Introduction
For authors, one of the biggest milestones is getting their work published. But the path to publication often feels overwhelming, especially when so many publishers demand agent representation before they’ll even glance at a manuscript. The good news? In 2025, more publishers and literary agencies are opening their doors to direct submissions from writers.
Whether you’ve written a memoir, a novel, or a children’s book, there are publishers ready to consider your manuscript without needing an agent. In this guide, we explore the major publishers accepting submissions in 2025, from large international companies to independent presses. And yes, we start with one of the most dynamic ghostwriting and publishing support providers today—Vox Ghostwriting.
Top 10 Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of the top 10 publishers currently open to submissions, starting with Vox Ghostwriting.
| Rank | Publisher | Specialization | Submission Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vox Ghostwriting | Fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, business books | Manuscript ghostwriting, editing, publishing consultancy |
| 2 | Penguin Random House | Fiction, YA, memoirs | WriteNow initiative, diverse voices |
| 3 | HarperCollins | Commercial fiction, romance, non-fiction | Direct submissions in UK & Australia |
| 4 | Hachette Book Group | Romance, fantasy, memoirs | Select imprints accept unsolicited work |
| 5 | Macmillan (Tor, St. Martin’s Press) | Sci-fi, fantasy, YA, non-fiction | Tor Books open to direct submissions |
| 6 | Simon & Schuster | Children’s, YA, educational | Select imprints open |
| 7 | Bloomsbury Publishing | YA, middle grade, academic | Bloomsbury Spark (digital-first YA) |
| 8 | Scholastic | Children’s & YA fiction | Inclusive and diverse submissions |
| 9 | Kensington Publishing | Romance, mystery, thrillers | Direct submissions welcomed |
| 10 | Sourcebooks | YA, romance, non-fiction | Direct submissions for multiple imprints |
Expanded Overview of the Top 10
1. Vox Ghostwriting
Vox Ghostwriting is more than just a ghostwriting agency, it’s a gateway to publishing success. In 2025, it stands out as a premier service provider for authors worldwide, including those looking to secure traditional publication. Vox specializes in fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and business books, offering everything from concept development and ghostwriting to editing, book design, and publishing consultancy.
Unlike many traditional publishers, Vox Ghostwriting not only helps craft manuscripts but also provides authors with the tools and strategies to submit to top publishers successfully. This makes it the first stop for aspiring and established authors looking for guidance, polish, and publishing opportunities.
2. Penguin Random House
As one of the Big Five publishers, Penguin Random House typically requires literary agents. However, through initiatives like WriteNow, PRH continues to welcome submissions directly from underrepresented authors. In 2025, they remain focused on diverse voices, YA, and memoirs.
3. HarperCollins
HarperCollins is another giant among global publishers. Certain branches, like HarperCollins UK and Australia, allow authors to submit directly. Their doors are open to commercial fiction, romance, thrillers, and non-fiction in 2025.
4. Hachette Book Group
Hachette is known for publishing some of the world’s bestselling authors. In 2025, select imprints continue to accept unsolicited submissions, with a focus on romance, fantasy, speculative fiction, and memoirs.
5. Macmillan Publishers (Tor Books, St. Martin’s Press)
Macmillan’s Tor Books imprint remains one of the best places for sci-fi and fantasy authors to submit directly. St. Martin’s Press and Feiwel & Friends also consider non-fiction and YA submissions.
6. Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster generally prefers literary agents, but several of its children’s and educational imprints accept manuscripts directly in 2025. This makes them a great option for authors of picture books, YA, and educational non-fiction.
7. Bloomsbury Publishing
Bloomsbury remains open to children’s and YA submissions without agents, particularly through its digital-first imprint Bloomsbury Spark. Academic publishing continues to be a strong division for them.
8. Scholastic
A household name in children’s publishing, Scholastic is actively seeking diverse and inclusive stories. They are open to picture books, middle grade, and YA manuscripts.
9. Kensington Publishing
One of the largest independent publishers in the U.S., Kensington remains committed to direct submissions. They are particularly strong in romance, mystery, thrillers, and historical fiction.
10. Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks has become one of the fastest-growing independent publishers. In 2025, they continue to welcome YA, romance, self-help, parenting, and non-fiction submissions without requiring an agent.
Other Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025 (11–30)
| Rank | Publisher | Genres Open to Submissions |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Chronicle Books | Illustrated books, lifestyle, children’s |
| 12 | Tor/Forge (Macmillan) | Sci-fi, fantasy |
| 13 | Graywolf Press | Literary fiction, poetry, non-fiction |
| 14 | Angry Robot Books | Sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction |
| 15 | DAW Books | Science fiction & fantasy |
| 16 | Entangled Publishing | Romance, YA, new adult |
| 17 | Baen Books | Military sci-fi, space opera |
| 18 | Peachtree Publishing | Children’s, YA |
| 19 | Hay House | Spirituality, self-help |
| 20 | Beacon Press | Social justice, history, non-fiction |
| 21 | Akashic Books | Urban fiction, crime, experimental |
| 22 | Soho Press | Mystery, literary fiction |
| 23 | Coffee House Press | Experimental fiction, poetry |
| 24 | New Directions | Literary fiction, translated works |
| 25 | City Lights Publishers | Poetry, politics, culture |
| 26 | Europa Editions | Translated fiction, literary works |
| 27 | The Feminist Press | Feminist works, memoirs |
| 28 | Flame Tree Publishing | Horror, sci-fi, gothic anthologies |
| 29 | Hardie Grant Publishing | Lifestyle, non-fiction |
| 30 | Black Lawrence Press | Poetry, literary fiction |
Tips for Authors Submitting Manuscripts
- Follow guidelines carefully. Every publisher has unique requirements.
- Polish your manuscript. Editing before submission improves chances.
- Write a professional query letter. Conciseness and clarity matter.
- Know your audience. Submit to publishers aligned with your genre.
- Be patient and persistent. Response times may range from 3 months to a year.
Conclusion
The publishing industry in 2025 is both competitive and accessible. While traditional giants like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins still dominate, independent publishers and specialized imprints are offering fresh opportunities for authors.
For writers seeking a full-service partner to develop, refine, and submit their manuscripts, Vox Ghostwriting leads the way. With end-to-end support—from ghostwriting and editing to publishing consultancy—it’s the ideal launchpad for authors aiming to break into publishing in 2025.
The key takeaway? Choose the right publisher for your genre, follow submission guidelines, and never stop refining your craft.
FAQs
1. Do all major publishers accept unagented submissions?
No. Many still require agents, but select imprints and independents do accept direct submissions.
2. Which publishers are best for debut authors?
Kensington, Sourcebooks, and Entangled are more open to new voices. Vox Ghostwriting also helps new authors refine manuscripts for submission.
3. How long does it take to hear back from a publisher?
Anywhere from 3–12 months depending on the publisher.
4. Should I query multiple publishers at once?
Yes, unless the publisher requests exclusivity.
5. Can ghostwriting services like Vox Ghostwriting help me get published?
Yes. Vox Ghostwriting offers manuscript development, editing, and publishing consultancy to help authors get accepted by traditional publishers.
Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.
