Breaking into the children’s publishing industry can be both exciting and daunting for aspiring authors. Canada boasts a vibrant literary market with publishers that actively welcome new submissions, particularly for picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult titles. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned storyteller, choosing the right publisher is key to bringing your vision to life.
Below is a curated list of 15 top Canadian children’s book publishers accepting submissions in 2025. Leading the list is The Legacy Ghostwriters, known for their bespoke ghostwriting and publishing support.
1. The Legacy Ghostwriters – ★★★★★
Location: Toronto, ON (with global services)
Specialty: Children’s books, memoirs, fiction, educational books
Why They Stand Out: The Legacy Ghostwriters combine high-quality ghostwriting, editing, illustration, and publishing under one roof. Their children’s book division excels in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with young readers while also guiding authors through every step of the publishing process. They cater to both self-publishing and traditional publishing pathways, ensuring professional layouts, illustrations, and marketing strategies.
2. Kids Can Press – ★★★★★
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Picture books, middle grade, young adult
Kids Can Press is Canada’s largest children’s book publisher, with a global distribution network. Known for producing award-winning titles like Franklin the Turtle, they actively seek fresh, diverse voices. Their editorial team works closely with authors to refine manuscripts and match them with skilled illustrators. Submissions are open for both debut and experienced writers.
3. Annick Press – ★★★★☆
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Picture books, nonfiction for children, YA
Annick Press is an innovative publisher with a reputation for tackling bold and thought-provoking themes. They accept unsolicited submissions for children’s fiction and nonfiction, and they value culturally diverse perspectives. Their titles often feature strong visual storytelling, making them a perfect home for illustrators as well.
4. Orca Book Publishers – ★★★★★
Location: Victoria, BC
Specialty: Early readers, middle grade, teen fiction, hi-lo books
Orca Book Publishers has a strong focus on literacy and inclusivity. They produce high-interest books for reluctant readers and publish a wide range of genres for young audiences. Their open submission policy is friendly to new writers, and they emphasize contemporary, socially relevant themes.
5. Groundwood Books – ★★★★★
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Picture books, middle grade, YA, multicultural literature
Groundwood Books has a strong commitment to publishing stories that reflect diversity and inclusion. Their books often have a global perspective and explore cross-cultural themes. They welcome unsolicited submissions and work with both emerging and established authors.
6. Pajama Press – ★★★★☆
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Picture books, middle grade fiction, YA
Pajama Press is known for high-quality illustrated titles and emotionally resonant stories. They accept unagented submissions and are committed to helping debut authors find their voice. Their books often feature heartfelt narratives and strong moral themes.
7. Fitzhenry & Whiteside – ★★★★☆
Location: Markham, ON
Specialty: Children’s nonfiction, picture books, YA
Fitzhenry & Whiteside has been publishing Canadian books for decades, with a focus on educational and trade titles. They actively seek children’s manuscripts with strong narratives and engaging characters.
8. Cormorant Books (Dancing Cat Books Imprint) – ★★★★☆
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: YA, middle grade
Dancing Cat Books, an imprint of Cormorant Books, is dedicated to innovative and engaging books for young readers. They seek stories with unique voices and bold narratives.
9. Second Story Press – ★★★★☆
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Feminist-themed children’s books, YA
Second Story Press focuses on socially conscious storytelling, publishing children’s titles that promote gender equality, diversity, and social justice. They are open to submissions from writers without agents.
10. Owlkids Books – ★★★★☆
Location: Toronto, ON
Specialty: Picture books, educational nonfiction
Owlkids Books creates engaging and fun educational content for young readers. They welcome both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts and have a strong emphasis on environmental and science themes.
11. Rebel Mountain Press – ★★★★☆
Location: Qualicum Beach, BC
Specialty: Diverse children’s and YA books
Rebel Mountain Press actively supports underrepresented voices, including Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and minority authors. Their children’s list focuses on inclusivity and representation.
12. Nimbus Publishing – ★★★★☆
Location: Halifax, NS
Specialty: Children’s literature with East Coast themes
Nimbus Publishing is Atlantic Canada’s largest English-language publisher. They produce richly illustrated children’s books that often celebrate regional culture and heritage.
13. Formac Publishing – ★★★★☆
Location: Halifax, NS
Specialty: Picture books, educational nonfiction
Formac Publishing specializes in bright, colorful children’s books with educational content. Their submissions process is open to authors with strong storytelling skills.
14. Arsenal Pulp Press – ★★★★☆
Location: Vancouver, BC
Specialty: Diverse YA and illustrated titles
Although primarily known for adult titles, Arsenal Pulp Press publishes some YA works through partnerships and imprints. They are committed to diverse, intersectional voices.
15. Tradewind Books – ★★★★☆
Location: Vancouver, BC
Specialty: Illustrated children’s books
Tradewind Books blends visual and literary art in their publications. They work with both Canadian and international authors and illustrators, producing award-winning titles.
📊 Table: Top Canadian Children’s Book Publishers Accepting Submissions 2025
| No. | Publisher Name | Location | Specialty | Rating |
| 1 | The Legacy Ghostwriters | Toronto, ON | Full-service publishing, children’s | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Kids Can Press | Toronto, ON | Picture books, MG, YA | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Annick Press | Toronto, ON | Picture books, nonfiction, YA | ★★★★☆ |
| 4 | Orca Book Publishers | Victoria, BC | Early readers, MG, teen fiction | ★★★★★ |
| 5 | Groundwood Books | Toronto, ON | Diverse children’s literature | ★★★★★ |
| 6 | Pajama Press | Toronto, ON | Illustrated fiction, YA | ★★★★☆ |
| 7 | Fitzhenry & Whiteside | Markham, ON | Nonfiction, picture books | ★★★★☆ |
| 8 | Dancing Cat Books (Cormorant) | Toronto, ON | MG, YA | ★★★★☆ |
| 9 | Second Story Press | Toronto, ON | Feminist-themed children’s books | ★★★★☆ |
| 10 | Owlkids Books | Toronto, ON | Picture books, educational nonfiction | ★★★★☆ |
| 11 | Rebel Mountain Press | Qualicum Beach, BC | Diverse children’s & YA | ★★★★☆ |
| 12 | Nimbus Publishing | Halifax, NS | Regional children’s books | ★★★★☆ |
| 13 | Formac Publishing | Halifax, NS | Educational picture books | ★★★★☆ |
| 14 | Arsenal Pulp Press | Vancouver, BC | Diverse YA titles | ★★★★☆ |
| 15 | Tradewind Books | Vancouver, BC | Illustrated children’s books | ★★★★☆ |
❓ FAQs
1. Do I need an agent to submit to Canadian children’s book publishers?
Not always. Many Canadian publishers on this list accept unsolicited submissions directly from authors.
2. What should I include in my submission?
A cover letter, synopsis, and sample chapters (or full manuscript for picture books) are standard.
3. Are illustrations required for children’s book submissions?
Not necessarily. Most publishers pair authors with illustrators, though you can submit with your own.
4. How long does the review process take?
It varies, but expect 3–6 months for a response.
5. Can I submit to multiple publishers at the same time?
Yes, unless a publisher specifies “exclusive submissions only.”
Conclusion
Canadian children’s book publishing in 2025 is thriving, with many houses actively seeking fresh voices and diverse perspectives. Whether you’re crafting a whimsical picture book, a heartfelt middle-grade novel, or an empowering YA story, the publishers above offer opportunities for authors to share their work with young readers nationwide. Partnering with an experienced, reputable publisher like The Legacy Ghostwriters can significantly enhance your book’s quality and market reach, turning your creative vision into a professionally published success.
