For Authors
The Shelf: a free directory for LitRPG series
The Shelf is a reader-facing directory of LitRPG, GameLit and progression fantasy series. Readers browse it to find their next series. Authors list there for free.
[SYSTEM] Zone unlocks January 2027
What The Shelf is
- One listing per series: the cover of Book 1, a two-line hook, the number of books, whether it is complete, and whether it is in Kindle Unlimited.
- A link straight to Book 1 on your retailer page. We don't sit between you and the reader.
- Sorted by what readers actually search for: crafting, dungeon core, system apocalypse, cultivation, cozy, comedy and so on.
When it opens
Free listings open in January 2027. If you want a note when submissions open, email us and we'll add you to the list for that one announcement.
What it costs
| Option | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Free listing on The Shelf | Free | Opens January 2027 |
| Featured listing (top of a category page) | Paid | Coming later. Not open yet |
| Newsletter spotlight in the Second Shift letter | Paid | Coming later. Not open yet |
We will only open paid options once our reader list is big enough for them to be worth your money. Prices will be posted here before anyone is asked to pay.
Our rules
- Every paid placement is labeled Sponsored, on the site and in the newsletter. Always.
- Free listings and paid placements meet the same standard: a real LitRPG or progression fantasy series with a finished Book 1 that is on sale.
- Paying never buys a review, a rating or a "best of" claim.
- If a paid placement doesn't run, you get your money back.
Pitching a series to Second Shift Books
Have a finished LitRPG series looking for a publisher? Send a short pitch. We read and answer every one, but we are not offering contracts yet and can't promise a timeline.
Contact
Email [email protected]. A real person answers.