39 Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2026
As is now tradition, here’s my annual list of the fantasy and science fiction publishers accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions.
If you have a nearly-finished work in progress (WIP) or a completed manuscript, go ahead and browse the publishers and submission guidance below.
Most of these small publishers specialise in science fiction and fantasy (SFF) writing. And, unlike many big publishers, they’re happy to accept un-agented submissions. This makes them a great avenue for writers who don’t yet have a literary agent.
Note: All information in this article is correct at the time of writing (January 2026). But if you’re here in 2027 or beyond, it’s worth double-checking whether these publishers are still accepting submissions.
Okay, disclaimer done. Here’s a list of 39 science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting un-agented manuscript submissions in 2026.
Science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting un-agented manuscript submissions in 2026
We’re starting with publishing houses that specialise in science fiction and fantasy writing. These are all publishers accepting un-agented manuscript submissions over the coming year.
1. Arcadia
Previously known as Jo Fletcher Books, Arcadia is a well-respected fantasy and science fiction publishing company based in the UK. They’re currently accepting unsolicited submissions from fiction writers.
They only accept submissions that can be categorised as science fiction, fantasy or horror, and works that contain some element of the speculative or the fantastical. They’ll consider YA/crossover fiction as long as it has definite appeal for adult readers.
Your manuscript has to be complete at the time of submission. And they won’t consider nonfiction, short stories, novellas or anthologies.
Here is some of Arcadia’s other submission guidance:
Submit as a Word document
Submit the first 10,000 words or the first three chapters of your novel
Include a brief cover letter in the body of the email and a story synopsis (no longer than one page) in a separate attachment.
Visit the Arcadia submissions page for more information. You can also view the publishing director’s Manuscript Wish List to get a better sense of what she’s currently looking for.
2. Blind Eye Books
Blind Eye Books publishes fantasy, science fiction, mystery and romance novels that feature LGBTQ+ protagonists.
They tend to take full-length novels with a word count ranging from 70,000 to 150,000. And they don’t publish short story collections, poetry, erotica, horror or nonfiction. They won’t accept partial manuscripts and would like you to include a short synopsis of the novel.
Right now (January 2026), they’re closed to unsolicited submissions. But they’ll reopen for a short reading period from 15th February 2026 to 15th March 2026. If you have a manuscript that is nearly good to go, put those dates in your diary!
You can find full guidance on the Blind Eye Books submission page.
3. Edge
The next on our list of science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting submissions is the Canadian publisher, Edge.
Here are a few of their submission guidelines:
They only accept submissions of novels that are between 75,000 and 100,000 words long
They don’t accept erotica, religious fiction, short stories (other than for a specific anthology), dark/gruesome fantasy or poetry
YA isn’t an Edge favourite, so any YA speculative fiction has to be aimed at a mature, well-read audience
Works in progress aren’t considered, so you need to complete your novel before submitting it. Edge also specifies that novels need to have undergone an extensive editing process.
This is just a summary of what you need to do. So be sure to read Edge’s full submission guidelines before sending your manuscript.
Still to edit your manuscript? A professional editor will look at your story with fresh, critical eyes. Then suggest ways for you to fine-tune it ready for submission. Take a look at my fiction editing services to find out more.
4. Baen
Baen is a traditional publisher that exclusively publishes science fiction and fantasy stories.
In the sci-fi genre, they look for “powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings”. In fantasy, they like to see magic systems that are “rigorously coherent and integral to the plot”. All novels need good plot and characterisation.
Their book word count preference is somewhere between 100,000 and 130,000 words but there seems to be some flexibility on this. And they like to see a finished manuscript plus a synopsis.
Be warned that Baen is quite specific about submission formatting. So read their full guidance before sending your manuscript.
5. Aethon Books
Aethon Books is another science fiction and fantasy publisher accepting unsolicited submissions in 2026. They’re happy to receive submissions in any SFF subgenre and are open to thriller novels too.
In terms of restrictions, they’re only currently publishing novel-length work. They won’t accept novellas and short stories. Nor will they look at poetry, plays, graphic novels or nonfiction.
To be successful, your work needs to demonstrate all the following:
A strong voice, written in either first person, third person limited or third person omniscient
Good pacing
Three-dimensional characters
A unique universe
Unpredictability
To submit your work, send a cover letter and the first 50 pages of your novel by email. Read Aethon’s full submission guidelines for more details.
6. Flame Tree Publishing
Flame Tree Publishing is another publisher accepting unsolicited submissions this year.
They’re looking for science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural and suspense stories. And they express a preference for novels of between 70,000 and 120,000 words that haven’t been previously published. You can take a look at the full submission guidance here.
Flame Tree also occasionally accepts short story submissions for its anthologies — Gothic Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, and Myths, Gods and Immortals. View the Open Submissions webpage or sign up for the Flame Tree Press newsletter to find out more.
7. Timeless Wind
Timeless Wind is a relatively new fantasy and sci-fi publisher. Established in 2020, it specialises in all types of fantasy and science fiction, and is currently accepting unsolicited submissions.
They accept full-length novels with a minimum of 100,000 words. They also accept submissions of books that are not yet finished, as long as you plan to meet that 100k target.
The team have a preference for:
Progression fantasy, power fantasy and Gamelit/LitRPG subgenres
Stories with a single main character
Non-Earth fantasy and sci-fi settings
Books that haven’t been previously published on Amazon
Take a look at their submission guidelines for more information.
8. Blueberry Lane Books
Blueberry Lane Books is a novel and anthology publisher that aims to discover and nurture new writers.
They’re currently open to submissions in science fiction and fantasy genres, and they’re also looking for women’s fiction, off-beat mysteries and young adult fiction that caters for readers up to 20 years old.
They like submissions to be sent by email and ask to see the first 3-4 chapters of your novel. You can get more details and guidance on their submissions page.
9. Future House Publishing
Based in the US, Future House Publishing is another science fiction and fantasy publisher accepting submissions in 2026.
They are a “family-friendly” publisher, which means they won’t consider manuscripts with sexual content, graphic violence or excessive profanity. They’re looking for novels of 70,000 to 90,000 words and consider middle-grade works written for children aged 7 and over, too.
The Future House Publishing submission page has more details and answers to author FAQs.
10. Severed Press
Severed Press is a publisher that specialises in science fiction and horror stories. They’re particularly interested in stories that incorporate military sci-fi, apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic scenarios, killer sea creatures or dinosaurs, and litRPGs.
They like to see:
A synopsis of around 200 words
A cover letter
Your manuscript
You can view their full submission guidelines here.
Book publishers accepting submissions across genres (including fantasy and sci-fi)
Next on our list of publishers, we have companies that work with science fiction and fantasy writers — but don’t specialise in these genres.
These are publishers accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions in 2026. They cover a range of genres and tend to have broad market experience.
11. Kensington Books
Kensington Books provides a list of its editors alongside their publishing preferences. You have to choose just one editor to send your submission to. Science fiction doesn’t feature as a preference. But three editors are looking for fantasy stories.
Alex Sunshine is looking for romantasy. Elizabeth May is looking for romantasy and magical crossover novels. Elizabeth Trout is looking for novels with a speculative or magical realism tilt, as long as they’re grounded in our world.
You can visit the Kensington Books submission page for more details.
12. Sunbury Press
Sunbury Press has been publishing books since 2004. They receive around 2000 submissions a year and select about 100 of them for publication.
They have a number of imprints, some of which accept science fiction and fantasy submissions. Their Roswell Press imprint specialises in paranormal, alien, supernatural, sci-fi and UFO fiction. Hellbender Books specialises in dystopian and fantasy fiction.
Both of these imprints request that your manuscript be complete before you make a submission. They also ask that you include an author biography or CV and at least three chapters from your manuscript.
You can read submission guidelines and submit your novel for consideration on the Sunbury Press submissions page.
13. Bella Books
Bella Books is another publisher accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions in 2026.
They’re interested in manuscripts across all genres (including science fiction and fantasy), with a focus on works that reflect and celebrate the lesbian, Sapphic, queer, bisexual and gender non-conforming community.
According to submission guidelines, to submit a manuscript, you need to include:
A cover letter
A synopsis
Your whole manuscript
All have to be formatted according to Bella Books’ guidelines, and they won’t accept simultaneous submissions.
14. Boroughs Publishing Group
Primarily a romance publishing house, Boroughs Publishing Group is accepting un-agented submissions in subgenres including urban fantasy, paranormal, dystopian and fantasy.
They’re looking for writers with a sizeable social media following and a completed manuscript. Their standard word counts are 40,000 to 60,000 words for novellas and 60,000 to 100,000 words for full-length novels.
This publisher is happy for you to stick to sci-fi and fantasy tropes or “push the envelope”, just as long as you’re submitting a well-written story with an emotional punch and a happy ending. Take a look at the company’s submission guidelines for more information.
15. Evernight Publishing
Evernight Publishing specialises in “smart and sexy romance”. And this is another romance publisher happy to accept subgenre submissions from un-agented authors.
These romance novels can be in sci-fi or fantasy subgenres. But they need to have a happy ever after (HEA) or happy for now (HFN) ending.
On its submissions page, Evernight asks that all submissions be between 10,000 and 100,000 words. They also request a query letter, synopsis and the complete manuscript.
16. Beacon Publishing Group
Beacon Publishing Group is an award-winning independent publisher based in New York City. It covers a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, including science fiction and fantasy.
This publisher accepts submissions from agented and un-agented authors. They ask that you include a cover letter, a synopsis and a copy of your manuscript. You can read the full submission guidelines here.
As a traditional publisher, Beacon won’t charge the author any upfront fees. They also tend to review a submission within six weeks, which is on the faster end of the scale.
17. Ink Smith Publishing
This is another publisher accepting submissions from un-agented authors. However, you have to live in the US or Canada to be considered.
Ink Smith focuses on fiction novels in subgenres including fantasy and sci-fi, and they’re particularly interested in genre mash-ups. You can take a look at the company’s full submission guidelines for more details.
Ink Smith’s submission period runs from 1 January to 31 July each year. This is followed by a reading period from 1 August to 31 December. Any submissions received during the closed period will be considered in the following reading period.
18. Martin Sisters Publishing
Martin Sisters Publishing is a traditional publisher currently accepting submissions for all fiction genres, including science fiction and fantasy.
Manuscripts must be between 60,000 and 95,000 words in length. They also ask that you include a query letter, a marketing plan and the first 5-10 pages of your manuscript as part of a submission email.
Read the company’s submission guidelines for more information.
19. Storm Publishing
Storm is a relatively new digital-first publisher. They promise to get back to writers within a speedy two weeks and are looking for stories in a range of genres, including fantasy and science fiction.
Key features they look for include a distinctive author voice, compelling characters, and page-turning stories. You can send your manuscript via the Storm Publishing submissions page.
20. Turner Publishing
Another publisher accepting unsolicited submissions this year, Turner Publishing is currently looking for fiction in dystopian, romantasy, fantasy and sci-fi genres.
They ask for:
A manuscript attached as a Word document or PDF
A full synopsis
The total word count
While completed manuscripts are preferred, partial manuscripts and detailed proposals are also accepted. For incomplete works, you need to include an estimated word count and the anticipated manuscript completion date. You can find more details on the Turner Publishing submissions page.
21. CamCat Books
CamCat Books is a small independent publisher, currently open to unsolicited submissions. They accept a wide range of genres, including fantasy and science fiction, and both adult and young adult works.
Word count should fall between 80,000 and 125,000. They don’t want to see stories about vampires or schools of magic. And they expect manuscripts to be polished, edited and properly formatted.
You can view CamCat’s submission guidelines for more details and also make use of some great writer resources on the CamCat website.
22. Joffe Books
Joffe Books is an independent publisher based in the UK. They specialise in crime and mystery fiction. But they state an interest in fantasy fiction, too, and are currently accepting submissions from un-agented writers.
Your book has to be a minimum of 60,000 words and, when submitting your work, you should include a synopsis and 100 words about yourself. Take a look at their submission guidelines for more information.
23. One More Chapter
One More Chapter’s aim? To publish stories that people can’t put down. The team are currently accepting un-agented submissions across a range of fiction genres, including romantasy and YA/crossover/adult fantasy.
You can view their submission guidelines to learn more.
24. Bookoutre
Bookoutre is a digital publisher and a division of Hachette UK. They publish commercial fiction in a range of genres, including science fiction and fantasy. And they’re currently accepting submissions from un-agented authors.
When submitting your work, you’ll need to provide a complete manuscript, a short pitch and a brief author biography. Head over to the Bookoutre website to read about exactly what they’re looking for and get detailed submission guidelines.
25. Changeling Press
This digital publisher specialises in contemporary, sci-fi futuristic and paranormal romance for an audience of adult women.
They’re currently accepting unsolicited submissions across all subgenres, including dark fantasy, urban fantasy, steampunk and sorcery and witchcraft. But take note: they don’t like manuscripts written in second person or in the present tense.
Take a look at the Changeling Press submission guidelines for more information.
26. Entangled Publishing
Entangled is another romance publisher. It has various imprints accepting submissions in romance fiction subgenres from un-agented authors.
Amara is seeking science fiction, paranormal and fantasy subgenre novels for an adult audience. Mayhem is interested in seeing the same subgenres, but for an older teen (aged 16+) audience. Books should be 70,000 to 120,000 words long and contain strong romantic elements, not just a romantic subplot.
Take a look at Entangled Publishing’s submissions page for more information.
27. Brother Mockingbird
Brother Mockingbird is a publisher that looks for un-agented and unsolicited submissions across a wide range of genres, including science fiction. They ask that all manuscripts be professionally edited before submission.
This publisher will open for submissions sometime in spring 2026. So keep an eye on their website and submissions page for further details.
Fantasy and science fiction publishers accepting submissions from particular groups of authors
The following fantasy and sci-fi publishers are accepting un-agented manuscript submissions from underrepresented groups and authors based in specific locations.
28. Angry Robot Books
Angry Robot Books is an independent publisher of fantasy, science fiction and horror novels, and the team is currently accepting un-agented submissions from Black writers.
They like all types of subgenre (including hard SF, space opera, military SF, future crime and time travel) and particularly love genre mash-ups. They accept finished manuscripts that are 60,000 words or more. And, right now, they’re not accepting short stories or young/new adult works.
You can view submission details here.
For all other un-agented writers, there are occasional Open Doors Submission periods. The dates of this period vary from year to year, so writers are advised to keep an eye on the Angry Robot website and social media channels.
29. Bywater Books
Bywater Books primarily publishes lesbian and feminist fiction. Its imprint, Amble Press, prefers stories from LGBTQ+ writers and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Both imprints are interested in a range of genres. These include fantasy, sci-fi, cli-fi, speculative fiction and steampunk.
Submissions should be 60,000 words or more, and both imprints ask that writers complete an online manuscript submission form, which you can find at the bottom of the submission guidelines.
30. ECW Press
ECW Press is currently accepting fiction submissions from Canadians. They publish fantasy and science fiction, alongside other genres.
They’re particularly interested in hearing from underrepresented writers, including Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ+ people, people living with disabilities and women.
In their submission guidelines, they ask to see 15-25 pages of your manuscript, a brief bio and a cover letter.
31. Affirm Press
Affirm Press is an Australian publisher that only accepts submissions from Australian writers or writers based in Australia. They accept all literary and genre fiction, but no short stories, poetry or novellas.
To submit your work, you need to provide:
A one-sentence pitch
Your author bio and contact details
A synopsis
The first three chapters of your manuscript
For more details, visit the Affirm Press submissions page.
Fantasy and science fiction publishers who aren’t accepting un-agented submissions right now (but may do so later in the year)
Some of the following publishers don’t generally accept un-agented and unsolicited submissions — but they occasionally announce a brief submission window for authors without agents.
Others regularly accept un-agented and unsolicited submissions. They’ve simply closed their books for now.
In either case, it’s worth following these publishers on social media and checking in with them often so you don’t miss out.
32. Luna Press Publishing
Luna Press Publishing accepts un-agented and unsolicited submissions most years.
This publisher specialises in speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy genres. They also provide lots of useful guidance for submissions and pitches via their Writers’ Den playlist on YouTube.
Their submissions are currently closed. But stay in the loop by following Luna Press on Blue Sky, Facebook or Instagram.
33. Snowbooks
Snowbooks is an award-winning genre fiction publisher that’s been up and running since 2003. Their no-nonsense, straight-talking approach really sets them apart from other publishers.
Since May 2024, they’ve unfortunately been closed to submissions. They say that the volume of enquiries is currently too much for their small team to handle.
Hopefully, Snowbooks will reopen submissions sometime in the future. So I’d advise checking in with this one later in the year.
34. Tiny Fox Press
Tiny Fox Press is an independent publisher based in the US. They have a particular interest in full-length fantasy and sci-fi novels with series potential.
Preferred subgenres include mythology, cosy fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, gaslamp, Arthurian, space opera and post-apocalyptic. They’re also partial to humorous stories. Take a look at their submission guidance for more information.
According to the Tiny Fox Press website, submissions are closed as of December 2025. But you should check the website and their profiles on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.
35. Burial Books
Burial Books is primarily a horror and dark fantasy publisher. But they also publish science fiction and fantasy, along with westerns and crime fiction.
They’re currently accepting horror stories, western novels and crime fiction novels. But all other open calls are closed until further notice.
Take a look at Burial Books submission guidelines for more information.
36. Solaris Nova
Solaris Nova is an imprint of Solaris, an independent fantasy and sci-fi publishing company based in the UK. They like stories that “invite readers to see the world differently and imagine other possibilities beyond our world”.
This publisher isn’t currently accepting submissions. But it’s worth checking the submissions page for updates throughout the year.
37. Partridge Island Publishing
Canadian publisher, Partridge Island Publishing, is currently closed for submissions. But when they reopen, they’ll be looking for full-length novels and novellas, particularly those written by Canadian authors.
Partridge Island considers both sci-fi and fantasy submissions. They mention subgenres including paranormal romance, epic fantasy, swords and sorcery, dystopian and space opera on their submissions page. And, unlike many other publishers, they say they’ll offer feedback on any manuscripts they don’t accept.
Check in with the Partridge Island Publishing submissions page for updates. You can also give them a follow on Facebook or Instagram.
38. Orbit Works
Next on our list of science fiction and fantasy publishers is Orbit Works. This is the digital publishing imprint of Orbit, an international sci-fi and fantasy fiction publisher.
Orbit Works is currently closed for submissions and has pushed back its advertised reopening date of autumn 2025. While no new date has yet been released, you can keep up with developments by following the company on Facebook and Instagram.
39. UpLit Press
UpLit Press is another publisher usually open to submissions from un-agented authors — but (at the time of writing) is currently closed.
Sci-fi and fantasy fiction are two of their preferred genres. They look for interesting worlds that “focus more on character development than battles” and are happy to consider young adult fiction.
You can check for reopening by visiting the UpLit Press submissions page and their social profiles on Instagram and Facebook.
The benefits of having a literary agent
A reasonable number of publishers accept un-agented manuscript submissions. However, you open up your options considerably when you have a literary agent.
That’s because big publishing houses won’t consider un-agented or unsolicited manuscripts. And more and more smaller publishers are following suit.
Publishers receive an overwhelming number of submissions — and not all of them are worthy of their time. By only accepting agented submissions, publishers reduce the quantity of submissions while improving the quality.
An agent is by no means essential. There are other routes to publication. But if you’d like to find a literary agent, the following resources may help:
Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2026. This book contains thousands of industry contacts, including agents. It also offers advice on how to write and get published.
Writers & Artists website. This website provides a list of hundreds of literary agents, available when you sign up for a W&A subscription.
Reedsy website. Here, you’ll find a free directory of literary agents, including details of their location, the genres they cover and their preferred method of contact.
This article may also come in handy: Why books get rejected by literary agents (and what to do about it)
Best practices when submitting a manuscript to a publisher
So you know which science fiction or fantasy publisher you plan to send your manuscript to. But how do you ensure you have the best possible chance of grabbing their attention?
As well as sending them a compelling and marketable story, you need to ensure that all other elements of your submission are in order. Here are some best practices to bear in mind.
Look at a publisher’s published novels
It’s worth browsing a publisher’s back catalogue before you submit your manuscript to them. This gives you an idea of the genres and types of novels they’re interested in — and you get a sense of whether your story has a place within that mix.
Read submission guidelines thoroughly
Publishers may reject a submission outright if it doesn’t meet their guidelines. So read any submission information carefully. Then re-read right before you send your submission so you know you’ve met the requirements of even the most pernickety of publishers.
Prepare your manuscript
Most publishers specify the proportion of your manuscript they wish to see. They may have particular formatting requirements or only accept certain file types. Beyond these practicalities, all publishers want to see compelling characters and a strong plot. So do all you can to get your manuscript in excellent shape before you submit it.
Hone your supporting materials
It’s not just about the quality of your manuscript. As part of your submission, you may need to craft a compelling synopsis, blurb or even a marketing plan. Get to know the difference between a blurb and a synopsis, and include all requested information to improve your chances of acceptance.
Send via the publisher’s preferred delivery method
Some publishers won’t consider hard copy manuscripts. They want to receive your submission in a digital format. Some publishers even allow you to submit your manuscript online, via their website. So check publisher preferences when submitting your manuscript to ensure your submission reaches the right person.
Getting your manuscript ready for submission: how I can help
And that’s a wrap! A list of science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions this year.
I wish you the best of luck with your submissions. And if you’d like me to run an expert eye over your manuscript before you send it, take a look at my editing services.
Pre-submission critique and copyedit: comments and suggested edits for the first 10,000 words of your manuscript
Manuscript assessment: feedback on big picture story elements, like point of view, pacing, plot and characterisation
Manuscript mentoring: ongoing editorial support, including extensive comments and suggested edits
These services are ideal for authors looking to get their manuscripts in the best possible shape before submission — and for those who want to make improvements after a dreaded publisher rejection.
I also offer a full copyediting and proofreading service. But — I’ll be honest — this is (for the majority of writers) a waste of money at this stage in the process.
That’s because publishers are more interested in the strength of your story’s foundations, its characters and your writerly voice. As long as your story is readable, they tend to overlook minor grammatical errors and inconsistencies.
Good science fiction and fantasy publishers will then use an in-house and freelance editing team to tighten up your manuscript if they decide to take it on, so these services will be provided to you for free.
If you’re still unsure which editing service is right for you, get in touch and I’ll be happy to advise.
Until next time!
Candida
