12 Book Publishers Accepting Submissions from New Authors
by WriteSeen
Finding book publishers accepting submissions can feel impossible when you’re starting out, but the right list can change everything.
We’ve shortlisted reputable publishers who are open to new voices and value innovative work—across fiction, nonfiction, children’s, visual, and niche genres.
WriteSeen is where experienced professionals and emerging creators alike can connect, collaborate, and find trusted pathways to see their best ideas published.
1. Turner Publishing Company
New writers want reach, credibility, and a fair shot at being seen. Turner Publishing Company opens real doors, not just to the United States, but to the global market. Here’s how Turner stands out.
- Global impact: Turner distributes to 55+ countries and offers 5,000+ titles. Your book doesn’t get siloed—it’s everywhere readers are.
- Genre agility: History, health, romance, YA, cookbooks, animals, business, and much more. They are not afraid to take risks on fresh talent.
- Submission access: No agent required. Email. Simultaneous submissions allowed. If your story fits, they want to know you.
- Results-driven: Their imprints, like Keylight Books for film-adaptable fiction and Hunter House for health, get books into specialty markets and on-shelf—fast.
- Trusted process: Turner is known for clear communication, fair contracts, and strong global relationships.
If you’re writing fiction, YA, nonfiction, or anything off the beaten path, Turner is a powerhouse for writers who want large-scale exposure with a respected, responsive house. Emerging voices thrive where reach, trust, and a diverse catalog meet.
Before you submit, build professional credibility with a polished portfolio. WriteSeen lets you securely showcase your manuscript, synopsis, and pitch—all in one place, ready for discovery.
2. Page Street Publishing
Page Street Publishing makes high-impact visual books and crafts titles with Macmillan’s support. As a new author, you get a real shot at recognition—especially if visuals shape your work.
You’ll love their emphasis on quality materials, bold design, and openness to debut writers.
What Makes Page Street Right for New Authors
- Visually led: Cookbooks, crafts, children’s, YA, adult horror—if your book is art-driven or features stunning visuals, this is your home.
- Awards edge: Multiple National Book Award nominations point to serious literary clout.
- Green production: Sustainable paper and soy inks for eco-focused creators.
- Submission clarity: Direct submissions. Clear steps. Transparent communication.
Page Street is a springboard for debuts who want their book to not just read well, but look unforgettable. Peer feedback from other writers and pros on platforms like WriteSeen can sharpen your pitch and make you stand out to publishers focused on design.
Best-Fit Authors
If your writing is bold, visual, and distinctive—especially in YA, cookery, or illustrated genres—Page Street gets your project in front of the right people.
On WriteSeen, authors working in visual formats can upload images, gather feedback, and refine their submission—before sending it to a design-led publisher like Page Street.
3. Workman Publishing Company
Workman’s been a nonfiction powerhouse since 1968, now with Hachette’s muscle. If you’re writing self-help, parenting, guides, or curriculum-driven projects, their distribution and credibility can change your trajectory.
Why Workman Works
- Fact-focused: They care about accuracy. Think “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and Brain Quest—classics found everywhere.
- Open path: Some Workman imprints accept unsolicited submissions—particularly nonfiction. An agent is optional, but always check each imprint’s specific guidelines.
- Mainstream reach: Their marketing muscle gets books onto bestseller lists and into schools.
- New voices: Debut writers get a seat at the table, especially if your work has curriculum, trend, or practical value.
Workman is proof that strong nonfiction, backed by research and practicality, gets discovered. If you’re serious about educational impact, parenting advice, or guides with substance, this is the partner to pitch.
Place your book with teams committed to authority, accuracy, and massive reader impact.
4. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Eerdmans brings over a century of experience in religious and academic publishing. If your manuscript tackles spirituality, social criticism, or faith themes, this publisher gives you respect and reach.
Key Highlights
- Academic authority: Their books shape curriculums and church libraries worldwide.
- Full spectrum: From complex theology to children’s faith stories; their imprints cover all ages.
- Transparent process: They keep authors updated, treating your ideas seriously—whether you’re a professor or a first-timer.
- Ongoing relevance: Their catalog reflects the latest scholarship and societal debates, so your work enters real conversations.
Writers focused on religious, ethical, or thoughtful academic books will find Eerdmans open to new, even radical, perspectives.
5. Gibbs Smith
Gibbs Smith sits at the intersection of design, food, and children’s board books. If you live for beautifully made books or quirky board concepts, this house has a direct line to bookstores and libraries.
Real Strengths
- Eco and style-driven: Everything from cookbooks to BabyLit board books. If aesthetics matter to you, Gibbs Smith values craftsmanship.
- Quick access: All submissions go straight to editors; tailored guidance for each genre.
- Niche champions: Their books pop visually—and land in retail stores that look for unique, boutique-style content.
Writers with visual, design-rooted projects or those crafting for kids will find an attentive, creative publisher here.
6. Lyrical Press (Kensington Publishing)
Lyrical Press is Kensington’s digital-first home for genre fiction. If you’re writing romance, suspense, or psychological thrillers, speed and access are the strengths here.
- Swift process: Submit directly to editors. Digital-first means they move fast, and you get real feedback.
- Focused genres: All subgenres of romance, women’s fiction, thrillers. Novellas and series formats are especially welcome.
- Digital discovery: Your work reaches online readers right away, with marketing support that meets modern trends.
Perfect for writers who want a modern entry point with a publisher that “gets” digital visibility and isn’t afraid of serial novels or recurring characters.
7. Persea Books
Persea Books serves literary writers who want impact outside the commercial mainstream. If you write poetry, literary essays, memoir, or multicultural YA, their team values substance and new perspectives.
What Sets Persea Apart
- Prize pedigree: Their annual poetry awards have launched many fresh writers into classrooms and literary circles.
- Contemporary focus: They regularly update their catalog with current political, cultural, and social writing.
- Diverse voices: Debut writers tackling marginalized perspectives find a real audience here.
If your work leans literary, progressive, and you aim for academic adoption or lasting influence, Persea Books is primed to notice your talent.
The right publisher connects your story with those ready to champion it, not just churn it out.
8. Andrews McMeel Publishing
You want a publisher who understands unconventional books—where comics, poetry, and gift titles sit side by side. Andrews McMeel Publishing has launched icons like Rupi Kaur’s “Milk & Honey” and countless bestsellers at the intersection of art and storytelling.
If you create humor, illustrated work, or punchy poetry, here’s why you’ll want to look closer.
- Diverse range: They seek comics, gift books, humor, poetry, and calendars—the stuff that defies easy labels.
- Mail-in access only: No agent required, but proposals must be submitted physically—digital submissions are not accepted.
- Global placement: Books land in mass retail, online, and specialty stores. Think real-world, everyday reach.
Best for creators who break the mold. If your book is visual, witty, or driven by pop culture, Andrews McMeel’s track record proves they know how to champion new styles.
9. Haymarket Books
You care about social justice, activism, and moving conversations forward. Haymarket Books is the nonprofit publisher that looks for work fueling organized movements and cultural debates.
- Progressive focus: They want nonfiction crossing activism and academic worlds. Accessible, readable, but never watered down.
- Platform for new voices: Especially focused on authors underrepresented in publishing or those with deep ties to grassroots efforts.
- Regular catalog updates: Always aligned with the latest cultural and political issues, keeping your work timely.
Ideal if your manuscript tackles justice, radical change, or global movements. Haymarket regularly gets their books into activist circles, classrooms, and media—giving your voice a head start.
Publishers like Haymarket and Andrews McMeel expand where literature goes and who gets heard.
10. Holiday House
Looking to publish books for young readers—picture books, early readers, middle grade, or YA? Holiday House is the first American house focused solely on children’s publishing, known for real representation, inventive stories, and broad library reach.
Why Submit to Holiday House
- Legacy of diversity: Their lists include award-winning, authentically inclusive books.
- Unsolicited welcome: Open doors for debut authors. Strong submission process with clear steps.
- Award potential: Books positioned for mainstream prizes and librarian attention.
Holiday House should be high on your list if your goal is lasting impact for children and teens. Your voice can spark the next generation of readers here.
11. Chronicle Books
For writers with a strong visual style or quirky concepts, Chronicle Books delivers a creative powerhouse environment. From cookbooks to gift books, children’s titles to groundbreaking pop culture pieces—they seek innovative, design-led work.
- Iconic design: Chronicle’s books are known for collectible presentation and impeccable visuals.
- Creative fun: They take chances on offbeat, whimsical, and one-of-a-kind stories. If your book surprises people, starts conversations, or turns gift-giving into an event, it fits here.
- Submission path: Unsolicited proposals. Perfect for debut authors with a creative edge.
Great for those ready to stand out, not just fit in. Chronicle will champion bold, artistic perspectives.
12. Sourcebooks
You want a publisher open to nearly every genre and future-proof marketing. Sourcebooks is a top independent publisher with proven results in romance, nonfiction, children’s, and more.
Sourcebooks for New Authors
- Opportunity for all: Welcomes debut and established writers, from commercial to niche.
- Robust marketing: Titles featured in major stores and bestseller lists.
- Professional support: Authors receive constructive feedback and clear growth paths.
Sourcebooks is especially strong for writers seeking broad exposure and professional development. If you aim for cross-genre publishing and want your work taken seriously, this is where to submit.
What to Expect When Submitting to Book Publishers Accepting Submissions
Submitting to publishers can be daunting, but clarity helps you win. Here’s what to focus on.
- Query basics: Most publishers want a concise query, synopsis, and writing sample. Tailor each submission. Attention to detail sets you apart from impatient writers.
- No agent required: Every publisher here accepts direct submissions—no shortcuts, no pay-to-play.
- Check the fit: Don’t send your YA novel to a press known for cookbooks. Study publisher guidelines and backlists.
- Watch for timelines: Some respond in weeks, others take months. Track your submissions and follow each publisher’s protocol.
Submitting with confidence comes from understanding what publishers want—and making your submission shine.
Use WriteSeen to organize your submission assets, share previews with trusted peers, and track your projects through every stage. Verified professionals are already scouting work like yours.
How WriteSeen Elevates Your Submission Game
Connecting with real industry pros makes a difference. WriteSeen gives you secure, timestamped storage for all your projects, so you never worry about losing your work. You get peer feedback and insights before submitting, sharpening your pitch and manuscript.
Verified professionals actively scout new work on the platform, and our transparent system keeps you in full control. You stay focused, build credibility, and create opportunities for discovery—on your terms, when the timing is right.
Conclusion
Finding book publishers accepting submissions is just the beginning—but making the most of that list requires preparation, insight, and intentionality. The publishers highlighted here don’t just open doors—they champion originality, diversity, and new voices across genres.
Whether your project is visual, academic, radical, or commercially bold, there’s a home for it. Knowing what each press values gives you a clear edge when crafting your submission and choosing where to focus your energy.
Join WriteSeen to protect your work, get feedback from peers, and stay visible to real industry professionals scouting the next wave of creative talent. The right moment doesn’t wait—prepare, submit, and move forward with confidence.
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