Mid-size
Profile Books
Nonfiction, Business, Fiction
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Profile Books
Profile 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.
Profile Books is a London publisher founded in 1996. It reads unsolicited nonfiction, but only from authors who have been published before by a publisher, not self-published, and from university academics. Its imprints include Serpent’s Tail and Viper Books, which are not accepting unsolicited fiction at this time.
Eligible authors send an outline, a table of contents and one sample chapter of no more than 2,500 words. Profile says it never asks for reading fees.
What Profile Books is looking for
- Nonfiction from previously published authors
- Nonfiction from university academics
Publishes
- Business
- Fiction
- Health
- History
- Independent
- Mystery and Thriller
- Nonfiction
- Self-Help
Readers
- Adult
How to submit to Profile Books
From its own guidelines- Check that you are a previously published (not self-published) author or a university academic.
- Prepare an outline, a table of contents and one sample chapter of up to 2,500 words.
- Send it by email following the contact page instructions.
Is Profile Books right for your book?
A good fit if
Published nonfiction authors and academics with a book for general readers.
Look elsewhere if
First-time or self-published authors, fiction writers and poets.
Books published by Profile Books
Well-known titles- Eats, Shoots & LeavesLynne Truss
- Being MortalAtul Gawande
- The Artist's WayJulia Cameron
- Women & PowerMary Beard
- Murdle2024
Profile Books imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Books | Yes | Nonfiction from published authors and university academics. |
| Serpent's Tail | No | Unsolicited fiction not accepted at this time. |
| Viper Books | No | Unsolicited fiction not accepted at this time. |
Questions about Profile Books
Who can submit to Profile Books?
Profile Books accepts unsolicited nonfiction only from authors who have been published by a publisher, not self-published, and from university academics. Send an outline, a table of contents and one sample chapter of up to 2,500 words. Other writers should approach it through a literary agent.
Does Profile Books accept fiction?
Not unsolicited. Profile Books and its fiction imprints, Serpent's Tail and Viper Books, are not accepting unsolicited fiction or poetry at this time. Fiction writers should look for an agent or check our list of UK fiction publishers for open routes.
Does Profile Books charge reading fees?
No. Profile Books says it never asks for reading fees. Traditional publishers pay authors and do not charge them to read or publish a book. If anyone claiming to represent Profile asks you for money, treat it as a warning sign.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
