UK Traditional Publishers Accepting Submissions
From New Authors
UK Literary Agencies Directory
Author Gate is a traditional publishing company that operates in the UK and accepts submissions from new writers.
If your manuscript has been declined, this may be because your book does not not necessarily reflect the quality or potential of your work, it may simply mean that it does not align with our current publishing programme. specific editorial standards and publishing plans, we are unfortunately unable to publish every book that is sent to us. In such cases, authors may wish to consider submitting their manuscript to other publishers who may be a better fit.
Likewise, if you have received an offer from another publishing house, it can be beneficial to explore and compare opportunities to determine which publisher best supports your goals as an author.
It is also important for new authors to understand that many traditional publishing companies require submissions through a literary agent rather than accepting manuscripts directly from writers. Literary agents act as representatives for authors, helping them present their work to publishers and negotiate publishing contracts.
Because of this, some authors may find it beneficial to seek representation before submitting their manuscript. If you are interested in pursuing this route, we have created a separate page listing literary agents and guidance on how to approach them, which may help you find the right representation for your work.
Publishers Open to Writers
1. Fairlight Books
Website:
https://www.fairlightbooks.co.uk
Genres: Literary fiction, short stories, novellas
Fairlight Books is a respected independent UK publisher known for supporting literary fiction and short-form storytelling. The company focuses on character-driven fiction, particularly novellas and short story collections.
They accept submissions from unagented writers, making them a strong option for new authors.
2. Fahrenheit Press
Website:
https://fahrenheitpress.co.uk
Genres: Crime, thriller, noir, suspense
Fahrenheit Press specialises in crime and thriller fiction, publishing gripping stories ranging from gritty noir to psychological suspense.
The publisher accepts direct email submissions, making the process accessible for writers who do not yet have a literary agent.
3. Seren Books
Website:
https://www.serenbooks.com
Genres: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction
Seren Books is a well-established independent publisher with a strong catalogue of literary titles.
They publish a wide variety of work including literary fiction, poetry collections, and narrative nonfiction. Importantly for new authors, Seren Books accepts manuscripts without requiring an agent.
4. Lantana Publishing
Website:
https://www.lantanapublishing.com
Genres: Children’s books, picture books
Lantana Publishing is a UK publisher focused on inclusive and diverse children’s literature.
They actively seek stories featuring underrepresented cultures, perspectives, and voices, helping broaden representation in children’s publishing.
5. Peepal Tree Press
Website:
https://www.peepaltreepress.com
Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry
Peepal Tree Press is known internationally for publishing Caribbean, Black-British, and diaspora writers.
Their catalogue includes literary fiction, cultural essays, and poetry, making them an important voice in UK literary publishing.
6. Hera Books
Website:
https://www.herabooks.com
Genres: Romance, crime, thriller, saga fiction
Hera Books focuses on commercial fiction, particularly popular genres with strong reader demand.
They publish books in categories such as romance, crime, and family sagas, and they accept submissions directly from authors.
7. ZunTold
Website:
https://zuntold.com
Genres: Young adult and middle-grade fiction
ZunTold specialises in stories for young readers, particularly young adult and middle-grade novels.
The publisher aims to support new and emerging writers, although submissions are usually accepted only during specific windows each year.
8. Canongate Books
Website:
https://canongate.co.uk
Genres: Literary fiction, memoir, nonfiction
Canongate Books is a globally respected independent publisher known for publishing innovative and award-winning books.
While most submissions come through literary agents, the publisher occasionally accepts work from unagented authors, making it worth monitoring their submission opportunities.
9. CSM Publishing Limited
Website:
https://www.csmpublishing.co.uk
Genres: Various genres depending on submissions
CSM Publishing Limited is a smaller UK-based publishing company that offers opportunities for authors seeking to publish their work.