North Carolina-based publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in October 2025
Congratulations on writing your book! The publishers based in North Carolina on this list are currently accepting manuscripts this month without a literary agent. I’ve done my best to weed out any vanity presses or publishers without any novels published from the past year.
Don’t forget to check out my developmental 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. I offer a variety of services to suit all budgets, from writers looking for the standard developmental editing experience to those seeking high-level feedback with a quick turnaround time.
Baen
Baen is an American publishing house specializing in science fiction and fantasy.
Genre: Science fiction and fantasy.
Word count: 100,000 to 130,000 words.Amazing Dreams Press
Amazing Dreams Publishing publishes books by writers of lesbian, bisexual or questioning women.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Red Adept Publishing
Red Adept Publishing is a small fiction publisher with multiple USA Today Bestsellers. Please note they only accept submissions from US authors.
Genre: Genre fiction, including cozy mystery, fantasy, historical, romance, science fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense and women's fiction.
Word count: 50,000 words and above.C&R Press
C&R began as a small press in 2006. They are always on the lookout for talented authors and poets whose work they can refine, publish and promote. Please note they charge a $30 reading fee.
Genre: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.Black Mountain Press
Black Mountain Press is (shockingly!) located near the Black Mountains. They strive to publish works that aspire to a higher ideal, especially from first-time authors.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and memoirs.
Word count: 55,000 to 95,000 words.CamCat Books
CamCat Publishing opened in 2019 and takes pride in facilitating and engaging communication between their readers and writers. They will not publish erotica or books with strong religious or political slants.
Genre: Genre fiction, including mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, romance, historical, paranormal, horror, adventure, western and young adult.
Word count: 60,000 to 100,000 words.Orison Books
Orison Books seeks to publish spiritually-engaged literature. Please note general fiction submissions are accepted only during October.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Gryphon House
Gryphon House's goal is to publish resources that address top current issues in early childhood and help people enrich the lives of children.
Genre: Nonfiction focusing on current issues in early childhood.
Word count: Not stated.Duke University Press
Duke University Press was founded in 1921 and supports scholars doing what they are passionate about. They publish 150 new books every year.
Genre: Nonfiction in various subgenres of the humanities.
Word count: Not stated.McFarland
McFarland is an independent publisher of academic and nonfiction books, especially known for topics of popular appeal.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of popular culture, sports, military history, literature, history, body/mind, transportation, games and hobbies.
Word count: Not stated.The Legion Publishers
The Legion Publishers is owned by authors and experts in the Gamelit and LitRPG genres.
Genre: LitRPG, Gamelit, Dungeon Core, Cultivation, Magical Academy, Harem, and Cyberpunk.
Word count: 75,000 words and above.
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 developmental editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.