18 UK children’s book publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in May 2025
Now that you’ve written your children’s book, it’s time to pitch it to a local UK 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.
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.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.Our Street Books (Collective Ink)
Our Street Books is the children's imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: Children's fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Lantana
Lantana believes that all children deserve to see themselves in books they read.
Genre: Picture books and middle grade fiction.
Word count: Over 4,000 words.BookLife Publishing
BookLife Publishing is a UK-based educational children’s book publisher wish over 3,000 titles published over the past decade.
Genre: Picture books and middle grade (both fiction and nonfiction).
Word count: Not stated.Child's Play
Child's Play is an independent publisher who publishes books on child development that bring out the best in children.
Genre: Children's books.
Word count: Not stated.Christian Focus Publications
Christian Focus Publications is a conservative, evangelical publisher.
Genre: Christian nonfiction and children's books.
Word count: Not stated.UpLit Press
UpLit Press publishes books with a positive message. They do not accept anything that glorifies violence.
Genre: Genre fiction, including young adult, fantasy, science fiction, romance, general and middle grade. They also accept picture books with illustrations and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.Design Eye
Design Eye is an imprint of Quarto that publishes books to help children understand what's under the surface of our world.
Genre: Children's nonfiction in the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and pop culture.
Word count: Not stated.Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Frances Lincoln Children's Books publishes high-quality picture books, poetry and nonfiction that celebrates the richness and diversity of the world.
Genre: Children's nonfiction in art and the outdoors.
Word count: Not stated.Happy Yak
Happy Yak publishes fun and funny books to make children smile, giggle and laugh.
Genre: Preschool novelty and board books, picture books and children's nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Ivy Kids
Ivy Kids publishes eco-conscious books about nature and the environment.
Genre: Children's nonfiction in the areas of nature and the environment.
Word count: Not stated.Nobrow
Nobrow is a small London-based publisher who opened its doors in 2008. They predominantly publish children's books.
Genre: Children's fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Post Wave Children's Books
Post Wave Children's Books is a UK-based independent publishing house. Their mission is to make every child around the globe a reader.
Genre: Board books, picture books, activity and nonfiction for children.
Word count: 64 to 96 pages for nonfiction, under 1,000 words for picture books and under 200 words for board books.Ryland Peters & Small
Ryland Peters & Small is an independent, illustrated publisher who creates beautifully produced books.
Genre: Children's books and nonfiction in the areas of interior design, food/drink, craft, mindfulness/spirituality, health, humor and pop culture.
Word count: Not stated.Thames & Hudson
Thames & Hudson was founded in 1949 and is passionate about creating a 'museum without walls' and to making the world of art and research accessible to the reading public.
Genre: Children's nonfiction and adult nonfiction in the areas of art, architecture, photography, design, fashion, popular culture, history and archaeology.
Word count: Not stated.The Good Book
The Good Book Company is a evangelical Christian publisher that publishes bible-centred resources to promote, encourage and equip young people to serve their Christian faith and Jesus.
Genre: Nonfiction resources for evangelism, bible study, training, Christian living and children's work.
Word count: Not stated.word & pictures
words & pictures is an imprint of Quarto that publishes innovative and entertaining fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Genre: Children's fiction and nonfiction.
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 picture book editing services, early reader editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.