14 Nonfiction Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscript Proposals

Updated 5/2/23

In some respects, the road to publishing nonfiction books is easier to travel than fiction. If you are an expert in a field or have sufficient experience in an area (which can be anything from stamp collecting to raising chickens), many publishers will be willing to take on your book without requiring an agent.

Nonfiction submissions bear little similarity to fiction submissions. Fiction editors focus on plot, writing, and mass market appeal, which means they will want to see sample chapters and a synopsis. Nonfiction editors require a full proposal, which means you will have to submit detailed chapter descriptions, explain how your book will fit into the market, and establish your expertise. Even if your book is finished, a proposal is a requirement. (The sole exception is memoir, which is similar to fiction.)

Make sure to read the submission requirements of these publishers very carefully, and adhere to them. Don't give the publisher an excuse to throw out your proposal!

Note: For a list of hundreds of publishers accepting unagented books (by genre) see: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts

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Allworth Press publishes business and self-help information for the general public and creative professionals. It is an imprint of Skyhorse. Read their submission guidelines here.  Seeking: Graphic Design, Business, Performing Arts, Interior Design, Art, Theater, Web Design, Book Arts, Photography, Crafts.

Andrews McMeel Publishing is the country's premier calendar publisher. Its core publication categories include: comics and humor, puzzles and games, inspiration and gift, and comics for middle grade children. Interestingly, they also publish poetry. Read guidelines here.

Barricade Books publishes quality non-fiction manuscripts--preferably that lean toward the controversial. Send an outline, one or two chapters, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to Carole Stuart, Barricade Books, 2037 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. No email submissions.

Ben Bella publishes niche market books, works by celebrities and experts in their fields, pop culture books, and anything that is associated with a brand. Prospective authors should send a pitch.

Career Press, Inc. publishes quality, nonfiction books for adult readers seeking practical information to improve themselves in careers, college, finance, parenting, retirement, spirituality, and other related topics. Read submission policy. Seeking: Business, Career, Job Search, HR & Work Place Issues, College Preparation, Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Motivation/Self-Help, Management, Marketing/Sales, Negotiation, Study Aids, and more.

Free Spirit Publishing. "Our mission is to provide children and teens with the tools they need to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world. We publish high-quality nonfiction books and learning materials for children and teens, parents, educators, counselors, and others who live and work with young people."

Gryphon House, Inc. publishes books that help teachers and parents enrich the lives of children from birth through age eight. They do not accept children's books. Seeking: Educational resource books for parents and teachers aimed at young children. Read submission policy.

Hohm Press "Our books help you to sharpen your focus in finding the answers and direction you seek concerning your health and wellness, your inner life and the daily pressure of life's fast pace. We help educate the human spirit to instill an understanding of life’s basic questions concerning wellness, balanced psychology, mental clarity, family and matters of the heart." Read submission guidelines here.

AdventureKEEN is a nonfiction publisher of books on a wide range of subjects, including adventure, outdoors, travel, nature, local history, sports, and more. Their imprints are Adventure Publications, Clerisy Press, Menasha Ridge Press, Nature Study Guides, The Unofficial Guides, and Wilderness Press. "We love getting outdoors and exploring the world around us." Read their submission policy here. 

OneWorld Publications was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar as an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating non-fiction. Located in the UK. Read guidelines here.

Osprey is a UK publisher specializing in military history. Read submission guidelines here. 

Skyhorse publishes a broad range of nonfiction titles. They only accept submissions that fall into their categories, so make sure you consult their list before submitting. See submission requirements here.

The New Press is a non-profit independent publisher focusing on contemporary social issues, with an emphasis on race relations, women's issues, immigration, human rights, labor and popular economics, and the media; education reform and alternative teaching materials; cultural criticisms; art and art education; international literature; and law and legal studies. The Press has also taken a leading role in publishing a wide range of new work in African American, Asian American, Latino, gay and lesbian, and Native American studies, as well as work by and about other minority groups. They are very selective.

Ulysses Press is a small house focusing on niche markets. Genres they publish include Cleanse, Arts and Crafts, Coloring, Gifty Grabs, Fashion and Beauty, Healthy Eating, Krav Maga, Mmm Bites, Pop Culture, Prepping (for the apocalypse), Fitness, Special Diets, Trivia, Working Out, Rehab and Injury Prevention.