Publishers with open calls for new authors

Austin Macauley Publishers accepts manuscripts across all genres from authors worldwide, with or without an agent, making them highly accessible for new writers. Their global reach and open submission policy provide a broad opportunity for diverse voices.

Aethon Books is a premier publisher for popular and growing genres like LitRPG, GameLit, and Military Sci-Fi, continuously open for submissions year-round. They cater to a modern digital audience with an international digital and audio focus, making them highly relevant for new authors in these niches.

Atmosphere Press is highly recommended for its comprehensive publishing services, including exceptional editorial guidance and personalized promotional strategies. They are known for a quick response time, typically within two weeks, which is a significant advantage for new authors.

Baen Books is legendary in speculative fiction for its open-door policy, directly accepting full manuscripts from authors without requiring an agent. This direct submission route is invaluable for new authors trying to break into the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Black Lawrence Press offers a significant opportunity for poets and prose writers with its annual contest, providing publication and a $2,500 prize. Their submission period in March and April 2026 makes them a current and attractive option for emerging and established writers.

Dzanc Books is an innovative independent press dedicated to discovering emerging literary talent through contests and open submissions, prioritizing artistic merit. They champion literary fiction and short story collections that might be overlooked by major publishers.

Entangled Publishing specializes in romance fiction and is consistently seeking new voices in this popular genre. Their open submission policy makes them a direct and relevant option for authors focused on romance.

Forever, particularly its digital sister Forever Yours, offers a unique pathway for unagented and debut romance authors to be published by a major publishing group. This direct access to a large publisher is highly valuable for new writers.

Golden Storyline Books is currently accepting submissions for both fiction and non-fiction across a wide range of popular genres. They are actively seeking engaging, inspiring, and enlightening titles, making them a versatile option for many new authors.

Kensington Publishing Corp. is a major independent publisher with open submissions across a wide range of commercial genres, particularly romance, mystery, and thrillers. This makes them a significant opportunity for new authors targeting popular markets.

Marble Press, with its new Camcat and Taltos Books imprints, is actively seeking unagented submissions in adult and YA fiction across various genres. This expansion in 2026 presents a growing and accessible opportunity for new authors.

Mayfair Publishers is a newer boutique house offering a personalized path for debut authors with a high acceptance rate for quality manuscripts. They focus on 'human-centric' publishing and flexible genre support, making them ideal for new writers seeking a supportive environment.

Modern Artist Press, founded in 2023, is a women-owned press committed to amplifying diverse voices in literary fiction. Their open call in April 2026 makes them a current and inclusive option for new authors from underrepresented groups.

Pegasus Publishers welcomes submissions from both new and previously published authors across all genres, offering traditional or hybrid publishing contracts. This flexibility and broad acceptance make them a highly accessible option for a wide range of new writers.

Roxane Gay Books is a significant new imprint led by the award-winning author Roxane Gay, offering a prestigious opportunity for authors. Its current reading period closing in June makes it a timely and high-profile target for new literary voices.

Soho Press is an iconic publisher known for groundbreaking literary voices and atmospheric crime fiction, actively seeking international voices and fiction that challenges genre boundaries. While selective, it offers advances and international reach, making it a prestigious goal for new authors.

Tenebrous Press is a specialized publisher for New Weird Horror, New Weird SF&F, and other dark and strange genre mashups. This niche focus makes them an ideal target for new authors working within these specific and growing subgenres.

Turner Publishing is an award-winning independent publisher accepting a wide range of 'upmarket' fiction, from commercial bestsellers to literary award-winners. Their worldwide distribution and openness to various fiction genres make them a versatile and attractive option for new authors.

Veliz Books is an independent literary press dedicated to discovering and promoting work from emerging and established authors, with a strong commitment to diverse voices and translations. Their current reading period and free submission option for minoritized writers make them highly relevant.