9 Digital Imprints of Major Publishers Accepting Submissions — No agent required
Did you know that you can get published by a major publisher without an agent? Under normal circumstances, the doors of major publishers are closed to unagented writers. But with the advent of the digital revolution, major publishers are seeing the possibility of making sales without much outlay. Publishers still have to edit ebooks and hire graphic designers for covers, but they don’t have to spend anything on printing costs, at least not initially.
The advantage of digital first imprints with major publishers is that they can lead to print runs, provided the ebook sells well. You also get the advantage of having been published by a major publisher, which gives you significant bragging rights. In addition, if your first ebook does reasonably well, you can continue with the publisher.
All of these are traditional publishers.
For a list of over 150 publishers that don’t require an agent click HERE.
Forever Yours is a digital-only imprint of Grand Central Publishing, which is part of Hachette Book Group. Forever Yours publishes new works as well as backlist titles from its nine-year-old Forever imprint. The imprint publishes two to four e-book titles a month. What they are looking for: Forever Yours is currently accepting romance submissions from all subgenres, including but not limited to: contemporary, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, western, historical, inspirational, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, futuristic, urban fantasy, steampunk, time-travel, and erotica. How to submit: They are accepting novella length works (8,000–35,000 words), as well as longer works from 35,000–100,000 words.
Tor Teen is an imprint of Tor/Forge, which is an imprint of Macmillan. Tor is one of the top sci-fi/fantasy publishers in the world, but they also publish general fiction for young adults. Since Tor Teen launched in 2003, they have published fiction by Cory Doctorow, Brandon Sanderson, Kendare Blake, David Lubar, Veronica Rossi, Susan Dennard, and Kristen Simmons, among others. Submissions: Tor’s guidelines are quite detailed. Make sure you follow them to the letter, otherwise your submission will not be read. See their submission guidelines here.
Tor/Forge is an imprint of Macmillan. They publish Science fiction and fantasy, Fiction of all other types including but not limited to general fiction, historical fiction, horror, mystery, paranormal, suspense/thriller, urban fantasy, and women’s fiction, Children’s and Young Adult. They also have a Children’s and Young Adult Division for middle grade, and young adult audiences. They do not publish picture books. See their submission guidelines here.
Avon Impulse (UK) is a is a division of HarperCollins. They publish Romance. Avon Impulse (digital first) wants full-length novels of approximately 50–60,000 words. Formatting choices are up to you. If they can read it, you can submit it. No need to submit to a specific editor. If a specific editor has requested your manuscript, please let them know and they’ll get it to her. No need to submit to specific imprint, either; you’ll work with the same editorial team. Response time: You should receive an answer either way in about three months. See submission instructions HERE.
Carina Press is one of Harlequin’s digital-first adult fiction single-title imprints, publishing first in digital, with releases in audio and print as well. Carina Press publishes a wide range of adult fiction genres and features books from talented authors in all genres, including romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and more. What they are looking for: All subgenres of romance with all levels of sensuality, from the very sweet to the incredibly erotic, featuring couples (or multiples) from all walks of life and sexual orientation, including same-sex romances. They publish novels and novellas. How to submit: Please submit queries for only completed, fully polished manuscripts, unless previously arranged otherwise with an editor. If a response has not been received after 12 weeks, please follow-up via your submittable account by adding a note to your submission log. Read full guidelines HERE.
DAW Books Inc., a division of Penguin, accepts work directly from novelists.They are looking for unsolicited submissions of science fiction and fantasy novels. They do not consider short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry. The average length of the novels they publish is almost never fewer than 80,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.
Versify is a new imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Versify was started by author Kwame Alexander. He is looking for books that edify, electrify, and exemplify the wonders and woes of childhood. Part of their mission is to publish writers whose voices haven’t been heard before. For complete submission details go HERE.
SMP Swerve is the digital first imprint of St. Martin’s Press. They want all sub-genres of romance. Manuscripts must be between 25,000 and 100,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.
Loveswept and Flirt are two digital imprints of Random House. They want romance. “Digital authors will have a complete and unique publishing package. Every book will be assigned to an accomplished Random House editor and a dedicated marketer and publicist. Not only do our authors benefit from working with the finest cover designers to ensure irresistibly eye-catching books, but they are also offered the unique advantage of social media tools and training that will allow them to connect directly with their readers.” For complete submission details go HERE.
Like this article? For more articles about the publishing world, useful tips on how to get an agent, agents who are looking for clients, how to market and promote your work, building your online platform, how to get reviews, self-publishing, as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers (no agent required) visit Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.
