156 memoir publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in December 2025
Congratulations on writing your memoir! I know you’ve poured your heart and soul into telling your story, and now it’s time to find your story a platform to share with the world. All of the publishers listed here are currently accepting manuscripts without a literary agent in December 2025, and I’ve done my best to weed out any dodgy or vanity publishers.
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 send 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 with a quick turnaround time.
2Leaf Press
2Leaf Press is a Florida-based publisher whose mission is to publish multigenerational and multicultural writers.
Genre: Poetry and nonfiction that address history, politics, cultural and contemporary issues.
Word count: Not stated.
ACTA Publications
ACTA Publications opened their doors in 1957 as a publisher of books and resources for religious education and spiritual development. Now they publish a variety of books in sports, social justice, caregiving and more.
Genre: Children’s fiction, poetry, fiction and nonfiction, including sports, social justice, caregiving, grief, gift, cookbooks, humor, religious, biography, crafts and parenting.
Word count: Not stated.
Akan Books
Akan Books is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers led by June Sarpong, accepting submissions from underrepresented groups in the UK (especially ethnic minority backgrounds, those who identify as working class and those with a disability).
Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, psychological suspense, romance, historical, contemporary/book club and family drama. For nonfiction, the accept self-help, smart thinking, memoir and parenting.
Word count: Not stated.
Amazing Dreams Press
Amazing Dreams Publishing publishes books by writers of lesbian, bisexual or questioning women.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Ambassador International
Ambassador International is a publisher with a Christian worldview.
Genre: Children’s books and nonfiction, including Christian, cookbooks, fashion, business, finance, history, regional, biography, grief and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.
Amble Press
Amble Press publishes fiction from writers who identify as a person of color or those writing across the broader queer spectrum.
Genre: Genre fiction, including general, crime, mystery, thriller, historical, action/adventure, speculative, young adult, new adult and romance. For nonfiction, they accept narrative, memoir and biography.
Word count: 45,000 to 100,000 words.
Anvil Press
Anvil Press was founded in 1990 and publishes novels from Canadian authors.
Genre: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, essay collections, poetry and books about Vancouver history.
Word count: Full-length novels or short story collections.
Apollo Publishers
Apollo Publishers exclusively publishes timely and topical nonfiction for adult trade audiences. These topics cover a broad spectrum but are all relevant to our lives today and will still be relevant in the years to come.
Genre: Narrative nonfiction
Word count: Not stated.
April Gloaming
April Gloaming is a nonprofit independent press based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction, upmarket fiction and creative nonfiction.
Word count: At least 70,000 words for fiction.
Arbeiter Ring Publishing
Arbeiter Ring Publishing is a left-wing progressive publisher whose mission is to amplify writing from the left. They publish predominately Canadian authors, especially those from Treaty One and the Métis Homeland in Manitoba, but they do consider authors from outside Canada.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction that aligns with their mission to amplify writing from the left. For nonfiction, they publish art, criticism, politics, biography, autobiography, feminism, business, economics, education, family & relationships, history, language, law, medical, music, performing arts, philosophy, photography, political science, science, social science, technology, travel and sports.
Word count: Not stated.
Arcade Publishing
Arcade Publishing is an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing.
Genre: Literary and upmarket fiction. For nonfiction, they consider adventure, travel, history, literary nonfiction, military history, business, memoir, art, nature, science, food & wine and current events.
Word count: Not stated.
Asabi Publishing
Asabi Publishing is an innovative publishing company who takes pride in establishing honest and sincere relationships with their authors.
Genre: Fiction, including crime, horror, mystery, thriller, classic noir crime, lesbian, erotica and culture-based historical fiction. For nonfiction, they accept biography, autobiography, narrative, memoir, survival guides, travel and relocation guides. They also accept children’s books, middle grade and young adult fiction/nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Athabasca University Press
Athabasca University Press is Canada’s first open access scholarly press. Their aim is to reduce barriers to knowledge and increase access to scholarship.
Genre: Nonfiction, memoir and works that experiment with narrative form.
Word count: Not stated.
Auckland University Press
Auckland University Press is New Zealand’s leading scholarly publisher.
Genre: Nonfiction, including architecture, art, Asia and the Pacific, biography, memoir, business & economics, health, history, language, literature, media, music, natural history, poetry, politics, law, science, social science, contemporary society, sport, war, conflict and Māori studies.
Word count: Not stated.
Aunt Lute Books
Aunt Lute Books is an intersectional feminist press dedicated to publishing works by those who have been underrepresented by the literary canon.
Genre: Literary fiction, short fiction collections, anthologies, memoirs, creative nonfiction and cultural/social criticism.
Word count: Not stated.
Aurum
Aurum is the narrative nonfiction imprint of Quarto.
Genre: Narrative nonfiction in the areas of memoir, biography, polemic, food, feminism, history, sport, science, nature, and travel writing.
Word count: Not stated.
Ayebia
Ayebia is an African and Caribbean publishing specialist.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction, including biography, Black interest, critical essays/criticism, culture, economics, gender, heritage, history, international, language, literature, memoirs, politics, race and women.
Word count: Not stated.
Bancroft Press
Bancroft Press is a publisher without a niche! They publish titles they’re passionate about.
Genre: Literary fiction and genre fiction, including contemporary, financial thriller, historical, Jewish, LGBTQ+, legal thriller, medical, mystery, political, romance, rural, satire, science fiction, suspense and general thriller. For nonfiction, they accept biography, crime, essays, finance, history, humor, investing, memoir, movie reviews, parenting, politics, psychology, religion, self-help, spiritual and sports.
Word count: Not stated.
Baobab Press
Baobab Press strives to discover, cultivate, and nurture authors working in all genres. Please note they charge a $15 fee for fiction submissions.
Genre: Literary fiction and creative nonfiction. They also consider genre fiction with a heavy literary bent.
Word count: 125 to 400 pages.
Baraka Books
Baraka Books is an English-language publisher based in Quebec.
Genre: Nonfiction, including creative, political and history. For fiction, they accept historical, literary and upmarket.
Word count: Not stated.
Bayeux Arts
Bayeux Arts entered the publishing world in 1994. They are committed to producing books of beauty that build bridges across cultures.
Genre: Children’s books, middle grade and young adult fiction. For adult fiction, they accept literary, upmarket, western and mystery. For nonfiction, they accept biography, history, art, architecture, theatre, social science, nature, environment, inspirational, health and management.
Word count: Not stated.
Beacon Publishing Group
Beacon Publishing Group is a traditional publishing house based in New York which releases great literary works.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Beatnik
Beatnik is an independent publishing company who has been in existence for over 15 years. They publish vibrant, meaningful books that tell the stories readers worldwide wish to read.
Genre: Poetry, children’s books, literary fiction and nonfiction, including art, design, photography, food & wine and health & wellbeing.
Word count: Not stated.
BenBella Books
BenBella Books is a publishing boutique that publishes around 40 books a year.
Genre: Nonfiction, including smart pop, plant-based living, big media titles and commercial.
Word count: Not stated.
Bess Press Inc.
Bess Press Inc. is a family owned publishing house in Kaimukī, Hawai‘i.
Genre: Children’s books, middle grade and young adult fiction. They also accept adult fiction and nonfiction related to the people, cultures, histories, and/or languages of Hawaiʻi and Oceania.
Word count: Not stated.
Between the Lines
Between the Lines is proudly left-wing and publish books that reflect their activist roots.
Genre: Nonfiction that reflects their commitment to social justice struggles.
Word count: Not stated.
Birlinn
Birlinn is an independent publishing house based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have an imprint of the same name which publishes Scottish and general UK interest books. They accept direct submissions but encourage seeking a literary agent.
Genre: Nonfiction, including biography, history, military, politics and Scottish Gaelic that relates to Scotland and the UK.
Word count: Not stated.
Black Inc.
Black Inc. loves ideas and stories. They are passionate about publishing works about history, politics, biography, criticism, and current affairs. They only accept proposals from Australian writers.
Genre: General, literary, and commercial nonfiction, especially history, current affairs, memoir and biography.
Word count: Not stated.
Black Lawrence Press
Black Lawrence Press is an independent publisher of contemporary poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.
Genre: Novels, poetry and prose collections. Please note they accept different genres at different times throughout the year.
Word count: Not stated.
Black Mountain Press
Black Mountain Press is (shockingly!) located near the Black Mountains. They strive to publish works that aspire to a higher ideal, especially from first-time authors.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and memoirs.
Word count: 55,000 to 95,000 words.
Black Rose Writing
Black Rose Writing is a Texas-based publisher who strongly believes in developing a personal relationship with their authors. Please note that Writer Beware wrote an article about Black Rose Writing. Please do your research before submitting.
Genre: Fiction, including action, fantasy, historical, horror, humor, inspirational, LGBT, literary, mystery, suspense, paranormal, romance, science fiction, thriller, women’s fiction. They accept children’s books, middle grade and young adult books as well. For nonfiction, they accept biography, memoir, business, history, humor, inspirational, spiritual, military, self-help, sports and true crime.
Word count: Not stated.
Black&White
Black&White is a Scottish publisher committed to publishing the best books from the most talented writers in Scotland.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of celebrity memoirs, sports, lifestyle, humour, gift, activity, food/drink, Scottish, Irish and nature.
Word count: Not stated.
Blue River Press
Blue River Press opened their doors in 2004 and has since published over 200 books.
Genre: Fiction (especially mystery), children’s books, and nonfiction, including biography, cookbooks, education, health & fitness, history, humor, nature, social sciences, sport, travel and true crime.
Word count: Not stated.
Borealis Press
Borealis Press publishes most genres but focuses on works by Canadian authors or Canadian oriented material.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction, especially history, criticism, biography, the Canadian parliamentary system and medicine.
Word count: Not stated.
Boulder Books
Boulder Books is an innovative Atlantic Canadian book publishing company, dedicated to high-quality works that explore unrepresented parts of Canadian culture.
Genre: Children’s books and nonfiction, including biography, cookbooks, field guides, gardening, gift, hiking, history, hobbies & crafts, maternal health, medicine, nature, photography, saltwater, trivia and vaccines.
Word count: Not stated.
Breakwater Books
Breakwater Books was established in 1973 to highlight the vibrant literary culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, they welcome books from authors across Canada.
Genre: Children’s books, poetry, literary fiction, crime, suspense, and nonfiction, including art, photography and cookbooks.
Word count: Not stated.
Bywater Books
Bywater Books primarily publishes lesbian and feminist fiction.
Genre: Lesbian and feminist fiction and nonfiction. This includes general fiction, historical, action, adventure, speculative, young adult, new adult and romance. For nonfiction, they’re looking for narrative nonfiction, memoirs and biography.
Word count: At least 60,000 words.
C&R Press
C&R began as a small press in 2006. They are always on the lookout for talented authors and poets whose work they can refine, publish and promote. Please note they charge a $30 reading fee.
Genre: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Caitlin Press
Caitlin Press publishes work by Canadian authors, particularly those based in British Columbia.
Genre: Literary fiction, regional nonfiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Chatwin Books
Chatwin Books is a Seattle-based publisher who specializes in bringing ideas to life.
Genre: Middle grade fiction and educational resources for and by Indigenous communitites.
Word count: Not stated.
Chicago Review Press
Chicago Review Press opened in 1973 and publishes titles of lasting interest and groundbreaking works that go beyond the trends.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Coffeetown Press
Coffetown Press is based in Kenmore, Washington has been publishing fiction and selective nonfiction and memoirs since 2005.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction, especially historical and literary fiction.
Word count: 50,000 to 100,000 words.
Deep Vellum
Deep Vellum was founded in 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Their mission is to bring the world into conversation through literature.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Douglas & McIntyre
Douglas & McIntyre is an independent trade publisher in Canada, with bestselling books that have won both national and international awards. They publish predominately Canadian authors.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction, including cookbooks, biography, memoir, art, architecture, photography, environmental issues, gardening, history, humor, literary criticism, maritime, medical, military, nature, social issues, politics and sports.
Word count: Not stated.
Downingfield Press
Downingfield Press is an independent with a global reach.
Genre: Nonfiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Durvile
Durvile is an imprint of Durvile & UpRoute, a small and mighty Canadian indie press.
Genre: Nonfiction, including true cases and Indigenous spirit, and memoirs.
Word count: Not stated.
ECW Press
ECW Press has published close to 1,000 books, including nonfiction, poetry and fiction. Please note that they accept poetry and fiction from Canadians only but accept nonfiction submissions from around the world.
Genre: Fiction, including literary, mystery, crime, science fiction, young adult, middle grade and humour. They also accept poetry and nonfiction, including sports, pop culture, memoir, biography, science, nature, true crime, travel, business, personal finance, poker, literary criticism and reference.
Word count: Not stated.
Epicenter Press
Epicenter Press publishes books related to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction relating to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, including biography, memoir, history, humor, life in the North, Native American culture and true crime.
Word count: 50,000 to 100,000 words.
Exisle Publishing
Exisle Publishing was founded in 1991 with the goal of shining a light on local artists and writers.
Genre: Nonfiction including self-help, health, psychology, travel, business, current affairs, military history, and alternative lifestyle.
Word count: Not stated.
Filter Press
Filter Press publishes books on Colorado history.
Genre: Fiction (especially mystery) and nonfiction, including biography, history and travel that focus on Colorado.
Word count: Not stated.
Finishing Line Editions
Finishing Line Editions is the fiction and nonfiction imprint of Finishing Line Press. Please note they charge a reading fee of $10.
Genre: Literary, genre and upmarket fiction in the areas of historical, realistic, science fiction, fairy tales, folktales and fables. They also accept narrative nonfiction, short story collections, personal narrative, memoir and narrative procedure (how-to/craft).
Word count: Not stated.
Finishing Press Line
Finishing Line Press is an award-winning small press based in Kentucky, USA. Please note they charge a reading fee in all months except November.
Genre: Poetry, chapbooks and fiction, including historical, realistic, science fiction, folk tales, fairy tales and literary. For nonfiction, this includes personal narrative, how to, craft, memoir, literary and narrative.
Word count: Not stated.
Flanker Press
Flanker Press publishes general trade books with strong Newfoundland and Labrador content.
Genre: Literary fiction, children’s books, middle grade, young adult, upmarket fiction, mystery fiction, historical fiction and nonfiction with strong Newfoundland and Labrador content. For nonfiction, they accept biography, autobiography, cooking, crafts & hobbies, gardening, general, history, humour, nature, politics, reference, religion & spirituality, sea stories, thriller, true crime and wartime history.
Word count: Not stated.
Frontenac House
Frontenac House is an independent publishing house in Alberta, Canada.
Genre: Mostly poetry but they also consider fiction and nonfiction on occasion.
Word count: Not stated.
Future House Publishing
Future House Publishing focuses on publishing novels that embrace their core values of community, liberty and family. They strictly focus on “clean” and “family friendly” content.
Genre: Adult science fiction and fantasy, and middle grade adventure novels.
Word count: 70,000 to 90,000 words for adult novels and 40,000 to 60,000 words for middle grade.
Goose Lane
Goose Lane is based in New Brunswick and provides book lovers with a variety of great reads that inspire and spur conversations. They primarily publish Canadian authors living in Canada but will consider submissions from Canadians living abroad if the book has extraordinary interest to Canadian readers.
Genre: Literary, queer and historical fiction. For nonfiction, they consider biography, memoir, business, politics, social sciences, mind & spirit, nature, philosophy, travel, true crime, Indigenous, military heritage and trail guides.
Word count: Not stated.
Gordon Hill Press
Gordon Hill Press is a publisher of innovative fiction and nonfiction.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry, criticism and creative nonfiction.
Word count: Novel-length works.
Grand Canyon Press
Grand Canyon Press publishes and promotes the work of writers living in the West of the US. They release 6 to 12 books per year.
Genre: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoirs, short story collections, essay collections and nonfiction.
Word count: Novels, novellas, short story collections and essay collections.
Guernica Editions
Guernica Editions houses a variety of imprints focused on books written by Canadian and non-Canadian authors.
Genre: Prose, poetry, essays and anthologies.
Word count: Not stated.
Harbour Publishing
Harbour Publishing publishes books on topics concerning the Pacific Northwest of Canada.
Genre: Children’s books, young adult, middle grade, literary fiction and upmarket fiction. For nonfiction, they consider cookbooks, food & drink, aviation, art, photography, architecture, memoir, biography, history, geology, literary criticism, maritime, politics, social issues ad the great outdoors.
Word count: Not stated.
HarperCollins New Zealand
HarperCollins is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world. Their New Zealand company was established in 1888.
Genre: Nonfiction. They are not accepting fiction submissions at this time.
Word count: Not stated.
HarperNorth
HarperNorth is a Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and their aim is to connect northern writers to readers.
Genre: Genre fiction, especially upmarket, crime, thriller, historical and romance. For nonfiction, they consider memoir, politics, history, sport, music, nature, popular science, smart thinking and popular economics.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.
Harvard Square Editions
Harvard Square Editions publishes works of environmental, spiritual and social value.
Genre: Literary fiction of social, spiritual and environmental value. They are particularly looking for fiction that transcends national boundaries, especially manuscripts that are international, spiritual, political, literary, science fiction, fantasy, utopia and dystopia.
Word count: Not stated.
Haus Publishing
Haus Publishing was founded in 2003 and is an independent publisher of politics, history, biography, memoir and travel writing.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Heritage House
Heritage House publishes 20 to 30 books each year from Canadian authors who write about topics relevant to Western Canada.
Genre: Nonfiction and children’s books.
Word count: Not stated.
Heyday Books
Heyday is an independent, nonprofit publisher based in California. They were founded in 1974 and promote civic engagement and social justice.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of African American studies, architecture, art, photography, Asian and Asian American studies, the Indigenous peoples of California, history, literature, poetry, memoir, nature, politics and social justice. They also publish children’s books.
Word count: Not stated.
Hohm Press
Hohm Press was founded in 1976 and is committed to publishing books that promote self-awareness, recognition of interdependence and compassion.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of authentic spiritual and mystical traditions (such as Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism etc.), transformational psychology, translations of classical spiritual poetry as well as biographies, autobiographies and memoirs of spiritual teachers or journeys.
Word count: Not stated.
Holy Cow! Press
Holy Cow! Press was established in 1977 and has since published over 125 books.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction, especially historical and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.
Huia Publishers
Huia Publishers is a Māori owned publisher who shares stories that resonate with their people and values.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction centered in te ao Māori and Māori worldviews.
Word count: Not stated.
Icon Books
Icon Books is an independent publisher specializing in intelligent, quality nonfiction for a general audience.
Genre: Adult nonfiction, including history, biography, memoir, politics, current affairs, business, economics, military history, true crime, popular science, philosophy, psychology, self help, family health, lifestyle, travel, nature, environment, sport, religion and transport.
Word count: Not stated.
Ig Publishing
Ig Publishing is an independent press dedicated to publishing original literary fiction and political and cultural nonfiction.
Genre: Middle grade, young adult, literary fiction and cultural nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Imbrifex Books
Imbrifex Books is known for publishing books on hiking, road trips, and fishing as well as outstanding voices in fiction.
Genre: Genre fiction and nonfiction, including humour, travel, hiking and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.
Invisible
Invisible Publishing is a small “scrappy” producer of contemporary fiction, poetry and nonfiction with a focus on Canadian authors.
Genre: Contemporary literary fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Irish Academic Press
Irish Academic Press was established in 1974 following the demise of the Irish University Press. They have developed into one of the leading Irish publishers of academic and scholarly writing on a range of subjects relating to Irish Studies.
Genre: Scholarly nonfiction in the areas of current affairs, memoirs, biography/autobiography, Irish history, the arts, politics, heritage and culture.
Word count: Not stated.
Islandport Press
Islandport Press publishes stories rooted in the essence and sensibilities of New England.
Genre: Genre fiction including adult, young adult, mystery, thriller and essay. They also consider picture books. For nonfiction, they accept history, humour, nature, outdoors, photography and gift books.
Word count: Not stated.
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: Literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Joshua Tree Publishing
Joshua Tree Publishing is an innovative publisher dedicated to helping authors making their dreams of publishing their novel come true.
Genre: Genre fiction and nonfiction, including biography, memoir, self help, improvement and the mind, body & spirit.
Word count: Not stated.
Kaya Press
Kaya Press is a publisher of Asian Pacific Diasporas.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction relating to Asian diaspora literature.
Word count: Not stated.
Kegedonce Press
Kegedonce Press is an Indigenous publishing company from Neyaashiinigmiing and Owen Sound, Ontario.
Genre: Children’s books, fiction and creative nonfiction from Indigenous authors in Canada.
Word count: Not stated.
Kensington Publishing Corp.
Kensington Publishing Corp. is an independent publisher based in New York City, releasing over 300 titles per year in a range of popular genres.
Genre: Literary and genre fiction (romance, mystery, suspense, thriller, upmarket, historical, speculative, mystery and romantasy) and nonfiction (biography, memoir, history, true crime, pop culture, film, TV, music, military history, narrative law enforcement and pop science). Each editor has their preferences across various genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Library Tales Publishing
Library Tales Publishing was established in 2011 and is an independent publishing house renowned for publishing a wide spectrum of bookings. Their mission is to spark a universal love for reading by producing books that cater to everyone.
Genre: Genre fiction including contemporary, mystery, romance, fantasy and similar. For nonfiction, they accept self-help, memoirs and general nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Linda Leith Publishing
Linda Leith Publishing is based in Montreal and specializes in literary fiction and nonfiction.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Word count: Not stated.
Little Red Tree Publishing
Little Red Tree Publishing’s motto is “Delight, Entertain and Educate”.
Genre: Literary fiction and creative nonfiction.
Word count: Full-length novels.
Mango Publishing
Mango Publishing is always looking for books that are thoughtful, unusual, and captivating.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Melbourne University Press
Melbourne University Press was established in 1922 and is Australia’s first university press.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Merrion Press
Merrion is the general books imprint of Irish Academic Press.
Genre: Trade nonfiction in the areas of current affairs, memoirs, biography/autobiography, Irish history, the arts, politics, heritage and culture.
Word count: Not stated.
Michael O’Mara Books
Michael O’Mara opened its doors in 1985 by Mr. and Mrs. O’Mara. They now have a backlist of over a thousand titles.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society Press is a publisher of the history and culture of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
Genre: Nonfiction, including general nonfiction, cookbooks and children’s picture books relating to the history and culture of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. They are especially looking for titles in the following topics: Native American history and culture, political and military history, natural history and the environment, cultural and social history, arts, culture, & sports, memoir and literary nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
MiroLand
MiroLand is the commercial project imprint of Guernica Editions.
Genre: Genre fiction and nonfiction, including cookbooks, self help, how to, memoirs and political.
Word count: Not stated.
Moose House Publications
Moose House Publications was founded by author Brenda Thompson to publish material written in or about Nova Scotia.
Genre: Genre fiction (especially mystery, detective and historical), nonfiction (especially memoirs), young adult fiction or middle grade fiction written about, or written in, rural Nova Scotia.
Word count: 50,000 words and above.
New Letters
New Letters founded in Kansas City to publish the best literary writing, wherever it might be found.
Genre: Novellas, short stories and poetry. It seems they charge for submissions if you are not a subscriber with them.
Word count: No more than 30,000 words.
New Village Press
New Village Press is a publisher of the humanities and social sciences. They are known for their transdisciplinary books in urban sociology, community cultural development and healthy city design.
Genre: Memoirs and nonfiction in the areas of art, culture, placemaking, environment, social justice and women’s lives.
Word count: Not stated.
Nightwood Editions
Nightwood Editions’ goal is to help readers explore high-quality work by emerging Canadian writers.
Genre: Literary and upmarket and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Nunavut Arctic College Media
Nunavut Arctic College Media’s goal is to increase access to Inuktitut resources, enhance awareness of Canada’s Arctic and foreground Inuit perspectives.
Genre: Nonfiction, including scholarly, educational and general-interest.
Word count: Not stated.
Oneworld
Oneworld was established in 1986 and is an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating nonfiction.
Genre: Nonfiction in a variety of subgenres.
Word count: Not stated.
Optimum Publishing
Optimum Publishing opened their doors in 1970.
Genre: Nonfiction, including Canadian affairs, true crime, business and biography.
Word count: Not stated.
Orison Books
Orison Books seeks to publish spiritually-engaged literature. Please note general fiction submissions are accepted only during October.
Genre: Poetry, literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Pan Macmillan Australia
Pan Macmillan Australia is committed to investing in Australian authors and publishes a variety of bestselling books.
Genre: Middle grade, young adult, commercial and literary fiction. For nonfiction, they’re interested in narrative nonfiction, contemporary issues, memoir, history, true crime, lifestyle, health, and mind, body & spirit.
Word count: Not stated.
Parkhurst Brothers Publishers
Parkhurst Brothers Publishing focuses on publishing the American storytelling movement by publishing books by ethnic and professional storytellers who write for general audiences.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction, including story-based works such as memoirs, story collections, folktale anthologies and instructional titles, social issues and behavioral psychology titles.
Word count: Not stated.
Parthian Books
Parthian is a literary publishing company established in 1993 in Cardigan, Wales. They publish a range of contemporary fiction, nonfiction and literature in translation.
Genre: Genre fiction, literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Peepal Tree Press
Peepal Tree Press aims to publish the best of international writing from the Caribbean, its diasporas, and the UK.
Genre: Caribbean and Black British literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
Word count: Over 40,000 words.
Pelican Book Group
Pelican Book Group is a Christian publisher of Christian fiction and nonfiction.
Genre: Christian genre fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: 15,000 words and over.
Plough Books
Plough Books is a Christian publisher that aims to address urgent questions of today with thoughtfulness and boldness.
Genre: Fiction, nonfiction and memoir. Many of their titles have a faith-based focus.
Word count: Not stated.
Plumleaf Press
Plumleaf Press was created in 2015 as a passion project to create “books to linger over”.
Genre: Children’s books, literary fiction and nonfiction. They are particularly looking for books aimed at women and children.
Word count: Not stated.
PM Press
PM Press is an independent, radical publisher of critically necessary books.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction, including art, social justice, education, parenting, economics, gender, sexuality, history, politics, music, theory and philosophy.
Word count: Not stated.
Polar Bear and Co.
Polar Bear and Co. publishes books that fit into the following four themes: Inspiration, Place, History, and Imagination
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Potton & Burton
Potton & Burton is an independent New Zealand publisher who publishes a diverse list of nonfiction books.
Genre: Nonfiction with a focus on New Zealand.
Word count: Not stated.
Process Media
Process Media publishes writers of distinction and unique perspectives. They consider themselves a formidable force in independent publishing and document important cultural movements.
Genre: Historical fiction, middle grade stories and nonfiction in the areas of memoir, biography, music, history, self-reliance, realpolitik, true crime, mysticism and occult.
Word count: Not stated.
Radix Media
Radix Media is a worker-owned and operated union print shop and publisher based in Brooklyn, New York.
Genre: Full-length poetry, chapbooks, novellas, literary fiction, memoirs and visual narratives.
Word count: Not stated.
Red Hen Press
Red Hen Press is an independent, non-profit press.
Genre: Literary fiction, memoirs, creative nonfiction and poetry collections.
Word count: Not stated.
Renaissance Press
Renaissance is a Canadian publisher who is dedicated to publishing novels from diverse Canadian voices.
Genre: Genre fiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction and memoirs.
Word count: 40,000 to 100,000 words.
Rio Nuevo Publishers
Rio Nuevo Publishers is an independent regional press located in Tucson, Arizona.
Genre: Nonfiction relating to the West and Southwest of the United States, especially in the arts and crafts, children’s literature, cooking, history, gardening, memoir, Native American, nature, spirituality, and travel.
Word count: Not stated.
Roseway (Fernwood Publishing)
Roseway publishes literary works relating to social injustices and struggles for democracy, liberation and sovereignty.
Genre: Literary fiction and creative nonfiction focusing on social injustices, democracy, sovereignty and liberation.
Word count: Not stated.
Rymour Books
Rymour Books is passionate about promoting Scottish Literature, history and culture.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction by Scottish authors or of Scottish interest.
Word count: Not stated.
Saqi
Saqi Books is a leading independent publishing house of trade and academic books on the Middle East and North Africa.
Genre: Bold nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Saraband
Saraband is an independent publisher of outstanding fiction, nature writing, environmental issues and memoir.
Genre: Nonfiction, including nature, environmental issues and memoir.
Word count: Not stated.
Sartoris Literary Group
Sartoris Literary Group publishes books that the majors consider too regional, too controversial, or too “small” for publication
Genre: Genre and literary fiction, including mystery, thriller, romance and coming of age. For nonfiction, they accept biography, memoir, self help, music history, American history, Canadian history, photography and business.
Word count: Not stated.
Savant Books and Publications
Savant Books and Publications publishes literary works of enduring value with a twist that expand and transform English readers’ perspectives.
Genre: Genre fiction, especially history or alternative history based on personal experience. For nonfiction, they accept memoir, academic theses, dissertations and books of transformational learning.
Word count: Not stated.
Schaffner Press
Schaffner Press was founded in 2001 and has since published over 50 books.
Genre: Literary fiction, short fiction, historical fiction with socially relevant content and crime fiction. For nonfiction, they accept memoir, biography, autobiography, journalistic expose, true crime, art, culture, pop culture, world history, current events, science, arts, US history, military history and music.
Word count: 60,000 to 100,000 words.
Sea Crow Press
Sea Crow Press believes that small presses play an essential part in amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Genre: Literary fiction, genre fiction, historical fiction, eco-fiction, young adult and nonfiction, including Buddhist, Black studies, eco-activism, memoir, spirituality and women’s stories.
Word count: Not stated.
Second Story Press
Second Story Press is a feminist publisher who focuses on publishing Canadian authors.
Genre: Literary fiction, mystery and nonfiction looking at the lives of girls and women, social justice and children’s empowerments from Canadian authors.
Word count: Not stated.
SFA Press
SFA Press broadens the university’s mission by publishing works of cultural and scholarly significance.
Genre: Literary fiction, short fiction, poetry and academic nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Spinner Publications
Spinner Publications publishes the history and culture of southeastern New England.
Genre: Fiction, children’s books, poetry and nonfiction in the subgenres of historical narratives, memoirs, photography, art, oral history, biography, poetry, cookbooks that focus on southeastern New England.
Word count: Not stated.
Split/Lip Press
Split/Lip Press is dedicated to publishing boundary-breaking literature.
Genre: Essay, memoir and nonfiction hybrid manuscripts are accepted from October to December, while literary fiction is accepted July to September.
Word count: Not stated.
Stillhouse Press
Stillhouse Press publishes works that can’t or doesn’t want to find a home in big publishing.
Genre: Literary fiction and poetry.
Word count: 50,000 to 100,000 words for novels and 50 to 75 pages for poetry.
Sunbury Press
Sunbury Press is a rapidly growing publisher with six imprints.
Genre: Literary and genre fiction, including history, mystery, detective, police procedural, crime, thriller, horror and young adult. For nonfiction, they accept history, current events, science, reference, art history, local/regional history, humour, spiritual, metaphysical, self help, professional and memoirs.
Word count: Not stated.
t r a c e
t r a c e works with writers who want to publish books that illuminate contemporary and historical experiences of conflict, war, displacement, exile migration, the environment, labour and resistance.
Genre: Genre-breaking forms of literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
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: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, erotica, fantasy, paranormal, historical, romance, LGBTQIA+, young adult, and middle grade. For nonfiction, they accept biography, memoir, essays, film, history, humour, philosophy, politics, religion, science, environment, relationships, society, culture, sport, travel and war.
Word count: 10,000-120,000 words.
The Brucedale Press
The Brucedale Press is the publishing division of Broad Horizons Books and was established in 1976. Please note they only accept queries sent via post.
Genre: Literary and historical works by Canadian authors with a focus on the Queen’s Bush and Bruce Peninsula area of Ontario, Canada.
Word count: Not stated.
The Experiment Publishing
The Experiment Publishing was founded in 2009 and believes every book is a test of new ideas.
Genre: Nonfiction, including narrative and practically oriented nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
The Feminist Press
The Feminist Press is a small, independent publisher who aims to champion intersectional work.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
The History Press
The History Press is an independent nonfiction publisher based in Gloucestershire in the UK. Their values are quality, honesty, inclusive and socially conscious.
Genre: Historical or general nonfiction, such as memoir, entertainment, travel, true crime and many more.
Word count: Not stated.
The O’Brien Press
The O’Brien Press is a leading general publisher of adult and children’s books in Ireland. They publish a range of books and are always looking to explore new and exciting areas.
Genre: Children’s fiction, children’s nonfiction and adult nonfiction. They are more likely to publish authors based in Ireland but are open to submissions from authors all around the world.
Word count: Not stated.
The Porcupine’s Quill
The Porcupine’s Quill is an artisanal publisher that values the art and craft of the book.
Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction by Canadian authors.
Word count: Novel length works only.
The University of Utah Press
The University of Utah Press is an agency of the J. Willard Marriott Library and publishes scholarly books and other materials of significance to Utah and the world.
Genre: Nonfiction, creative nonfiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Thistledown Press
Thistledown Press began as a press for Prairie writers in Saskatchewan in 1975 but now publishes novels from writers across Canada.
Genre: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Thornapple Press
Thornapple Press is a sex-positive nonfiction publisher that publishes books discussing relationships, love, sexuality and relational ethics.
Genre: Nonfiction focusing on relationships, love, sexuality and relational ethics.
Word count: Not stated.
Thread
Thread publishes thought provoking and fresh ideas that offer a clever solution to a problem or encourages people to discover something new.
Genre: Nonfiction in the areas of self-development, parenting, popular finance, health, nutrition, fitness, personal finance and inspirational memoir.
Word count: Not stated.
Torrey House Press
Torrey House Press publishes books focusing on environmental advocacy.
Genre: Literary fiction and genre fiction, including mystery, thriller, horror, climate fiction, Indigenous futurism, afrofuturism, magical realism, fantasy, historical, romance and nontraditional western. They also accept investigative nonfiction, creative nonfiction and narrative nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Touchwood Editions
Touchwood Editions is a small team of creatives who opened doors back in 1984 who publishes Canadian authors, with a strong preference for authors from or writing about western Canada.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction in the areas of food, wine, art, photography, gardening, pets, house, regional history, popular history, memoir and narrative.
Word count: Not stated.
Tramp Press
Tramp Press is an Irish publisher launched in 2014 to publish exceptional literary talent. Please note they no longer accept submissions from the US and Canada.
Genre: Literary fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
UBC Press
UBC Press publishes innovative and transformative works of nonfiction.
Genre: Nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
University of Alaska Press
The University of Alaska Press is nonprofit scholarly publisher of books about Alaska and the circumpolar regions.
Genre: Nonfiction relating to Alaska and the circumpolar regions, including politics and history, Native languages and cultures, science and natural history, biography and memoir, poetry, fiction and anthologies.
Word count: Proposals should be less than 90,000 words while submissions should be less than 120,000 words.
University of Nebraska Press
The University of Nebraska Press was founded in 1941 and is the largest university press between Chicago and California.
Genre: Literary fiction and scholarly nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
University of Nevada Press
University of Nevada Press was founded in 1961 and publishes works that advance scholarly research and contribute to the understanding of regional history and culture.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
University of Ottawa Press
University of Ottawa Press (Les Presses de l’Université d’Ottawa) is North America’s flagship bilingual university press.
Genre: Academic titles, literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
University Press of Kentucky
The University Press of Kentucky’s mission is to publish books of high scholarly medit and to publish significant books about the history of Kentucky and its surrounding regions.
Genre: Nonfiction, including bourbon, cookbooks, creative nonfiction, memoir, Appalachian studies, music, African American studies, film, veteran studies, media, pop culture, books about Kentucky, environmental, ecology, natural history, field guides, agriculture, Agrarian studies, civil rights and sports.
Word count: Not stated.
unnamed press
unnamed press is a Lost Angeles-based independent book publisher.
Genre: Literary fiction and creative nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Unsolicited Press
Unsolicited Press is a no-frills, kick-ass small press that works for the author, not for the dollar.
Genre: Literary novels, poetry, novellas, short story collections, memoirs and nonfiction. Please note there is a small submission fee, which is currently US$5.
Word count: Not stated.
UQP
UQP is the wholly owned subsidiary of The University of Queensland. They produce culturally significant works across genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Genre: Nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s and young adult books, and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
Ventura Press
Ventura Press is a Sydney-based independent publisher established in 2002.
Genre: Literary fiction, upmarket fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: 40,000-120,000 words.
Wakefield Press
Wakefield Press is a leading independent publishing company based in Adelaide.
Genre: Genre fiction, especially crime, literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
West Virginia University Press
West Virginia University Press is the only university press, and the largest publisher, in West Virginia.
Genre: Literary fiction, nonfiction and creative nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Wild Dingo Press
Wild Dingo Press publishes books that explore social, cultural, political, and environmentally significant issues.
Genre: Literary fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Wily Publications Ltd
Wily Publications is a publishing house that specializes in heritage nonfiction and historical fiction. They are particularly interested in New Zealand’s past and its heritage.
Genre: Heritage nonfiction and historical fiction relating to New Zealand.
Word count: Not stated.
Wrecking Ball Press
Wrecking Ball Press is a UK-based publisher strives to publish literature that lasts.
Genre: Literary fiction and poetry.
Word count: Not stated.
If you want to ensure your memoir is in the best position to be accepted, check out my developmental editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.
Best of luck with your manuscript submissions!