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
54open 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.

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  1. 1
    Independent publisher

    Kensington

    New York

    Fiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, History

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Genre fiction and narrative nonfiction from a New York independent that welcomes unagented, hybrid and indie authors.

    Reply: About 12 weeks

  2. 2
    Small press

    Bluemoose Books

    Hebden Bridge

    Fiction, Independent, Literary fiction

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Literary fiction from writers anywhere, with or without an agent.

    Reply: About 24 weeks

  3. 3
    Independent publisher

    McFarland

    Jefferson, North Carolina

    Nonfiction, Academic, History

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Academic and general-interest nonfiction; no agent needed and no cost to publish.

    Reply: About 4 weeks

  4. 4
    Mid-size

    Baen Books

    Wake Forest, North Carolina

    Fiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Independent

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Science fiction and fantasy novels through an online form, no agent or query needed.

    Reply: 39 to 65 weeks

  5. 5
    Independent publisher

    Hurst

    London

    Nonfiction, Academic, History

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Serious nonfiction on current affairs, history and politics, by email proposal.

    Reply: Not stated

  6. 6
    Independent publisher

    Sutherland House

    Toronto

    Nonfiction, Business, History

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Narrative nonfiction from new and experienced authors in Toronto.

    Reply: Not stated

  7. 7
    Independent publisher

    Albert Whitman

    Park Ridge, Illinois

    Children's, Fiction, Independent

    Open nowNo agent needed

    Picture books, middle grade and young adult by email with a cover letter.

    Reply: About 24 weeks

  8. 8
    Small press

    Nine Arches Press

    West Midlands

    Poetry, Diverse and BIPOC voices, Independent

    Open nowNo agent needed

    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.

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Showing 88 publishers

Independent publisherAlbert WhitmanChildren's, Fiction, IndependentPark Ridge, IllinoisOpen 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 publisherAnnick PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionTorontoOpen 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, ComicsVancouverOpen 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 CarolinaOpen 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 publisherBerrett-KoehlerBusiness, Independent, NonfictionOakland, CaliforniaOpen 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 →Free guidePublisher or self-publish?Traditional vs self-publishingNew YorkFor first-time authorsAuthorWings serviceA traditional deal costs nothing up front. It pays 7.5% on a paperback, often takes 2 to 4 years to reach shelves, and licenses your rights for the life of copyright.Per paperback: $4.99 self-published vs $0.96Free earnings calculator2 to 3 months vs 2 to 4 yearsCompare →Independent publisherBig Sky PublishingChildren's, History, IndependentNewportOpen 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 publisherBirlinnChildren's, Academic, FictionEdinburgh, ScotlandOpen 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 CarolinaOpen 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 BridgeOpen 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 publisherCasemateNonfiction, Academic, HistoryPennsylvaniaOpen 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 publisherChicago Review PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, HistoryChicago, IllinoisOpen 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, CaliforniaOpen 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, GeorgiaOpen 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 publisherCrown House PublishingNonfiction, Academic, BusinessCarmarthenOpen 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 →Assisted self-publishingAuthorWingsEvery genre, First-time authorsNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings servicePublishes your book in your own name on Amazon and 6 more stores. Nobody approves or rejects your book. You keep 100% of royalties and rights.No agent neededSend: Your manuscript, at any stageOnline form, Call5 to 30 days to go livefrom $249See plans →Traditional publisherDalkey Archive PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionDallas, TexasOpen 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 publisherDundurn PressFiction, Business, HistoryTorontoOpen 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 publisherECW PressFiction, Diverse and BIPOC voices, IndependentTorontoOpen 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 publisherEerdmansChristian, Academic, Children'sGrand Rapids, MichiganOpen 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 publisherFloris BooksChildren's, Independent, Middle gradeEdinburgh, ScotlandOpen 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, MelbourneOpen 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, GeorgiaOpen 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 publisherFremantle PressChildren's, Art and Photography, Diverse and BIPOC voicesFremantleOpen 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 publisherGoose Lane EditionsFiction, Art and Photography, IndependentFrederictonOpen 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 →Free toolBook Publishing Cost CalculatorEditing, Cover, Formatting, SetupNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceSee what self-publishing your book would cost before you talk to anyone. Enter your word count and pick the services you need.No email neededSend: Your word countOnline tool60 secondsPrice my book →Small pressGray & CompanyNonfiction, History, IndependentCleveland, OhioOpen 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 publisherHaymarket BooksNonfiction, IndependentChicago, IllinoisOpen 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 publisherHeydayNonfiction, Art and Photography, Diverse and BIPOC voicesBerkeley, CaliforniaOpen 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 publisherHouse of AnansiFiction, Independent, Literary fictionTorontoOpen 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 publisherHurstNonfiction, Academic, HistoryLondonOpen 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 publisherIntellectAcademic, Art and Photography, ComicsBristolOpen 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 →EditingBefore you submitEvery genreNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceMost publishers here ask for your opening chapters. Get them marked up by an editor first, whichever route you take.For publishers or self-publishingSend: Your opening pagesOnline form$49 sample editGet a sample edit →Independent publisherKensingtonFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HistoryNew YorkOpen 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 publisherLlewellynReligion and Spirituality, Health, IndependentWoodbury, MinnesotaOpen 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 publisherLuath PressFiction, History, IndependentEdinburgh, ScotlandOpen 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, ScotlandOpen 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 publisherLynne Rienner PublishersAcademic, Independent, NonfictionBoulder, ColoradoOpen 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 publisherMcFarlandNonfiction, Academic, HistoryJefferson, North CarolinaOpen 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 publisherMicrocosm PublishingNonfiction, IndependentPortland, OregonOpen 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 publisherMountaineers BooksNonfiction, Art and Photography, CookbookSeattle, WashingtonOpen 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 publisherNew HarbingerNonfiction, Health, IndependentOakland, CaliforniaOpen 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 →Assisted self-publishingAuthorWingsEvery genre, First-time authorsNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings servicePublishes your book in your own name on Amazon and 6 more stores. Nobody approves or rejects your book. You keep 100% of royalties and rights.No agent neededSend: Your manuscript, at any stageOnline form, Call5 to 30 days to go livefrom $249See plans →Small pressNine Arches PressPoetry, Diverse and BIPOC voices, IndependentWest MidlandsOpen 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 publisherOneworldChildren's, Academic, FictionLondonOpen 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, OregonOpen 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 SpaOpen 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, GeorgiaOpen 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 publisherPluto PressNonfiction, Academic, HistoryLondonOpen 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, FictionLondonOpen 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 publisherRockpool PublishingReligion and Spirituality, Health, IndependentLeichhardt (Sydney), SydneyOpen 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 publisherRyland Peters & SmallChildren's, Art and Photography, CookbookLondonOpen 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 →Free guidePublisher or self-publish?Traditional vs self-publishingNew YorkFor first-time authorsAuthorWings serviceA traditional deal costs nothing up front. It pays 7.5% on a paperback, often takes 2 to 4 years to reach shelves, and licenses your rights for the life of copyright.Per paperback: $4.99 self-published vs $0.96Free earnings calculator2 to 3 months vs 2 to 4 yearsCompare →Independent publisherSarabandFiction, Audiobook, IndependentSalfordOpen 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 publisherSelfMadeHeroComics, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, FictionLondonOpen 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 publisherShambhalaChildren's, Health, IndependentBoulder, ColoradoOpen 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 publisherSutherland HouseNonfiction, Business, HistoryTorontoOpen 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, MichiganOpen 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 publisherTitan BooksFiction, Art and Photography, ComicsLondonOpen 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 →Free toolBook Publishing Cost CalculatorEditing, Cover, Formatting, SetupNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceSee what self-publishing your book would cost before you talk to anyone. Enter your word count and pick the services you need.No email neededSend: Your word countOnline tool60 secondsPrice my book →Independent publisherTurner PublishingFiction, Business, Fantasy and Sci-FiNashville, TennesseeOpen 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 publisherCanongateFiction, Cookbook, IndependentEdinburgh, ScotlandAgent 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 publisherGraywolf PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, MinnesotaAgent 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 publisherLee & LowChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionNew YorkAgent 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, MinnesotaAgent 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 publisherNosy CrowChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondonAgent 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 publisherSaltFiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, HorrorCromerAgent 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 publisherUsborneChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondonAgent 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 publisherAndersen PressChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondonClosed 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 →EditingBefore you submitEvery genreNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceMost publishers here ask for your opening chapters. Get them marked up by an editor first, whichever route you take.For publishers or self-publishingSend: Your opening pagesOnline form$49 sample editGet a sample edit →Independent publisherBedford Square PublishersFiction, Independent, Mystery and ThrillerLondonClosed 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 fictionTorontoClosed 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 publisherBower HouseNonfiction, Fiction, IndependentDenver, ColoradoClosed 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 CarolinaClosed 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 publisherCemetery DanceFiction, Comics, HorrorForest Hill, MarylandClosed 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 publisherCharlesbridgeChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, FictionWatertown, MassachusettsClosed 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 publisherCoffee House PressFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, MinnesotaClosed 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, SydneyClosed 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, IndependentLiverpoolClosed 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 →Assisted self-publishingAuthorWingsEvery genre, First-time authorsNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings servicePublishes your book in your own name on Amazon and 6 more stores. Nobody approves or rejects your book. You keep 100% of royalties and rights.No agent neededSend: Your manuscript, at any stageOnline form, Call5 to 30 days to go livefrom $249See plans →Independent publisherDeep VellumChildren's, Art and Photography, FictionDallas, TexasClosed 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, IndependentCaerphillyClosed 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 publisherFulcrum PublishingNonfiction, History, IndependentDenver, ColoradoClosed 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, OregonClosed 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 publisherMagabala BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesBroomeClosed 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 publisherMilkweed EditionsFiction, Independent, Literary fictionMinneapolis, MinnesotaClosed 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 →Free guidePublisher or self-publish?Traditional vs self-publishingNew YorkFor first-time authorsAuthorWings serviceA traditional deal costs nothing up front. It pays 7.5% on a paperback, often takes 2 to 4 years to reach shelves, and licenses your rights for the life of copyright.Per paperback: $4.99 self-published vs $0.96Free earnings calculator2 to 3 months vs 2 to 4 yearsCompare →Independent publisherNew Society PublishersNonfiction, IndependentGabriola IslandClosed 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 publisherOrca BooksChildren's, Comics, Diverse and BIPOC voicesVictoriaClosed 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 publisherPushkin PressChildren's, Fiction, IndependentLondonClosed 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, ScotlandClosed 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 publisherScribeChildren's, Fiction, IndependentBrunswick (Melbourne), MelbourneClosed 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 publisherSeren 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 RiverClosed 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, MelbourneClosed 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 publisherVagabond VoicesFiction, Independent, Literary fictionGlasgow, ScotlandClosed 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 →Free toolBook Publishing Cost CalculatorEditing, Cover, Formatting, SetupNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceSee what self-publishing your book would cost before you talk to anyone. Enter your word count and pick the services you need.No email neededSend: Your word countOnline tool60 secondsPrice my book →Independent publisherVentura PressFiction, Health, IndependentSydney (PO Box Edgecliff NSW), SydneyClosed nowChecked 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 emailEmailNo reopening date givenReply time not statedest. 2002View profile →Independent publisherWave BooksPoetry, IndependentSeattle, WashingtonClosed 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 →Free callTalk to a publishing advisorFirst-time authors, Every genreNew YorkOpen to every authorAuthorWings serviceNot sure whether to query publishers or publish yourself? A publishing specialist reviews where your book is now and points you to the right next step.No agent neededSend: Nothing. Bring your questionsVideo call30 min, freeBook a call →
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.

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 54 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.

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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.