Independent publishing company
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Children's, Health, Independent
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Shambhala
Shambhala 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.
Shambhala Publications, Inc. is an independent publisher founded in 1969 and based in Boulder, Colorado. Penguin Random House distributes its books. The original Shambhala list covers Buddhism, mindful living, yoga, psychology, health and wellness, nature, parenting and creativity. Its imprints include Snow Lion for Tibetan Buddhism and culture, Bala Kids for children’s books, Roost Books for creative living and Prajna Studios for education and multimedia. The press aims to publish books it calls authentic, timeless and transformational.
Submissions are open today. You do not need an agent. Email a proposal with a synopsis, chapter outline, brief bio or résumé and two sample chapters to the address on the submissions page. An auto-confirmation follows. Submit only once and use a cloud link for attachments over 2 MB. Simultaneous submissions are fine if you say so in the email body. Replies take 12 to 15 weeks. The standard route is free, though authors usually cover permissions and indexing where needed.
What Shambhala is looking for
- Nonfiction on Buddhism, mindful living, yoga, psychology, health and wellness, nature, parenting and creativity
- Books the press sees as authentic, timeless and transformational
- New perspectives and underrepresented voices
- Self-published books, which may be submitted
- Non-English works, if English-language rights are available
Publishes
- Children's
- Health
- Independent
- Nonfiction
- Picture book
- Religion and Spirituality
- Self-Help
Readers
- Adult
- Picture book
How to submit to Shambhala
From its own guidelines- Prepare a proposal with a synopsis, chapter outline, bio and two sample chapters.
- Email it once to the submissions address on the Shambhala submissions page.
- Use a cloud link if your attachments are over 2 MB.
- Say so in the email body if you are submitting simultaneously.
- Wait 12 to 15 weeks without calling or asking about status.
Is Shambhala right for your book?
A good fit if
Shambhala suits nonfiction authors writing on Buddhism, mindfulness, yoga, psychology, wellness, nature, parenting or creativity, including self-published authors and underrepresented voices. Children's authors should check the separate Bala Kids guidelines.
Look elsewhere if
Look elsewhere if you write adult fiction, poetry, exposés, end-time prophecies, channeled works, martial arts manuals, quotation books or audio and video projects. Submissions in these genres get no response, and mailed submissions are not accepted.
Shambhala imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shambhala | Yes | Original list |
| Snow Lion | Not stated | Tibetan Buddhism and culture |
| Bala Kids | Not stated | Children's books. Has its own guidelines, which were not opened |
| Roost Books | Not stated | Creative living |
| Prajna Studios | Not stated | Education and multimedia |
Questions about Shambhala
Does Shambhala accept unsolicited manuscripts?
Yes. Shambhala accepts unsolicited proposals by email from authors without agents. It wants nonfiction on topics such as Buddhism, mindful living, yoga, psychology, health and wellness, nature, parenting and creativity, along with children's books. Self-published books may be submitted. Non-English works are considered if English-language rights are available. It does not take adult fiction or poetry. Mailed submissions are not accepted either.
How do I submit to Shambhala?
Email a proposal to the address on the Shambhala submissions page. Include a synopsis, chapter outline, brief bio or résumé and two sample chapters. A proposal template is recommended. A short query is fine if you are unsure your topic fits. Submit only once and use a cloud link for files over 2 MB. There are no fees, though authors usually cover permissions and indexing where needed.
How long does Shambhala take to reply?
Shambhala replies in 12 to 15 weeks. An auto-confirmation arrives when you email your proposal, so you know it was received. The press asks you not to phone or ask about status during the wait. Simultaneous submissions are fine, so you can send your proposal to other publishers at the same time, as long as you say so in the email body.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
