13 Scottish publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in May 2025

Now that you’ve written your novel, it’s time to pitch it to a Scottish publisher! All of the publishers listed here are currently accepting manuscripts without a literary agent. 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.

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.

1. Ringwood Publishing

   Ringwood Publishing is an independent Scottish publisher based in Glasgow. Please note that they only accept authors who are Scottish or are a resident of Scotland.
   Genre: Literary fiction, genre fiction and nonfiction from Scottish authors or residents.
   Word count: 50,000 words and above.

2. Christian Focus Publications

   Christian Focus Publications is a conservative, evangelical publisher.
   Genre: Christian nonfiction and children's books.
   Word count: Not stated.

3. Saint Andrew Press

   Saint Andrew Press is the publishing house of the Church of Scotland. They have a varied catalogue of over 200 titles.
   Genre: Poetry and Christian nonfiction, such as bible discovery, history, biography, missions, worship and prayer.
   Word count: Not stated.

4. Birlinn

   Birlinn is an independent publishing house based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have an imprint of the same name which publishes Scottish and general UK interest books. They accept direct submissions but encourage seeking a literary agent.
   Genre: Nonfiction, including biography, history, military, politics and Scottish Gaelic that relates to Scotland and the UK.
   Word count: Not stated.

5. BC Books

   BC Books is an imprint of Birlinn and their motto is bold books for curious kids! They publish writing and illustrations of the highest quality for young readers throughout the UK and beyond. Their aim is to nurture young readers and help them discover a passion for reading that will last their entire lives.
   Genre: Children's books and middle grade.
   Word count: Not stated.

6. Rymour Books

   Rymour Books is passionate about promoting Scottish Literature, history and culture.
   Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction by Scottish authors or of Scottish interest.
   Word count: Not stated.

7. Polygon

   Polygon is an imprint of Birlinn that publishes literary fiction and poetry. They also publish nonfiction by music journalists. While they don't state this as a requirement, it seems many of their books have a link to Scotland.
   Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and music nonfiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

8. Acair

   Acair was founded in 1977 and is a registered Scottish charity that publishes Scottish Gaelic children's books and a range of titles in Scottish Gaelic and English.
   Genre: Poetry, fiction, children's books and nonfiction. Many of their titles relate to Scotland, history, nature and social issues.
   Word count: Not stated.

9. John Donald

   John Donald is an imprint of Birlinn that publishes academic books on all aspects of Scottish culture. While they specialize in Scottish history, they release a wide array of books from architecture to philosophy.
   Genre: Scottish nonfiction, especially history.
   Word count: Not stated.

10. Arena Sport

    Arena Sport is an imprint of Birlinn that (as the name implies!) publishes sport books. They focus on a wide array of sports and seek books that have both an international appeal and appeal to the people of Scotland.
    Genre: Sports nonfiction.
    Word count: Not stated.

11. Black&White

    Black&White is a Scottish publisher committed to publishing the best books from the most talented writers in Scotland.
    Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of celebrity memoirs, sports, lifestyle, humour, gift, activity, food/drink, Scottish, Irish and nature.
    Word count: Not stated.

12. Interpret Magazine

    Interpret is a new magazine of international literature based in Scotland. Please note that submission is free for all readers who need it to be (they won't ask any questions or for proof) but they do ask that if you are in a financial position that you pay a £3 submission fee.
    Genre: Short fiction and poetry.
    Word count: Under 2,500 words.

13. Ockham Publishing

    Ockham Publishing is a nonfiction publisher who champions ideas that spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
    Genre: Nonfiction, including popular science and philosophy.
    Word count: Not stated.

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. Otherwise, take a look at my genre-specific list of publishers for romance, fantasy and science fiction.