106 UK publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in June 2025
Now that you’ve written your novel, it’s time to pitch it to a 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.
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.Saqi
Saqi Books is a leading independent publishing house of trade and academic books on the Middle East and North Africa.
Genre: Bold nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Linen Press
Linen Press aims to fill the niche left by big publishes. They are looking beautifully written manuscripts which are relevant to women's lives.
Genre: Literary fiction, top end contemporary fiction, memoir, biography, short stories and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.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.Honno
Honno is an independent co-operative press committed to bringing the world the best in Welsh women's writing.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction written by women of Wales. For nonfiction, they consider food writing, women's history, Welsh history, Welsh interest and nature writing. For fiction, they consider crime, thriller, romance, historical, humour, literary, horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Carcanet
Carcanet is an independent literary publisher established in South Hinksey, Oxford in 1969. They publish a variety of modern and classic poetry and inventive fiction.
Genre: Poetry.
Word count: Full-length poetry manuscripts.Claret Press
Claret Press is an independent press located in Clapham in the United Kingdom. The majority of their books are about Britain. They are primarily interested in authors based in the UK and Ireland.
Genre: Mysteries, thrillers, British politics, general fiction, travelogues and memoirs.
Word count: Not stated.Duckworth Books
Duckworth Books was founded over 100 years ago in 1898 and is a UK-based independent publisher.
Genre: Literary and historical fiction and nonfiction including biography, memoir, science, economics, psychology, philosophy, culture, nature and history.
Word count: Not stated.Renard Press
Renard Press was founded in 2020 and is an independent publisher covering both classic and contemporary titles. Their emphasis is on publishing good writing.
Genre: Poetry, nonfiction and literary fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Scribe
Scribe has been operating for over 40 years as an independent trade-publishing house.
Genre: Literary fiction and serious non-fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Troy Books
Troy Books was founded in 2008 as a small cottage industry in Cornwall.
Genre: Nonfiction focusing on witchcraft, folk magic, occult herbalism, etc.
Word count: Not stated.Carnegie Publishing
Carnegie Publishing began in 1984 and publishes town, city and county histories.
Genre: Nonfiction that is historical in subject matter.
Word count: Not stated.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.Headpress Books
Headpress was founded in Manchester, England. They publish a variety of nonfiction books, including cult film, pulp literature, conspiracy theories, occult, true crime and pop culture.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Flame Tree Press
Flame Tree Press launched in 2018 and is the author-led, trade fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing.
Genre: Fantasy, science fiction, horror, and supernatural.
Word count: 70,000 to 120,000 words.Christian Focus Publications
Christian Focus Publications is a conservative, evangelical publisher.
Genre: Christian nonfiction and children's books.
Word count: Not stated.Flame Tree Fiction
Flame Tree Fiction is the author-led imprint of Flame Tree Publishing, focusing on speculative fiction.
Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, suspense and supernatural.
Word count: 70,000 to 120,000 words.Candy Jar Books
Candy Jar Books is a small Cardiff-based publisher working to expand their business.
Genre: Young adult genre fiction, and nonfiction in the area of history.
Word count: Not stated.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.Lodestone Books (Collective Ink)
Lodestone Books is the young adult and new adult imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: Young adult and new adult fiction.
Word count: Not stated.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.Mills & Boon
Mills & Boon is the leading romantic fiction publisher in the UK, with a book sold every 10 seconds.
Genre: Romance (modern, true love, medical, historical, intrigue, and romantic suspense).
Word count: Varies by genre, typically around 50,000 words.Legend Press
Legend Press is a London-based publisher who aims to produce books of the highest quality on a global platform.
Genre: Genre fiction, crime thrillers, and historical.
Word count: Not stated.Amber Books
Amber Books is an independent illustrated nonfiction publisher based in London.
Genre: Nonfiction, including history, military and general reference.
Word count: Not stated.Michael O'Mara Books
Michael O'Mara opened its doors in 1985 by Mr. and Mrs. O'Mara. They now have a backlist of over a thousand titles.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.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.époque press
époque press is a Brighton-based independent publisher with connections to Dublin and New York.
Genre: Adult literary fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Storm Publishing
Storm Publishing believes in the power of storytelling to transport readers to other worlds.
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, mystery, psychological thrillers, historical, multicultural fiction, romance, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy and upmarket.
Word count: Not stated.Bookouture
Bookouture is a division of Hachette UK that publishes digital commercial fiction.
Genre: Commercial fiction, especially crime, thriller, suspense, police procedural, women's fiction, contemporary romance, bookclub, cozy mystery, historical, multicultural, science fiction and fantasy.
Word count: Not stated.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.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.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.Synergy Publishing
Synergy Publishing is an independent publishing house which focuses on empowering readers with books that encourage growth.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Pen and Sword
Pen and Sword publishes nonfiction from authors of all walks of life.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.HarperNorth
HarperNorth is a Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and their aim is to connect northern writers to readers.
Genre: Genre fiction, especially upmarket, crime, thriller, historical and romance. For nonfiction, they consider memoir, politics, history, sport, music, nature, popular science, smart thinking and popular economics.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.Arcadia
Arcadia is Quercus' imprint for science fiction, fantasy and horror. It started as Jo Fletcher Books in 2011 and was relaunched in 2023.
Genre: Science fiction, fantasy and horror. They consider young adult as long as it will appeal to an adult reader.
Word count: Not stated.Akan Books
Akan Books is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers led by June Sarpong, accepting submissions from underrepresented groups in the UK (especially ethnic minority backgrounds, those who identify as working class and those with a disability).
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, psychological suspense, romance, historical, contemporary/book club and family drama. For nonfiction, the accept self-help, smart thinking, memoir and parenting.
Word count: Not stated.Haus Publishing
Haus Publishing was founded in 2003 and is an independent publisher of politics, history, biography, memoir and travel writing.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Ayebia
Ayebia is an African and Caribbean publishing specialist.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction, including biography, Black interest, critical essays/criticism, culture, economics, gender, heritage, history, international, language, literature, memoirs, politics, race and women.
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.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.Skylight Press
Skylight Press is a small publisher of quality esoteric, occult and literary books.
Genre: Nonfiction of historical interest or an emphasis on ecological and sustainable gardening.
Word count: Not stated.Top Hat Books (Collective Ink)
Top Hat Books is the historical fiction imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Word count: Not statedFahrenheit Press
Fahrenheit Press is a London-based publisher who specializes in crime fiction.
Genre: Crime and thrillers.
Word count: Not stated.Wrecking Ball Press
Wrecking Ball Press is a UK-based publisher strives to publish literature that lasts.
Genre: Literary fiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.Woodfield Publishing Ltd
Woodfield Publishing Ltd is an independent publishing company based in Southern England.
Genre: Military and historical fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Aurora Metro
Aurora Metro is an independent publisher in London.
Genre: Adult and young adult fiction, including general, multicultural, historical and drama. For non-fiction, they accept biography, wellbeing, travel, history and books about the arts and popular culture.
Word count: Not stated.Solaris Nova
Solaris Nova is a new imprint of the genre publisher Solaris.
Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, or horror.
Word count: 70,000 to 150,000 words.Canelo
Canelo was founded in 2015 to bring the best commercial storytelling to a wide audience.
Genre: Genre fiction including saga, action, adventure, romance, commercial women's fiction, crime, and psychological thrillers.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.Roundfire Books (Collective Ink)
Roundfire Books is the general fiction imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: Literary and genre fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Joffe Books
Joffe Books is one of the UK’s leading independent publishers of commercial fiction, especially crime and mystery.
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime fiction, mysteries, psychological thrillers, cosy crime, police procedurals, chillers, suspense, domestic noir, women’s fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and romance novels, including WWII romances and sagas.
Word count: Over 60,000 words.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.Tiny Fox Press
Tiny Fox Press is in search of engaging stories needing a great home. They also boast a bearded dragon on their staff who leads a double life as a very tiny fox.
Genre: Fantasy, litRPG, science fiction, light fantasy, cozy fantasy, mythology, fairytale retellings, Arthurian, gaslamp, humorous, urban, space opera, post apocalyptic and young adult.
Word count: Not stated.Sparkling Books
Sparkling Books is an independent publishing house and a member of the Independent Publishers Guild. Please note they require manuscripts to be independently edited prior to submission. They don't specify how they check this, but it's worth noting!
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, mystery, suspense, thriller, detective, romance, women's fiction, new adult, urban fiction and drama. For nonfiction, they accept finance, business and current politics.
Word count: Not stated.Telos Publishing
Telos Publishing is a small UK-based press established in 2000.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Hera
Hera was launched in 2018 with the mission to be "unashamedly commercial, always inclusive".
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, romance, saga, and general.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.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.Cosmic Egg Books (Collective Ink)
Cosmic Egg Books is the speculative imprint of Collective Ink, seeking books that will inspire, inform and illuminate readers.
Genre: Science fiction (including steampunk), fantasy (including magical realism and spiritual fantasy), metaphysical cosmology, supernatural fiction horror and paranormal.
Word count: Not stated.Amberley Publishing
Amberley is a UK based publisher focusing on transport, military, local and general history.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of history and sport.
Word count: Not stated.Art / Books
Art / Books is a publisher of art, photography, architecture, design and cultural studies.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of art, photography, architecture, design and cultural studies.
Word count: Not stated.Aurum
Aurum is the narrative nonfiction imprint of Quarto.
Genre: Narrative nonfiction in the areas of memoir, biography, polemic, food, feminism, history, sport, science, nature, and travel writing.
Word count: Not stated.Bluemoose Books
Bluemoose Books is an independent publisher based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
Genre: Literary and upmarket fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Carnival
Carnival is the food and wellness imprint of Quarto, focusing on authentic international cuisine, delectable feasts, healthy inspiration, treats and quick everyday meals.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of food and wellness.
Word count: Not stated.Equinox Publishing
Equinox Publishing is an independent academic publisher based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Genre: Academic nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Farrago
Farrago's mission is to help readers find fiction that makes them smile. They are the sister imprint of Duckworth Books.
Genre: Accessible, entertaining and humorous fiction, including humorous mystery and crime, romantic comedy, satirical comedy, speculative fiction and social comedy.
Word count: Not stated.Frances Lincoln
Frances Lincoln is the gardening imprint of Quarto.
Genre: Nonfiction in the area of gardening.
Word count: Not stated.Grub Street
Grub Street is a small, niche independent publisher of books on cookery and military aviation history.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of military aviation history and cookery.
Word count: Not stated.Osprey Publishing
Osprey Publishing is part of Bloomsbury Publishing. They have been providing books for military and aviation enthusiasts since 1968
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of military and aviation history.
Word count: Not stated.Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic is Oxford University Press' home of academic research.
Genre: Academic nonfiction in the areas of the arts & humanities, law, medicine & health, science & mathematics, and social sciences.
Word count: Not stated.Holler
Holler is the young adult nonfiction imprint of Quarto.
Genre: Young adult nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Icon Books
Icon Books is an independent publisher specializing in intelligent, quality nonfiction for a general audience.
Genre: Adult nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Iqon Editions
Iqon Editions specializes in innovative approaches to publishing illustrated cultural reference content. Their books have been published in over 25 languages!
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of cultural reference content.
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.Ivy Press
Ivy Press is an imprint of Quarto and publishes books that take innovative approaches to subjects people want to read about.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of natural history, general reference, popular science, art, craft and design.
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.Laurence King
Laurence King Publishing has been around for over 30 years and strives to publish eye-catching books that capture imaginations and expand horizons.
Genre: Nonfiction, including history, lifestyle, architecture, art, film, illustration, interior design, photography, fashion, food & drink, gardening & nature, music, gift books, graphic design and how to.
Word count: Not stated.Leaping Hare Press
Leaping Hare Press publishes beautiful books to inspire and empower readers to turn ethical and spiritual values into practical life choices.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of self-help, personal growth, natural and spirituality, creativity, crafts, esoterica and magickal self-care.
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.Nourish
Nourish is the food and drink imprint of Watkins Publishing
Genre: Food and drink nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Oneworld
Oneworld was established in 1986 and is an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating nonfiction.
Genre: Nonfiction in a variety of subgenres.
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.Oxbow Books
Oxbow Books specializes in publishing important research in archaeology and related subjects.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of archaeology.
Word count: Not stated.Pitch Publishing
Pitch Publishing is a UK sports publisher with a vast catalogue covering sports including football, cricket, rugby, boxing, golf, athletics and more.
Genre: Sports nonfiction.
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.Quadrille
Quadrille is a global food and lifestyle publisher that believes in the transformative power of books.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of cookery, craft, lifestyle and gift.
Word count: Not stated.Quarto Publishing
Quarto Publishing is the general adult imprint of Quarto.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of crafts, art instruction, how-to, personal development, esoteric, arts, food culture, natural history, science, living and gift.
Word count: Not stated.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.Taylor & Francis
Taylor & Francis is a scholarly publisher whose mission is to support, validate and connect the work of researches and other knowledge makers.
Genre: Academic nonfiction in various subgenres.
Word count: Not stated.River Light Press
River Light Press is a brand new imprint of Aurora Metro Publications which aims to shine a light on great reads that are written by subject experts and scholars.
Genre: Literary fiction, nonfiction and academic writing.
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.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.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.Saraband
Saraband is an independent publisher of outstanding fiction, nature writing, environmental issues and memoir.
Genre: Nonfiction, including nature, environmental issues and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.Strange Attractor
Strange Attractor is an independent publishing house based in London.
Genre: Nonfiction, especially previously neglected or rejected areas of research and investigation. They publish a handful of novels and short fiction anthologies.
Word count: Not stated.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.The Bright Press
The Bright Press is dedicated to producing beautiful books that inspire a wide range of enthusiasts.
Genre: Nonfiction that inspires enthusiasts, such as gardening, science, beer and artists.
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 History Press
The History Press is an independent nonfiction publisher based in Gloucestershire in the UK. Their values are quality, honesty, inclusive and socially conscious.
Genre: Historical or general nonfiction, such as memoir, entertainment, travel, true crime and many more.
Word count: Not stated.Thread
Thread publishes thought provoking and fresh ideas that offer a clever solution to a problem or encourages people to discover something new.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of self-development, parenting, popular finance, health, nutrition, fitness, personal finance and inspirational memoir.
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.Watkins Publishing
Watkins Publishing specializes in books for the mind, body and spirit.
Genre: Nonfiction focusing on the mind, body and spirit.
Word count: Not stated.White Lion Publishing
White Lion Publishing is an imprint of Quarto that strives to help readers understand and enjoy the world around them through expert writing, visually striking design, and innovative formats.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of self-care, lifestyle, popular culture, travel, issues and activism, and food and drink.
Word count: Not stated.Wide Eye Editions
Wide Eye Editions publishes nonfiction books that opens eyes to a whole wide world of wonder.
Genre: Nonfiction in a variety of subgenres from art to armchair travel.
Word count: Not stated.Windgather Press
Windgather Press is an imprint of Oxbow Books. They specialize in publishing accessible and attractive books on landscape history, landscape archaeology and the history of Britain's countryside.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of landscape history, landscape archaeology and the history of Britain's countryside. This includes garden history.
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 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.