Small and independent publishers offer an option for unpublished writers who don’t want to self-publish. Quirk Books and Köehler Books are among those that accept unagented and unsolicited submissions.
While big publishing houses only accept manuscripts submitted by literary agents, small and independent publishers like Quirk Books and Köehler Books are more open. An “unagented” submission means a manuscript from a writer without a literary agent, while “unsolicited” refers to a manuscript that was not requested by the publisher.
Quirk Books
Quirk Books is the publisher of the hit “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” and “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” Judging by these two books, the publisher certainly lives up to its name. If you have an unconventional manuscript or book idea, either fiction or non-fiction, Quirk Books might be a good fit for you.
The Philadelphia-based publisher accepts queries. You’ll find more information about submissions here.
Köehler Books
Köehler Books touts the fact that its books are distributed by the Ingram Content Group, one of the world’s largest book distributors. Köehler accepts submissions from agents and authors, with a special focus on contemporary fiction, suspense and mystery, young adult, and non-fiction.
The company, based in Virginia Beach, Va., has a very accessible Web site that explains the production process, from signing of contract to actual book publication, as well as the distribution and marketing process. To read more about submitting your work to Köehler Books, click here.
lynettedavis
/ January 5, 2015Reblogged this on Memoir Notes.
wanderlustywriter
/ January 5, 2015So interesting, I didn’t think publishers ever did this. Thanks for the info!
cindyfazzi
/ January 5, 2015Hi wanderlustywriter. If you’re submitting, let us know how it goes. Good luck!
waitingforgeorge
/ January 5, 2015Hey Cindy! I love the cover art for you book! Is your character a boxer?
For some reason I had thought that PPaZ was from the Big 5. Maybe just because it got so much press. I hadn’t heard of Quirk Books. Maybe they’re not on Poets and Writers…? Maybe I’ll query them.
cindyfazzi
/ January 5, 2015HI Beth. Happy New Year! Yep, “In His Corner” is about a boxer. You should try both publishers. Good luck!
Fia Essen
/ January 8, 2015I’ve just been perusing your blog, and I’m already loving it. You’ve got some wonderful posts here. I’ll be back for more!
rachelstolzman
/ February 4, 2015Thanks for offering up this useful info on small presses!
cindyfazzi
/ February 4, 2015Hi Rachel Stolzman. Wishing you good luck on your submission!
quirkywritingcorner
/ February 5, 2015Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
I may need Quirk Books when I finish my children’s fantasy.
amaryllisturman
/ February 5, 2015Reblogged this on Greenwood Writer's Guild & Poetry Circle.
author winona
/ February 9, 2015Reblogged this on Winona Rasheed's Book blog & More.
Elizabeth Huff
/ February 19, 2015Reblogged this on The Well-Rounded Writer.
Ellen Shriner
/ April 24, 2015Thanks for checking out WordSisters! I also appreciate this blog about publishers.
bettylouise31
/ April 29, 2015Thanks for the visit and follow.
Sue Coletta
/ April 30, 2015I am so glad you liked my post on Pinch Points today because it led me here. Love your site! This post in particular is so timely as I am now submitting to publishers. Thanks for the info! On to check out your other posts…
terryspear
/ June 9, 2015Sourcebooks also allows for submissions. They have YA and Romance. I’m published through them with my paranormal romance shifter stories and the first, Heart of the Wolf, received PW’s Best Book of the Year. Five mass marketed books received the recognition that year.
cindyfazzi
/ June 9, 2015That’s great to know about Sourcebooks. Thanks for the info and lots of luck on your books!
waitingforgeorge
/ June 9, 2015There’s an update on Dzanc. It has acquired Hawthorne Books, which will serve as an imprint.
cindyfazzi
/ June 9, 2015That’s great! Thanks for the update.
Lucinda Elliot
/ December 24, 2015Thank you for publicising this in this generous way.
cindyfazzi
/ December 24, 2015Lots of luck on your submission! And thanks for stopping by.
mmwelch
/ January 5, 2016Thanks for stopping by my blog, and thanks for sharing this info!
kimberlywenzler
/ May 5, 2016Thanks so much for sharing this information. 😊
Rae Longest
/ May 21, 2016How do I follow your blog? My computer skills are infantile. Keep it simple, please. Ha Ha! RAE
cindyfazzi
/ May 21, 2016Hi Rae. On the right-hand column of this page, after “Short Stories,” you’ll see two buttons. If you have a blog on WordPress, click on “Follow.” If you’re not on WordPress, click “Follow Blog via email.” Hope that helps! Thanks for stopping by!