Are you eager to submit your picture book to publishers but don’t have an agent (yet)? It can be challenging to find a children's book publisher accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Many publishers prefer to work with literary agents. But here are ten publishers that accept unsolicited submissions directly from authors.
Albert Whitman has an open submissions policy. They will read and review manuscripts and proposals for picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult novels. For picture books, they seek fiction and non-fiction manuscripts for ages 1-8.
Marble Press is an independent, traditional publishing house accepting unsolicited manuscripts from both represented and unrepresented authors and author-illustrators. Send them your humorous, quirky and out-of-the-box stories. No rhyming picture books, unless you are an accomplished poet.
Annick Press is currently accepting submissions of picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and non-fiction for kids of all ages. They prefer child-centered stories that tap into deeper issues and emotions, conveying poignant messages without being didactic. They prioritize #ownvoices representation of underrepresented and marginalized communities and identities.
As a Canadian publisher, Kids Can Press is keen to showcase homegrown talent, but they also welcome submissions from authors, illustrators and agents around the world. They are currently seeking:
Non-rhyming picture books for ages 3–5 / 3–7 / 4–8
Nonfiction for ages 5–8 / 7–10 / 8–12 / 10–14
Fiction for ages 6–9 / 7–10 / 8–12 /10–14
Graphic novels (fiction and nonfiction) for all age categories
Yeehoo Press is dedicated to publishing fun, enchanting and socially responsible children’s books for audiences around the world. They are looking for fictional and non-fiction picture books, both text-only and author-illustrator projects, aimed at ages 3-8.
Flashlight Press publishes fictional children’s picture books. Manuscripts should target 4-8 years olds, be under 1000 words, have a universal theme and deal with family or social situations.
Charlesbridge publishes fiction and nonfiction board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade fiction and nonfiction (ages 8–12), and young adult fiction and nonfiction (ages 12+). They operate on a six-month period for submissions. They are open to submissions of unsolicited manuscripts from January to June of each year. Submissions are closed from July to December.
Chronicle Books publishes an eclectic mixture of traditional and innovative children's books. They are interested in fiction and nonfiction books for children of all ages, as well as board books, decks, activity kits, and other unusual or novelty formats.
Clavis Publishing is seeking board books and pictures books from authors and illustrators. They ask that you submit one completed manuscript at a time. Their aim is to handle manuscripts within 3 months. Everyone will receive an answer, whether the work is selected or not.
They are currently only accepting manuscript and art submissions by creators from underrepresented communities. If you identify as Black, Indigenous or as a person of color, LGBTSQI2S+, having a disability or have ever had refugee status, then you can submit your manuscript. Keep an eye on their social media accounts to see when they open more broadly to submissions.
Good luck with your submissions! If you need help editing your manuscript or polishing your query letter for success, take a look at my critique services.
This list is updated as of Oct 2023.