If you’ve written a book belonging to the fantasy genre, or one of its sub-genres such as urban fantasy, and you want to make a submission directly to a publishing house, a list of fantasy publishers would come in handy.
That’s why we’ve created this post.
Below you will find 21 top fantasy publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
1. Baen Books
Formed in 1983, Baen Books is in North Carolina. It is a popular and established science and fantasy fiction publisher. If you are a first time writer, you will be in good hands with Baen Books as they may be successful as huge publishers but their work ethos remains of a small dedicated team of people who love connecting readers with great authors. They are seeking original, clear plots that revolve around fantasy and science. Manuscripts will often go through a 2-round filtering process and if your story clears the first round, it will then be judged on tone, character, plot and style. You can submit your manuscript electronically using this form or you can even send them a hardcopy to the address mentioned on this page. All the submission instructions are outlined on the above mentioned page.
2. Edge Publishing
Established by Brian Hades, Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing is boutique agency located in Alberta, Canada. An imprint of Hades Publication, it was started primarily due to Brian Hades’ long standing interest and experience in publishing, magic, theatre and performing arts. Publishing paperbacks and e-books, Edge has consistently chosen authors who have written original, simple and sensible storylines in the horror, fantasy fiction and science fiction genre. Hitting the mark with its debut novel in 2000, The Black Chalice by Marie Jakober has won awards and applause from critics, media and audiences. When it comes to publishers of fantasy novels, you really can’t go wrong with Edge. Looking for only science fiction, fantasy or horror stories, they don’t want short stories or erotica or religious fiction. Amateur or first time authors shouldn’t hesitate before sending their work as they are eager to find previously undiscovered talent. You can mail your submissions or post it to them after reading the submission guidelines specified on this page.
3. Jo Fletcher Books
A small yet powerful publisher, Jo Fletcher Books specializes in science fiction, fantasy and horror. Situated in London, they have published authors from all over the world with stories about science, horror, dystopian futures, paranormal romance or mythical fantasy. An imprint of Quercus, their authors and novels have garnered acclaim and accolades for pushing the envelope successfully in the genres of fantasy, science fiction and horror. You can submit the first three chapters of your novel or the first 10,000 words to them via email. Read the instructions to format you submission carefully and only send in your manuscript if it is completed. You can find all the guidelines on this page. Note that Jo Fletcher Books won’t accept short stories, novellas, children’s books, or unfinished manuscripts.
4. DAW Books
Established by husband-wife duo Donald A. Wollheim and Elsie B. Wollheim, the history of DAW Books spans across five decades. Over the last fifty years, this New York based company has published more than two thousand titles, most of which focuses on science fiction and fantasy. An imprint of Penguin Books, DAW Books celebrates bold and inventive ideas while also exploring the diversity of cultures, the multiplicity of identities, and the uniqueness of traditions. Having worked with iconic authors like Sara Hanover, Seanan McGuire, and Mercedes Lackey, the company is now willing collaborate with new authors with fresh ideas. DAW Books follows an open submission policy and they only publish books in digital format. You can find more details about the submission guidelines here. Alternatively, you can directly send your manuscripts on this page.
5. Tor Books
Fantasy fiction and science fiction aficionados are definitely familiar with Tor Books, one of the most popular fantasy publishing houses in the world. Part of the Macmillan group, its imprints Forge, Starscape and Tor Teen cover all genres such as women’s fiction, thriller, mysteries, young adult fiction and fantasy for middle graders. Winning the Locus Award for the best science fiction publisher for 20 consecutive years, Tor Books champions original storylines, engaging characters in a creative universe with an edgy voice. Their authors include bestselling names such as Terry Goodkind, Isaac Asimov and Mary Shelley. They are currently accepting fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult fiction, thrillers and women’s fiction. Interested writers and authors can find the submission guidelines explained on this page along with contact details.
6. Literary Wanderlust
Based in Denver, Literary Wanderlust is an independent publishing house that publishes books across multiple genres like mystery, speculative fiction, urban fantasy, romance, historical fiction and more. Some of their top authors include Deborah Kelly, Sue Hinkin, and Margaret Flank. As of now, Literary Wanderlust is accepting paranormal and urban fantasy titles ranging between 65,000 and 100,000 words. You can check the individual requirements of the editors on this page. After choosing an editor, send your manuscript query addressed to the editor through this link. More details about the submission process can be found here.
7. Tell-Tale Publishing
Started in 2009 in Michigan, Tell-Tale Publishing has printed popular e-books and paperbacks in fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction. Operating 7 imprints titled Dahlia, Thistle, Déjà vu, Nightshade, Casablanca, Stargazer and Enchanted Evenings, they publish the whole gamut of genres in romance, fantasy, young adult, contemporary, horror, mystery, thriller and paranormal. Tell-Tale is actively looking out for paranormal fantasy, urban fantasy, high adventure fantasy and steam punk titles for their Stargazer imprint. You can review their guidelines for authors before submitting a copy of your manuscript. Manuscripts can be submitted via this form.
8. Severed Press
Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Severed Press was founded in 2008. While the company primarily publishes sci-fi and horror fiction, they also consider fantasy titles once in a while. Over the years, they’ve worked with established authors like Tim Curran and Mark Tufo, and newbie authors like David Achord and Joseph Talluto. Severed Press is currently accepting new submissions across many genres. For their LitRPG titles, for instance, they are looking for stories with a blend of science fiction, fantasy and quirky gaming elements. You need to email your submissions with a short 200-word synopsis. More details about the submission guidelines can be found here.
9. Arkham House Publishers
Established in 1937 following the death of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, Arkham House Publishers is one of the oldest publishing houses on our list. Having published more than a thousand titles over the decades, this Wisconsin based company primarily focuses on horror and speculative fiction. Some of their leading authors include Greg Bear, Ian R. Macleod, and Howard Wandrei. Arkham House follows an open submission policy where you can send them a short synopsis of your manuscript. Since the company doesn’t accept email submissions, you can only send the synopsis via post. More details about the process can be found at the end of this page.
10. Entangled Publishing
Primarily an independent publisher of romantic fiction, Entangled Publishing has slowly expanded into the genres of fantasy and speculative fiction for adults and young adults. Having published more than 1200 titles since 2011, they operate 13 imprints. Boasting of many bestsellers in the USA Today Bestsellers List, they print some titles in digital only format while certain are chosen to be printed both in paperback and e-book form. Fantasy writers can consider sending their manuscript to their teenage imprint for fantasy- Crave. Letting the fantasy build around the romance aspect of the story, they want stories starting from 45,000 words and above. Find their specific submission guidelines here. Writers and authors can use the submission form to send their manuscripts.
11. Flame Tree Publishing
Publishing illustrated books since 1992; Flame Tree Publishing has evolved to become a publisher and purveyor of various genres in fiction and non-fiction in London. They have recently launched an author led imprint named Flame Tree Press to focus on science fiction, crime, thriller and fantasy. It is a perfect opportunity for new and amateur authors to send their work for consideration as a new imprint means they want fresh voices with unique storylines and strong characters. Authors and writers can expect full support and guidance from them in the marketing, distribution and promotion process of the book. Read the submission guidelines carefully and send your manuscripts to them via email.
12. Chaosium Inc.
Originally started to design games by Greg Stafford in 1975, Chaosium moved on to books, art and card games to depict the massive universe of fantasy fiction. A lot of their games are derived from literature so it is no surprise that they a popular and successful fantasy publisher. Their most successful creation to date remains the Call to Cthulhu and is based on a novel of horror fiction. Writers will need to be well aware of the Cthulhu universe before submitting a manuscript. They have decided to re-launch their Mythos line and are open to hearing new, fresh takes on classics from authors and writers across the world. They are also open to new stories, novels and anthologies but they need to be convinced of the quality, originality and content. Writers and authors can read the submission guidelines before mailing their submission to Chaosium.
13. Polis Books
Polis Books is an independent book publisher based in New York. This full-service publishing agency was established in 2013, and since then, they’ve published hundreds of unique titles ranging across multiple genres and sub-genres. This publishing house has worked with notable authors including Richard Brewer, Ted Dawe, and Jason Starr. As of now, Polis Books is actively seeking submissions in fantasy, science fiction, and similar other genres. You can send a manuscript query along with three sample chapters and a short author bio. Check this page for more details about the submission process.
14. Talos Press
An imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Talos Press is a New York based independent publishing house. While the company specializes in fantasy, science fiction and horror, they also republish socially relevant classics from time to time. Since their inception, this publishing house has published several New York Times bestselling authors and the iconic Nebula Award nominated authors. Top authors include M.H. Boroson, Anna Stephens, and Mike Ashley. Currently, Talos Press is accepting submissions in science fiction, fantasy and horror. You can send your book proposals with a short query letter, a brief synopsis, market analysis, one or two sample chapters, and your author bio. Check this page for more information about the submission process.
15. Blind Eye Books
A fantasy publisher with a twist, Blind Eye Books prints stories only featuring LGBTQ protagonists in fantasy, science-fiction, romance and mystery. Located in Washington, they have targeted a niche audience long ignored by publishers and companies all over the world. It is an amazing opportunity for authors from the LGBTQ community to give their issues and stories a channel. Whether it is gay men or lesbian women, Blind Eye Books encourage stories about all. Nicole Kimberling who is the editor has a very specific set of rules for authors and writers wanting to submit their manuscript. Please read and follow the guidelines accordingly.
16. Enclave Publishing
Steve Laube started Enclave Publishing because of his interests in publishing, fantasy fiction, science fiction and Christian faith. One of the most prominent and well known Christian publishers, Enclave prints Christian Science fiction, fantasy, superhero or alternate history. Gilead Publishing bought it in 2016 and it has since operated as an imprint under the same company. To simplify the process of submitting a manuscript to them, they ask you to fill an acquisition form listing the basic details and information about your manuscript. This gives them a chance to filter the ones they actually want to read from the ones they are not interested in.
17. Cosmic Egg Books
An imprint of the UK-based publisher John Hunt Publishing, Cosmic Egg Books publishes a selected range of fantasy, science-fiction, and horror books. In fantasy, they are especially interested in magical realism and spiritual fantasy. Over the years, Cosmic Egg Books has published the iconic works of both experienced and newbie authors like Tony Newton, Clarke Owens, and C.J Gleave. While they do not directly accept manuscripts, the publishing house is always open to new manuscript queries. Check this page for relevant information about the process. Note that since Cosmic Egg Books has an option for self-publishing your books, and you may need to pay a small fee to avail their publishing services.
18. Escape Publishing
With a name that states their mission, Escape Publishing prints books that help you escape in the world of fantasy. Working together with Harlequin Enterprises in Australia, they want stories about romance, fantasy, contemporary, urban fantasy and science fiction. Please take note that they need stories with an element of romance between the lead characters and the promise of a positive ending or a happily ever after feel to it. Find the submission guidelines and contact details listed on this page.
19. Pantera Press
An Australian book publisher, Pantera Press is interested in working with authors in Australia and New Zealand. With its wide repertoire of successful books and award winning authors, they want to launch edgy, unique authors and writers in the fantasy genre. Whether you are writing a stand-alone book or a series, Pantera is an ideal place for new authors to try their luck because of the support, guidance and encouragement you will receive from the team. Ensure you have read what they require from you and use this link to submit your manuscript.
20. Tanglewood Publishing
Tanglewood Publishing is a small independent publisher based in Indiana, United States. During the last couple of years, they’ve worked with leading authors like Ginger Churchill, Tracy Hill, and Pamela Hall. While the company primarily publishes books for middle graders and young adults, they are also open to other genres of fiction. Unlike the other publishers featured on our list, Tanglewood doesn’t consider ‘high fantasy’. They will, however, consider your fiction title if it has some elements of fantasy or the fantastical. Check their submission guidelines to know more.
21. Small Beer Press
Launched in 2000 by Gavin J. Grant and Kelly Link in Easthampton, Small Beer Press is an independent publisher of speculative, science fiction, fantasy and fiction. Championing an eco-friendly process, they use recycled paper to print their books and encourage digital publishing to save paper. Seeking stories in fantasy, they are also interested in writers of color and female authors. An exclusive publisher, they only print 6-10 titles a year. They only accept manuscript submissions via post so read the guidelines and address here.
Are you a fantasy publisher accepting unsolicited manuscripts? Or are you a writer who knows any other fantasy novel publishers that should be on this list? Tell us more in the comments box below!
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.