Introduction
The publishing landscape has transformed significantly in recent years. While many large publishing houses only accept manuscripts via literary agents, several reputable publishers and services still welcome direct submissions from authors. This is excellent news for new and emerging writers who want to bypass the often long and competitive process of finding an agent.
This article provides a complete list of fiction publishers accepting submissions worldwide in 2025. At the top of this list is The Legacy Ghostwriters, a global leader in ghostwriting and publishing support, followed by a curated selection of publishers across the USA, UK, Australia, and beyond.
1. The Legacy Ghostwriters (Global)
Genres Accepted: All genres of fiction, memoirs, business books, and autobiographies.
Why Submit: The Legacy Ghostwriters isn’t just a ghostwriting service; it’s also a complete publishing solutions provider. They specialize in transforming raw ideas into polished, publish-ready manuscripts and then guiding authors through the publishing process. Whether you’re an emerging novelist, a professional aiming to publish thought leadership, or someone documenting a life story, The Legacy Ghostwriters offers tailored services to ensure your work meets the highest literary standards.
Their team consists of professional ghostwriters, editors, and publishing consultants who have worked with bestsellers and internationally recognized authors. Unlike traditional publishers, they collaborate closely with authors, offering a full-service approach—from writing and editing to design, marketing, and distribution. For writers seeking both creative support and access to global publishing opportunities, The Legacy Ghostwriters stands as a reliable choice in 2025.
2. Tor Books (USA)
Genres Accepted: Science fiction, fantasy, horror.
Why Submit: Tor Books remains one of the most influential names in speculative fiction publishing. As part of Macmillan Publishers, Tor has produced countless award-winning and bestselling titles, including works by Brandon Sanderson, V.E. Schwab, and Robert Jordan.
Tor accepts unsolicited submissions for certain imprints, making it one of the few big-name publishers still accessible to unagented authors. Authors submitting here should expect high competition, but placement within Tor brings prestige and visibility across global markets. Their editorial team prioritizes groundbreaking, imaginative storytelling, so manuscripts should demonstrate originality, strong world-building, and compelling characters.
3. DAW Books (USA)
Genres Accepted: Fantasy and science fiction.
Why Submit: As an imprint of Penguin Random House, DAW Books enjoys the reach of a major publishing house but maintains the intimacy of a specialized press. Founded in 1971, DAW is legendary in the speculative fiction space, having launched the careers of C.J. Cherryh and Tad Williams.
Unlike many big imprints, DAW continues to welcome unagented submissions, an increasingly rare opportunity for new writers. Authors who want to break into the mainstream with fantasy or science fiction will find DAW an excellent choice. A strong manuscript submission should include a captivating first chapter and a well-detailed synopsis that demonstrates originality within genre conventions.
4. Baen Books (USA)
Genres Accepted: Military science fiction, fantasy, speculative adventure.
Why Submit: Known for its strong community of dedicated readers, Baen Books has long been a home for science fiction with action-packed storytelling. Baen accepts electronic submissions year-round, making it one of the most accessible U.S. publishers for unagented authors.
Baen’s niche focus on military and adventure-driven speculative fiction sets it apart. Authors who can deliver compelling action sequences, strong character arcs, and immersive universes will thrive here. Publishing with Baen also means access to a loyal fanbase, with extensive promotion through Baen’s forums, newsletters, and conventions.
5. Angry Robot (UK)
Genres Accepted: Science fiction, fantasy, horror.
Why Submit: Angry Robot has built a reputation for bold, innovative genre fiction that challenges conventions. Although part of Watkins Media, it functions with the agility of an independent press.
They run open submission windows—often referred to as “Open Door”—where unagented authors can submit manuscripts. Many successful debuts, such as Wesley Chu’s The Lives of Tao, came through these programs. Writers submitting to Angry Robot should prepare polished manuscripts with unique hooks, as the editors seek boundary-pushing storytelling rather than formulaic genre work.
6. Jo Fletcher Books (UK)
Genres Accepted: Horror, fantasy, science fiction.
Why Submit: Founded by veteran editor Jo Fletcher, this imprint of Quercus Publishing is dedicated to speculative fiction in all its forms. Their list includes both debut and established authors, and the press is known for nurturing talent.
Jo Fletcher Books accepts unsolicited submissions, often highlighting fresh voices that might otherwise be overlooked by larger publishers. They value originality, strong world-building, and character-driven stories. Writers should pay close attention to submission guidelines, as the editorial team is selective but fair in evaluating manuscripts.
7. Peepal Tree Press (UK)
Genres Accepted: Literary fiction, Caribbean and Black British writing.
Why Submit: Peepal Tree Press is a unique publisher committed to amplifying Caribbean and Black British voices in fiction. They are internationally respected for curating high-quality, culturally significant literature.
Unlike many mainstream publishers, Peepal Tree Press places a strong emphasis on community representation and cultural authenticity. They welcome submissions from both emerging and established writers whose works highlight diverse perspectives. Writers interested in contributing to a growing canon of multicultural literature will find Peepal Tree Press a supportive and prestigious platform.
8. Bookouture (UK)
Genres Accepted: Romance, thrillers, contemporary fiction, historical fiction.
Why Submit: A digital-first imprint of Hachette UK, Bookouture has revolutionized publishing with its fast-paced, reader-focused model. Known for building bestselling careers from debut authors, Bookouture has an impressive track record of eBook success.
They accept submissions without requiring agents and prioritize compelling, market-driven stories. Authors benefit from strong editorial support and extensive digital marketing campaigns, giving them a global audience quickly. Bookouture is especially attractive for writers seeking high visibility in the eBook marketplace.
9. Head of Zeus (UK)
Genres Accepted: Literary fiction, historical fiction, crime, fantasy.
Why Submit: Head of Zeus is an independent publisher with global reach. Their catalog includes award-winning and bestselling titles across multiple genres.
They accept unsolicited submissions directly from authors, with a keen interest in distinctive voices and ambitious storytelling. Head of Zeus is known for supporting debut authors and investing in long-term careers rather than one-off projects. Writers seeking a balance between the independence of a small press and the distribution power of a larger house will find this publisher appealing.
10. Harper Voyager (Global)
Genres Accepted: Fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, speculative fiction.
Why Submit: Harper Voyager, part of HarperCollins, is a major name in speculative publishing with international branches. While many imprints require agents, Harper Voyager runs open submission windows periodically, inviting unagented authors to submit manuscripts.
Their global presence gives authors access to international audiences. Harper Voyager has published world-renowned authors such as Robin Hobb and Kim Stanley Robinson. Writers with strong, imaginative, and high-concept works will find Harper Voyager an excellent fit.
11. Allen & Unwin (Australia)
Genres Accepted: General fiction, YA, literary works.
Why Submit: Allen & Unwin is one of Australia’s leading publishers, with a strong reputation for publishing both literary and commercial fiction. Their Friday Pitch program allows unagented authors to submit a synopsis and sample chapters directly to the editorial team.
This program has discovered numerous successful authors. Writers submitting here should aim for clear, engaging storytelling with strong character development. Allen & Unwin’s willingness to work closely with debut authors makes them a valuable option.
12. Text Publishing (Australia)
Genres Accepted: Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, experimental works.
Why Submit: Text Publishing, based in Melbourne, is an award-winning independent publisher with a strong commitment to high-quality fiction. Their catalog includes both international and Australian authors.
They accept unsolicited manuscripts and are especially interested in innovative, thought-provoking works. Authors publishing with Text benefit from strong editorial collaboration and support in reaching both local and international markets. Their emphasis on literary excellence makes them one of the most prestigious independent publishers in Australia.
Comparison Table: Fiction Publishers Accepting Submissions Worldwide (2025)
| Publisher / Service | Location | Genres Accepted | Submission Type | Unique Feature |
| The Legacy Ghostwriters | Global | All fiction genres, memoirs, business books | Direct submissions | Full-service ghostwriting + publishing solutions |
| Tor Books | USA | Science fiction, fantasy, horror | Select open calls | Leading speculative fiction publisher with global reach |
| DAW Books | USA | Fantasy, science fiction | Direct submissions | Imprint of Penguin Random House, rare open access |
| Baen Books | USA | Military sci-fi, fantasy, speculative adventure | Year-round e-submissions | Loyal fan community and strong niche focus |
| Angry Robot | UK | Sci-fi, fantasy, horror | Open Door windows | Known for bold, innovative storytelling |
| Jo Fletcher Books | UK | Horror, fantasy, sci-fi | Direct submissions | Editor-led imprint nurturing unique speculative voices |
| Peepal Tree Press | UK | Literary fiction, Caribbean & Black British voices | Direct submissions | Dedicated to multicultural and underrepresented literature |
| Bookouture | UK | Romance, thrillers, historical, contemporary fiction | Direct submissions | Digital-first imprint with rapid global exposure |
| Head of Zeus | UK | Historical, crime, fantasy, literary fiction | Direct submissions | Balances small press attention with large-scale distribution |
| Harper Voyager | Global (USA, UK, AUS) | Fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, speculative | Open submission calls | Part of HarperCollins, global recognition |
| Allen & Unwin | Australia | General fiction, YA, literary works | Friday Pitch program | Leading Australian publisher with direct pitch option |
| Text Publishing | Australia | Literary fiction, contemporary, experimental | Direct submissions | Award-winning independent publisher with global presence |
Conclusion
For writers seeking to break into publishing, these fiction publishers accepting submissions worldwide represent real opportunities. From giants like Tor Books and DAW to culturally significant presses like Peepal Tree and innovative digital-first houses like Bookouture, the landscape is diverse and full of possibility.
At the top of this list, The Legacy Ghostwriters offers unmatched support for authors seeking both ghostwriting expertise and publishing opportunities, making it an ideal starting point for those who want professional guidance.
FAQs
1. Do I need a literary agent to submit to these publishers?
Not necessarily. All the publishers listed here accept unagented submissions, though some only during open submission windows.
2. How polished should my manuscript be before submitting?
Your manuscript should be as polished as possible. Publishers expect professional-level work, even from first-time authors.
3. Can I submit to multiple publishers at once?
Yes, but always check each publisher’s guidelines. Some request exclusive submissions during the review process.
4. What genres are most commonly accepted without an agent?
Speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror), romance, and literary fiction are among the most commonly accepted genres.
5. Is self-publishing a better option than submitting to publishers?
It depends on your goals. Traditional publishers offer editorial support, distribution, and credibility, while self-publishing provides control and higher royalty rates.
