8 Australian fantasy publishers accepting manuscript submissions in January 2025

My worldwide list of fantasy publishers can be found here, while my science fiction publishers list is located here.

An all too common experience for Australian fantasy writers is looking for a publisher, only to see the "we are not currently accepting fantasy novels" in the fine print. Thankfully, many Australian publishers do accept fantasy submissions, so if you have a fantasy manuscript ready to go, then this list is for you!

While all the publishers listed below are Australian, many will accept manuscripts from overseas writers and the vast majority accept submissions from our writer friends over in New Zealand. I also update this list every month so please subscribe to my newsletter if you'd like to be notified of the latest Australian publishers accepting fantasy submissions.

Don’t forget to check out my developmental editing services or pre-querying package if you want to make sure your novel is in top shape before you sent it to a publisher for consideration. I offer a variety of services to suit all budgets, from writers looking for the standard developmental editing experience to those seeking high-level feedback and a quick turnaround time.

1. Pan Macmillan Australia

   Pan Macmillan Australia is committed to investing in Australian authors and publishes a variety of bestselling books.
   Genre: Fiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

2. Text Publishing

   Text Publishing is an independent Melbourne-based publisher of fiction and nonfiction. They accept submissions from citizens or residents of Australia and New Zealand.
   Genre: General fiction and nonfiction.
   Word count: 40,000-120,000 words.

3. Affirm Press

   Affirm Press is an independent Melbourne-based publisher dedicated to publishing Australian stories and ideas.
   Genre: All genres of fiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

4. JOAN Press

   JOAN Press is a new imprint from Allen & Unwin that publishes work pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating space for marginalized voices. JOAN seeks stories that find joy in resistance and humor in adversity.
   Genre: General adult fiction and nonfiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

5. Allen & Unwin

   Allen & Unwin are an Australian-owned and operated publisher. They were named 2023 Publisher of the Year and have won the title twelve times since 2000! They accept submissions every Friday during their The Friday Pitch sessions.
   Genre: Fiction. They are not currently interested in adult high fantasy, science fiction, or short stories.
   Word count: Full length works.

6. Brain Jar Press

   Brain Jar Press is a Brisbane-based publisher specialising in shorter works of fantasy and science fiction. Please note some of their submission calls are limited to Australian and New Zealand writers.
   Genre: Fantasy, science fiction, horror, crime and thriller fiction.
   Word count: 4,000-60,000 words (chapbooks, novellas and short stories)

7. HQ

   HQ, a boutique division under HarperCollins, publishes a broad range of fiction.
   Genre: Adult fiction.
   Word count: At least 70,000 words.

8. New Dawn Publishing

   New Dawn Publishing is an independent publisher of speculative fiction based in Perth, Western Australia.
   Genre: Speculative fiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

Best of luck with your manuscript submissions! If you want to ensure your manuscript is in the best position to be accepted, check out my developmental editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.