101 romance publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in January 2025
You’ve finished your romance novel and now it’s time to pitch it to a publisher! All of the publishers listed here are currently accepting manuscripts without a literary agent. I’ve done my best to weed out any dodgy and vanity publishers from this list.
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.
Birlinn
Birlinn is an independent publishing house based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They accept direct submissions but encourage seeking a literary agent.
Genre: Literary and commercial fiction.
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: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Bloodhound Books
Bloodhound Books is a leading publisher of commercial fiction. They take pride in working closely with their authors to create international bestselling books.
Genre: Crime & thriller, literary, romance and historical fiction.
Word count: Over 60,000 words.Pelican Book Group
Pelican Book Group is a Christian publisher of Christian fiction and nonfiction.
Genre: Christian fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: 15,000 words and over.Turner Publishing Company
Turner Publishing Company is an award-winning, independent publisher.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Afterglow Books
Afterglow Books is a Harlequin imprint targeting romance readers under 35.
Genre: Spicy romance aimed at under-35s.
Word count: 70,000 words.Dreamspinner Publications
Dreamspinner Press focuses on gay male romance stories.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres. The main characters must end in a gay or all-male polyamorous relationship.
Word count: 18,000 words and over.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.Brazen
Brazen is the erotic romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: High heat romance.
Word count: 45,000 to 60,000 words.Harlequin Heartwarming
Harlequin Heartwarming publishes feel-good contemporary romances set in close-knit, small towns.
Genre: Wholesome contemporary romance set in close-knit communities.
Word count: 70,000 words.Hera
Hera was launched in 2018 with the mission to be "unashamedly commercial, always inclusive".
Genre: Crime and thriller, romance, saga, and general fiction.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.The Story Plant
Founded in 2008, The Story Plant is dedicated to publishing quality fiction and developing authors.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: Not stated.Scandalous
Scandalous is the historical romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Historical romance.
Word count: 15,000 to 65,000 words.Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Harlequin Romantic Suspense (as the name implies) is an imprint of Harlequin that publishes romantic suspense.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Word count: 70,000 words.Triplicity Publishing
Triplicity Publishing is a Lesbian Fiction publisher.
Genre: Lesbian fiction.
Word count: 40,000 words and above.Bookouture
Bookouture is a division of Hachette UK that publishes digital commercial fiction.
Genre: Commercial fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Deep Hearts YA
Deep Hearts YA is a publisher of LGBTQ+ young adult fiction.
Genre: Romance with lead characters who are 20 years or younger.
Word count: 50,000 to 80,000 words.Northodox Press
Northodox Press publishes fiction from authors born in or currently living in Northern England.
Genre: Fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Lodestone Books (Collective Ink)
Lodestone Books is the YA/NA imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: YA/NA fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Sparkling Books
Sparkling Books is an independent publishing house and a member of the Independent Publishers Guild. Please note they require manuscripts to be independently edited prior to submission. They don't specify how they check this, but it's worth noting!
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Dragonblade Publishing
Dragonblade Publishing specializes in historical romance.
Genre: Historical romance in a variety of sub-genres.
Word count: 40,000 to 120,000 words.Severn House
Severn Press prides themselves in being the home of the very best genre fiction. Please note Severen House does not publish debut authors.
Genre: Fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Renaissance Press
Renaissance is a Canadian publisher who is dedicated to publishing novels from diverse Canadian voices.
Genre: Fiction, narrative nonfiction and memoirs.
Word count: Not stated.Literary Wanderlust
Literary Wanderlust strives to help new and experienced authors achieve their dreams of publishing.
Genre: Genre fiction.
Word count: 60,000 to 100,000 words.Small Town Girl Publishing
Small Town Girl is a new imprint of Brother Mockingbird focusing on romance set in the 80s.
Genre: Romance set in the 80s or nonfiction about the 80s.
Word count: Not stated.Amara
Amara is the single-title adult romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Single-title romance including contemporary, historical, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal.
Word count: 70,000 to 120,000 words.Blind Eye Books
Blind Eye Books publishes science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance novels featuring LGBTQ protagonists.
Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance with LGBTQ protagonists.
Word count: 70,000 to 150,000 words.Akan Books
Akan Books is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers led by June Sarpong, accepting submissions from underrepresented groups in the UK.
Genre: Literary and genre fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Bancroft Press
Bancroft Press is a publisher without a niche! They publish titles they're passionate about.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
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: Each editor has their preferences across various genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.The Book Folks
The Book Folks strive to give readers compelling fiction at affordable prices while giving fair returns to their authors.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Ninestar Press
Ninestar Press is a boutique publisher of quality LGBTQA+ romance, erotica, and literary fiction.
Genre: LGBTQA+ romance and literary novels.
Word count: 20,000 to 120,000 words.HQ
HQ, a boutique division under HarperCollins, publishes a broad range of fiction.
Genre: Adult fiction.
Word count: At least 70,000 words.Carina Press
Carina Press is Harlequin’s digital-first adult fiction imprint.
Genre: Contemporary, erotic, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, suspense, historical, and mystery romance.
Word count: 50,000 to 125,000 words.City Owl Press
City Owl Press is an indie publisher specializing in speculative fiction and romance.
Genre: Fantasy romance, paranormal romance, dark fantasy, mystery, thriller and urban fantasy.
Word count: 50,000 words and above.Brother Mockingbird
Brother Mockingbird is a small, independent publisher committed to the discovery of talented writers.
Genre: Fiction. They will not consider erotica.
Word count: Not stated.Bella Books
Bella Books believes stories about women-loving-women are essential to our lives.
Genre: Novels that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, sapphic, queer, bisexual, and gender non-conforming community.
Word count: At least 60,000 words.Totally Bound Publishing
Totally Bound Publishing is part of the Totally Entwined Group.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: 10,000 to 100,000 words.Sapphire Books
Sapphire Books publishes manuscripts by lesbian authors.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Decadent Publishing
Decadent Publishing is a romance fiction publisher. They are always looking for submissions for their main line as well as ongoing series and special calls.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres.
Word count: 15,000 words and over.Partridge Island Publishing
Partridge Island Publishing is a small press located in New Brunswick.
Genre: Literary and commercial fiction.
Word count: Full-length novels and novellas.Martin Sisters Publishing
Martin Sisters Publishing opened their doors in 2010 and has now published over 100 titles.
Genre: Fiction and inspirational nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Harpeth Road
Harpeth Road is a creative digital publisher who publishes women's fiction, romance, and southern fiction.
Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary romance, historical romance, and southern fiction.
Word count: 65,000 to 90,000 words.Siren-BookStrand
Siren-BookStrand is an ebook publisher with over 8,000 romance novels under their belt and over 700 authors writing for them.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres with ménage, M/M, and M/F (only if it includes BDSM) pairings.
Word count: 20,000 words and over.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.Dahlia (Tell-tale Publishing)
Tell-tale Publishing's Dahlia Imprint focuses on romance with fast-paced storylines packed with action and excitement.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: 50,000 words and over.Changeling Press
Changeling Press is a digital publisher of contemporary, sci-fi, and paranormal romance.
Genre: Romance, including contemporary, paranormal and sci-fi.
Word count: 20,000 to 40,000 words.Boroughs Publishing Group
Boroughs Publishing Group is an e-publisher that loves romance, a great story, and compelling characters.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres.
Word count: 40,000 to 100,000 words.Harlequin Medical Romance
Harlequin Medical Romance publishes uplifting romances set in the medical world.
Genre: Medical romance.
Word count: 50,000 words.Canelo
Canelo was founded in 2015 to bring the best commercial storytelling to a wide audience.
Genre: Various, including saga, action, adventure, romance, commercial women's fiction, crime, and psychological thrillers.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.HarperNorth
HarperNorth is a Manchester-based publisher connecting northern writers to readers.
Genre: Adult fiction and nonfiction. They are not accepting fantasy manuscripts at this time.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks is passionate about reaching as many people as they can through enlightening books.
Genre: Romance, including paranormal, suspense, contemporary, erotic and historical.
Word count: 85,000 to 100,000 words.Bold Strokes Books
As an LGBTQ+ publisher, Bold Strokes Books strives to ensure their authors represent the cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our world.
Genre: A variety of genres such as romance, contemporary, historical, erotic, and speculative.
Word count: 45,000 to 120,000 words.Ventura Press
Ventura Press is a Sydney-based independent publisher established in 2002.
Genre: Fiction.
Word count: 40,000-120,000 words.Asabi Publishing
Asabi Publishing is an innovative publishing company who takes pride in establishing honest and sincere relationships with their authors.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Sunbury Press
Sunbury Press is a rapidly growing publisher with six imprints.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Harlequin Intrigue
Harlequin Intrigue focuses on high-stakes contemporary crime stories with a strong romance storyline.
Genre: Contemporary crime with romance.
Word count: 55,000 to 60,000 words.Red Adept Publishing
Red Adept Publishing is a small fiction publisher with multiple USA Today Bestsellers. Please note they only accept submissions from US authors.
Genre: Fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Scorched
Scorched is the erotic romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Erotic romance.
Word count: 15,000 to 65,000 words.ECW Press
ECW Press has published close to 1,000 books, including nonfiction, poetry and fiction.
Genre: Fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Forever Yours
Forever Yours is a division of Hachette Book Group and an imprint of Grand Central Publishing.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: 25,000 to 100,000 words.The Wild Rose Press
The Wild Rose Press is primarily a virtual publisher founded in 2006.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: 15,000 to 100,000 words.Ringwood Publishing
Ringwood Publishing is an independent Scottish publisher based in Glasgow.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction from Scottish authors or residents.
Word count: 50,000 words and above.Roundfire Books (Collective Ink)
Roundfire Books is the general fiction imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: General fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Pegasus Publishers
Pegasus Publishers have been publishing high-quality Christian books for over 25 years, offering traditional and hybrid contracts.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Penguin Random House New Zealand
Penguin Random House New Zealand celebrates writers, stories and ideas that entertain and inspire.
Genre: Adult fiction and nonfiction. Children's submissions are closed until 2025.
Word count: Around 80,000 words (guideline).Inkspell Publishing
Inkspell Publishing is an ebook romance publisher.
Genre: Romance, including science fiction, fantasy and other sub-genres.
Word count: At least 80,000 words.Lovestruck
Lovestruck is the romantic comedy imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Romantic comedy.
Word count: 45,000 to 60,000 words.Mills & Boon
Mills & Boon is the leading romantic fiction publisher in the UK, with a book sold every 10 seconds.
Genre: Romance (modern, true love, medical, historical, intrigue, and romantic suspense).
Word count: Varies by genre, typically around 50,000 words.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.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.Storm Publishing
Storm Publishing believes in the power of storytelling to transport readers to other worlds.
Genre: Fiction.
Word count: Not stated.Black Rose Writing
Black Rose Writing is a Texas-based publisher who strongly believes in developing a personal relationship with their authors.
Genre: Literary fiction, nonfiction and genre fiction.
Word count: Not stated.UpLit Press
UpLit Press publishes books with a positive message.
Genre: Fiction and memoir. They do not accept crime, horror or anything that glorifies violence.
Word count: Not stated.Harlequin Presents (M&B Modern)
Harlequin Presents publishes novels with classic themes but with innovative takes.
Genre: Romance with alpha heroes and international settings.
Word count: 50,000 words.Love Inspired
Love Inspired is the Christian imprint of Harlequin.
Genre: Contemporary romance with Christian characters.
Word count: 55,000 words.Torrey House Press
Torrey House Press publishes books focusing on environmental advocacy.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Thistle (Tell-tale Publishing)
Thistle is Tell-tale Publishing's middle grade and YA imprint.
Genre: Middle grade and YA romance and fantasy.
Word count: 40,000 to 55,000 words.Hot Tree Publishing
Hot Tree Publishing, founded in 2015, focuses on a wide range of romance subgenres.
Genre: M/F, M/M, and F/F romance across various subgenres.
Word count: 50,000 words and above. Serials of 30,000-50,000 words are considered if completed.Bliss
Bliss is the sweet romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Contemporary romance with a small-town setting.
Word count: 15,000 to 65,000 words.Entangled Publishing
Entangled Publishing is an independent, women-owned publisher of romantic fiction, with imprints focused on specific genres under the romance banner, releasing over 30 novels each month.
Genre: Single-title romantic fantasy, science fiction and paranormal. Connected books with series potential are welcome.
Word count: 70,000 to 120,000 words.Launch Point Press
Launch Point Press is dedicated to publishing high-quality fiction books that center on the experiences of lesbian characters.
Genre: Fiction manuscripts where the main characters are lesbians.
Word count: 65,000 to 100,000 words.Deep Desire Press
Deep Desires Press is a publisher of erotica and high-heat-level erotic romance whose goal is to excite the reader.
Genre: Erotica and erotic romance in a variety of sub-genres.
Word count: 10,000 words and over.Beacon Publishing Group
Beacon Publishing Group is a traditional publishing house based in New York which releases great literary works.
Genre: All genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.Harlequin Romance (M&B True Love)
Harlequin Romance publishes novels that focus on the romantic journey of the couple.
Genre: Romance.
Word count: 50,000 words.Carnation Books
Carnation Books publishes LGBTQIA+ romance from queer authors.
Genre: LGBTQIA+ romance.
Word count: 30,000 to 100,000 words.Spencer Hill Press
Spencer Hill Press was founded in 2010 and specializes in YA and New Adult contemporary romance.
Genre: YA and New Adult contemporary romance.
Word count: Not stated.Camel Press
Camel Press is the genre imprint of Epicentre Press, specializing in popular and genre fiction.
Genre: Romance, especially contemporary, historical, and suspense.
Word count: 50,000 to 100,000 words.Joffe Books
Joffe Books is one of the UK’s leading independent publishers of commercial fiction, especially crime and mystery.
Genre: Primarily crime and mystery but also accepts women's fiction, fantasy, historical, and romance.
Word count: Over 60,000 words.Evernight Publishing
Evernight is a popular indie publisher that prefers to publish popular tropes.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres.
Word count: 16,000 to 100,000 words.August
August is the single-title Gen-X romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Gen-X romance.
Word count: 70,000 to 100,000 words.Indulgence
Indulgence is the contemporary romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: Romance with alpha heroes and strong conflict.
Word count: 45,000 to 60,000 words.Romance.ink
Romance.ink has been in business since 1991 and is the oldest web-based romance publisher.
Genre: Romance in a variety of sub-genres. They have an extensive list of things they are looking for and not looking for on their website.
Word count: Not stated.Love Inspired Suspense
Love Inspired Suspense is the Christian romantic suspense imprint of Harlequin.
Genre: Romantic suspense with Christian characters.
Word count: 55,000 words.Amble Press
Amble Press publishes fiction from writers who identify as people of color or those writing across the broader queer spectrum.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: 45,000 to 100,000 words.CamCat Books
CamCat Publishing opened in 2019 and takes pride in facilitating and engaging communication between their readers and writers.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction. They will not publish erotica or books with strong religious or political slants.
Word count: 60,000 to 100,000 words.Bywater Books
Bywater Books primarily publishes lesbian and feminist fiction.
Genre: Lesbian and feminist fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: At least 60,000 words.Embraced
Embrace is the New Adult romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: NA romance including contemporary, suspense, near-future sci-fi, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
Word count: 40,000 to 100,000 words.Harvard Square Editions
Harvard Square Editions publishes works of environmental, spiritual and social value.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
Word count: Not stated.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.Entangled Teen
Entangled Teen is the YA romance imprint of Entangled Publishing.
Genre: YA romance including contemporary, suspense, near-future sci-fi, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
Word count: 70,000 to 120,000 words.WildBlue Press
Wildblue Press was founded by two college friends who recognized that the publishing world was changing. They strive to create a unique and engaging process for authors.
Genre: Fiction and nonfiction.
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. Otherwise, check out my fantasy publishers list or my Australian romance publishers list.