Independent Book Publishers Accepting Submissions
Every independent publishing house below was checked on its own website in October 2026: who is open, who needs an agent, what to send and how long replies take.
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
88publishing houses checked
55open to submissions now
58take authors without an agent
16 wksmedian reply time
Indie publishers accepting submissions
Independent houses that read work sent directly by authors.
- 1
Kensington
Genre fiction and narrative nonfiction from a New York independent that welcomes unagented, hybrid and indie authors.
Reply: About 12 weeks
- 2
Bluemoose Books
Literary fiction from writers anywhere, with or without an agent.
Reply: About 24 weeks
- 3
McFarland
Academic and general-interest nonfiction; no agent needed and no cost to publish.
Reply: About 4 weeks
- 4
Baen Books
Science fiction and fantasy novels through an online form, no agent or query needed.
Reply: 39 to 65 weeks
- 5
Hurst
Serious nonfiction on current affairs, history and politics, by email proposal.
Reply: Not stated
- 6
Sutherland House
Narrative nonfiction from new and experienced authors in Toronto.
Reply: Not stated
- 7
Albert Whitman
Picture books, middle grade and young adult by email with a cover letter.
Reply: About 24 weeks
- 8
Nine Arches Press
Full poetry collections during its open windows, with no fee.
Reply: About 12 weeks
All Independent publishers
Filter by what you write and how you want to submit. Open publishers come first; every card shows when we last checked it.
No publishers match all of these. Try removing a filter.
Independent publishing companyAlbert WhitmanChildren's, Fiction, IndependentPark Ridge, Illinois, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Albert Whitman & Company has an open submissions policy for unagented authors. Email picture books, middle grade or young adult manuscripts with a cover letter. Simultaneous submissions are fine, and silence after six months means no.No agent neededSend: Cover letter in the email and the full manuscriptEmail+1 more24 wks replyest. 1919View profile →Independent publishing companyAnnick PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Annick Press is open to children's book submissions by email, with no agent needed. Picture books send the full manuscript; middle grade and young adult send the first chapter and a synopsis; nonfiction sends a sample chapter and outline. It cannot reply to every submission individually.No agent neededSend: Varies by age group, with a cover letterEmailReply time not statedest. 1975View profile →
Small pressArsenal Pulp PressChildren's, Art and Photography, ComicsVancouver, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Arsenal Pulp Press reads unsolicited submissions by post only. Send a synopsis, a chapter outline for nonfiction, your credentials, a 50-page excerpt and a marketing analysis; it requests the full manuscript if interested. Replies take up to six months, and simultaneous submissions are fine. It does not take poetry or genre fiction.No agent neededSend: Synopsis, credentials, 50 pages and marketing notes by postPost+1 more24 wks replyView profile →
Mid-sizeBaen BooksFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, IndependentWake Forest, North Carolina, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Baen Books is open to unagented science fiction and fantasy novels through its online form. Send the complete manuscript with a synopsis in one .rtf file; no query letter is needed. It prefers 100,000 to 130,000 words. Replies take 9 to 12 months by its submit page, or 12 to 15 by its FAQ.No agent neededSend: Full manuscript + synopsis in one .rtf fileOnline form, Post39 to 65 wks replyest. 1983View profile →
Independent publishing companyBerrett-KoehlerBusiness, Independent, NonfictionOakland, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Berrett-Koehler is open to unagented proposals for business and general interest books that drive positive change. You upload a proposal with a chapter by chapter outline on its proposals page or send it by email, and it aims to reply in 4 to 6 weeks.No agent neededSend: Proposal with chapter outline as a PDF, by upload or emailOnline form, Email4 to 6 wks replyest. 1992View profile →Independent publishing companyBig Sky PublishingChildren's, History, IndependentNewport, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Big Sky Publishing is open only to complete adult nonfiction manuscripts in history, military history and true crime, with no agent needed. You email a synopsis, sample chapters or the full manuscript and an overview. Its fiction and children's lists are closed to submissions.No agent neededSend: Synopsis + 4 chapters or full manuscript + overview by emailEmail8 to 17 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyBirlinnChildren's, Academic, FictionEdinburgh, Scotland, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Birlinn takes nonfiction, sport, children's and academic proposals from authors without an agent, by email. Its Polygon fiction imprint is closed to unsolicited work. Replies take up to three months.Some imprints unagentedSend: A synopsis and sample material by emailEmail12 wks replyest. 1992View profile →
Small pressBlairFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, HistoryDurham, North Carolina, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Blair is open to unagented nonfiction proposals by email. Fiction, memoir and poetry come in only through its free contests on Submittable, and the Lee Smith Novel Prize reopens November 15, 2026.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction proposal by email; other genres via free contestsEmail, Submittable+1 moreReply time not statedView profile →
Small pressBluemoose BooksFiction, Independent, Literary fictionHebden Bridge, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Bluemoose Books is open to literary fiction from writers anywhere, with or without an agent. Email a covering letter, the first three chapters and a synopsis in one file. It replies within 24 weeks only if it wants more.No agent neededSend: Covering letter, first three chapters and synopsis in one fileEmail24 wks replyest. 2006View profile →
Independent publishing companyCasemateNonfiction, Academic, HistoryPennsylvania, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Casemate Publishers takes military history proposals from authors without an agent through an online form. It does not want full manuscripts or modern fiction, and it aims to update you within two months.No agent neededSend: A proposal through its online form; no full manuscriptOnline form8 wks replyest. 2001View profile →
Independent publishing companyChicago Review PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, HistoryChicago, Illinois, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Chicago Review Press is open to nonfiction proposals by email at frontdesk@chicagoreviewpress.com, with no agent needed. Send a summary, synopsis, bio, outline and a few sample chapters, ideally the first three. Simultaneous submissions are fine. It no longer accepts fiction and says it never asks authors for payment.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction proposal with sample chapters by emailEmail+1 moreReply time not statedest. 1973View profile →
Mid-sizeChronicle BooksChildren's, Art and Photography, CookbookSan Francisco, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Chronicle Books is open to adult nonfiction proposals, including cookbooks, by email; its children's submissions are closed. Send one file under 5MB with a one-page cover letter, sample content, a readership analysis with comparable titles and a bio. Allow six months; it replies only if interested.No agent neededSend: One file: cover letter, samples, readership and bioEmail+1 more24 wks replyView profile →
Small pressClarity PressNonfiction, History, IndependentAtlanta, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Clarity Press accepts email queries for nonfiction on global justice, human rights and geopolitics. Send a synopsis, bio and annotated table of contents to claritypress@usa.net. The Atlanta press replies only if interested.No agent neededSend: Email query with synopsis, bio and annotated TOC; no attachmentsEmailReply time not statedest. 1988View profile →
Independent publishing companyCrown House PublishingNonfiction, Academic, BusinessCarmarthen, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Crown House Publishing takes book ideas from authors without an agent: email a pitch of up to 300 words. It publishes education, coaching, therapy, business and personal growth titles and tells unsuccessful authors.No agent neededSend: A pitch of up to 300 words by emailEmailReply time not statedView profile →
Traditional publisherDalkey Archive PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionDallas, Texas, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Dalkey Archive Press is open to unagented writers. You email a query letter with a sample or the full manuscript to toberead@deepvellum.org, and replies can take up to a year. It focuses on literary and experimental fiction, so confirm the current guidelines on its site before you send.No agent neededSend: Query plus sample or manuscript by email, file under 5MBEmail+1 more52 wks replyest. 1984View profile →Independent publishing companyDundurn PressFiction, Business, HistoryToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Dundurn Press is open to nonfiction, literary fiction and mystery or thriller submissions by email, prioritizing Canadian authors. Nonfiction sends a proposal with two or three chapters; fiction sends the full manuscript, a literary CV and a one-page synopsis. It does not take graphic novels, children's, YA or poetry right now.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction proposal or full fiction manuscriptEmailReply time not statedest. 1972View profile →
Independent publishing companyECW PressFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, IndependentToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026ECW Press is open to submissions by email, with no agent needed. Fiction and poetry are for Canadian authors only; nonfiction is open to writers of any citizenship. Send a cover letter, brief bio and a 15 to 25 page sample, plus an outline for nonfiction. No reply within four months means no.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, bio and 15 to 25 page sampleEmail16 wks replyest. 1974View profile →
Independent publishing companyEerdmansChristian, Academic, Children'sGrand Rapids, Michigan, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Eerdmans is open to unagented authors. Adult proposals go by email to submissions@eerdmans.com, with a fuller reply within about eight weeks where possible. Children's books go to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers by post only, and it replies only if interested within four months.No agent neededSend: Adult proposal by email; children's hard copy by post to EBYREmail+1 more8 wks replyest. 1911View profile →Independent publishing companyFloris BooksChildren's, Independent, Middle gradeEdinburgh, Scotland, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Floris Books, in Edinburgh, takes proposals through an online form only for adult nonfiction connected to the Steiner-Waldorf or anthroposophical communities. Its Kelpies children's list is closed to general submissions and reads work only from set groups, such as Scottish BPOC Writers Network members and literary agents.Some imprints unagentedSend: Online form: bio, proposal, contents and sample chaptersOnline form12 wks replyest. 1976View profile →
Small pressFord Street PublishingChildren's, Comics, IndependentAbbotsford, Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Ford Street Publishing is open to printed manuscripts by post from Australian authors and illustrators. You post the entire manuscript or a portfolio, and replies can take up to six months. Submitting is free; its paid manuscript assessment service is optional and separate.No agent neededSend: Full printed manuscript or portfolio by post, with SSAEPost+1 more26 wks replyView profile →Small pressFrederic C. Beil, PublisherFiction, History, IndependentSavannah, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Frederic C. Beil does not accept unsolicited manuscripts but reads queries by mail with a stamped return envelope. The Savannah publisher covers history, biography and fiction and also offers an assisted self-publishing service.No agent neededSend: Query letter by mail with SASE; no unsolicited manuscriptsPostReply time not statedest. 1982View profile →
Independent publishing companyFremantle PressChildren's, Art and Photography, Diverse and BIPOC voicesFremantle, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Fremantle Press is open now for children's and YA books, nonfiction and portfolios, with fiction opening 1 November to 12 December 2026. It takes work from Western Australian authors or on strong WA subjects. You submit through Submittable, and there is no fee.No agent neededSend: Manuscript + 200-word synopsis, bio and readership via SubmittableSubmittable10 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyGoose Lane EditionsFiction, Art and Photography, IndependentFredericton, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Goose Lane Editions is open to fiction and nonfiction through its website form, mainly from Canadian writers. Send one file with a cover letter, previous publications, a synopsis and a 30 to 50 page sample. Replies take 6 to 8 months. Its icehouse poetry imprint reads Canadian poets from April 1 to June 30.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, credits, synopsis and 30 to 50 pagesOnline form+1 more24 to 32 wks replyest. 1954View profile →Small pressGray & CompanyNonfiction, History, IndependentCleveland, Ohio, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Gray & Company is open to proposals for nonfiction about Cleveland, Northeast Ohio and Ohio. Email an outline, sample text, audience and bio to editorial@grayco.com. It takes no fiction and does not guarantee a reply.No agent neededSend: Outline, sample text, audience and bio by emailEmailReply time not statedView profile →Independent publishing companyHaymarket BooksNonfiction, IndependentChicago, Illinois, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Haymarket Books is open to nonfiction proposals from authors without an agent through Submittable only. Send one file with a cover letter, a detailed author bio, a chapter outline and up to two sample chapters. It takes no fiction, poetry, children's books, dissertations or AI-written proposals.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, bio, outline and up to 2 chaptersSubmittableReply time not statedest. 2001View profile →
Independent publishing companyHeydayNonfiction, Art and Photography, Diverse and BIPOC voicesBerkeley, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Heyday is open to unagented nonfiction about California and the American West. You email a query or proposal to editor@heydaybooks.com with "Heyday" in the subject line, or send it by post. There is no submission fee, though art and photography books usually need outside funding.No agent neededSend: Query or proposal with one sample chapter, by email or postEmail, Post12 wks replyView profile →
Independent publishing companyHouse of AnansiFiction, Independent, Literary fictionToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026House of Anansi is open to unagented fiction and nonfiction through its online portal, prioritizing Canadian citizens, residents and eligible Indigenous writers. Send a pitch letter, a synopsis of up to 250 words, a CV and the manuscript or proposal. Replies take 4 to 6 months. Poetry is full until 2030 and memoir is paused.No agent neededSend: Pitch letter, synopsis, CV and manuscript or proposalOnline form+1 more16 to 24 wks replyest. 1967View profile →
Independent publishing companyHurstNonfiction, Academic, HistoryLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Hurst Publishers takes proposals for serious adult nonfiction straight from authors by email. It specialises in current affairs, history, politics, Islamic studies and conflict, and asks for a proposal of at least 1,500 words.No agent neededSend: A proposal of at least 1,500 words with sample chaptersEmailReply time not statedest. 1969View profile →Independent publishing companyIntellectAcademic, Art and Photography, ComicsBristol, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Intellect Books, an independent academic publisher in Bristol, reads proposals on its Author Questionnaire, with an Editor Questionnaire for edited collections. It is best known for the visual and performing arts and media studies. Gold open access is an option with a fee; its HammerOn Press imprint reads radical nonfiction by email.No agent neededSend: Completed Author or Editor QuestionnaireReply time not statedest. 1984View profile →
Independent publishing companyKensingtonFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HistoryNew York, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Kensington Publishing has an open submission policy and works with unagented, hybrid and indie authors. Email a query only, in the body of the email with no attachments, to submissions@kensingtonbooks.com. Allow at least three months; no reply means it is not a fit. It does not take children's, YA, poetry, short stories or AI-written work.No agent neededSend: Query only, in the email body; no attachmentsEmail12 wks replyest. 1974View profile →Independent publishing companyLlewellynReligion and Spirituality, Health, IndependentWoodbury, Minnesota, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Llewellyn Worldwide is open to proposals and complete manuscripts from authors without an agent, by email or post. Send a proposal with a cover letter, outline, audience, comparable titles and three sample chapters. It wants practical books on topics such as astrology, tarot, meditation and alternative health, and does not publish fiction or memoir.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 3 sample chapters, or full manuscriptEmail, PostReply time not statedest. 1901View profile →
Independent publishing companyLuath PressFiction, History, IndependentEdinburgh, Scotland, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Luath Press is open to unagented submissions, but only on paper by post. Send a synopsis of up to 250 words, your genre, sample chapters or the full manuscript and a short bio to its Edinburgh office. Luath aims to reply within a year.No agent neededSend: Synopsis, sample chapters or full manuscript and bio by postPost52 wks replyest. 1981View profile →
Small pressLuna PressFiction, Academic, Fantasy and Sci-FiEdinburgh, Scotland, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Luna Press Publishing, in Edinburgh, has closed its fiction submissions, but its academic imprint, Academia Lunare, reads proposals all year. Academic authors email a proposal saying whether the book is written yet and its rough word count. Luna publishes only speculative fiction and scholarship about it.No agent neededSend: Academic proposal with rough word countEmailReply time not statedest. 2015View profile →Independent publishing companyLynne Rienner PublishersAcademic, Independent, NonfictionBoulder, Colorado, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Lynne Rienner Publishers is open to scholarly book proposals by email at bookproposals@rienner.com. It publishes academic books in politics, the social sciences and the humanities. Internal review of a proposal takes about three weeks.Send: Proposal with TOC, abstracts and CV by emailEmail3 wks replyest. 1984View profile →
Independent publishing companyMcFarlandNonfiction, Academic, HistoryJefferson, North Carolina, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026McFarland is open to queries, proposals and finished manuscripts from authors, with no agent needed and no cost to publish. Email proposals@mcfarlandpub.com or send by post. Queries are usually answered within days and full proposals within about a month. It does not publish children's books or cookbooks.No agent neededSend: Query, proposal with 1 or 2 chapters, or manuscriptEmail, Post4 wks replyest. 1979View profile →
Independent publishing companyMicrocosm PublishingNonfiction, IndependentPortland, Oregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Microcosm Publishing is open to pitches for DIY nonfiction from unagented authors. Pitch through the online form on its FAQ page with your reader payoff, three comparable Microcosm titles and a section-by-section outline. Do not send a manuscript.No agent neededSend: Pitch with comps and outline via online form, no manuscriptOnline formReply time not statedest. 1996View profile →
Independent publishing companyMountaineers BooksNonfiction, Art and Photography, CookbookSeattle, Washington, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Mountaineers Books is open to proposals from unagented writers for outdoor recreation, adventure travel and conservation nonfiction. Send a full proposal by email or mail, or email a query letter first if you are unsure about fit. It replies within about three months, and there is no fee to submit.No agent neededSend: Full proposal + 4 sample chapters by email or mailEmail, Post13 wks replyest. 1960View profile →
Independent publishing companyNew HarbingerNonfiction, Health, IndependentOakland, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026New Harbinger Publications is open to psychology and health self-help proposals by email, with no agent needed. Send a cover letter, a detailed table of contents and two sample chapters. Replies take two to three months. It generally does not accept authors who live overseas.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, detailed contents and two sample chaptersEmail8 to 12 wks replyest. 1973View profile →
Small pressNine Arches PressPoetry, Diverse and BIPOC voices, IndependentWest Midlands, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Nine Arches Press is open to full poetry collections until midnight GMT on 31 October 2026, through Submittable only. Send a sample of twenty poems in one document and a short bio. There is no fee. Replies come at least 12 weeks after the window closes, and simultaneous submissions are not allowed.No agent neededSend: Twenty poems in one document + short bioSubmittable12 wks replyest. 2008View profile →Independent publishing companyOneworldChildren's, Academic, FictionLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Oneworld Publications is open to nonfiction proposals from authors without an agent. Fill in its nonfiction form and email it to submissions@oneworld-publications.com. All fiction, including its Point Blank, Magpie and Rock the Boat lists, is closed for now.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction proposal form by emailEmailReply time not statedest. 1986View profile →Small pressOvercup PressNonfiction, Independent, TravelPortland, Oregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Overcup Press is open to nonfiction queries from unagented authors through its online submissions form. Send a query letter about the work, your background and any publication credits. There are no fees, and the press asks for a proposal if the book fits.No agent neededSend: Query letter via online submissions formOnline formReply time not statedView profile →
Small pressOwlet PressChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesLeamington Spa, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Owlet Press, an independent publisher in Leamington Spa, takes children's book submissions by email. Its picture book list is full, and it most wants graphic novels and chapter books from diverse creators. Attach the manuscript with about 50 words on the book and 100 on you. It gets in touch only if interested.Send: Manuscript + 50 words on the book + 100 words on youEmailReply time not statedView profile →
Small pressParlyaree PressFiction, Independent, LGBTQ+Atlanta, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Parlyaree Press accepts email queries for literary fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Paste a query, synopsis, bio and first 10 pages into the email. The Atlanta founded press pays royalties, offers no advances and reads in three to four months.No agent neededSend: Query, synopsis, bio and first 10 pages in the email bodyEmail12 to 16 wks replyest. 2023View profile →
Independent publishing companyPluto PressNonfiction, Academic, HistoryLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Pluto Press is open to nonfiction proposals by email at submissions@plutobooks.com, following the proposal guidelines on its submissions page. The independent, worker-led London publisher replies within up to two months. It does not publish novels or poetry.No agent neededSend: Proposal following its guidelines, by emailEmail8 wks replyest. 1969View profile →
Mid-sizeProfile BooksNonfiction, Business, FictionLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Profile Books accepts unsolicited nonfiction only from published authors (not self-published) and university academics. Send an outline, a table of contents and one sample chapter of up to 2,500 words. It is not accepting unsolicited fiction or poetry, and it never charges reading fees.No agent neededSend: Outline + contents + sample chapter up to 2,500 wordsEmailReply time not statedest. 1996View profile →
Independent publishing companyRockpool PublishingReligion and Spirituality, Health, IndependentLeichhardt (Sydney), Sydney, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Rockpool Publishing is open to unagented mind, body and spirit, health and self-help submissions through its online manuscript submission form. You upload a cover letter, synopsis and opening chapters. It aims to respond within four weeks.No agent neededSend: Cover letter + synopsis + opening chapters via online formOnline form4 wks replyView profile →
Independent publishing companyRyland Peters & SmallChildren's, Art and Photography, CookbookLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Ryland Peters & Small, an independent London publisher of illustrated nonfiction, reads proposals for books including cookbooks. Send a covering letter and synopsis, contents list, short bio and an optional sample, not a complete manuscript, to enquiries@rps.co.uk. No reply within four to six weeks means no.Send: Letter, synopsis, contents and bio; no full manuscriptsEmail4 to 6 wks replyest. 1995View profile →
Independent publishing companySarabandFiction, Audiobook, IndependentSalford, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Saraband is open to nonfiction submissions by email from authors without an agent, but fiction and the Inklings series are closed. You send a book description, table of contents, one sample chapter and a short writing CV. Saraband says it cannot reply to most enquiries.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction: description, contents, 1 chapter + CV by emailEmailReply time not statedest. 1994View profile →
Independent publishing companySelfMadeHeroComics, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026SelfMadeHero is open to unagented graphic novel submissions by email or post. Send a synopsis of no more than one A4 page and at least eight pages of sequential art. It welcomes new and established creators from the UK and beyond.No agent neededSend: One-page synopsis + 8 or more pages of art by email or postEmail, PostReply time not statedest. 2007View profile →
Independent publishing companyShambhalaChildren's, Health, IndependentBoulder, Colorado, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Shambhala is open to unsolicited proposals from authors without agents. Its interests include Buddhism, mindful living, yoga, psychology, health and wellness, nature, parenting and creativity, plus children's books. Email a synopsis, chapter outline, bio and two sample chapters, then expect a reply in 12 to 15 weeks.No agent neededSend: Synopsis, outline, bio + 2 sample chapters by emailEmail+1 more12 to 15 wks replyest. 1969View profile →
Independent publishing companySutherland HouseNonfiction, Business, HistoryToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Sutherland House Books is open to nonfiction proposals and manuscripts from new and experienced authors, and an agent is not required. Submit through the web form, by email or by post. Its affiliated hybrid press, Sutherland House Experts, asks authors to share costs and is not part of this listing.No agent neededSend: Nonfiction proposal or manuscriptOnline form, Email, PostReply time not statedView profile →
Small pressTilbury HouseChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionAnn Arbor, Michigan, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Tilbury House Publishers takes children's book submissions from authors without an agent, by email only. It publishes board books to middle grade, welcomes diverse voices and replies within six months if interested.No agent neededSend: Cover letter in the email and the manuscript as a Word fileEmail24 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyTitan BooksFiction, Art and Photography, ComicsLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Titan Books, in London, is open to nonfiction proposals for film, TV, art and comics reference books. For fiction and comics it reads only a brief synopsis with a covering letter, not a manuscript, and it is not looking for general fiction right now. Most of its fiction comes through agents.Some imprints unagentedSend: Nonfiction proposal; fiction: synopsis and letter onlyReply time not statedest. 1982View profile →
Independent publishing companyTurner PublishingFiction, Business, Fantasy and Sci-FiNashville, Tennessee, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Turner Publishing is open to adult fiction and nonfiction through its QueryTracker form. Send a query, synopsis and full manuscript or proposal. The Nashville publisher pays advances, never charges authors and replies only if interested.No agent neededSend: Query via QueryTracker; full manuscript (fiction) or proposal (nonfiction)Online formReply time not statedest. 1984View profile →
Independent publishing companyVentura PressFiction, Health, IndependentSydney (PO Box Edgecliff NSW), Sydney, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Ventura Press is open to submissions from all writers. Email an author bio, a synopsis and one double-spaced sample chapter to submissions@venturapress.com.au. There is no fee, and evaluation can take months.Send: Bio, synopsis and one sample chapter by emailEmailReply time not statedest. 2002View profile →
Independent publishing companyCanongateFiction, Cookbook, IndependentEdinburgh, Scotland, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Canongate does not accept unsolicited submissions. This independent Edinburgh publisher reads fiction and nonfiction sent by literary agents and suggests writers find an agent first.Send: Through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1973View profile →
Independent publishing companyGraywolf PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, Minnesota, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Graywolf Press reads prose only through literary agents and does not consider unagented prose manuscripts. Poets reach it through three partner prizes: the Academy of American Poets First Book Award, the Cave Canem Prize and the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize. Graywolf itself charges no fee.Send: Prose through an agent; poetry through partner prizesThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1974View profile →Independent publishing companyLee & LowChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionNew York, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Lee & Low Books is closed to unsolicited manuscripts until further notice. It reads work from agents and from writers its editors meet at conferences, and runs New Voices and New Visions contests for unpublished writers of color.Send: Through an agent, or a contest when one is openThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1991View profile →
Mid-sizeLernerChildren's, Fiction, IndependentMinneapolis, Minnesota, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Lerner Publishing Group does not accept unsolicited submissions or queries from authors without an agent or a referral. It sometimes runs open calls, announced in its Press Room. It publishes children's fiction and nonfiction across many imprints.Send: Through a literary agent or a referralThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1959View profile →Independent publishing companyNosy CrowChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondon, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Nosy Crow does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or proposals. The London children's publisher reads agented work and sometimes runs time-limited open calls, announced on its blog.Send: Through a literary agent, or an open call when one runsThrough an agentReply time not statedView profile →
Independent publishing companySaltFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorCromer, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Salt Publishing does not accept unsolicited submissions from authors. Literary agents can email submissions, and silence after one month means no. Literary fiction is at the heart of its list.Send: Through a literary agent, by emailThrough an agent, Email4 wks replyest. 1999View profile →
Major publishing houseUsborneChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondon, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Usborne accepts fiction manuscripts only through literary agents and does not read unsolicited work. Its baby, picture, activity, novelty and nonfiction books are written in-house, so it takes no submissions for those. It suggests finding an agent through The Children's Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.Send: Fiction through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1973View profile →
Independent publishing companyAndersen PressChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondon, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Andersen Press is currently unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts or book proposals. The independent London children's publisher, home of Elmer and Little Princess, publishes picture books, fiction and graphic novels. Watch its contact page for changes, or work with a literary agent.Send: No unsolicited manuscripts or proposalsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1976View profile →
Independent publishing companyBedford Square PublishersFiction, Independent, Mystery and ThrillerLondon, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Bedford Square Publishers is closed to submissions as of October 2026 and gives no reopening date. When open, it reads fiction and nonfiction, and silence after one month means no.Send: Closed for now; check its submissions pageNo reopening date given4 wks replyest. 2022View profile →Small pressBook*hug PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionToronto, CanadaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Book*hug Press is closed to submissions in all genres and plans to reopen in early 2027. When its online portal reopens, writers without an agent can submit literary fiction, translation, poetry and creative nonfiction, with no fee shown.No agent neededSend: Manuscript + intro letter + publication list in one file via portalOnline form+1 moreNo reopening date given24 to 48 wks replyest. 2004View profile →Independent publishing companyBower HouseNonfiction, Fiction, IndependentDenver, Colorado, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Bower House is not accepting submissions right now, and it has no submissions page. The Denver, Colorado, independent trade publisher lists no way to send a manuscript or proposal, so check its website for any change before you prepare a pitch.Send: Not accepting submissions; no submissions pageNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2002View profile →
Small pressBull City PressPoetry, Fiction, IndependentDurham, North Carolina, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Bull City Press is closed now and reads chapbooks in a window from May 15 to June 15 each summer. Unagented writers submit a full manuscript through the press's Submission Manager, with a pay what you want reading fee that can be $0.No agent neededSend: Full chapbook manuscript via Submission Manager, May 15 to June 15Online form+2 moreNo reopening date given13 wks replyest. 2006View profile →
Independent publishing companyCemetery DanceFiction, Comics, HorrorForest Hill, Maryland, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Cemetery Dance Publications is closed to unsolicited submissions for its magazine, Grave Tales comics and eBooks, with no reopening date. Agents may still contact it, and authors who hold the eBook rights to a book first published by a New York publisher can email the press directly.Send: Closed; agents, or authors with reprint eBook rightsEmailNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1988View profile →Independent publishing companyCharlesbridgeChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionWatertown, Massachusetts, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Charlesbridge has paused its open children's submissions program, with no reopening date as of October 2026. When open, it reads picture books to young adult by email from January to June.Send: Program paused; usual route is email January to JuneEmailNo reopening date given24 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyCoffee House PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, Minnesota, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Coffee House Press is not accepting unsolicited submissions right now. When it reopens, it reads literary novels, story collections, poetry, creative nonfiction, essays and occasional memoir through its online submissions manager, with no fee. Reviews take 4 to 6 months or longer.Send: Closed; when open, Submittable with no feeSubmittableNo reopening date given16 to 24 wks replyest. 1972View profile →
Traditional publisherCurrency PressNonfiction, Academic, IndependentSurry Hills, Sydney, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Currency Press is closed to submissions right now, with no reopen date announced. When open, it considers only plays that have had a professional production, plus other books proposed through answers to its nine proposal questions. Follow its social media or newsletter to hear when it reopens.Send: Produced plays or answers to nine proposal questionsEmailNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1971View profile →
Small pressDead InkFiction, Horror, IndependentLiverpool, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Dead Ink Books is not open for general submissions as of October 2026. The Liverpool small press publishes weird, bold and genre-defying fiction, and warns writers about people pretending to be its editors.Send: Closed to general submissions for nowNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2011View profile →
Independent publishing companyDeep VellumChildren's, Art and Photography, FictionDallas, Texas, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Deep Vellum is best treated as closed to submissions right now. Its website still describes a submission form for book and translation projects, but its Submittable page says there are no open calls, so check both pages before you send anything.Send: Online form with a manuscript link, once a call is openOnline formNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2013View profile →Small pressFirefly PressChildren's, Fiction, IndependentCaerphilly, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Firefly Press is closed to fiction and nonfiction submissions right now. It opens occasional windows, announced in advance on its social media, and publishes fiction for readers aged 5 to 19. Illustrators can still email a small sample and a website link at any time.Send: Closed; illustrators may email a sample and linkEmailNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2013View profile →
Independent publishing companyFulcrum PublishingNonfiction, History, IndependentDenver, Colorado, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Fulcrum Publishing is closed to submissions right now and will announce a reopening on social media or in its newsletter. When open, you email a query letter and a synopsis of 250 words or less in the email body. Replies take 3 to 4 months.Send: Closed. When open: query + 250-word synopsis by emailEmailSimultaneous OKNo reopening date given13 to 17 wks replyest. 1984View profile →
Small pressHawthorne BooksFiction, Independent, Literary fictionPortland, Oregon, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Hawthorne Books is closed to submissions and is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts. If you send work anyway and hear nothing, treat no reply as a no. Watch its website for any change in policy.Send: Not accepting unsolicited manuscriptsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView profile →
Independent publishing companyMagabala BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesBroome, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Magabala Books is closed right now, with no open call. When it reopens, it takes work only from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, storytellers and illustrators, sent through Submittable. Watch its publishing page for the next call.No agent neededSend: Word manuscript via Submittable during open callsSubmittableNo reopening date given20 wks replyest. 1987View profile →
Independent publishing companyMilkweed EditionsFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, Minnesota, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Milkweed Editions is closed to unsolicited submissions. Milkweed charges nothing itself, but its current poetry routes are partner prizes with entry fees: the National Poetry Series ($35, next period January 7 to March 21, 2027) and the Jake Adam York Prize through Copper Nickel ($25). Watch its newsletter for news.Send: Closed; poetry via partner prizes with entry feesNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1980View profile →
Independent publishing companyNew Society PublishersNonfiction, IndependentGabriola Island, CanadaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026New Society Publishers is not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time. Its submissions page gives no reopen date, so check it before sending anything. The press publishes nonfiction about building an ecologically sustainable and fair society.Send: Closed to unsolicited submissionsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView profile →
Independent publishing companyOrca BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesVictoria, CanadaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Orca Book Publishers is closed to submissions as of October 2026. Its last window ran until the end of August 2026. It publishes children's and teen books by Canadian citizens and permanent residents only, through CanSubmit.No agent neededSend: Depends on the series; through CanSubmit during the windowOnline form+1 moreNo reopening date given16 wks replyest. 1984View profile →
Independent publishing companyPushkin PressChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondon, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Pushkin Press is not accepting unsolicited submissions and will not respond to manuscripts or pitches. The independent London publisher still considers translation projects, so translators can query by email using the address on its about page.Send: Closed; translation queries onlyNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1997View profile →
Small pressScotland Street PressChildren's, Art and Photography, Diverse and BIPOC voicesEdinburgh, Scotland, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Scotland Street Press, an independent publisher in Edinburgh, is closed to submissions right now and does not read unsolicited work sent while it is closed. When it reopens, you send a link to your full manuscript through its online submission form.Send: Closed now; when open, manuscript link via online formOnline formNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2014View profile →
Independent publishing companyScribeChildren's, Fiction, IndependentBrunswick (Melbourne), Melbourne, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Scribe is closed now. It reads unagented submissions only from 1 to 21 April and 1 to 21 September, and both 2026 windows have passed. When it opens, you email a synopsis, a short excerpt and a writing CV in the body of the email, free of charge.No agent neededSend: Synopsis + 1,500-word excerpt + CV in email bodyEmailNo reopening date given4 wks replyest. 1976View profile →
Independent publishing companySeren BooksPoetry, Fiction, IndependentUKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Seren Books is closed to submissions right now and reads work only during occasional free call-out windows. It publishes poetry, fiction and nonfiction, including memoir, for adults, with a focus on English-language writing from Wales. Writers must be 18 or over and live in the UK.No agent neededSend: Only during announced call-out windowsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1981View profile →
Small pressSpinifex PressFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, HealthLittle River, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Spinifex Press does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. The independent feminist press, based in Victoria, refers writers to their local writers' center for advice instead.Send: Does not accept unsolicited manuscriptsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1991View profile →
Small pressTransit LoungeFiction, Independent, Literary fictionYarraville, Melbourne, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Transit Lounge is closed now. Its next submission window runs 1 to 28 February 2027, when you can email your work with a brief synopsis and information about yourself. Submitting is free, and it does not consider poetry or short story collections.No agent neededSend: Manuscript + synopsis + bio as PDF or Word by emailEmailReopens 1 Feb 20274 to 6 wks replyView profile →
Independent publishing companyVagabond VoicesFiction, Independent, Literary fictionGlasgow, Scotland, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Vagabond Voices is closed to submissions and says it will not accept them for the foreseeable future. It is an independent Glasgow press publishing literary fiction, translations, poetry and nonfiction. Watch its submissions page for any change.Send: Closed for the foreseeable futureEmailNo reopening date given24 wks replyest. 2008View profile →
Independent publishing companyWave BooksPoetry, IndependentSeattle, Washington, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Wave Books is closed to unsolicited manuscripts, queries and proposals right now. This independent poetry press in Seattle posts all future calls for submissions on its submissions page, so check there for a reopening. It charges no fees.Send: Closed; watch the submissions page for future callsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView profile → What do Open, Closed and Agent needed mean?
- Open now: the publisher's own site says it is reading submissions today, in at least one genre listed.
- Closed: not reading new submissions right now. We show the reopening date when the publisher gives one.
- Agent needed: it only reads manuscripts sent by a literary agent.
Submit with confidence
Four checks before you send anything to a publisher, whichever list you use.
Check it on their own site
Guidelines change. Read the publisher's own submissions page on the day you send.
Never pay to be published
A traditional publisher pays you. If a company asks for money, it is a paid service.
Send exactly what they ask
Query, proposal or sample chapters: follow the format and word count to the letter.
Track every submission
Note the date, the reply time and whether no reply means no before you follow up.
Independent publishers are often the best route for authors without an agent, because many still read work sent straight to them. We list 88 independent book publishers in the US, UK and Canada, and 55 of them are open to submissions today. Every listing was checked on the publisher's own site and shows what to send, whether you need an agent and how long a reply takes. Use the filters to narrow by genre or country, then open each profile for the details.
What independent publishing companies are
Independent publishing companies are traditional publishers that are not owned by one of the large publishing groups. They pay authors and do not charge them, just like the big houses, but they tend to publish fewer books and take more risks on new voices. Small press publishers on this page range from family firms such as Usborne to literary presses such as Graywolf and Coffee House Press.
Independent is not the same as self-publishing. Indie publishers that charge an author to publish are paid services, not traditional presses, and we leave them out of this directory.
Small publishers accepting submissions and indie publishing companies
Many small publishing companies still read work without an agent. Kensington welcomes unagented, hybrid and indie authors, Bluemoose Books reads literary fiction from anywhere and Baen Books takes science fiction and fantasy through its online form. Others, such as Seren and Firefly Press, are closed for now but open windows from time to time.
Indie book publishers by genre
Indie book publishers often specialize. For nonfiction, try McFarland, Hurst or Casemate. For children’s books, look at Albert Whitman and Tilbury House. For poetry, Nine Arches Press and Seren are independent presses on this page. Filter the list by genre to see every match.
Indie publishers accepting submissions: what to send
Each house has its own rules. Some want a query only, others the full manuscript, and several ask for a proposal with sample chapters. Read each profile for the exact package, the reply time and whether silence means no, and send exactly what the publisher asks for.
How we check these listings
Every publisher on this page was checked on its own website, and we review each listing every month. We list only traditional publishers, which pay authors and do not charge them to publish. If a house adds fees, packages or a paid route, we say so on its profile or leave it out of the directory.
Rather not wait? We'll publish it with you.
Self-publish your independent book with one project manager and matched specialists. 100% of your royalties and rights stay yours.
Tell us about your book
Genre, length, goals and timing.
Get a written quote
Scope and price agreed before any work starts.
Publish in your name
Your accounts, your ISBN, your royalties.
Questions authors ask
Answers use the live data on this page.
Do independent book publishers accept unagented submissions?
Many do. On this page, Kensington, Bluemoose Books, McFarland, Baen Books, Hurst, Sutherland House and Albert Whitman all read work sent directly by authors. Some independents, such as Canongate and Salt, read only agented work, and a few are closed for now. Each profile shows the current rule.
Is an independent publisher the same as self-publishing?
No. An independent publisher is a traditional press that is not owned by a large group. It pays you and covers the costs of publishing. Self-publishing means you pay and keep control. Any indie publisher that charges you to publish is a paid service, and we do not list those houses.
What is the difference between a small press and a big publisher?
Small press publishers usually release fewer books a year, work with smaller teams and are more likely to read unagented work. Big publishers have larger budgets but mostly require an agent. Both are traditional publishers that pay authors, so choose the one whose list fits your book.
Browse more:Audiobook book publishersGeorgia book publishersTennessee book publishersIndiana book publishersWashington book publishersOhio book publishersMassachusetts book publishersColorado book publishersPennsylvania book publishersOregon book publishersSelf-publishing services
How we verify listings. We list traditional publishers only: no hybrid, vanity or paid self-publishing companies. Every listing is checked on the publisher's own website and rechecked every month. This page was last updated 26 Oct 2026; next review November 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us.
