A common complaint: It takes too long to publish a novel via traditional publishing.
First you have to find an agent, then that agent has to find you a publisher, and none of the publishers or agents take simultaneous submissions, so all this takes years.
In fact that is not true. You can use an agent or not. Even most of the “Big Five Publishers” have imprints that accept direct submissions. And many agents and many publishers are now fine with simultaneous submissions. Some even encourage you to simultaneously submit. They just ask that if your book is accepted elsewhere that you notify them of this fact.
Below is a list of some of the many publishers that allow simultaneous submissions. Not all of them are currently open to submissions but most are. None of them require agents.
The list is in no particular order.
Turner publishes books in a wide range of categories and formats—fiction and non-fiction. They publish mainly in print but have electronic options as well. They are a major independent publishing house that has a number of imprints.
Platypus Press is a publisher of prose and poetry. They are a new publisher based out of the UK.
3. Dial Books For Young Readers
Dial Books For Young Readers publishes hardcover books aimed at children of all ages, including young adults. They are an imprint of Penguin that accepts unsolicited submissions.
This large independent publisher is based out of New York. They publish a wide variety of mainstream fiction and nonfiction books, with a particular focus on romance. They publish an average of 600 books a year, so they accept a lot more submissions than most independent publishers.
Free Spirit Publishing is an established publisher with good distribution. They publish primarily nonfiction, mostly curriculum based, where they have a number of niche focuses.
Chicago Review Press was founded over 40 years ago. They are an established independent publisher of literary fiction, nonfiction and memoir. They also publish books for children (but not picture books). They were founded by Curt Matthews and his wife, Linda Matthews. Curt was the former editor of the literary journal the Chicago Review.
This Philadelphia based press publishes just 25 books a year in a whole range of genres, including children’s books, nonfiction, and science fiction. Unlike most publishers that tackle a large range of topics, Quirk books has a clear marketing plan and to a certain degree their books have a cohesive feel, because they all are quirky.
Chronicle is an established and respected publisher of children’s books, cookbooks, gift books, anthologies, and various other books, most containing a strong visual element.
Soft Skull Press is a small publisher of literary fiction and nonfiction based out of California. They publish a wide variety of quirky and well written work. They have published a number of well known authors, including Maggie Nelson.
Holiday House is an established and reputable children’s book publisher. Holiday House has been around for over 75 years. They publish picture books as well as books aimed at children grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7 and up. They are based out of New York City. They have published many well known books and authors, including Kenneth Grahame. The books that they have published have won numerous respected awards and honors.
Persea Books is an independent book publisher based out of New York that was established in the 1970s. Since then they have gained a reputation for publishing thoughtful books in a variety of literary genres. They have an extensive catalog and fairly good distribution. You can often find their books in bookstores, libraries, schools, and universities. They are not interested in popular fiction, children’s books, textbooks, self-help books, genre work, social science or psychology books. They respond within eight weeks if they are interested.e
