Have you written a health and fitness book?
Are you now looking for opportunities to submit your manuscript to a publisher directly?
Below you’ll find 17 top health and fitness book publishers in the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.
1. Victory Belt Publishing
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Victory Belt have most definitely chosen the right name for their company, as they do celebrate triumphs in the publishing industry. An international leader in widely grasped health books, the majority of their catalogue is fitness and cookbooks, while they also publish health and celebrity titles. Some of their books have become New York Times and international bestsellers, bringing the knowledge of food bloggers and online experts into a beautifully edited kitchen shelf staples. The Paleo Kitchen is only one example of the varied selection they publish – to suit all needs and all palates.
Victory Belt can be contacted via an online contact form, and there’s a chance they’re looking for your manuscript! Make sure to click ‘Book Submissions’ as the reason for your query.
2. The Experiment Publishing
New York-based, The Experiment is exactly what it says on the tin – an independent testing ground for brand new thoughts and revolutionary ideas within the publishing industry. The company was founded in 2009, and since then has built a full catalogue of non-fiction titles that can be both informative and entertaining. Although sport and wellness are not the focus here, some of Experiment’s top selling titles come from those categories. All of the guides take interesting angles, which makes them unique in comparison with major publishers’ releases. The plant-based, health-oriented cookbook Forks Over Knives has even earned The Experiment an NY Times bestseller title!
Non-fiction submissions are more than welcome. Makes sure to read through the guidelines first here.
3. Hatherleigh Press
As far as fitness and health publishers are concerned, Hatherleigh is surely one of the most hooked on the subject. Based in Hobart, NY, their mission is to be close to people, encourage healthier living and making sure they benefit not just as the publishing’s consumers, but also become a part of the community. Hatherleigh’s biggest focus is diet, exercise and overall health, but there are other categories too, such as treating chronic diseases, green living and self-help. By actively running their blog, social media and even a YouTube channel, the connection to people’s lives is really there.
Hatherleigh are currently open for submissions within the aforementioned categories. Visit the Submissions page for further instructions.
4. Wellbridge Books
At Wellbridge, it’s all about the expertise in health and self-help, and wanting to share it with readers. Located in Portland, Oregon, and founded in 2017, they’re a relatively fresh face on the market. As an imprint of Six Degrees Publishing, they get to keep their niche small yet knowledgeable. The writers are true specialists in their fields (all that have been featured before hold a PhD title), which means your wellbeing will not be compromised by gimmicky advice.
So far, Wellbridge Books have revolved around the topics of pain management, mindfulness, stress reducing and advice for those, who wish to quit smoking. This book publisher is currently accepting submissions, so if you’d like to be their next author and you are qualified, take a look at the steps towards submitting your manuscript here.
5. Addicus Books
On the more educational end of the health books spectrum is Addicus, a publishing founded in 1994 and based in Omaha, Nebraska. Addicus specialise in non-fiction titles revolving around a growing selection of medical topics, self-help, as well as a unique series of both legal and spiritual guidance for divorcees. The books are meant to be, first and foremost, clear and informative for the average reader. Addicus has been praised for helping the authors, who mostly have a medical background and therefore a jargon rarely understood by unqualified audience, become more approachable and understood in their books.
Addicus is currently open for submissions and seeking titles on various topics, focusing on health, self-help and psychology. Take a look at the Submission Guidelines to learn what to include in your query.
6. Amber-Allen Publishing
California-based, Amber-Allen was founded in Marin County in 1990 by a woman, who had a vision for a book publishing focused on personal development. In the health literature genre, Amber-Allen takes a different, more spiritual angle. The books explore psychological health, mindfulness and strive to make the readers live everyday life to the fullest. For those truly living in the digital age, there are e-books and audio books as an alternative, as well as a Hispanic section for Spanish readers.
Unfortunately, Amber-Allen is not accepting manuscripts currently. However, if your work is also dedicated to offering inspiration practical guidance in the fields of mindfulness and personal exploration, keep your eyes peeled.
7. Beyond Words
First formed in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1983, Beyond Words has achieved plenty since then. The first to publish were coffee table books with top-notch photography, but the offering has grown and now includes mainly titles on “body, mind and spirit.” Those further separate into topics such as diet and fitness, meditation, personal growth etc. Experts such as Dr. Gray (Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus) debuted with Beyond Words, and a partnership with Atria Books has brought them possibly the most successful publication to-date – the international bestseller The Secret.
If you think you’ve got a recipe for a life-changing book in one of the health genres up your sleeve, take a look at the Manuscript Submissions page. Unsolicited work will not be considered.
8. Book Publishing Company
A press owned a managed by the community, Book Publishing Co was first set up in Summertown, Tennessee in 1974. Their health-focused books touch on natural medicine, diets (vegan, vegetarian, raw), as well as the environment and living a sustainable lifestyle. Published in 1978, The Farm Vegetarian Cookbook was the first plant-based one to appear in the U.S! BPC’s catalogue is heavy with choice, whatever niche it is you might be looking for.
If you share the values BPC promote at their publishing company and would like to be a part of it, take a look at the Submission Requirements.
9. The Crown Publishing Group
Take a look at any of your favourite health and fitness books, and chances are they published it. A crown jewel in U.S. publishing industry, The Crown was first founded in 1933 and boasts a massive portfolio in various categories, as well as different imprints. A literary giant, they had the likes of Jillian Michaels, Michelle Obama, Chrissy Teigen and Martha Stewart publish with them. The Health and Fitness section shows expertise in design and great originality, which is what any author would wish for his book.
If you’re a writer in New York, there can’t be a better option for your American Dream. Which is why, due to The Crown’s popularity, only solicited manuscripts are considered. Fortune favours the bold!
10. FiT Publishing
An integral part of West Virginia University, FiT was launched in 1984. As they collaborate closely with Sport Science college, the main area of publishing is textbooks and journals on sports, PE and exercise psychology – both paperback and in digital format. The books published by FiT enjoy international distribution, and are all well-researched by sport science professionals and academics.
When it comes to working with writers, FiT provides an intimate atmosphere of cooperation, where authors can have their say throughout the process and can liaise directly with the editors and marketing team. If that sounds like something you’d like, take a look at the Submission Guidelines.
11. Class Publishing
Based in Somerset, England, Class has been devoted to publishing titles that both medical professionals and unqualified readers can benefit from. With three separate imprints: for pre-hospital practitioners working in the emergency services, those studying for medical exams and finally plain English, practical books for improving everyday wellbeing. There’s a number of categories, depending on what readers are looking for: asthma, allergies, back pain, children’s health, diabetes, cancer and many more.
Should you wish to publish with Class, fill out a contact form and they will get back to you.
12. Hammersmith Books
First founded in 2009, Hammersmith has been producing books aimed at both medical professionals and a general audience. Their catalogue puts emphasis on unnecessarily tabooed themes in medicine, such as dieting, weight loss, eating disorders and mental health. There you’ll also find titles that concern chronic diseases, caring and general wellbeing. Providing practical answers and guidance to medical questions no one else is bringing up, has earned Hammersmith the People’s Book Prize last year.
If you’d like to help people with your writing too, contact Hammersmith via email with your ideas. You can find more information for prospective authors here.
13. PCCS Books
Coming from the green city of Monmouth, Wales, PCCS are a publishing devoted exclusively to mental health. The goal of PCCS is to provide counselling and help to problems that are emotional in nature. Their books focus on psychotherapy, mental health and madness, as well as the survivors’ perspectives for a better future. In a world when mental health issues are still hushed, their titles are much needed consolation. Apart from traditional books, PCCS also produce e-books, DVDs, magazines and journals.
Prospective authors are encouraged to contact Catherine Jackson, who deals with submissions and production schedule. Her details can be found here.
14. Productive Fitness
Established in 1996 in Surrey, British Columbia, Productive Fitness publishing began its journey when the founder used his knowledge to release a niche guidebook. Then working at a sports equipment store, Mike Jespersen noticed the customers’ questions regarding the actual use of dumbbells, and decided to provide that information in a book form. Since then, Productive Fitness has expanded its line, now producing specialist fitness books, DVDs and posters. The Great Handbook series, with which it all began, has sold at least 2 million copies so far, helping fitness fiends find the right technique and really start seeing results.
As far as new content is concerned, Productive Fitness is not looking to expand the handbook section any further. However, you can contact them with your ideas here. Who knows, maybe they need a fresh voice?
15. Fitzhenry & Whiteside
An all-round Ontario-based publisher, Fitzhenry & Whiteside publish a great deal of books related to healthy living, such as special diet cookbooks, self-help guides for chronic diseases and even historical titles that explore Canadian medicine. Fitzhenry & Whiteside was first founded in 1966, and has remained a very private, family-owned and operated publishing. They pride themselves in having a great bond with long-term employees and authors, but also newcomers that bring a breath of fresh air to the company. With approximately 100 new titles or reprints released annually, their history is destined to continue.
Unfortunately, Fitzhenry & Whiteside are not accepting new manuscripts at the moment. Keep an eye out on their website and social media for any updates.
16. Finch Publishing
An independent, Sydney-based company, Finch was first established in 1992 as a non-fiction publisher, specialising in health-related genres – parenting guides, men’s health books, mental health, body and spirit and so on. The catalogue is constantly growing, incorporating the needs of readerships and today’s world. Due to fantastic communication and hard work between the publisher and the author, Finch books are popular and keep selling well globally. Finch publishes both paperback and e-books.
Finch does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but is always on the lookout for local talent. Books in the health and fitness subject are in great demand. Read more about submissions here.
17. Exisle Publishing
In the 25 years of running a publishing independently, the Wollombi-based Exisle has published books on a variety of topics, including health, nutrition, mindfulness, sport and leisure. The books, written by medicine practitioners and psychologists, aim to guide the readers towards healthier, better living. Apart from the Australian market, Exisle has branched out to New Zealand, but also has teams working for them in the UK and the U.S. At Exisle, the staff and the books don’t change – they all still have something important to carry out.
If you’d like to join the passionate team at Exisle and let them bring your book to life, fill out the submissions form. They are waiting for your story!
Do you know of any other health and fitness publishers in Australia, the UK, Canada, the US or another part of the world? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Zofia Filipowicz is a freelance journalist living in Poland. She has graduated from De Montfort University in Britain, with a first class degree in Journalism and English Literature. Since then, she’s worked with different print and digital publications. Currently open for commission.