3 Publishing Houses That Accept Unagented Submissions - Poetry, Fiction, Cookbooks, Nature Writing

Updated 12/2/22

It is becoming increasingly rare to find publishing houses that will accept manuscripts directly from writers.

Fortunately, smaller houses still accept unagented submissions. Be sure to follow directions to the letter when submitting. (These publishers get a lot of submissions. Don't give them an excuse to throw yours out.)

For a list of over 150 publishers accepting unagented submissions - broken down by genre -  see: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts


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Willow Creek Press

Willow Creek Press publishes 25 titles per year. This press specializes in gift books, cookbooks, and nature books.

What they are looking for: "Willow Creek Press is a publisher whose primary commitment is to publish books specializing in nature, outdoor and sporting topics, gardening, wildlife and animal books, and cookbooks. We also publish nature, wildlife, fishing, and sporting calendars. Personal memoirs, children's books, and manuscripts dealing with limited regional subject matter may be considered, but generally stand little chance of acceptance."

Submissions: Read full submission guidelines HERE. (Note: Does not accept electronic submissions.)

CQ Press

CQ Press is an imprint of Sage, an academic publisher. It focuses exclusively on political science, journalism, and reference. 

What they are looking for: "CQ Press is your first source for information on politics, policy, and people. We are the leading publisher of books, directories, subscriptions, and Web products on American politics, federal and state government, American institutions, campaigns and elections, current events, and world affairs. Our content is known for its objectivity, breadth and depth of coverage, and high standards of journalistic and editorial excellence."

Submissions: Prospective authors should submit a complete proposal. (Even if you don't write political science texts, take a look at their proposal outline HERE. It's quite useful for any nonfiction manuscript proposal.) Go HERE for general guidelines.

BlazeVOX

BlazeVOX [Books] publishes poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, with an emphasis on poetry.

What they are looking for: "Our books push at the frontiers of what is possible with our innovative poetry, fiction and select non-fiction and literary criticism. Our fundamental mission is to disseminate poetry, through print and digital media, both within academic spheres and to society at large. We seek to publish the innovative works of the greatest minds writing poetry today, from the most respected senior poets to extraordinarily promising young writers. We select for publication only the highest quality of writing on all levels regardless of commercial viability. Our outlets of publication strive to enrich cultural and intellectual life, and foster regional pride and accomplishments."

Submissions: Prospective authors can submit via e-mail or an online contact form. Submission guidelines are HERE.