Traditional publisher
Candlewick Press
Children's, Fiction, Middle grade
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Candlewick Press
Candlewick 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.
Candlewick Press is a children’s and young adult publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Its featured titles include YA novels, middle-grade books and wordless picture books. Books on its list include Into the Grey, One Death, Nine Stories, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. The press publishes fiction and picture books for young readers from the picture book years through the teen years.
Candlewick does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or art submissions at this time. Because it does not take unsolicited work, most authors reach it through a literary agent. Writers and illustrators who want to publish with Candlewick can query agents who represent children’s and young adult books. You can also check the Candlewick website from time to time to see whether its submission policy changes.
What Candlewick Press is looking for
- Children's and young adult books
- Young adult fiction
- Middle-grade books
- Picture books, including wordless picture books
Publishes
- Children's
- Fiction
- Middle grade
- Picture book
- Young adult
Readers
- Middle grade
- Picture book
- Young adult
How to submit to Candlewick Press
From its own guidelines- Do not send unsolicited manuscripts or art to Candlewick.
- Research literary agents who represent children's and young adult books.
- Query agents with your finished manuscript or portfolio.
- Check the Candlewick website for any change to its submission policy.
Is Candlewick Press right for your book?
A good fit if
Candlewick suits children's and YA authors and illustrators who already have, or plan to find, a literary agent.
Look elsewhere if
Unagented writers and illustrators should look elsewhere for now, since Candlewick does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or art.
Books published by Candlewick Press
Well-known titles- Into the Grey
- One Death, Nine Stories
- Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
- The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Questions about Candlewick Press
Does Candlewick Press accept unsolicited manuscripts?
No, Candlewick Press does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or art submissions at this time. Because it does not take unsolicited work, most authors and illustrators reach it through a literary agent. If you write for children or teens, look for an agent who represents picture books, middle-grade or YA titles. Also check the Candlewick website for any policy change.
What does Candlewick Press publish?
Candlewick Press publishes children's and young adult books. Its featured titles include YA novels, middle-grade books and wordless picture books. Examples from its list include Into the Grey, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. If your book fits these categories, an agent can help you reach the press while it stays closed to unsolicited work.
Where is Candlewick Press based?
Candlewick Press is based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Its location does not change how you submit, since the press is closed to unsolicited manuscripts and art right now. Most authors reach Candlewick through a literary agent, so your next step is to find an agent who handles children's and young adult books. Check its website from time to time for updates.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
