UK Traditional Publishers Accepting Submissions
From New Authors
UK Literary Agencies Directory
At Author Gate, we operate as a traditional publishing company and carefully review every manuscript submitted to us. Because we receive a large number of submissions and maintain specific editorial standards and publishing plans, we are unfortunately unable to publish every book that is sent to us.
If your manuscript has been declined, this does not necessarily reflect the quality or potential of your work—it may simply mean that it does not align with our current publishing programme. 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.
1. Fairlight Books
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.
Why submit here:
- Strong reputation in literary publishing
- Welcomes debut authors
- Focus on high-quality storytelling
2. Fahrenheit Press
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.
Why submit here:
- Focus on crime and thriller genres
- Straightforward submission process
- Good opportunity for debut crime writers
3. Seren Books
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
- Narrative nonfiction
Importantly for new authors, Seren Books accepts manuscripts without requiring an agent.
Why submit here:
- Long-standing reputation
- Wide range of genres
- Welcomes new writers
4. Lantana Publishing
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.
Why submit here:
- Strong focus on diverse storytelling
- Respected children’s publisher
- Open to new authors
5. Peepal Tree Press
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.
Why submit here:
- Champion of diverse authors
- Strong literary reputation
- Publishes both emerging and established writers
6. Hera Books
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.
Why submit here:
- Great for genre fiction writers
- Direct submission process
- Growing reputation in commercial fiction
7. ZunTold
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.
Why submit here:
- Dedicated to youth literature
- Encourages new voices
- Passion for inspiring young readers
8. Canongate Books
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.
Why submit here:
- Highly respected publisher
- International distribution
- Strong literary reputation
9. CSM Publishing Limited
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.
As a newer and smaller press, it may provide more accessible opportunities for emerging writers who are looking for alternatives to larger publishing houses.
Why consider submitting:
- Smaller press potentially open to new authors
- Opportunity for emerging writers
- Alternative route into publishing
As with any publisher, authors should review submission guidelines carefully and research the publisher’s catalogue before submitting their work.
Tips for Submitting Your Manuscript
Before submitting to any publisher, take time to prepare a professional submission package.
1. Follow submission guidelines carefully
Each publisher will have specific requirements for formatting, word count, and materials.
2. Prepare key submission materials
Most publishers request:
- A query letter
- A synopsis
- Sample chapters or pages
- An author bio
3. Make sure your manuscript fits the publisher
Research their existing catalogue and genre preferences.
4. Be patient
Traditional publishing responses can take several months, especially for unsolicited submissions.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into traditional publishing can take persistence, but many independent UK publishers continue to welcome new authors.
Publishers such as Fairlight Books, Fahrenheit Press, Seren Books, and Hera Books actively seek compelling stories from emerging writers.
With a polished manuscript and a carefully prepared submission package, these publishers could become the first step in launching your writing career.
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