Indie Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025 (Updated)

If you’re an aspiring or emerging fiction author looking to publish your work in 2025, you may be wondering where to start. The publishing world is vast, and traditional publishing houses often require literary agents and long waiting times. Fortunately, independent publishers, or indie presses — are a growing segment of the industry, often more accessible and open to new voices.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

• What indie publishers are and why they’re a great option
• An updated list of indie publishers accepting fiction submissions in 2025
• How to prepare your manuscript and submission materials professionally
• Common pitfalls to avoid when submitting to indie presses
• How Vox Ghostwriting can help you polish your work and submit with confidence

Whether you’re writing contemporary romance, speculative fiction, literary novels, or cozy mysteries, this guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to know to get your foot in the door with indie publishers this year.

What Are Indie Publishers? Why Choose Them?

Indie publishers are smaller, independent publishing houses that operate outside the Big Five conglomerates (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Macmillan). They typically have fewer staff and smaller budgets but often provide more personalized attention to authors.

Benefits of Indie Publishing

• More Accessible: Many indie presses accept unsolicited manuscripts — meaning you don’t need an agent. This is a huge plus for authors just starting out.
• Faster Turnaround: Response times are generally faster than large houses, sometimes just a few weeks.
• Creative Freedom: Indie presses often embrace diverse, niche, and experimental genres that traditional publishers might consider too risky.
• Closer Author Relationships: Smaller scale allows for more direct communication with editors and staff.
• Supportive Communities: Indie presses often build communities around their authors and readers, offering ongoing support.

Things to Keep in Mind

While indie presses are more accessible, they still maintain professional standards. They expect polished, well-edited manuscripts and professional submission materials. This means your manuscript should be near or at publication-ready when you submit.

Indie Publishers Accepting Fiction Submissions in 2025

Below is a carefully curated list of indie presses currently open to fiction submissions this year. Remember, each publisher has specific guidelines, so be sure to visit their websites and follow instructions closely.

Explore Indie Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025

Looking for the right indie publisher for your manuscript? We’ve done the research for you. Below is an updated and expanded list of indie publishers actively accepting fiction submissions in 2025, along with a key partner to help you prepare your work to professional standards.

Whether you write speculative fiction, literary drama, romance, or cozy mysteries, these publishers (and support services like Vox Ghostwriting) offer real opportunities to break into the industry, no agent required. Just make sure to review each one’s submission guidelines carefully before submitting.

1. Vox Ghostwriting (Author Services Partner)

Genres: All Fiction Genres

Overview: Vox Ghostwriting isn’t a traditional publisher, but rather an essential partner for authors serious about submitting to indie presses. Founded to bridge the gap between authors and publishers, Vox specializes in helping writers perfect their manuscripts, query letters, and synopses. Their team of experienced ghostwriters, editors, and publishing consultants work closely with authors to elevate every aspect of the submission package. From developmental editing and polishing prose to crafting compelling pitches that capture an editor’s attention, Vox Ghostwriting’s mission is to increase authors’ chances of acceptance by indie publishers. Authors looking to submit to indie presses in 2025 will find Vox an invaluable resource to ensure their work is professional, market-ready, and stands out in competitive slush piles.

2. Ink Smith Publishing

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Overview: Ink Smith Publishing is a dynamic independent press dedicated to imaginative fiction that explores complex characters and vibrant worlds. Known for their focus on young adult and paranormal romance, Ink Smith values originality, emotional depth, and strong voice. Their editorial team encourages fresh storytelling and diverse voices, welcoming manuscripts that push genre boundaries while maintaining relatable characters. Ink Smith offers relatively quick response times and clear, straightforward submission guidelines, making it an excellent option for new and emerging writers. Authors who submit to Ink Smith can expect a collaborative editorial process and support throughout the publication journey.

3. Bold Strokes Books

Genres: Fiction — Romance, Science Fiction, Mystery

Overview: Bold Strokes Books has built a reputation as a leader in publishing, championing diverse and inclusive voices across a broad spectrum of genres. Established with a mission to provide a platform for underrepresented stories, Bold Strokes specializes in romance, speculative fiction, and mystery novels. The press maintains an open submissions policy year-round, welcoming unagented manuscripts. Authors working with Bold Strokes benefit from a supportive, community-oriented approach, with an emphasis on authentic storytelling and cultural sensitivity. They offer professional editing, cover design, and marketing tailored specifically for the market, helping authors connect deeply with their target audience.

4. Fahrenheit Press

Genres: Crime, Thriller

Overview: Fahrenheit Press focuses on the darker side of fiction, publishing gripping crime and thriller novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a preference for gritty, atmospheric narratives, Fahrenheit seeks manuscripts that feature complex protagonists and morally ambiguous plots. They welcome unagented submissions and encourage authors to submit complete manuscripts for consideration. The press is known for its editorial rigor and commitment to quality storytelling, ensuring that each published book meets high standards of suspense and pacing. Authors who thrive in the crime and thriller genres will find Fahrenheit Press a fitting home for their work.

5. Flame Tree Press

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Overview: Flame Tree Press is a respected independent publisher specializing in speculative fiction, including horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. They offer opportunities for both novel-length works and anthologies, showcasing a range of voices from emerging authors to established names. Flame Tree Press emphasizes literary quality alongside genre conventions, seeking manuscripts that combine strong storytelling with innovative ideas. Their editorial team supports authors through a thorough yet collaborative process. Flame Tree’s distribution network and professional production values ensure that books reach a broad audience across print and digital platforms, making it a solid choice for speculative fiction writers.

6. Red Adept Publishing

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal

Overview: Red Adept Publishing caters to readers who enjoy well-crafted, accessible fiction across several popular genres, including cozy mysteries, sci-fi, paranormal, and romance. The press has a reputation for being author-friendly, offering detailed editorial feedback and fostering long-term author relationships. Red Adept looks for manuscripts with engaging characters, strong plots, and a warm, approachable tone. With a focus on novels over 50,000 words, they prioritize stories that are both entertaining and polished. Authors working with Red Adept can expect a supportive publishing experience that balances creative freedom with professional guidance.

7. City Owl Press

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Urban Fantasy

Overview: City Owl Press focuses on genre fiction that blends contemporary settings with compelling storytelling. Their specialty lies in romance, mystery, and urban fantasy, with a preference for edgy, character-driven narratives that resonate with modern readers. City Owl accepts unsolicited manuscripts and encourages authors to bring fresh voices and innovative ideas. The press prides itself on responsive communication and a straightforward submission process. Authors who appreciate a publisher that embraces bold storytelling and diverse characters will find City Owl Press a welcoming partner.

8. Literary Wanderlust

Genres: Adult Romance, Paranormal, Historical Fiction

Overview: Literary Wanderlust champions fiction that delves deeply into emotional landscapes, whether through romance, paranormal themes, or historical settings. They seek manuscripts that emphasize character development, nuanced relationships, and immersive world-building. The press values originality and voice, encouraging authors to submit novel-length manuscripts that explore the complexities of love, history, and the supernatural. Literary Wanderlust provides thorough editorial support and is known for nurturing emerging talent with an eye for literary quality and commercial appeal.

9. Torrey House Press

Genres: Literary Fiction, Eco-fiction, Indigenous Futurism

Overview: Torrey House Press is an independent literary press with a mission-driven approach, focusing on socially conscious and thematically rich works. They publish literary fiction with strong environmental and Indigenous themes, including eco-fiction and Indigenous futurism. Torrey House seeks manuscripts that combine artistry with advocacy, offering a platform for voices exploring pressing cultural and ecological issues. Their editorial process is rigorous, aimed at polishing manuscripts to high literary standards. Authors interested in combining storytelling with meaningful social commentary will find Torrey House Press an ideal publisher.

10. Tartarus Press

Genres: Literary Horror, Supernatural Fiction

Overview: Tartarus Press is a distinguished UK-based publisher specializing in literary horror, supernatural fiction, and gothic tales. Renowned for curating exquisite, atmospheric works, Tartarus Press publishes novella- to novel-length manuscripts with a focus on classic styles and contemporary innovations in horror. Their catalog includes reprints of forgotten classics and new works that echo the traditions of supernatural literature. Tartarus offers attentive editorial care and is highly selective, publishing only manuscripts that meet their exacting standards. Authors whose work evokes mood, mystery, and psychological depth will find Tartarus Press a prestigious and fitting home.

Why Include Vox Ghostwriting in Your Publishing Journey?

You might wonder why Vox Ghostwriting appears on a list of publishers. We’re not a publisher — we’re your submission support partner. Many authors underestimate how crucial the submission preparation phase is.

Here’s how Vox Ghostwriting helps:

• Manuscript Development & Ghostwriting: If your manuscript needs structure, pacing, or full ghostwriting, we have you covered.
• Editing & Proofreading: We polish your manuscript until it’s editor-ready — eliminating typos, plot holes, and pacing issues.
• Query Letter Writing: A great query letter can make or break your submission. We craft compelling, professional letters tailored to each publisher.
• Synopsis & Pitch Preparation: Summarizing your novel clearly while maintaining its voice is tricky; we help you get it right.
• Publisher Targeting: We analyze your manuscript and find indie publishers best suited for your genre and style.
• Contract & Publishing Advice: When offers come in, we help you understand contracts and navigate publishing options.

In short: we prepare you to submit like a pro, dramatically increasing your chances of acceptance.

How to Find Indie Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025

Finding publishers open to submissions requires research and strategy:

1. Use Industry Resources

• Duotrope and Submission Grinder are popular databases listing publishers and their submission statuses.
• Follow publisher websites and social media for updated submission calls.
• Join writing communities and forums like Absolute Write or Reddit’s r/writing for real-time insights.

2. Match Your Genre

Send your manuscript only to publishers that accept your genre. Sending a sci-fi novel to a romance press is a waste of time.

3. Read Submission Guidelines Carefully

Every publisher has rules about manuscript formatting, word counts, submission materials, and email subject lines. Follow them exactly.

How to Prepare a Professional Submission Package

A submission package usually includes:

• Query Letter
• Synopsis
• Sample Chapters or Full Manuscript

Here’s what each entails:

Query Letter

This is your introduction. It should include:

• A short, compelling summary of your book
• Your target audience and comparable titles (optional)
• A brief author bio, including relevant writing credits
• Why you chose to submit to this particular publisher

Keep it professional but engaging, ideally one page or less.

Synopsis

A synopsis summarizes the entire plot, including the ending. It should:

• Be clear and concise (usually 1-2 pages)
• Convey tone and style
• Highlight main characters and conflicts

Manuscript

• Use standard formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced
• Include a title page with your contact info and word count
• Submit only the amount the publisher requests — usually first 3 chapters or full manuscript

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting

• Ignoring guidelines: This is the quickest way to get your submission rejected.
• Submitting an unedited manuscript: Typos and plot holes scream “amateur.” Invest in editing.
• Generic query letters: Tailor each letter to the publisher.
• Not researching the publisher: Know what they publish and if they accept unsolicited manuscripts.
• Simultaneous submissions without permission: Some publishers allow it; some don’t. Always check.

What to Expect After You Submit

Response times vary, from a few weeks to several months. If you don’t hear back after the stated period, a polite inquiry email is appropriate. If rejected, don’t be discouraged — rejection is part of the process. Use any feedback to improve and keep submitting.

Red Flags: How to Spot Vanity Presses and Scams

Sadly, the rise of indie publishing also means some predatory “publishers” charge authors fees upfront, often offering little to no distribution or editorial support.

Watch out for:

• Publishers who require you to pay to publish
• Vague contracts that claim all your rights
• No royalty or sales transparency
• Poor or no marketing and distribution

Legitimate indie presses make money by selling books, not by charging authors.

FAQs About Indie Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025

Q: Do I need an agent to submit to indie publishers?

No. Most indie presses accept unagented submissions, making them great for new authors.

Q: How long will it take to hear back?

Anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the publisher’s workload.

Q: Will I get an advance?

Some indie presses pay small advances; many operate on royalties only.

Q: Can I submit to multiple presses at once?

Only if the publishers allow simultaneous submissions. Always read guidelines carefully.

Q: What happens after acceptance?

You’ll receive a contract outlining rights, royalties, and publication timelines. Vox Ghostwriting can help you understand and negotiate terms.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Indie Publishing Journey Right in 2025

Indie publishers offer an exciting path to getting your fiction into readers’ hands faster and often with more creative freedom. But success requires preparation, professionalism, and persistence.

If you want expert help to polish your manuscript, craft compelling submissions, and navigate the indie publishing landscape, Vox Ghostwriting is here for you.

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.