Here’s a list of the Big 5 US Publishing Houses, their submission requirements and links to submission details. I’ve also included at the end of the list two smaller US Publishers that both Us and Non-U.S. citizens should be able to submit too. I thought they would serve as a good example of what’s out there if you decide to try the smaller publishers.
Submit Your Manuscript to the Big 5 US Publishers
Hachette Book Group Submission Details:
Imprint that accepts unsolicited manuscripts:
Forever/ Forever Yours (romance)
In the body of the email: a query letter that includes the main hook of your story, the genre, the word count, a brief summary, and a little bit about you
A detailed 3-5 page synopsis as an attachment
Your completed manuscript saved as a Word doc. Forever Yours will only consider manuscripts that are complete at the time of submission.
Response time: up to 8 weeks
You should receive a response, even if rejected
HarperCollins Submission Details
Imprint that accepts unsolicited manuscripts:
Avon Impulse (romance) – CURRENTLY CLOSED
Submit online here
Input query letter, brief synopsis, best scene or first 1,000 words
Upload manuscript (unsure if must be completed MS)
Response time: 3 months
You should receive a response, even if negative
Witness Impulse (mystery, suspense, thriller) – CURRENTLY CLOSED
Submit online here
Input query letter, brief synopsis, best scene or first 1,000 words
Upload manuscript (unsure if must be completed MS, there is an option to say incomplete)
Response time: guessing 3 months (same as Avon Impulse)
Macmillan Publisher Index
Imprint that accepts unsolicited manuscripts:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Submit via mail
Rules: Include a cover letter describing submission & first 50 pages of MS
If you wish to hear back include a self-addressed stamped envelope in submission
Response time: 3 – 5 months of receipt of submission
Penguin Random House Submission Details
Imprints that accept unsolicited manuscripts:
DAW (science fiction & fantasy)
Only accepts electronic submissions through their Submittable page
Response time: 3+ months
No response = rejection
Schwartz & Wade
Accepts picture books, middle grade, young adult, non-traditional non-fiction & graphic novels
Submit via mail: Schwartz & Wade Books, Submissions Editor, 1745 Broadway, 10-4, New York, New York 10019.
Digital imprints are apparently open for submissions, however, I didn’t have much luck with the links on this page (scroll to the end for digital imprints). Most of the links are duds and the only one that worked is for Loveswept & Flirt (romance & women’s fiction). Unfortunately, they are CURRENTLY CLOSED for submissions.
Simon & Schuster Submission details
Does not accept unsolicited manuscripts
Directs you to their self-publishing service for those of us who can’t get an agent: Archway Publishing
Submit Your Manuscript to a Smaller US Publisher
Entangled Publishing is an independent publisher of romantic fiction – no surprise they are open for submissions across all of their imprints!
Please see the submission information page or click on one of the links below:
- Amara – 70k-120k word single title adult romance novels.
- August – 20k-70k word category romance featuring Gen-X characters.
- Bliss – 20k-60k sweet category romance.
- Brazen – 20k-60k erotic category romance.
- Embrace – New Adult romance novels or novels with romantic elements.
- Entangled Teen – 70k-120k word romance novels or novels with romantic elements.
- Indulgence – 45k-60k contemporary category romance.
- Lovestruck – 20k-60k contemporary, romantic comedy category romance.
- Scandalous – 20k-65k historical category romance.
- Scorched – 15k-65k novellas, serialized novellas, and full-length novels, all with erotic romance elements.
- Teen Crave – 20k-60k paranormal/scifi/fantasy YA category romance.
- Teen Crush – 20k-60k contemporary YA category romance.
So that’s it folks! Enjoy and good luck submitting!
Diversin Books Publishing details and Submission details
Accepts unsolicited manuscripts:
Accepts only certain genres (see publishing details)
Submit via email
In the body of email include a query letter and a few chapters of your MS. Do not send attachments
Cannot guarantee a response
Last updated 21st Feb 2019
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