As a first-time author, you’ve put in lots of effort, time, and resources into your manuscript, that tells a compelling story or narrative, and you are now ready to share it with the world by getting it published in the press. However, considering the dynamic nature of the publishing industry, getting your work in front of the best book publishers for new authors can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive article will guide you with all the knowledge you need to successfully publish your first book. From the different publishing channels that exist to their pros and cons, there’s a lot to discover.
You will also be learning about the top best book publishers for new authors, and essential tips to increase your chances of landing a publishing deal.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Understanding Your Options
As a publishing house, whenever an author comes to us for service delivery, the first thing we do is to speak with them to understand their need. It is however to our greatest surprise that many authors aren’t often sure of how they want to publish their book.
Sure, they have valuable information and have put a lot of thought into their book’s manuscript, but then comes the dilemma: self-publishing or traditional publishing?
There are lots of benefits and drawbacks that are associated with each publishing option so having a good understanding of your book goals will be of great help in choosing the right publishing medium for your book.
What is Self-Publishing?
Self-publishing is known as the process in which an author independently publishes their works without the service of a traditional publishing house. With the advent of online platforms and various digital tools, self-publishing has become significantly popular among writers. In this context, authors have greater control over the content of their book, cover design, pricing, and distribution channels.
Pros
A self-publishing route enables authors to retain a greater percentage of the royalties earned from their book sales. Also, authors have the liberty to release their works at their own pace and update their books easily.
Cons
However, self-published books will encounter challenges in terms of marketing and gaining exposure in a highly competitive market.
What is Traditional Book Publishing?
Traditional publishing involves the process of an author submitting their manuscripts to publishing houses for consideration. If accepted, the publisher will take over from the author and proceed to the next phase of the book publication process which is editing, designing, printing, distributing, and marketing the book.
This method involves the service of professionals with years of experience in the book publishing industry who can offer their expertise to enhance the quality of the work and increase its visibility.
Pros
Also, the traditional book publishing route provides authors with access to a well-established distribution network, which can contribute significantly to broadening the book’s reach. A lot of long-standing publishers also have relationships with schools, bookstores, libraries, and literary agents and this can further expand the author’s opportunities.
Cons
However, you must have it at the back of your mind that the traditional publishing process can be very lengthy, tedious, and competitive, and may entail you as the author giving up some creative control over the final product.
Top 10 Book Publishers That Accept New Authors
The following is a list of handpicked book publishing companies that authors can contact directly and get considered. In this section, you’ll find a link for the following which will make it easier for you to navigate:
- A link to their website
- A link to their submission guidelines
- Genres they accept and
- Location of the publisher
1. Austin Macauley Publishers
Founded in 2006, Austin Macauley operates as a hybrid publisher and offers both traditional and partnership deals. They are open to new authors and a wide range of genres.
Location: US, UAE, UK
Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books
Go through their submission guidelines carefully.
2. Beacon Publishing Group
They are an independent publisher known for accepting first-time authors and offering traditional publishing contracts without upfront fees.
Location: USA
Focus: All genres
Everything you need to know about submitting your manuscript to them is broken down here.
3. Black Rose Books
They are a non-profit publisher with a well-known reputation for publishing radical and progressive nonfiction. They accept unsolicited manuscripts but charge a refundable reading fee.
Location: Canada
Focus: Social sciences, politics, philosophy, history.
Read the submission guidelines for Black Rose.
4. The Book Guild Publishing
They are a well-established independent publisher offering both traditional and hybrid publishing models. They are open to submissions from first-time authors.
Location: UK
Focus: Fiction, memoirs, biographies, nonfiction.
Learn more about their submission guidelines here.
5. Harlequin
One of the most established romance publishers globally, Harlequin has multiple imprints and regularly accepts unagented submissions across various lines.
Location: USA & Globally
Focus: Romance (and sub-genres like historical, suspense, inspirational)
Submit your romance novel to harlequin here.
6. Tor Publishing Group (Tor/Forge)
A leading figure in the speculative fiction genre, Tor occasionally accepts unagented submissions through its Tor.com portal for novellas and short fiction.
Location: USA
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction
View the submission guidelines here.
7. Aethon Books
They are a fast-growing independent publisher known for launching successful genre fiction, especially in the audiobook and Kindle markets. It is perfect for self-published authors who are interested in taking things to the next level.
Location: USA
Focus: Sci-fi, fantasy, LitRPG, progression fantasy
Submit your manuscript to Aethon Books here.
8. Podium Publishing
This is an audio-first publisher that partners with indie authors who have existing audiences. You are a great fit if you’ve already had some traction on platforms like Amazon, Wattpad, or Royal Road.
Location: USA
Focus: Audiobooks, sci-fi/fantasy, web-serial adaptations
Use this contact form to submit your work to podium publishing.
9. Portal Books
They are a boutique publisher for fantasy readers who love game-like progression and engaging challenges. They offer print, digital, and audiobook deals, often working hand in hand with Audible.
Location: USA
Focus: LitRPG, cultivation fantasy, progression fantasy
Access the Portal Books submission page here.
10. Dark Rose Press
They are a small press focused on audacious, passionate, and unparalleled romantic fiction. They run regular open calls and themed submission windows for novellas and short fiction.
Location: USA
Focus: Dark romance, fantasy, themed anthologies
Explore Dark Rose Press’s current open calls and submission details.
Bonus pick: one more publisher that welcome new authors
Favourite Books Publishing
Favourite Books Publishing is a leading book publishing company that helps new authors bring their books to life.
Their mission isn’t just to publish books, but to transform lives through the power of books.
The publishing house provides a welcoming environment where anyone with a story to tell can become a published author.
They offer services like transcription, helping individuals who may not be comfortable writing, turn their spoken words into a manuscript. This aligns perfectly with their goal of turning “ordinary people into authors.”
Also, they offer comprehensive support for authors to promote and launch their books profitably.
Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Book Publishing House
Here is a list of factors to consider when you are on the look for a publishing company to entrusts your work with:
- Genre Specialization
- Contract Terms
- Editorial Services
- Author Input and Control
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all the time. If you’re submitting to Big Five publishers(Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan), you almost always need an agent. However, many independent publishers and small presses accept direct submissions without literary agents.
Yes, if the publisher permits. Always check their submission guidelines. Some of them prefer exclusive submissions; this means you must wait for a response from them before sending it to other publishers.
It varies. Some publishers take between 4–8 weeks to respond, while others may take about 3–6 months (or more). If they don’t mention a timeline in their guidelines, you can follow up after 2–3 months.
Trends change, but many publishers are actively seeking submissions under niches like Romance (especially sub-genres), Fantasy/Sci-fi, Memoirs with a unique angle, Young Adult (YA) fiction, Nonfiction (self-help, business, wellness). You can also find this information on each publisher’s submission page.
Yes. Many international authors are published by UK/US publishers. As long as you follow their submission guidelines and write in English (or get translated), your location is not a major barrier to getting read globally.
Conclusion
Choosing the right book publishing house is the first success step for new authors looking to venture into the competitive world of book publishing.
When making your decision, you have to consider your preferences for royalties and fees, trust level, reviews, marketing and distribution, reputation and track record, and author support and resources. Also, genre specialization is another key thing to look out for as some book publishing houses may specialize in specific genres.
The above-discussed book publishing companies offer great editorial support, marketing, and distribution services to help authors succeed in the industry. However, as a writer, you have to make your own research. Remember, getting published is achievable, and Favourites books publishing is here to support you every step of the way as one of the best book publishers for new authors.
Start your publishing journey today with Favourites books publishing by contacting us and lets help you turn your writing dreams into a reality!
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