberate, and always author-centered. Each book is a collaboration, not just a transaction.
We aren’t just about getting books onto shelves; we care about every stage of your journey. That’s why our offerings go beyond page edits:
● Write Like a Girl: Our recurring event brings writers together to workshop ideas, overcome creative block, and deepen craft.
● Manuscript consultations: Margaret offers free 30-minute calls to discuss writing goals, share wisdom, and help guide next steps.
● Ongoing feedback and supportive community: Everything we do is built on real, honest connection.
From our vibrant email newsletter to frequent writing tips on our blog, encouragement is always close at hand.
Step one is simple: reach out! Our submission process is clear, friendly, and never intimidating. Not every story is ready on day one, but we offer guidance to help you get there. Once we take on a manuscript, we invest deeply in development, feedback, editing, cover, and platforming, which are tackled as a team.
We understand each project’s unique needs, and transparency about timelines, marketing, and next steps is our promise.
● Interested writers can email margaretsouthclasses@gmail.com or send a message via our website.
● For those curious about the process, we’re ready to answer every question, big or small.
1. What kinds of writers do you work with?
We love working with women, nonbinary, and underrepresented authors who are passionate about stories that matter, regardless of publishing experience.
2. How long does the publishing process take?
Every project is unique, but after submission, we’ll review your work and outline a detailed timeline so you always know what to expect.
3. Can I get marketing help for my book?
Absolutely! We don’t finish supporting our authors once the book is published. Our team collaborates on marketing strategies tailored to your strengths.
4. Do you accept all genres?
We are open to most fiction and creative nonfiction, especially stories with heart and purpose, but we encourage you to reach out for more info if unsure.
5. What makes your company different from other publishers?
Our hands-on, women-led approach means you’ll never feel lost in the process. Every author becomes part of a supportive creative community.
All Girl Publishing Company is more than a business; it’s a home for brave storytelling. If you’re ready to take the leap, let’s connect and get that story out to the world. Reach us via our website or email for that free, friendly consult. We can’t wait to help you make publishing history!