5 Major Australian Publishers That Accept Unagented Manuscripts

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Updated 5/10/24

Unlike US and UK publishing houses, Australian publishers suffer from a dearth of submissions. All of these are major traditional publishers, with worldwide distribution, and all offer an advance and royalties. (You don't have to be Australian to submit to one of these publishers.)

Submission periods are limited for some of these publishers, so make sure to read their requirements carefully before you submit.

For a list of 150 publishers that accept submissions directly from writers, no agent required, see Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts. 

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Allen & Unwin accepts submissions through the "Friday Pitch." (Despite its name, The Friday Pitch is open to submissions all week.) Allen & Unwin is an independent Australian publishing company established in 1976 as a subsidiary of the British firm George Allen & Unwin Ltd., one of the leading publishers of the twentieth century. They currently publish up to 250 new titles a year, including literary and commercial fiction, a broad range of general non fiction, academic and professional titles and books for children and young adults. Please only apply to the Friday Pitch if you are currently living in Australia or New Zealand.

Pan Macmillan Australia accepts electronic manuscript submissions directly from writers every day of the week. Pan Macmillan is a major Australian publisher with a wide range of titles under group imprints, including Macmillan, Pan, Picador, Plum, Momentum, Macquarie Dictionary Publishers, Pancake, St Martin's Press, Tor, Forge, Griffin and Sidgwick & Jackson. They publish commercial and literary fiction, children's and YA fiction, picture books, Australiana, history, biographies, cooking, health and self-help, sports and travel. It also handles sales for Guinness World Records.

Penguin Australia accepts unsolicited manuscripts the first week of every month. They accept both children's literature and adult books. They do not accept submissions from outside Australia, New Zealand or Oceania (unless the author has a connection to the region such as citizenship or residency). Currently open to children's books only.

Text Publishing Australia accepts non-fiction and fiction manuscripts, including middle grade and young adult. Submissions are by hard copy only. Send the first 3 chapters and a brief (1-page) synopsis. If they want to see more they will contact you. Responses generally take three months. Submissions should be from citizens or residents of Australia and/or New Zealand.

Hachette Australia accepts work from Australian or New Zealand residents. They accept children’s and YA fiction and non-fiction, and adult non-fiction. They do not accept science fiction/fantasy, illustrated children’s books, illustrated books, cookbooks, poetry, self-help, screenplays or academic submissions. They will contact you only if they are interested. Responses take four weeks.