35 Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025
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 2025). But if you’re here in 2026 or beyond, it’s worth double-checking whether these publishers are still accepting submissions.
Okay, disclaimer done. Here’s a list of 35 science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting un-agented manuscript submissions in 2025.
Science fiction and fantasy publishers accepting submissions in 2025
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 science fiction and fantasy publisher based in the UK. And they’re currently accepting unsolicited submissions from fiction writers.
This publisher will consider YA/crossover fiction as long as it has definite appeal for adult readers. But they don’t accept nonfiction, short stories, novellas or anthologies. They also only accept manuscripts that are complete at the time of submission and ask that you only submit one book at a time.
Here is some 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 Manuscript Wish List of the Arcadia publishing director 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.
A few pet peeves of the editor include works written in the second person and stories with a downbeat ending. You can read her full list of dislikes (and get more submission 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 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 2025. 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.
They also occasionally accept short story submissions for specific anthologies. Anthology announcements go up on their blog, as well as Facebook and X profiles.
So what do you need to include in a submission? Flame Tree Publishing likes to see:
Your entire manuscript
A synopsis, a maximum of three paragraphs long
A word count
A writer’s CV including previous publications/awards/recognition for your work
A note to tell them if you’ve submitted your manuscript elsewhere
You can take a look at the full submission guidance here.
7. Burial books
Burial Books is a horror, science fiction and fantasy publisher. They are currently seeking unsolicited submissions for their upcoming anthologies.
They want sword and sorcery stories of between 2,000 and 6,000 words for a fantasy anthology. The deadline for submissions is 1 October 2025.
They’re also looking for science fiction stories between 2,000 and 8,000 words for a science fiction anthology. The deadline for these submissions is 1 August 2025.
Take a look at Burial Books submission guidelines for more information.
8. 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 they’re currently accepting unsolicited submissions.
The team have a preference for:
Progression fantasy, power fantasy, time loops, game lit and system apocalypse stories
Books that are serious — not cosy or light-hearted
Books that haven’t been previously published on Amazon.
Take a look at their submission guidelines for more information.
9. Blueberry Lane Books
Blueberry Lane Books is a novel and anthology publisher and they’re currently open to submissions. They specialise in science fiction and fantasy and are also looking for women’s fiction and young adult fiction that caters for readers up to 20 years old.
Stories written in second person are a big no-no. And — while stories written in first person will be considered — the team states a preference for novels written in the third person.
They ask that you include:
A cover letter
The word count of your manuscript.
The first three or four chapters of your novel.
You can get more details and guidance on their submissions page.
10. Solaris Nova
Solaris Nova is an imprint of Solaris, an independent fantasy and sci-fi publishing company based in the UK. They’re currently accepting unsolicited submissions and are looking for novels that are between 60,000 and 90,000 words long.
As part of your submission, they ask for:
A full manuscript
A full synopsis
A cover letter
If your book is the first in a planned series, they also want to hear synopses for subsequent books, plus timescales for completion.
You can read full submission guidelines here.
11. Orbit Works
Next on our list of science fiction and fantasy publishers is Orbit Works.
Orbit Works is the digital publishing imprint of Orbit, an international sci-fi and fantasy fiction publisher — and it’s currently accepting unsolicited and un-agented submissions.
This publisher is looking for finished novels of at least 70,000 words. They’re happy for you to send simultaneous submissions and will let you know within three months if your submission has been successful.
Take a look at the company’s full submission guidelines for more information.
12. Future House Publishing
Based in the US, Future House Publishing is another science fiction and fantasy publisher accepting submissions in 2025.
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.
Book publishers accepting submissions across genres (including fantasy and sci-fi)
Next on our list of publishers, we have companies who work with science fiction and fantasy writers — but don’t specialise in these genres.
These are publishers accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions in 2025. They cover a range of genres and tend to have broad market experience.
13. 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 and nobody is accepting YA or poetry right now. However, two editors are looking for fantasy stories.
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.
14. 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.
15. Partridge Island Publishing
Another Canadian publisher, Partridge Island Publishing, is looking for full-length novels and novellas, particularly those written by Canadian authors.
They ask to see the first ten pages of your completed manuscript and a query letter that gives an overview of your story, including its genre and word count.
They accept a wide range of genres, including sci-fi and fantasy — and, at the moment, are particularly keen to find young adult novels. Their submissions page has more information.
16. Bella Books
Bella Books is another publisher accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions in 2025.
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
17. UpLit Press
UpLit Press is another publisher open to submissions from un-agented authors this year. 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.
They avoid horror, crime and anything that glorifies violence, instead preferring books that show characters overcoming adversity and becoming better human beings as a result.
Take a look at the submission guidelines, which include transparent information on payment as well as formatting requirements.
18. 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.
Happy endings and an emotional punch are a must. Take a look at the company’s submission guidelines for more information.
19. Evernight Publishing
Evernight Publishing has the tagline “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 16,000 and 100,000 words. They also request a query letter, synopsis and the complete manuscript.
20. 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 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.
21. 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 their online manuscript submission form, which you can find at the bottom of their submission guidelines.
22. 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 young adult and new adult novels in subgenres including fantasy and sci-fi. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. Turner Publishing
Another publisher accepting unsolicited submissions, 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.
Fantasy and science fiction publishers accepting submissions from particular groups of authors
The following fantasy and science fiction publishers are accepting un-agented manuscript submissions from underrepresented groups.
26. Angry Robot Books
Angry Robot Books is an independent publisher of fantasy, science-fiction and horror novels. They’re particularly interested in subgenre stories including hard SF, space opera, future crime and space opera.
This publisher is currently accepting un-agented submissions from Black writers. Stories must be 70,000 words or more and young adult fiction has to have real crossover appeal. You can see their submission guidance 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 for information.
27. Erewhon Books
Kensington Books has a speculative fiction imprint called Erewhon Books. They publish fantasy, science-fiction, horror and other related genres. And as part of their commitment to amplifying Black stories, they are currently accepting unsolicited submissions from Black writers.
They ask that you send:
The full text of your manuscript
A one-page synopsis of the book
A brief list of notable prior publications
All other writers should keep an eye on the company’s submissions page. Unsolicited submissions are currently closed but they may open up later in the year or in 2026.
28. Ringwood Publishing
Ringwood Publishing is an independent Scottish publishing house based in Glasgow. They publish a wide range of fiction, including works in fantasy and sci-fi genres.
They only accept submissions from authors who are Scottish or resident in Scotland. The book you submit has to contain Scottish themes and be relevant to contemporary Scotland — and it has to be 50,000 words or more.
You can take a look at full submission guidelines for more information.
29. 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.
30. Northodox Press
Northodox Press is a publisher currently accepting submissions from writers who were born in or are currently living in the north of England. They cover a wide range of genres including fantasy, romantasy and sci-fi.
As part of your submission, they ask to see:
An author bio
A one-page synopsis
Either the first three chapters of the first 5,000 words of your novel
Take a look at their full submission guidance for more details.
Fantasy and science fiction publishers who aren’t accepting submissions right now (but may do so later in the year)
Unlike the previous publishers, the following publishers don’t generally accept un-agented and unsolicited submissions. However, they occasionally announce a brief submission window for authors without agents.
For this reason, it’s worth following these publishers on social media and checking in with them so you don’t miss out.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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. And they’re not interested in novellas, erotica or coming-of-age genres.
They’re yet to open their submissions in 2025. But keep an eye on their website and submissions page for further details.
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, 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 currently closed. But you can check the website and social media channels for updates.
35. The Mad Duck Coalition
As you may have guessed from the name, The Mad Duck Coalition is a publishing house looking for unconventional works of fiction. They like experimental and innovative novels that a regular agent or publisher may be reluctant to take a risk on.
Of their three imprints, Flights of Fancy Publications is best for fantasy and science fiction submissions. It focuses on speculative fiction of all subgenres and lengths.
Currently, submissions are closed. But it’s worth checking back later in the year.
The benefits of having a literary agent
There are a reasonable number of publishers accepting un-agented manuscript submissions. However, you open up your options considerably if 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 2025. 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.
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. Include all requested information to improve your chances of acceptance.
Send via the publisher’s preferred delivery method
Some publishers now 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
