8 Australian children’s book publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in September 2025

Now that you’ve written your children’s book, it’s time to pitch it to a local Australian publisher!

Perhaps you have written a picture book, a board book or even an early reader but no matter which type of children’s book you have on your hands, you’ll find plenty of publishers who are accepting manuscript submissions without a literary agent here. I’ve done my best to weed out vanity publishers and those with less than savoury business practices.

If you are looking for middle grade publishers, take a look at this list instead.

I update this list at the start of every month so be sure to check back if you don’t find a publisher that suits your needs or have a look at my worldwide list of children’s book publishers or my other publishers lists where you can search via genre.

Finally, don’t forget to check out my picture book editing services, early reader editing services or pre-querying package if you want to make sure your novel is in top shape before you send it to a publisher for consideration.

1. Penguin Random House Australia

   Penguin Random House Australia comprises an adult and children’s publishing division. They accept manuscripts from Australian and New Zealand residents or citizens.
   Genre: Genre and literary fiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

2. Text Publishing

   Text Publishing is an independent Melbourne-based publisher of fiction and nonfiction. They accept submissions from citizens or residents of Australia and New Zealand.
   Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, erotica, fantasy, paranormal, historical, romance, LGBTQIA+, young adult, and middle grade. For nonfiction, they accept biography, memoir, essays, film, history, humour, philosophy, politics, religion, science, environment, relationships, society, culture, sport, travel and war.
   Word count: 10,000-120,000 words.

3. Ventura Press

   Ventura Press is a Sydney-based independent publisher established in 2002.
   Genre: Literary fiction, upmarket fiction and nonfiction.
   Word count: 40,000-120,000 words.

4. UNSW Press Limited

   UNSW Press Limited is a not-for-profit Australian company that started operating in 1962. Its mission is to contribute to intellectual and cultural development.
   Genre: General, scholarly, and literary nonfiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

5. Wakefield Press

   Wakefield Press is a leading independent publishing company based in Adelaide.
   Genre: Genre fiction, especially crime, literary fiction and nonfiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

6. Pan Macmillan Australia

   Pan Macmillan Australia is committed to investing in Australian authors and publishes a variety of bestselling books.
   Genre: Middle grade, young adult, commercial and literary fiction. For nonfiction, they're interested in narrative nonfiction, contemporary issues, memoir, history, true crime, lifestyle, health, and mind, body & spirit.
   Word count: Not stated.

7. UQP

   UQP is the wholly owned subsidiary of The University of Queensland. They produce culturally significant works across genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
   Genre: Nonfiction, literary fiction, children's and young adult books, and poetry.
   Word count: Not stated.

8. New Frontier Publishing

   New Frontier is an Australian publisher established in 2002. Their motto is to inspire, educate and uplift children.
   Genre: Picture books and junior fiction.
   Word count: Under 600 words for picture books and 5,000 to 55,000 words for junior fiction.

Best of luck with your manuscript submissions! If you want to ensure your manuscript is in the best position to be accepted, check out my picture book editing services, early reader editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.