Fiction Book Publishers Accepting Submissions

Every fiction 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.

Browse 135 publishers Self-publish instead

Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026

135publishing houses checked
69open to submissions now
78take authors without an agent
16 wksmedian reply time

Fiction publishers that read unagented work

These houses accept fiction straight from authors, each with its own rules.

  1. 1

    Kensington

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Romance, mystery, thrillers, fantasy and more from unagented, hybrid and indie authors. Email a query only to its submissions address.

    Reply: About 12 weeks

  2. 2

    Bluemoose Books

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Literary fiction from writers anywhere, with or without an agent. Email a covering letter, three chapters and a synopsis in one file.

    Reply: About 24 weeks

  3. 3

    Hachette Book Group

    Agent needed

    Its Forever imprint reads romance and women's fiction from unagented BIPOC writers; other imprints use agents.

    Reply: Not stated

  4. 4

    Holiday House

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Children's fiction and picture books by email or mail, with a reply within four months if interested.

    Reply: About 16 weeks

  5. 5

    Albert Whitman

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Picture books, middle grade and young adult by email with a cover letter. Simultaneous submissions are fine.

    Reply: About 24 weeks

  6. 6

    Menucha Publishers

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Novels and other books for Orthodox Jewish readers. Send the complete manuscript; every author hears a decision.

    Reply: Not stated

All Fiction publishers

Filter by what you write and how you want to submit. Open publishers come first; every card shows when we last checked it.

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Showing 135 publishers

Mid-sizeAffirm PressChildren's, Fiction, Literary fictionMelbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Affirm Press is open to unagented adult submissions by email on the first Monday of each month, with the next date on 2 November 2026. Children's and teen work has separate twice-yearly windows, so check its page for current dates. Submitting is free.No agent neededSend: Pitch, bio, synopsis + first 3 chapters in one documentEmail24 wks replyest. 2010View profile →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 pressArbordaleChildren's, Fiction, NonfictionMount Pleasant, United StatesOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Arbordale Publishing takes picture book manuscripts from authors directly. It wants fiction or narrative nonfiction under 1,000 words with science or math woven into the story, and pays small advances against royalties.No agent neededSend: The full manuscript under 1,000 words by emailEmail+2 moreReply time not statedest. 2004View 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 →University pressArte Público PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionHouston, Texas, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Arte Público Press is open to submissions from authors with or without an agent. You send one PDF through its online Manuscript Submission Form, and typical response time is 3 to 6 months.No agent neededSend: One PDF: synopsis, bio and sample pages via online formOnline form12 to 24 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 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 →Mid-sizeBlack & White PublishingChildren's, Cookbook, FictionEdinburgh, Scotland, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Black & White Publishing is open to unagented nonfiction proposals by email. Send a one-page proposal covering your background and a book summary. Unsolicited fiction is accepted only in announced windows, which are currently closed, and no reply within six months means no.No agent neededSend: One-page nonfiction proposal by emailEmail26 wks replyest. 1999View 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 →Small pressCoach House BooksFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Literary fictionToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Coach House Books reads poetry, literary fiction and select nonfiction by email, mostly from Canadian authors. Fiction and poetry send the complete manuscript with a letter comparing it to two Coach House titles; nonfiction sends a proposal and outline. Drama is closed, and it does not publish genre fiction or cookbooks.No agent neededSend: Full manuscript or nonfiction proposal, with literary CVEmail+1 moreReply time not statedest. 1965View profile →Independent publishing companyCormorant BooksFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Literary fictionToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Cormorant Books is open to email queries from Canadian writers of literary adult fiction and nonfiction, and you do not need an agent. Send a short description or proposal, a bio and the first 50 pages as a DOC or DOCX file. Poetry is not being accepted right now.No agent neededSend: Email query + first 50 pages as one DOC or DOCX fileEmail+1 moreReply 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 →Small pressEpicenter PressNonfiction, Fiction, HistoryKenmore, Washington, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Epicenter Press is open to fiction and nonfiction tied to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Email a query letter, first 50 pages, synopsis and bio to info@epicenterpress.com. Agented and unagented writers are welcome.No agent neededSend: Query, first 50 pages, synopsis and bio as Word files by emailEmailReply time not statedest. 1988View profile →Traditional publisherFaberChildren's, Fiction, Literary fictionLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Faber & Faber now accepts unsolicited submissions of poetry only, and poets do not need an agent. Send six examples of your work; no reply within eight weeks means no. It does not take unsolicited fiction, nonfiction, plays, screenplays or children's books.Some imprints unagentedSend: Poetry only: six poems8 wks replyest. 1929View profile →Independent publishing companyFantagraphicsComics, Fiction, NonfictionSeattle, Washington, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Fantagraphics is open to comics and graphic novel submissions from complete creative teams, with no agent needed. Email or mail at least 20 pages of finished art with a synopsis, page count and cover letter. It is unlikely to reply to unsolicited submissions, and there is no fee to submit.No agent neededSend: 20+ pages of finished art + synopsis by email or mailEmail, PostReply time not statedView 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 →Big 5 publishing houseHachette AustraliaChildren's, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionSydney, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Hachette Australia is open to unsolicited manuscripts from writers living in Australia or New Zealand, with no agent needed. Adult writers email manuscript.submission@hachette.com.au and children's and YA writers email Childrens.Submissions@hachette.com.au. It contacts you within six weeks only if it is interested.No agent neededSend: Cover letter + synopsis + full manuscript by emailEmail6 wks replyView profile →Mid-sizeHoliday HouseChildren's, Fiction, Middle gradeNew York, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Holiday House is open to children's book submissions from authors without an agent. Email a query letter with the full manuscript attached, or send it by mail. It replies within four months only if it is interested.No agent neededSend: Query letter and the full manuscript by emailEmail, Post16 wks replyest. 1935View 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 →Small pressIHS PressChildren's, Fiction, HistoryIndianapolis, Indiana, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026IHS Press is open to unagented authors. It wants completed book manuscripts with a direct Indiana connection, including children's books. You send the full manuscript with all notes and bibliography by post or email, then allow 90 days or more for a reply.No agent neededSend: Completed manuscript with notes and bibliography by post or emailPost, Email13 wks replyView profile →Traditional publisherImage ComicsComics, FictionPortland, Oregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Image Comics is open to creator-owned comics proposals by email from unagented creators. Send a cover letter, a one-page synopsis, at least five inked and lettered pages and a cover mock-up. You pay nothing up front, and no reply in one month means no.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 5 inked, lettered pages + cover mock-up by emailEmail4 wks replyest. 1992View profile →Big 5 publishing houseJo Fletcher BooksFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Jo Fletcher Books is open to unagented science fiction, fantasy and horror by email. Put a brief covering letter in the email and attach the first 10,000 words or three chapters plus a one-page synopsis. If you hear nothing within six months, the answer is no.No agent neededSend: Letter + first 10,000 words + one-page synopsisEmail24 wks replyView 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 →Major publishing houseKids Can PressChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Kids Can Press is open to submissions from Canadian authors only, and no agent is needed. You can email picture books, fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels for children as PDF attachments to submissions@kidscan.com.No agent neededSend: Cover letter + manuscript or sample chapters as PDF by emailEmail+1 more12 to 24 wks replyView profile →Small pressLantana PublishingChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesUKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Lantana Publishing is open to children's book submissions from authors and illustrators from under-represented groups, through its online form. Send one file with the manuscript, a synopsis and a short bio. It replies within 12 weeks for picture books and 24 for chapter books; no reply in that time means no.Send: One file: manuscript, synopsis and short bioOnline form24 wks replyest. 2014View 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 companyMenucha PublishersChildren's, Cookbook, FictionBrooklyn, New York, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Menucha Publishers takes complete manuscripts from authors directly, by email or mail. The Brooklyn publisher serves Orthodox Jewish readers with Torah, novels, biographies, cookbooks and children's books, and tells every author its decision.No agent neededSend: The complete manuscript as one file with a cover letterEmail, PostReply time not statedest. 2011View profile →University pressMercer University PressAcademic, Art and Photography, FictionMacon, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Mercer University Press is open to unagented authors with no fees. You send a proposal with at least 2 sample chapters, or the entire manuscript, to Director Marc Jolley by email or post. Expect a few weeks for a proposal and up to six months for a full manuscript.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 2 sample chapters by email or postEmail, Post24 wks replyest. 1979View profile →University pressNorthwestern University PressAcademic, Fiction, NonfictionEvanston, Illinois, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Northwestern University Press is open to proposals by email to the right acquiring editor. Scholarly books need a proposal, CV and sample chapters; trade fiction and creative nonfiction need a cover letter, bio and a 10 to 30 page excerpt; poetry needs the full manuscript. It does not take phone or postal submissions.No agent neededSend: Varies: proposal, excerpt or full poetry manuscriptEmailReply time not statedest. 1893View profile →University pressOhio State University PressAcademic, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesColumbus, Ohio, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026The Ohio State University Press is open year round to unagented authors. Scholarly proposals go by email as an attachment to the relevant editor, while creative work for its Mad Creek Books imprint goes through Submittable.No agent neededSend: Proposal by email to an editor; creative work via SubmittableEmail, SubmittableReply time not statedView 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 →University pressOoligan PressFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Literary fictionPortland, Oregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Ooligan Press is open to unagented queries for literary fiction, nonfiction and young adult fiction. Submit through Submittable with a query letter, the first 10 pages and a brief summary. It does not take agented or emailed submissions, and memoir is closed for now.No agent neededSend: Query + first 10 pages + summary via SubmittableSubmittable24 wks replyView 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 →Mid-sizePauline Books & MediaChristian, Catholic, Children'sBoston, Massachusetts, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Pauline Books & Media is open to submissions from authors without an agent, by email or post. It pays a royalty with an advance and charges no fees. Adult proposals need sample chapters of at least 6,000 words; children's fiction needs the full manuscript and a synopsis. Replies take 8 to 10 weeks, and simultaneous submissions are fine.No agent neededSend: Cover letter + proposal + samples; kids: full textEmail, Post+2 more8 to 10 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyPloughChristian, Children's, ComicsWalden, New York, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Plough Publishing House, run by the Bruderhof, reads proposals from authors without an agent through an online form or by mail. It wants books on faith, community and justice and replies in about 3 to 6 weeks.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, sample chapter, contents and prospectusOnline form, Post3 to 6 wks replyest. 1920View profile →Independent publishing companyPodiumAudiobook, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionLos Angeles, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Podium accepts approaches from authors and agents through the I'm an Author link on its site. Send links to your available work and social channels. The Los Angeles publisher focuses on science fiction, fantasy and romance in audio, ebook and print.No agent neededSend: Links to your available work and social channels via its author pageOnline formReply time not statedView profile →Traditional publisherPost Hill PressFiction, Business, HealthBrentwood, Tennessee, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Post Hill Press takes pitches by email, and its pages show no closed notice. Email the submissions team with your pitch, details about the work and your platform and background. Say whether you have or are seeking a literary agent. No reply means the project is likely not a fit.Send: Email pitch with platform, background and agent statusEmailReply time not statedest. 2013View profile →Major publishing housePrestelChildren's, Art and Photography, FictionMunich, GermanyOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Prestel is open to unagented book proposals in art, architecture, photography and design, plus children's books. Email your proposal to submissions@prestel-uk.co.uk at the London office, and do not follow up on its status.No agent neededSend: Book proposal by email to the London officeEmailReply time not statedest. 1924View 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 →Small pressPuncher & WattmannPoetry, Fiction, Literary fictionNewcastle, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Puncher & Wattmann is open to authors based in Australia, with submissions through Submittable for poetry, fiction and nonfiction. You send a bio with a full manuscript or a detailed synopsis. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, and you should allow three months for a reply.No agent neededSend: Bio + manuscript or detailed synopsis via SubmittableSubmittable+1 more12 wks replyest. 2003View profile →Independent publishing companyRebellionComics, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionOxford, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Rebellion's Solaris Nova imprint is open to unagented authors with complete science fiction, fantasy or horror novels of 70,000 to 150,000 words. You send through its online form, while agents send by email. Its comics imprint, 2000 AD, is not taking unsolicited submissions.Some imprints unagentedSend: First 10,000 words, synopsis + cover letter via online formOnline formReply time not statedest. 2000View 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 →Small pressSecond Story PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionToronto, CanadaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Second Story Press is open to submissions from Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, with no agent needed. Send a query letter, CV, synopsis of up to 500 words and the first three chapters; picture books send the whole manuscript. Replies take 7 to 10 months, and simultaneous submissions are allowed.No agent neededSend: Query, CV, synopsis and first three chaptersEmail, Post+1 more28 to 40 wks replyest. 1988View 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 →University pressSFA PressFiction, Academic, HistoryNacogdoches, Texas, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026SFA Press is open to literary and academic proposals. Literary writers can email or mail a cover letter with sample chapters or poems, academic authors mail a proposal, and the press asks for a full manuscript only if interested.Send: Cover letter + 3 sample chapters or 10 pages of poetryEmail, PostReply time not statedView profile →Mid-sizeSleeping Bear PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionAnn Arbor, Michigan, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Sleeping Bear Press takes picture book and middle grade submissions from authors without an agent, by email only. It replies within six months if interested and runs a yearly award for unagented BIPOC and LGBTQ writers.No agent neededSend: Cover letter in the email and the manuscript as a Word fileEmail+1 more24 wks replyView profile →Independent publishing companyText PublishingChildren's, Comics, FictionSouthbank (Melbourne), Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Text Publishing is open to unsolicited manuscripts from citizens or residents of Australia and New Zealand. You send a complete manuscript and a covering letter through its online form, free of charge, and Text aims to reply in about three months.No agent neededSend: Full manuscript + covering letter via online formOnline form+1 more12 wks replyView profile →Small pressThird Man BooksFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, NonfictionNashville, Tennessee, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Third Man Books is open to email submissions of poetry, fiction and nonfiction and prefers completed manuscripts. The Nashville press publishes four to six books a year, welcomes simultaneous submissions and treats three months of silence as a pass.No agent neededSend: Completed manuscript by email; subject: GENRE SUBMISSION_YOUR NAMEEmail+1 more12 wks replyView 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 companyTop Shelf ProductionsComics, FictionMarietta, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Top Shelf Productions accepts comic submissions with at least 10 to 20 finished, inked and lettered pages. Email a download link or mail a photocopy to its Marietta, Georgia PO box. It cannot reply to every submission.No agent neededSend: Download link or photocopy of 10 to 20 finished comic pagesEmail, PostReply time not statedest. 1997View 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 →University pressUNG PressAcademic, Fiction, HistoryDahlonega, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026UNG Press is open to unagented authors by email for scholarly work, creative nonfiction and textbooks. You send one email to ungpress@ung.edu with every requested document attached. It accepts New South literary fiction only from June through August each year.No agent neededSend: Proposal or query with sample chapter by emailEmailReply time not statedView profile →University pressUniversity of Georgia PressAcademic, Fiction, Literary fictionAthens, Georgia, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026University of Georgia Press is open to unagented authors. You send an initial inquiry or proposal by email to its acquisitions editors, and that standard route is free. Poetry, short fiction and some literary nonfiction go through contests and a series on Submittable, each with its own window.No agent neededSend: Inquiry or proposal by email; contests through SubmittableEmail, SubmittableReply time not statedView profile →University pressUniversity of Minnesota PressChildren's, Academic, Art and PhotographyMinneapolis, Minnesota, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026The University of Minnesota Press reads book proposals from authors without an agent. Send a prospectus with an overview, chapter summaries, at least two sample chapters and a current CV. Replies take four to six weeks, and simultaneous submissions are considered in some cases.No agent neededSend: Prospectus, chapter summaries, two chapters and CVPost+1 more4 to 6 wks replyest. 1925View profile →University pressUniversity of Notre Dame PressAcademic, Catholic, FictionNotre Dame, Indiana, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026University of Notre Dame Press is open to unagented proposals in its listed acquisition areas. You send a cover letter, a 2 to 4 page abstract, an annotated table of contents, a CV and sample chapters if available. Its site does not state a method, so contact the editor named for your field.No agent neededSend: Cover letter, abstract, annotated TOC, CV and sample chaptersReply time not statedest. 1949View profile →University pressUNT PressAcademic, Cookbook, Diverse and BIPOC voicesDenton, Texas, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026UNT Press is open to general queries by email or mail, and the standard route is free. You send a query package to the right acquisitions editor and usually hear back in 2 to 4 weeks. Fiction and poetry come only through two prize contests with a $25 entry fee.Send: Query letter, outline, sample chapter and CV by email or mailEmail, Post2 to 4 wks replyest. 1987View profile →University pressUQPChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionSt Lucia, Brisbane, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026University of Queensland Press (UQP) is open on its website for nonfiction only, from Australian citizens and permanent residents. You submit through the online form during the first week of any month. If you hear nothing within four months, treat it as a no.Send: Nonfiction manuscript + chapter breakdown via online formOnline form16 wks replyest. 1948View 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 →University pressWayne State University PressAcademic, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionDetroit, Michigan, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Wayne State University Press is open to proposals from unagented authors. You send a letter of introduction, a proposal, a CV or bio and one or two sample chapters by email or mail to the right acquisitions editor. Replies usually come within about 12 weeks.No agent neededSend: Intro letter, proposal, CV + 1 or 2 sample chapters by email or mailEmail, Post12 wks replyest. 1941View profile →Big 5 publishing houseZondervanChristian, Academic, Children'sGrand Rapids, Michigan, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Zondervan reads unsolicited proposals only for Zondervan Academic: textbooks, reference and scholarly books. Its other imprints work through literary agents. Academic proposals go by email, and silence after 6 weeks means no.Some imprints unagentedSend: Academic: proposal of up to 5 pagesEmail6 wks replyest. 1931View profile →Independent publishing companyAngry RobotFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Fantasy and Sci-FiUKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Angry Robot reads adult science fiction, fantasy and horror novels through literary agents. Unagented writers can submit only during its occasional Open Doors periods, announced on its site and social media; the last ran in April 2024. A separate call for unagented Black authors was extended indefinitely.Send: Agent proposal; unagented only in Open Doors periodsEmail10 wks replyest. 2009View profile →Mid-sizeBarbour PublishingChristian, Children's, FictionUhrichsville, Ohio, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Barbour Publishing does not accept unsolicited manuscripts and works only through literary agents. The Ohio Christian publisher releases devotionals, Bibles, gift books and inspirational fiction, so find an agent who handles Christian books.Send: Manuscripts through literary agents onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1981View profile →Major publishing houseBethany HouseChristian, Fiction, NonfictionUnited StatesAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Bethany House Publishers is part of Baker Publishing Group and takes manuscripts through literary agents only. It is best known for inspirational fiction, including historical and contemporary romance, Amish stories and romantic suspense.Send: Manuscript, sent by your literary agentThrough an agentReply time not statedView 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 →Major publishing houseChicken HouseChildren's, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionFrome, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Chicken House reads general submissions only through literary agents. Unagented, unpublished writers can enter its yearly Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition, which closed for 2026 on 1 June.Send: Through a literary agent, or its yearly competitionThrough an agentPays an advanceReply time not statedest. 2000View profile →Big 5 publishing houseGollanczFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorLondon, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Gollancz reads science fiction, fantasy and horror only through literary agents. Its parent, Orion, does not consider unsolicited manuscripts. Gollancz has run open submission windows in the past, but none is open now, so the route in today is an agent.Send: Through a literary agent onlyReply time not statedest. 1927View 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 →Big 5 publishing houseHachette Book GroupFiction, Audiobook, Children'sNew York, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Hachette Book Group works mainly with literary agents, but three imprints take work directly: Forever reads romance and women's fiction from unagented BIPOC writers, and Storey and Timber Press read nonfiction proposals.Some imprints unagentedSend: Through an agent; some imprints take proposals directlyThrough an agent, Email, PostReply time not statedView profile →Big 5 publishing houseJonathan CapeFiction, Comics, Literary fictionUKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Jonathan Cape, part of Vintage at Penguin Random House UK, reads prose only through literary agents. Its poetry list can be approached directly by post with a typed English-language collection.Some imprints unagentedSend: Prose through an agent; poetry collections by postThrough an agent, Post4 to 16 wks replyView profile →Mid-sizeKregelChristian, Academic, Children'sGrand Rapids, Michigan, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Kregel is closed to unagented authors and does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. You can reach it through a professional literary agent or by pitching at a writers conference that Kregel staff attend.Send: Proposal through a literary agent or at a writers conferenceThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1949View 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 →Small pressLookout BooksFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Literary fictionWilmington, North Carolina, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Lookout Books reads agented submissions in any genre on a rolling basis. Its editors also solicit writers, such as those published in Ecotone, and it is currently looking for a work of fiction.Send: Agented submissions in any genre, read on a rolling basisReply time not statedView profile →Big 5 publishing houseMacmillanFiction, Audiobook, Children'sNew York, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Macmillan Publishers does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, proposals or queries in the US. Its houses, including St. Martin's, Minotaur, Henry Holt and Celadon, read work sent by literary agents.Send: Through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedView 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 →Big 5 publishing houseOrbitFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorLondon, UKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Orbit UK reads science fiction and fantasy through literary agents only and cannot respond to unsolicited material. Hachette UK's Future Bookshelf occasionally runs group-wide open submission periods, which are the only other route.Send: Through a literary agent onlyReply time not statedest. 1974View profile →Mid-sizePeachtreeChildren's, Fiction, Middle gradeAtlanta, Georgia, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Peachtree Publishing does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or picture book dummies. Its staff reviews only work queried through a literary agent or materials it has asked for. It publishes picture books to young adult.Send: Through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1977View profile →Big 5 publishing housePenguin Random HouseFiction, Audiobook, Children'sNew York, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Penguin Random House does not accept unsolicited submissions, proposals or manuscripts. Its imprints read work from literary agents. Its Berkley imprint has run short open windows for unagented writers, but none is open or announced in October 2026.Send: Through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 2013View 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 →Big 5 publishing houseSimon & SchusterFiction, Audiobook, Children'sNew York, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Simon & Schuster does not accept unsolicited or unagented submissions, with one standing exception: Salaam Reads, its children's imprint, reads manuscripts by email. Its other imprints work through literary agents.Some imprints unagentedSend: Through a literary agent; Salaam Reads takes email submissionsThrough an agent, EmailReply time not statedest. 1924View profile →Small pressTachyon PublicationsFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorSan Francisco, California, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Tachyon Publications is open to agents only. It reads agented adult speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy and horror, sent as a pitch in the email body with the full manuscript attached. It is not considering anthologies, series novels or reprints, and it takes no direct submissions from authors.Send: Agent pitch in email body + full manuscriptThrough an agent, EmailReply time not statedest. 1995View profile →Big 5 publishing houseTransworldFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HistoryUKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Transworld, part of Penguin Random House UK, does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or synopses. Its imprints Bantam, Doubleday, Torva and Wayward read work sent by literary agents.Send: Through a literary agent onlyThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1950View profile →Major publishing houseTyndaleChristian, Children's, FictionCarol Stream, Illinois, USAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Tyndale House Publishers no longer reads unsolicited manuscripts. It takes proposals from literary agents, its own authors and people it knows in publishing. It publishes Christian fiction, nonfiction, children's books and the New Living Translation.Send: Manuscript or proposal, sent by your agentThrough an agentReply time not statedest. 1962View 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 →Major publishing houseWalker BooksChildren's, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionUKAgent submissions onlyChecked Oct 2026Walker Books does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers need another route, usually a literary agent. Illustrators and author-illustrators can email illustrated picture-book stories or artwork samples to its illustrator submissions address, though a reply is not guaranteed. It says it never charges authors a fee.Send: No manuscripts; illustrators may email samplesThrough an agent, EmailReply time not statedest. 1978View profile →Major publishing houseAmazon PublishingFiction, Audiobook, Children'sWashington, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Amazon Publishing does not accept unsolicited original manuscripts. The Seattle based trade publisher releases fiction, nonfiction and children's books through imprints such as Lake Union, Thomas & Mercer and Montlake.Send: No unsolicited original manuscriptsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2009View 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 →Traditional publisherCandlewick PressChildren's, Fiction, Middle gradeSomerville, Massachusetts, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Candlewick Press is closed to unsolicited manuscripts and art submissions at this time. It publishes children's and young adult books, so most authors reach it through a literary agent.Send: Closed to unsolicited manuscripts and art; reach it via an agentNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView 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 →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 →Small pressGiramondoFiction, Literary fiction, NonfictionWilloughby, Sydney, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Giramondo is closed to book manuscripts right now. It reads unsolicited manuscripts for a limited period each year through Submittable, but it has not published the dates. Watch its submissions page and newsletter for the next window.Send: Book manuscript via Submittable during the annual windowSubmittableNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1996View profile →Independent publishing companyGranta BooksLiterary fiction, Fiction, MemoirLondon, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Granta Books does not accept unsolicited book proposals or manuscripts. The London publisher of literary fiction, memoir, reportage and poetry works through agents. Its sister Granta magazine reads single stories and essays in set months, with a small fee and free low-income places.Send: No unsolicited proposals or manuscriptsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView profile →Independent publishing companyGroundwood BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesToronto, CanadaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Groundwood Books is closed to submissions right now and reads only from August 1 to September 30 each year. During that window, writers without an agent can submit picture books, middle-grade and YA fiction or nonfiction through its online portal, with no fee.No agent neededSend: Cover letter + manuscript or proposal via portal, Aug 1 to Sep 30Online form+1 moreNo reopening date given16 to 24 wks replyest. 1978View profile →Mid-sizeHarvest HouseChristian, Children's, FictionEugene, Oregon, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Harvest House Publishers does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, proposals or self-published books. It finds new writers through agents, paid manuscript listing services and Christian writers conferences.Send: Nothing direct: agents and conferences onlyNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1974View 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 →Big 5 publishing houseHenry HoltFiction, History, Literary fictionUnited StatesClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Henry Holt and Company does not read unsolicited manuscripts, proposals or query letters. Its policy is to recycle or discard anything sent without a request. To be considered, work with a literary agent who submits to Holt's editors.Send: No unsolicited material; agent submissions onlyNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1866View profile →Major publishing houseLittle TigerChildren's, Fiction, Middle gradeLondon, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Little Tiger Group is unable to accept unsolicited submissions. The London children's publisher, owned by Penguin Random House, publishes board books, picture books, chapter books, novels and nonfiction. Watch its guidelines page for any change, or work with a literary agent.Send: No unsolicited submissionsNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 1987View 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 companyMyriadComics, Fiction, Literary fictionBrighton, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Myriad Editions is closed to submissions right now. When it reopens, it takes email submissions from agents and directly from authors of graphic novels, literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. The next window will be announced on its website and social media.No agent neededSend: Email + synopsis + full manuscript (prose) or sample PDF (graphic)EmailNo reopening date given8 wks replyView 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 companyOwlkids BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesToronto, CanadaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Owlkids Books is closed to submissions and has not given a reopen date. When its online portal is open, it takes picture books, early fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels from Canadian authors, with no agent needed.No agent neededSend: Closed; when open, cover letter + manuscript via online formOnline formNo reopening date given12 wks replyView profile →Big 5 publishing housePan Macmillan AustraliaChildren's, Cookbook, Fantasy and Sci-FiSydney, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Pan Macmillan Australia is closed now and reads email submissions only in March and September, with the next windows in 2027. It accepts unagented work from Australian or New Zealand citizens or residents. Send a pitch, synopsis, bio and a 50-page sample to one named publisher.No agent neededSend: Pitch, synopsis, bio + 50-page sample by email in windowsEmailNo reopening date given6 to 10 wks replyView profile →Big 5 publishing housePenguin Random House AustraliaChildren's, Audiobook, FictionNorth Sydney, Melbourne, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Penguin Random House Australia has its adult and children's submission portals closed right now. When they reopen, writers in Australia and New Zealand can send 50 to 100 pages without an agent. The 2027 Penguin Literary Prize opens 5 November and closes 14 December 2026.No agent neededSend: Closed now; 50 to 100 pages via online portal when openOnline formNo reopening date given17 wks replyView profile →Small pressPleasure Boat StudioFiction, Mystery and Thriller, NonfictionSeattle, Washington, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Pleasure Boat Studio accepts submissions only by referral. The Seattle nonprofit literary press publishes fiction, nonfiction, mystery, essays and poetry, so writers without a referral should look elsewhere.Send: Submissions by referral onlyNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView 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 →Big 5 publishing houseSimon & Schuster AustraliaChildren's, Fiction, NonfictionCammeray, Sydney, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Simon & Schuster Australia is closed to unsolicited material and does not accept manuscripts by email or post. Its FAQ points writers to the Australian Society of Authors or a local Writers Centre for help finding an agent.Send: Closed to unsolicited material; agent submissions onlyNo reopening date givenReply time not statedView 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 →Big 5 publishing houseTorFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorUnited StatesClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Tor is closed to submissions today. Its submission portal for Tor and Tor Teen shows no open window, and the last one listed ran in October 2021. The novella program is closed too. Watch the portal for a new window or work with a literary agent.Send: Closed; past windows took a full manuscript + cover letterOnline formNo reopening date given24 wks replyest. 1980View 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 →Traditional publisherTwo Dollar RadioFiction, NonfictionColumbus, Ohio, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Two Dollar Radio is closed to general submissions. It closed on 27 September 2025 to clear a backlog and may reopen in set windows. When open, it takes completed manuscripts only, with a statement on fit, through Submittable. It takes no poetry.No agent neededSend: Full manuscript + fit statement via Submittable (when open)SubmittableNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2005View profile →Traditional publisherUltimo PressFiction, Literary fiction, MemoirUltimo, Sydney, AustraliaClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Ultimo Press is closed to unsolicited submissions right now. When it opens, you use the online form on its Getting Published page: fiction sends the full manuscript, nonfiction a chapter breakdown and at least three sample chapters. It replies within 6 weeks only if interested.Send: Pitch, synopsis, bio + manuscript or 3 chapters via online formOnline formNo reopening date given6 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 companyWhitaker HouseChristian, Fiction, MemoirNew Kensington, Pennsylvania, USClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Whitaker House does not review unsolicited manuscripts or proposals. It reads work only when one of its representatives asks for it or a recognized source sends it. An agent can help but is not required.Send: By invitation: proposal, synopsis and manuscriptEmail, PostNo reopening date given24 wks replyest. 1970View profile →Small pressWild Goose PublicationsChristian, Fiction, LGBTQ+Glasgow, Scotland, UKClosed nowChecked Oct 2026Wild Goose Publications is closed to submissions until at least June 2027. When it reopens, poets whose work fits its profile may send a sample selection by email. Paper submissions are not accepted. It is the publishing house of the Iona Community, with a Glasgow address.Send: Closed until at least June 2027; poetry samples by emailEmailNo 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.

Finding fiction publishers that read work without an agent takes time, so we checked each one on its own site. We list 135 publishers of novels and children's fiction, and 69 are open to submissions today. Every listing shows whether you need an agent, what to send and how long a reply takes. Many big houses are agent-only, but several independents still read unagented novels. Use the filters to show only houses that are open now, then read each profile before you send anything.

Fiction publishers that read unagented novels

Most of the largest fiction publishers read only agented work, but there are real exceptions. Kensington Publishing says it is happy to work with unagented, hybrid and indie authors across romance, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, science fiction, horror and westerns. Bluemoose Books reads literary fiction from writers anywhere. Hachette Book Group keeps one open door through its Forever imprint, which reads romance and women’s fiction from unagented BIPOC writers.

Agent-only and closed houses

Many well-known novel publishing companies on this page are agent-only, including Penguin Random House, Macmillan and Transworld. Others, such as Tor, have run short open windows and are closed now. A closed listing is still useful: it tells you to look for an agent or to wait for the next window instead of sending work that will not be read.

Children’s and young adult fiction

Several houses here publish fiction for young readers. Holiday House, Albert Whitman and Sleeping Bear Press take children’s manuscripts from authors without an agent. For the full picture, see our list of children’s book publishers.

What fiction publishers want to see

Finish the novel before you query. Fiction houses that read unagented work usually want a query letter, a synopsis and either sample chapters or the full manuscript. Read each profile for the exact package, the reply time and whether silence means no.

Genre fiction or literary fiction

Genre and literary fiction tend to go to different houses. Kensington covers commercial genres such as romance, mystery and thrillers, while Bluemoose focuses on literary fiction. Big groups publish both, but through agents. Decide where your book sits before you build your list, and query the houses whose current lists look like your novel.

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.

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Questions authors ask

Answers use the live data on this page.

Which fiction publishers accept unagented submissions?

On this page, Kensington Publishing, Bluemoose Books, Holiday House, Albert Whitman and Menucha Publishers all read fiction sent directly by authors. Hachette Book Group's Forever imprint reads romance and women's fiction from unagented BIPOC writers. Each profile shows what to send, how to send it and how long a reply takes.

Are there short story publishers on this list?

Few book publishers here say they take short story collections, and Kensington states that it does not publish short stories. Most fiction houses on this page want full-length novels or children's books. If you write short fiction, check each profile for its stated list before you send anything, and look at literary magazines for single stories.

Do I need a finished novel before I query?

Yes, for almost every fiction publisher. Houses that read unagented novels usually ask for a query letter, a synopsis and sample chapters, and they may ask for the full manuscript soon after. Have the book complete and revised before you send anything, so you can respond quickly when an editor wants more.

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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.

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