Some publishers in the UK still accept children's books directly from writers. Most of these are small, specialty publishers, but some are big names in the industry.
As always, make sure you examine their lists to see if your work would be a good fit, and read all of their submission requirements carefully.
Note: Some of these publishers are only open during their submission windows.
Related posts:
Top 5 Resources for Children's Book Writers
22 US Children's Book Publishers Accepting Manuscripts Directly From Writers
14 Young Adult Publishers Accepting Manuscripts - No agent required
Note: You can find a full list of over 450 publishers accepting manuscripts (broken down by genre) here:
Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts
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Candy Jar
Established in 2010 by Shaun Russell and Justin Chaloner, Candy Jar Books publishes both children's and adult titles. Marston Book Services Ltd, one of the leading independent distributors in the UK, is responsible for distributing their titles.
Submissions: They are looking for children's books for 8-12 year olds (ghosts, time travel and adventure stories always go down well). Click here for details.
Floris Books is an independent publishing company based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They publish books in two main areas: non-fiction for adults, and books for children. Within their non-fiction list, they focus on books that cover all aspects of holistic and alternative living. Floris Books specialises in publishing non-fiction that is explicitly connected to the Steiner-Waldorf or anthroposophical communities.
Submissions: Floris publishes children's books by members of the Scottish BPOC Writers Network. Click here for details.
Frances Lincoln is part of Quarto’s UK publishing unit, the Aurum Publishing Group. It publishes over 100 new books a year for both adults and children. Frances Lincoln Children’s Books publishes picture books, multicultural books, picture books and information books.
Submissions: Click here for submission details.
Hogs Back Books
Hogs Back is a small publishing house with a short list. They publish picture books and YA novels.
Submissions: For children’s books aged 0-10 years, send a complete manuscript along with a cover letter or email. For young adult novels, include a synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript. Click here for details.
Maverick Arts publishes picture books, junior grade and middle grade fiction (10,000 - 50,000 words).
Submissions: Junior and middle grade books will open in January. Click here for details. Has open reading periods.
Mogzilla
Mogzilla specialises in historical fiction and non-fiction for children
Submissions: Submissions can be full script or opening chapters:
• Full script should not exceed 40,000 words
• Historical topics covered in National Curriculum are preferred
• No more books about cats please – we have that covered! Please send submissions to the following email address: paul@mogzillabooks.com
Nosy Crow is a small, independent company established in 2011. They publish commercial fiction and non-fiction books for children aged from 0 to 14 by well-known authors and illustrators and by new talent. "We’re looking for “parent-friendly books”, and we don’t publish books with explicit sex, drug use or serious violence, so no edgy YA or edgy cross-over. And whatever New Adult is, we don’t do it."
Submissions: They prefer email submissions, though regular postal submissions are also accepted. For novelty/picture books please email the full text. For longer works, you should submit a short synopsis plus the first chapter (double-spaced). You should also send a cover letter containing all relevant information about you and your work. Temporarily closed to submissions. Visit site for next open submission period. They are currently open to writers and illustrators of color only. Click here for details.
O'brien Press is an Irish press publishing children's fiction, children's non-fiction and adult non-fiction. They do not publish poetry, academic works or adult fiction.
Submissions: For works of 1000 words or less, submit your entire manuscript. For anything over 1000 words, send a synopsis and 2 or 3 sample chapters. They prefer local authors. Click here for details.
Tiny Tree is dedicated to championing new talent and underrepresented voices in the children’s publishing industry. They are interested in fully-illustrated picture books from an author / illustrator team or individual, as well as higher middle-grade and YA titles across a variety of genres. Submissions: Follow guidelines HERE.
Walker
Walker is a large company, publishing over 300 books a year in the UK alone. Its sister companies are Walker Australia and Candlewick in the USA. They have a wide-ranging list, but they do not accept submissions in every category.
Submissions: Walker accepts illustrated picture-book stories and/or artwork samples via post or email. They do not accept fiction manuscript submissions. Click here for details.
Thanks, this was helpful
ReplyDeleteThanks, what a great list. I'm sending out manuscripts tonight.
ReplyDeleteJohn Bishop