Writing Tip (XV) Top Publishers for New Authors

The writing market looks overwhelming, especially for new authors who don't have a history of past publication.

However, there are publishers  open to publishing new authors. They do not require literary agents. You can submit to them  directly.

All  of these manuscript publishers have good distribution and clear marketing strategies. They are not vanity presses, self-publishers, or brand new presses. They are established publishing houses with good reputations.

Some of those listed below are imprints of the “Big 5” publishers. None of the “Big 5” Publishers accept submissions directly, but some of their imprints do. Others are independent companies, some are based in the United States and others are based in the UK or elsewhere.

 The publishers listed below are open to authors regardless of nationality. Most of the publishers focus on publishing a particular genre or genres of books. The publishers are listed in no particular order.

1. Chronicle Books

Chronicle is a large independent San Francisco based publisher that publishes highly acclaimed children’s books, bestselling cookbooks, gift books, and a variety of non-fiction. Most have a strong visual element. Their books are beautifully made. To learn more, read our full review here

Make sure to review their submission guidelines carefully before submitting your work. They have separate guidelines for children’s books, so make sure you are reviewing the correct guidelines for your manuscript. They accept manuscripts aimed at adults submitted electronically or through the mail. They only consider manuscripts aimed at children if they are submitted via post. They consider simultaneous submissions as long as you alert them to the fact that you are submitting it elsewhere.

Adult guidelines can be found here . 

2. Tor/Forge

Tor/Forge publishes science fiction and fantasy books. Run by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, Tor/Forge is an imprint of Macmillan, one of the big five publishers. Tor is one of the most established science fiction publishers and they have won the Locus Award for best SF publisher 26 years in a row. To learn more read our full review here.

Submission packets must include the first three chapters of your book. This excerpt should be between 40-60 pages.The submission packet must also include a dated cover letter, a self addressed and stamped envelope, a synopsis of the entire book that includes all important plot elements. If you have written or plan to write a whole series, only propose the first book, not the series as a whole.

Other genres they consider include women’s literature and children’s books (although not picture books).

It is important to note that if you do not receive a reply after six months, please resubmit.

Learn more by reading their submission guidelines here

 

3. Avon Impulse

Avon Romance is a romance imprint of HarperCollins. Avon Impulse is their digital first imprint and they publish primarily new authors because of this. If your book does well in terms of digital sales and it is over 25,000 words in length it will receive a print run and receive good distribution. Books that receive a print run are officially published by Avon Romance for the print edition (and not Impulse). To learn more read our full review here .

They have additional tips for how to make your manuscript stand out here. To visit Avon Romances main page go here.