14 UK romance publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts in November 2024
Now that you’ve written your novel, it’s time to pitch it to a publisher! All of the publishers listed here are currently accepting manuscripts without a literary agent. I update this list at the start of every month so be sure to check back if you don’t find a publisher that suits your needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lodestone Books is the YA/NA imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: YA/NA fiction.
Word count: Not stated.
HarperNorth is a Manchester-based publisher connecting northern writers to readers.
Genre: Adult fiction and nonfiction. They are not accepting fantasy currently.
Word count: Over 80,000 words.
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.
Roundfire Books is the general fiction imprint of Collective Ink.
Genre: General fiction.
Word count: Not stated.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bookouture is a division of Hachette UK that publishes digital commercial fiction.
Genre: Commercial fiction.
Word count: Not stated.
Northodox Press publishes fiction from authors born in or currently living in Northern England.
Genre: 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. Otherwise, take a look at my genre-specific list of publishers for romance, fantasy and science fiction.