Tennessee-based publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in October 2025
Congratulations on writing your book! The publishers based in Tennessee 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.
Celtic Cat Publishing
Celtic Cat Publishing is an award-winning independent publisher established in 1995.
Genre: Literary and upmarket fiction, poetry and work of East Tennessee regional interest.
Word count: Not stated.Fractured Mirror Publishing
Fractured Mirror Publishing is an all-female owned and operated independent press publishing speculative fiction for both young adult and adult audiences. They publish books that prompts people to challenge the way they look at the world.
Genre: Adult and young adult speculative fiction.
Word count: Not stated.April Gloaming
April Gloaming is a nonprofit independent press based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction, upmarket fiction and creative nonfiction.
Word count: At least 70,000 words for fiction.Turner Publishing Company
Turner Publishing Company is an award-winning, independent publisher.
Genre: Genre fiction, including contemporary romance, upmarket, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, thriller and horror. For nonfiction, they accept history, current events, business, economics, psychology, science and medicine.
Word count: Not stated.Abingdon Press
Abingdon Press is a Christian publisher who publishes resources that meet the needs of Christians who seek and serve the Christian faith.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of Christian resources such as leadership, church supply items, church program resources and individual faith development.
Word count: Not stated.Headstamp Press
Headstamp Press is working to bring firearms book publication into the 21st century.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of arms, munitions or military history.
Word count: Not stated.Upper Room Books
Upper Room Books is a Christian publisher that guides readers in Christian spiritual formation.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of prayer and other spiritual practices, spiritual formation, Advent and Lent studies, living a faithful Christian life, relationships, healing and wholeness, aging, and creativity and spirituality.
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.