Memoir Book Publishers Accepting Submissions
Every memoir 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
47publishing houses checked
32open to submissions now
34take authors without an agent
10 wksmedian reply time
Memoir publishers to try first
Houses that publish memoir and have a route in for authors.
- 1
Sutherland House
Memoir, biography and narrative nonfiction from new and experienced authors; no agent needed.
Reply: Not stated
- 2
Plough
Books on faith, community and justice through an online form or by mail.
Reply: 3 to 6 weeks
- 3
Casemate
Military history, including memoir, through an online proposal form.
Reply: About 8 weeks
- 4
Coffee House Press
Literary work including occasional memoir; closed now but free to submit when open.
Reply: 16 to 24 weeks
- 5
Seren Books
Nonfiction including memoir from UK writers during call-outs.
Reply: Not stated
All Memoir publishers
Filter by what you write and how you want to submit. Open publishers come first; every card shows when we last checked it.
No publishers match all of these. Try removing a filter.
Independent publishing companyBeacon PressChildren's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, HistoryBoston, Massachusetts, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Beacon Press is open to email queries for general trade nonfiction. Send a 250-word query to editorial@beacon.org. If Beacon is interested, it asks for a full proposal within three weeks. It does not review poetry or self-help.No agent neededSend: 250-word query by email; proposal only on requestEmail3 wks replyView 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 →
Independent publishing companyCasemateNonfiction, Academic, HistoryPennsylvania, USOpen 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 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 →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 →Mid-sizeGetty PublicationsChildren's, Academic, Art and PhotographyLos Angeles, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Getty Publications accepts book proposals by email directly from authors. Choose one of its four imprints and email your proposal to that imprint's address. It does not accept paper proposals or complete manuscripts unless it requests one.No agent neededSend: Proposal + sample chapter by email to one imprintEmailReply time not statedest. 1954View profile →Small pressGray & CompanyNonfiction, History, IndependentCleveland, Ohio, USOpen 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 →
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 →
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 →
Small pressMNHS PressChildren's, Cookbook, HistorySt. Paul, Minnesota, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026The Minnesota Historical Society Press is open to nonfiction proposals about Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, by email or post. Send a proposal with a 250-word description, audience, length, schedule, vitae and chapter outline, plus 15 to 25 sample pages. Replies take six to eight weeks, and simultaneous submissions are fine if you say so.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 15 to 25 sample pagesEmail, Post+1 more6 to 8 wks replyView profile →
University pressMonash University PublishingNonfiction, Academic, HistoryClayton, Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Monash University Publishing is open to submissions from unagented authors. It wants nonfiction such as politics, biography, history and memoir, with a particular focus on sustainability and the environment. Email a synopsis, a short bio and a sample of up to 3,000 words to submissions@monash.edu.No agent neededSend: Synopsis, 70-word bio + 3,000-word sample by emailEmail6 wks replyView profile →
University pressMUPNonfiction, Academic, Art and PhotographyCarlton (Melbourne), Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026MUP is open to unagented nonfiction proposals through Submittable. You send a proposal with a detailed chapter breakdown and a sample chapter, and MUP aims to reply in about 12 weeks. Its pages mention no fee.No agent neededSend: Proposal + chapter breakdown + sample chapter via SubmittableSubmittable+1 more12 wks replyest. 1922View profile →
University pressOSU PressNonfiction, Academic, CookbookOregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026OSU Press is open to nonfiction proposals from unagented authors. Email a prospectus with an annotated table of contents, your bio or CV and 1 to 2 sample chapters if available to press.submissions@oregonstate.edu. It does not take unsolicited fiction.No agent neededSend: Prospectus + 1 to 2 sample chapters by emailEmail10 to 12 wks replyView 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 →
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 →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 →
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 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 companySutherland HouseNonfiction, Business, HistoryToronto, CanadaOpen 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 →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 →
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 Tennessee PressChildren's, Academic, HistoryKnoxville, Tennessee, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026University of Tennessee Press is open to proposals from authors without an agent. Send a letter of inquiry, a proposal document, at least two sample chapters and your CV through its online Proposal Submission Form or by email to the right editor. Full manuscripts go in only on request.No agent neededSend: Inquiry, proposal, 2+ sample chapters and CV by form or emailOnline form, EmailReply time not statedView 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 →
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 →
Independent publishing companyVersoNonfiction, History, MemoirLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Verso Books is open to nonfiction proposals by email from authors without an agent. Send a proposal of up to 15 pages with an overview, chapter summaries, your background, markets, competing titles and a timetable. No reply within two months means no. It does not consider unsolicited fiction.No agent neededSend: Proposal up to 15 pages by emailEmail8 wks replyest. 1970View profile →University pressWSU PressChildren's, Academic, HistoryPullman, Washington, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026WSU Press is open to proposals from established and first-time writers, with a focus on the American West. Email or mail a proposal with one or two representative chapters, not the full manuscript. Simultaneous submissions are fine if you tell the press, and the standard route is free.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 1 to 2 sample chapters by email or mailEmail, Post+1 moreReply 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 →
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 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 →
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 →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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →Independent publishing companyCasemateNonfiction, Academic, HistoryPennsylvania, USOpen 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 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 →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 →Mid-sizeGetty PublicationsChildren's, Academic, Art and PhotographyLos Angeles, California, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Getty Publications accepts book proposals by email directly from authors. Choose one of its four imprints and email your proposal to that imprint's address. It does not accept paper proposals or complete manuscripts unless it requests one.No agent neededSend: Proposal + sample chapter by email to one imprintEmailReply time not statedest. 1954View profile →Small pressGray & CompanyNonfiction, History, IndependentCleveland, Ohio, USOpen 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 →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 →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 →Small pressMNHS PressChildren's, Cookbook, HistorySt. Paul, Minnesota, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026The Minnesota Historical Society Press is open to nonfiction proposals about Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, by email or post. Send a proposal with a 250-word description, audience, length, schedule, vitae and chapter outline, plus 15 to 25 sample pages. Replies take six to eight weeks, and simultaneous submissions are fine if you say so.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 15 to 25 sample pagesEmail, Post+1 more6 to 8 wks replyView profile →University pressMonash University PublishingNonfiction, Academic, HistoryClayton, Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Monash University Publishing is open to submissions from unagented authors. It wants nonfiction such as politics, biography, history and memoir, with a particular focus on sustainability and the environment. Email a synopsis, a short bio and a sample of up to 3,000 words to submissions@monash.edu.No agent neededSend: Synopsis, 70-word bio + 3,000-word sample by emailEmail6 wks replyView profile →University pressMUPNonfiction, Academic, Art and PhotographyCarlton (Melbourne), Melbourne, AustraliaOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026MUP is open to unagented nonfiction proposals through Submittable. You send a proposal with a detailed chapter breakdown and a sample chapter, and MUP aims to reply in about 12 weeks. Its pages mention no fee.No agent neededSend: Proposal + chapter breakdown + sample chapter via SubmittableSubmittable+1 more12 wks replyest. 1922View profile →University pressOSU PressNonfiction, Academic, CookbookOregon, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026OSU Press is open to nonfiction proposals from unagented authors. Email a prospectus with an annotated table of contents, your bio or CV and 1 to 2 sample chapters if available to press.submissions@oregonstate.edu. It does not take unsolicited fiction.No agent neededSend: Prospectus + 1 to 2 sample chapters by emailEmail10 to 12 wks replyView 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 →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 →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 →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 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 companySutherland HouseNonfiction, Business, HistoryToronto, CanadaOpen 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 →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 →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 Tennessee PressChildren's, Academic, HistoryKnoxville, Tennessee, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026University of Tennessee Press is open to proposals from authors without an agent. Send a letter of inquiry, a proposal document, at least two sample chapters and your CV through its online Proposal Submission Form or by email to the right editor. Full manuscripts go in only on request.No agent neededSend: Inquiry, proposal, 2+ sample chapters and CV by form or emailOnline form, EmailReply time not statedView 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 →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 →Independent publishing companyVersoNonfiction, History, MemoirLondon, UKOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026Verso Books is open to nonfiction proposals by email from authors without an agent. Send a proposal of up to 15 pages with an overview, chapter summaries, your background, markets, competing titles and a timetable. No reply within two months means no. It does not consider unsolicited fiction.No agent neededSend: Proposal up to 15 pages by emailEmail8 wks replyest. 1970View profile →University pressWSU PressChildren's, Academic, HistoryPullman, Washington, USOpen to submissionsChecked Oct 2026WSU Press is open to proposals from established and first-time writers, with a focus on the American West. Email or mail a proposal with one or two representative chapters, not the full manuscript. Simultaneous submissions are fine if you tell the press, and the standard route is free.No agent neededSend: Proposal + 1 to 2 sample chapters by email or mailEmail, Post+1 moreReply 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 →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 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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 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 →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 →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 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 →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 →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 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 → 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.
Memoir publishers range from literary presses to faith houses, and fewer of them read unagented work than in other nonfiction. We list 47 memoir publishers, and 32 of them are open to submissions today. Every listing was checked on the publisher's own site and shows whether you need an agent, what to send and how long a reply takes. Some houses publish memoir only occasionally, so read each profile carefully before you send a proposal, sample chapters or the full book.
Memoir publishers that read unagented work
Sutherland House is the clearest open door for memoir on this page: it reads memoir, biography and narrative nonfiction from new and experienced authors, with no agent needed. Plough reads faith and community books through an online form, and Casemate takes military history proposals, including memoir, through its form.
Literary memoir
Literary houses publish memoir alongside essays and fiction. Coffee House Press publishes occasional memoir and is closed for now, Seren publishes memoir from UK writers during its call-outs, and Graywolf reads prose only through agents. Canongate and Jonathan Cape also read memoir through agents.
How to pitch a memoir
Most houses read memoir as a proposal, sometimes with the full manuscript. Expect to send a summary, an outline or table of contents, sample chapters and a short bio. Explain why your story matters to readers beyond your family and friends, and send exactly what each profile asks for.
Memoir and faith publishers
Some faith publishers take memoir and personal stories, while others exclude them. Whitaker House publishes memoir among its titles, but Ave Maria Press does not accept personal conversion accounts. Check each profile before you send a faith memoir.
Memoir and military history
Military memoir has its own home. Casemate publishes military history and takes proposals through an online form, and it does not want full manuscripts at first. If your memoir covers service or conflict, a specialist house like this may be a better fit than a general literary press.
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.
Rather not wait? We'll publish it with you.
Self-publish your memoir book with one project manager and matched specialists. 100% of your royalties and rights stay yours.
Tell us about your book
Genre, length, goals and timing.
Get a written quote
Scope and price agreed before any work starts.
Publish in your name
Your accounts, your ISBN, your royalties.
Questions authors ask
Answers use the live data on this page.
Which memoir publishers accept unagented submissions?
On this page, Sutherland House reads memoir from new and experienced authors with no agent needed, Plough reads faith and community books through an online form and Casemate takes military history proposals. Seren reads memoir from UK writers during call-outs. Graywolf and Canongate read memoir only through agents.
Do memoir publishers want the full manuscript?
Many start with a proposal: a summary, an outline, sample chapters and a bio. Sutherland House accepts either a proposal or the full manuscript. Even when a proposal is enough, it helps to have much of the book written, so you can send more quickly if an editor asks.
Do faith publishers take personal memoirs?
Some do and some do not. Whitaker House publishes memoir among its titles, while Ave Maria Press does not accept accounts of personal conversion or private revelation. Pauline Books & Media excludes personal memoirs for adults. Read each faith publisher's profile before you send your story.
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.
