Finding a home for your manuscript without a literary agent can feel like an impossible task. The publishing world often seems closed off, prioritizing agented submissions and leaving aspiring authors wondering where to turn. This perception, however, isn't the full story. Many reputable publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts actively seek new voices directly from writers like you.
This comprehensive guide is your direct route past the gatekeepers. We've compiled a curated list of 12 essential resources and specific publishers, from major imprints to influential indie presses, that maintain open submission channels. Forget endless searching; this resource provides a clear, actionable roadmap.
For each entry, you'll find direct links to their submission pages, crucial guidelines, and practical advice to help you prepare a manuscript that stands out. We will also briefly explore the hybrid publishing model offered by companies like BarkerBooks, which presents a viable alternative for authors seeking professional publication and global distribution. Consider this your definitive directory for getting your unsolicited work in front of the right editors. Your publishing journey starts here.
1. Reedsy Publishers Directory
Reedsy’s Publisher Directory is an indispensable free tool, not a publisher itself, but a curated database designed to help authors find their perfect match. It stands out by offering a comprehensive, editorially maintained list of over 500 U.S.-based publishers. Its primary value for aspiring authors is the powerful live filter system, allowing you to instantly narrow your search to only include publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts.
The platform is free to access and simplifies what is often a daunting research process. By filtering by genre and location, you can quickly build a targeted submission list, saving hours of manual searching. Each publisher profile includes direct links to their official submission guidelines, a crucial feature for ensuring your manuscript meets their specific requirements. For a deeper dive into the nuances of this process, you can explore more about how to find a book publisher.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Live Filters: Use the "Accepts unagented submissions" filter combined with your specific genre to create a highly relevant list of potential publishers.
- Direct Guideline Links: Always click through to the publisher's official site to verify that their submission window is currently open and to read the most up-to-date guidelines.
- Regular Updates: Reedsy’s team regularly updates the directory, but the publishing world changes fast. Double-checking submission status is a non-negotiable step.
Website: Reedsy Publishers Directory
2. Poets & Writers – Small Presses Database
Poets & Writers provides a highly respected and meticulously vetted database focused on small and independent presses. While not a publisher itself, this free resource is an essential tool for authors of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction seeking publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts. It excels at helping writers discover reputable indie presses that are often more open to new voices than major publishing houses.
The platform’s strength lies in its specific filters, allowing you to search for presses with currently open reading periods. This feature is invaluable, as it prevents you from wasting time preparing submissions for publishers that are temporarily closed to new work. Each press profile offers crucial details like submission guidelines, genres they publish, and typical response times, streamlining the entire research and submission process for authors navigating the independent publishing landscape.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Submission Window Filters: Use the "Open to Submissions" filter to immediately find presses that are actively looking for new manuscripts. This is the platform’s most powerful feature.
- Detailed Press Profiles: Before submitting, carefully review each press's profile to understand their aesthetic and ensure your work is a good fit for their catalog.
- Verify on Official Site: While the database is well-maintained, always click through to the publisher’s own website to confirm submission guidelines and deadlines, as these can change without notice.
Website: Poets & Writers – Small Presses Database
3. Duotrope
Duotrope is a powerful, subscription-based resource for serious writers looking to manage their submissions professionally. It’s an extensive, searchable database of over 7,700 publishers and literary agents, many of which are publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts. What sets Duotrope apart is its data-driven approach, offering detailed analytics on publisher response times, acceptance rates, and payment levels, which helps authors make strategic submission decisions.
This premium tool is designed for writers who are actively submitting to multiple markets simultaneously. The platform requires a paid subscription after a free trial period, but the investment provides access to an incredibly detailed and well-maintained market list. Its powerful submission tracker is a standout feature, allowing you to log where and when you’ve sent your work, preventing duplicate submissions and helping you follow up at the right time. For writers committed to the traditional publishing path, Duotrope offers a significant competitive advantage.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Detailed Analytics: Use the publisher statistics to gauge which markets are a better fit for your work. Look at response times and acceptance rates to manage your expectations and submission strategy.
- Submission Tracker: Diligently use the built-in tracker to log every submission. This becomes an invaluable personal database of your submission history and helps you stay organized.
- Custom Searches: Go beyond basic genre searches. Filter by payment rates, publisher type (e.g., small press), and submission methods to find the perfect home for your manuscript.
Website: Duotrope
4. Submittable Discover
Submittable Discover is a vast, free marketplace where writers can find active submission calls from a wide range of literary magazines, journals, and book publishers. Rather than being a publisher itself, it serves as a centralized platform where these organizations post their opportunities. Its key advantage for authors is the ability to search and filter live calls, making it an excellent resource for finding publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts at any given time.
The platform streamlines the entire submission process, from discovery to tracking. Once you find a suitable publisher, you can often submit your manuscript directly through Submittable’s interface, which then allows you to monitor the status of all your submissions in one convenient dashboard. While browsing is free, some publishers may charge a reading or contest fee, which is always clearly stated in the call details.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Powerful Filtering: Use keywords like "novel," "nonfiction," or your specific genre along with the "No Fee" filter to find relevant, free submission opportunities.
- Deadline Awareness: Pay close attention to submission deadlines listed on each call. The marketplace is live, so opportunities open and close constantly.
- Centralized Tracking: After submitting, use your free Submittable account to track the status of your manuscript (e.g., "Received," "In-Progress"), which simplifies managing multiple submissions.
- Follow Button: Use the "Follow" feature for publishers you admire. This will notify you when they post new opportunities, ensuring you never miss a submission window.
Website: Submittable Discover
5. NewPages – Calls for Submissions
NewPages operates as a dynamic literary hub, and its "Calls for Submissions" section is a goldmine for authors hunting for open submission windows. Unlike static directories, this platform provides continuously updated, time-sensitive announcements from a wide range of independent and university presses. Its primary advantage is revealing opportunities that might otherwise fly under the radar, making it an excellent resource for finding publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts right when they are looking for new material.
The site is free to access and functions like a classifieds board, focusing on timeliness. While it also lists calls for literary journals, a careful scan of the listings will uncover book publishers actively seeking full-length manuscripts. This makes it a perfect complement to broader databases, allowing you to discover specific, immediate opportunities from lesser-known presses that are actively building their lists.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Filter Mentally: The page mixes journal and book publisher calls. Scan for keywords like "novel," "manuscript," "collection," or "nonfiction book" to quickly identify relevant opportunities.
- Check Dates: Every listing is date-stamped. Pay close attention to submission deadlines, as many are time-sensitive and represent narrow reading periods.
- Vet the Listings: While most listings are legitimate, some may be paid placements. Always research the publisher to ensure they align with your goals and have a reputable track record before submitting.
Website: NewPages – Calls for Submissions
6. Authors Publish
Authors Publish is an invaluable free resource that operates more like a news outlet for writers than a static directory. It regularly publishes articles and curated lists highlighting publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts, often focusing on specific genres, themes, or presses that have recently opened their submission windows. This makes it a dynamic tool for discovering timely opportunities you might otherwise miss.
The platform excels at spotlighting smaller, independent, and niche presses that are actively seeking new voices. Each listing provides a brief overview of the publisher and, most importantly, a direct link to their submission guidelines. This approach saves authors significant time by aggregating current openings from across the web into digestible, themed posts. While not a searchable database like Reedsy, its frequent updates offer a fresh stream of potential homes for your manuscript.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Timely Opportunity Lists: Subscribe to their newsletter or check the site frequently to catch calls for submissions as soon as they are announced, especially for themed anthologies or presses with narrow reading periods.
- Discover Niche Presses: Use Authors Publish to find specialized publishers that align perfectly with your manuscript's unique genre or topic, which are often harder to find through broader searches.
- Verify Everything: As a secondary source, it is essential to click through to the publisher’s official website. Always confirm that the submission window is still open and meticulously follow the most current guidelines provided there.
Website: Authors Publish
7. Harlequin (including Carina Press) – Official Submissions
Harlequin is a powerhouse in romance publishing, and its official Submittable portal is a direct gateway for unagented authors. This platform is exceptional because it offers a transparent, structured process for submitting to one of the biggest names in the industry without needing an agent. It provides specific, detailed guidelines for each of its romance lines, from Harlequin Intrigue to its digital-first imprint, Carina Press, making it one of the most accessible publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts in a major commercial genre.
The platform’s strength lies in its clarity. Each submission call includes precise word counts, character archetypes, and plot elements the editors are actively seeking. This allows authors to tailor their manuscripts precisely, increasing their chances of acceptance. The site also links to helpful resources like the "Write for Harlequin" community, offering further guidance and insight into what makes a successful submission. While response times can be long due to high volume, the direct access to a legendary publisher is unparalleled for romance writers.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Line-Specific Portals: Do not submit a general manuscript. Carefully review the "What We're Looking For" section for each series line and choose the one that best fits your story's tone, heat level, and plot.
- Follow Guidelines Meticulously: Harlequin is known for its highly specific series requirements. Pay close attention to word count, synopsis length, and formatting rules to avoid an immediate rejection.
- Use Submittable Tracking: The Submittable platform allows you to track the status of your manuscript, from "Received" to "In-Progress," providing a clear view of where your submission is in the queue.
Website: Harlequin Submittable
8. Kensington Publishing – Submission Guidelines
Kensington Publishing stands as one of the largest independent U.S. trade publishers, offering a direct path for unagented authors. They are a significant player in the mass-market paperback space, making them an excellent target for writers of commercial fiction, particularly in genres like romance, mystery, thrillers, and women's fiction. Their submission process is a straightforward, query-first system, which simplifies the initial step for authors looking to get their foot in the door with a major independent press.
Unlike platforms that require extensive forms, Kensington asks for a simple query letter and the first three chapters of your manuscript pasted directly into the body of an email. This accessibility is a major advantage for authors who want to avoid cumbersome submission portals. While their response time can be over three months, their clear guidelines and established market presence make them a top-tier choice among publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts. You can find more strategies for navigating these submissions by exploring how to get a book published.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Target Your Editor: Kensington provides a list of their editors and their specific interests. Researching and addressing your query to the most appropriate editor can significantly increase your chances of a request.
- Query First, Manuscript Second: Do not send attachments or your full manuscript initially. Your query, synopsis, and first three chapters must be in the email body. A full manuscript will only be requested if an editor is interested.
- One Shot Per Manuscript: A key policy to note is that if one Kensington editor passes on your query, it is considered a rejection from all of their imprints. You cannot resubmit the same project to a different editor.
Website: Kensington Publishing – Submission Guidelines
9. Baen Books – Science Fiction & Fantasy Submissions
For authors specializing in science fiction and fantasy, Baen Books is a legendary name that actively champions unagented writers. As one of the few prominent genre-specific publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts, Baen provides a direct pathway for new voices. They require authors to submit a complete manuscript along with a synopsis through a dedicated online portal, making the process straightforward and entirely digital.
Baen is particularly interested in longer works, with a preferred word count of 100,000 to 130,000 words, signaling a focus on epic, in-depth storytelling. This direct submission model is invaluable for debut authors who might otherwise struggle to find representation. While the submission process itself is clear, navigating the competitive landscape of genre publishing requires careful preparation; you can get a broader perspective by reading about how to find a book publisher for your book.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Prepare a Full Manuscript: Unlike publishers that ask for queries or partials, Baen wants the entire manuscript and a synopsis upfront. Ensure your work is polished and complete before submitting.
- Adhere to Formatting: Baen has specific formatting requirements outlined on their site. Following these meticulously demonstrates professionalism and respect for their process.
- Be Patient: The response time can be lengthy, often stretching from 9 to 12 months or more due to the high volume of submissions. This is a common trade-off for direct access to such a respected publisher.
Website: Baen Books Submissions
10. Entangled Publishing – Multiple Open Imprints
Entangled Publishing is a U.S.-based publisher that stands out for its multiple, genre-specific imprints, many of which are open to unagented submissions. This structure provides various entry points for authors, particularly those writing in romance, young adult (YA), new adult (NA), and thriller genres. Their process is streamlined through the Submittable platform, making it one of the more straightforward publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts.
The publisher clearly outlines the expectations for each imprint, including specific word counts, tropes, and heat levels, which helps authors target the right editor from the start. This direct-to-imprint submission model allows you to pitch your manuscript to a team already looking for that specific type of story. The use of Submittable is a significant advantage, offering a clear submission portal and the ability to track the status of your query without having to send follow-up emails.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Imprint-Specific Guidelines: Carefully review the guidelines for each imprint. Submitting to the wrong one is a common mistake that can lead to an automatic rejection.
- Submittable Portal: Use the Submittable platform to your advantage. Ensure all your materials, like the first three chapters and a synopsis, are formatted correctly before uploading.
- Submission Windows: While many imprints are consistently open, some may close their submission windows periodically. Always check the Submittable page for the most current status before preparing your submission package.
Website: Entangled Publishing Submittable
11. Page Street Publishing – YA, Picture Books, and Select Nonfiction
Page Street Publishing is an independent U.S. press distributed by Macmillan, making it an excellent target for unagented authors. It is particularly notable for its openness to debut authors and specific genres, offering a clear pathway for those without representation. The publisher actively seeks young adult fiction, picture books, and select nonfiction categories, providing a valuable opportunity within these competitive markets.
Their submission process is refreshingly direct, using categorized email addresses for each genre. This system helps streamline submissions for both the author and the editorial team. For writers looking for publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts in the YA and children's book spaces, Page Street's clear guidelines and focus on new talent make them a priority for submission lists. Their commitment to emerging voices sets them apart from larger houses that often rely exclusively on agented submissions.
Key Features and Usage Tips
- Genre-Specific Emails: Submit your manuscript to the correct email address (e.g., ya.submissions@, picture.book.submissions@). Using the wrong one will likely result in your query being missed.
- Follow Guidelines Precisely: Page Street requires the first three chapters for YA novels and complete manuscripts for picture books. Adhering to these specific instructions is crucial for consideration.
- Patience is Key: The typical response time is around two to three months. Avoid sending follow-up emails before this period has passed, as this can be viewed unfavorably.
Website: Page Street Publishing Submission Guidelines
12. Andrews McMeel Publishing – Poetry, Inspiration, Humor, Children’s, Calendars
Andrews McMeel Publishing is a well-established independent publisher that offers a direct path for unagented authors in specific, high-demand niches. They are one of the few larger publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts, but only within their key categories: poetry, humor, inspiration, children's books, and calendars. Their clear, category-specific submission process makes them an attractive option for writers whose work aligns perfectly with their brand.
The Kansas City-based publisher provides detailed guidelines for each genre, which authors can submit via an online form or email. This structured approach, combined with their significant U.S. national distribution, gives specialized authors a genuine opportunity to be seen by a major press. However, due to high submission volume, they only respond if interested, and fiction that falls outside their niche is unlikely to be considered.
Key Features and Submission Tips
- Niche-Specific Submissions: Ensure your manuscript fits squarely into poetry, inspiration, humor, or children's literature before submitting. Mismatched genres will be rejected.
- Digital-First Approach: While they accept postal mail, digital submissions via their online portal or email are strongly preferred and likely processed faster.
- Follow Guidelines Precisely: Each category has unique requirements. Carefully read and follow the instructions on their submissions page to avoid an immediate disqualification.
- Separate Comics Submissions: Note that comics and features have a different submission path through their sister company, Andrews McMeel Syndication.
Website: Andrews McMeel Publishing Submissions
Comparison of 12 Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts
| Publisher/Service | Core Features/Characteristics | User Experience/Quality ★ | Value Proposition 💰 | Target Audience 👥 | Unique Selling Points ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reedsy Publishers Directory | 500+ US publishers, live filters, updated 2025 | ★★★★☆ (Free, updated) | 💰 Free, comprehensive | Authors seeking US trade & indie presses | Powerful live filters, direct submission links 🏆 |
| Poets & Writers – Small Presses Database | Indie small presses, filters for open/unopened periods | ★★★★☆ (Nonprofit curated) | 💰 Free, curated | Poets, fiction & nonfiction authors | Reading period filters, unsolicited subs ✨ |
| Duotrope | 7,700+ markets, submission tracking, analytics | ★★★★★ (Premium, detailed) | 💰 Subscription-based | Experienced authors/power users | Advanced stats & tracking, market insights 🏆 |
| Submittable Discover | Public marketplace, direct submissions via platform | ★★★★☆ (Free to use) | 💰 Free browsing & submission | All authors submitting widely | Integrated submission & tracking, deadline filters ✨ |
| NewPages – Calls for Submissions | Weekly open calls, journals & presses, US-centric | ★★★★☆ (Timely updates) | 💰 Free, with paid newsletter | Authors tracking submission windows | Early-access paid lists, indie press focus |
| Authors Publish | Updated curated publisher lists, genre organized | ★★★★☆ (Free, practical) | 💰 Free, fast discovery | Authors seeking unsolicited submissions | Niche & specialty press highlights ✨ |
| Harlequin (incl. Carina Press) | Romance focused, Submittable portal, line-specific | ★★★★☆ (Free submits) | 💰 Free, direct romance sub | Romance authors, digital first market | WriteForHarlequin resources, unagented subs 🏆 |
| Kensington Publishing | Email query only, multi-genre, 3+ months response | ★★★★☆ (Simple process) | 💰 Free querying | Trade fiction authors, indie trade focus | Genre-specific editors, straightforward first step |
| Baen Books – SciFi & Fantasy | Online full manuscript form, prefers 100k–130k words | ★★★★☆ (Clear prefs, long wait) | 💰 Free submission | SciFi & Fantasy authors | Genre specialist, debut author friendly ✨ |
| Entangled Publishing | Multiple imprints, Submittable, unagented welcomed | ★★★★☆ (Genre focused) | 💰 Free submission | Romance, YA, NA, thriller authors | Multiple genre imprints, standardized process 🏆 |
| Page Street Publishing | Email YA, picture books, nonfiction, debut focus | ★★★★☆ (Responsive) | 💰 Free querying | YA, picture book & nonfiction authors | Focus on emerging authors, clear submission criteria |
| Andrews McMeel Publishing | Online/email proposals, poetry & humor, wide US reach | ★★★★☆ (Established) | 💰 Free proposals | Poetry, humor, children’s authors | Specialty categories, syndication option ✨ |
Navigating Your Path to Publication
The journey from a completed manuscript to a published book is filled with both challenges and immense opportunities. As this guide has demonstrated, the path of direct submission is far from closed. The landscape of publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts is diverse and dynamic, offering dedicated avenues for authors who are willing to put in the work. From expansive databases like Reedsy and Duotrope that help you filter opportunities with precision, to niche-specific publishers like Baen Books and Page Street Publishing, a direct line to an editor's desk is more accessible than you might think.
The key takeaway is that success in this arena hinges on strategic, targeted effort. A scattergun approach of sending your manuscript to every open publisher is a recipe for rejection. Instead, the most successful authors treat this process with the same care they gave to writing their book.
Your Action Plan for Submission Success
To transform this list from a resource into a launchpad, here are your actionable next steps:
- Deep-Dive Research: Before you even think of clicking "submit," spend quality time on the publisher's website. Read their "About Us" page, browse their recent catalog, and identify two or three books they've published that feel like they could sit on a shelf next to yours. Mentioning these "comp titles" in your query letter shows you've done your homework.
- Tailor Every Single Submission: Create a template for your query letter and synopsis, but customize it for each publisher. Address the correct editor if a name is provided, and explicitly state why your manuscript is a perfect fit for their specific imprint and readership.
- Adhere Strictly to Guidelines: This cannot be overstated. If a publisher asks for the first ten pages in a 12-point Times New Roman font, do exactly that. Ignoring guidelines is the fastest way to have your submission deleted without being read. It signals a lack of professionalism and attention to detail.
- Develop a Tracking System: Use a simple spreadsheet to track where and when you've submitted your manuscript. Note the publisher, the date sent, their stated response time, and any response you receive. This organization is crucial for managing your submissions and follow-ups effectively.
The Power of Persistence
The submission process is a marathon, not a sprint. Rejection is a standard part of this journey for nearly every author, even the most celebrated ones. The crucial difference between a manuscript that remains on a hard drive and one that lands on a bookshelf is often persistence. Each "no" is not a judgment on your story's worth; it's simply a sign that it wasn't the right fit for that specific publisher at that particular time.
Use each submission as a learning experience. Refine your query letter, polish your synopsis, and keep writing. The tools and publishers listed here prove that opportunities abound for authors who are prepared, professional, and persistent. Your story has value, and finding the right home for it is a worthwhile pursuit. Continue to believe in your work, follow a strategic submission plan, and you will navigate your path to publication.
Feeling overwhelmed by the traditional submission process or seeking a more collaborative and guaranteed path to publication? The team at BarkerBooks offers a full suite of services, from professional editing and cover design to global distribution and marketing, giving you the control of self-publishing with the support of a traditional press. Visit BarkerBooks to learn how we can partner with you to bring your story to the world.