Sure, a book publisher prints and sells your book. But what they do behind the scenes encompasses much more than that. Publishers handle the entire publishing process for books, including:
Note that the structure of publishing companies may differ, depending on their size. Bigger book publishers may be made up of publishing houses which may, in turn, be made up of imprints — each of which will have its own brand identity in terms of the type of books it publishes.
However, regardless of a publisher’s size, the scope of their work shouldn’t change. Once you sign with a publisher, they will do everything that it takes to bring your book to market.
If we define success by sheer sales volume, then we might point towards the "Big 5" presses and educational publishers (who rake in a LOT of money). Over the past few decades, these giant publishing companies have merged with and acquired most of the mid-sized publishers in the industry. However, a few still remain. Here are today's biggest book publishing companies:
Together, these largest publishers dominate the publishing landscape. Countless beloved books come from their imprints, many of which you’ll find in our directory.
The rest of the publishing landscape is largely made up of small publishers, or independent publishers. Most big publishers don’t directly accept unsolicited submissions without a literary agent — but smaller publishers do, making them a realistic and worthwhile route to publication.
Congratulations! Now take a moment to thoroughly vet every publisher on your longlist. Scams are a dime a dozen in the publishing industry, and you want to make 100% sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate publishing company. Again, we strongly recommend reading this post and Writer Beware to know what red flags to watch out for.
When you’re confident in all of the publishers on your longlist, it’s time for the most nerve-wracking step: submitting your manuscript to them.
Check out our free resources if you’re feeling daunted by what comes next. Whether you’re learning how to research publishers or how to personalize a submission, we've got you covered.
For a writer, publishing their work is a dream come true. When you are ready to publish your work, the following list of children’s book publishers will be a great place to start. The following traditional publishing houses are recognized as some of the best in the industry. Some even don’t require literary agent representation.
Let’s look at the list and help you be on your way to becoming a published children’s book author!
Holiday HouseAddress: 50 Broad Street, #301 New York, New York 10004
Website: www.holidayhouse.com
Contact Information: 212-688-0085
First on our list of children’s book publishers is Holiday House. This publisher has brought to market many award-winning books for children and teens. They are also known for publishing books for emergent readers, comics, and graphic novels.
On their website, you will find Holiday House’s manuscript submission guidelines, which include submitting your illustrations if desired.
The publishers prefer you send a Word or PDF through email. They also accept snail mail submissions, but they don’t accept registered or certified mail.
The company makes a great effort to review each submission carefully and will respond within four months if interested.
Puffin BooksAddress: One, Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gdns, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BW, United Kingdom
Website: www.puffin.co.uk
Contact Information: +44 (0)20 7139 3000
Puffin Books is an imprint of one of the largest publishers in the world, Penguin Books.
Puffin Books focuses on publishing fiction and nonfiction books for children. The genre spans from true stories, poetry, animals, action and adventure to graphic novels and comics.
Similar to Penguin Random House, Puffin Books do not accept unsolicited manuscripts and require you to have a literary agent.
Simon & Schuster Children’s PublishingAddress: 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020-1513
Website: www.simonandschuster.com
Contact Information: 877-989-0009
Simon & Schuster has published award-winning children’s books for fiction and nonfiction audiences. They are interested in developing unique new talent and creating innovative trends. They suggest authors submit their manuscripts with the help of a literary agent.
This publisher provides various resources for aspiring authors through its partnership with Archway Publishing. It is important not to send unsolicited manuscripts as they will not return materials or artwork.
Ladybird BooksAddress: One, Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gdns, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BW, United Kingdom
Website: www.ladybird.co.uk
Contact Information: +44 (0)20 7139 3000
As an imprint within the family of Penguin Publishers, Ladybird produces mass-marketed children’s books.
The classic Ladybird book started as a pocket-sized hardback, with several versions becoming collector’s items. Ladybird Books partnered with Penguin Random House to produce books for adults and children.
Ladybird’s submission guidelines are the same as for Penguin. They do not accept unsolicited manuscripts and recommend working with a literary agent who will help you prepare a polished submission.
Pants on Fire PressAddress: 100441 Waterbird Way, Bradenton, Florida 34209
Website: www.pantsonfirepress.com
Contact Information: 863-546-0760
Pants on Fire Press are currently looking for books for middle-grade children, young adults, and adult fiction works. They prefer authors to engage their audience and build a strong following. The website has a list of criteria for book and manuscript submissions.
When submitting your manuscript to Pants on Fire Press, you don’t need an agent. But you should ensure that you sent your submission via email and are free from any artwork. They will only contact authors they are interested in.
Quirk BooksAddress: 215 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: www.quirkbooks.com
Contact Information: 215-627-3581
Quirk Books currently has closed its unsolicited submissions inbox. Once the inbox reopens, you can submit your manuscript for digital review only.
This publisher also encourages authors to work with an agent who can stay in direct communication with their editors.
As their name implies, Quirk Books searches for authors who can produce impacting stories that are a bit out of the norm. Their books include a variety of cultural topics, including celebrities, television, and movies.
Candlewick PressAddress: 99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: www.candlewick.com
Contact Information: 800-733-3000
Candlewick Press works independently among high-profile children’s book publishers. They have become one of the best publishing houses for children’s books. The company helps authors and illustrators get published after they submit their manuscripts via email.
Candlewick Press collaborates with digital content-delivery partners to bring well-illustrated e-books. Their authors have been recognized with industry awards and have landed on the New York Times best-selling list.
Unfortunately, they are currently not open for submissions and request that authors do not visit their office or send manuscripts.
Flashlight PressAddress: 527 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA
Website: www.flashlightpress.com
Contact Information: 718-288-8300
Flashlight Press focuses on fictional picture books for children. When submitting a manuscript, they prefer your book is created for 4 to 8 years old. Moreover, your book theme should deal with social or family topics. Unlike other publishers, you don’t need to work with an agent when submitting your manuscript.
Tip: When submitting your manuscript, ensure that you follow the format outlined on their website. Otherwise, they won’t consider your submission.
Flashlight Press will reply to you within one week of receiving your manuscript, and you will find out if they are interested within three months.
Chronicle BooksAddress: 680 Second Street, San Francisco, California 94107
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
Contact Information: 415-537-4200
Chronicle Books are passionate about keeping the magic of books alive for adults and children. They partner with a diverse list of writers, organizations, and artists to bring a culturally rich experience to every reader.
With their open submission policy, Chronicle Books invites authors and artists to share their creations for the potential to become part of their hardcovers and various innovative gift items.
Unsolicited manuscripts for children’s books are only accepted via email. They look for novels that are unique in style, illustrations, or subject matter. A proposal must be attached to your manuscript, which can take up to six months to review.
Allen and UnwinAddress: PO Box 8500, St Leonards, New South Wales, 1590, Australia
Website: www.allenandunwin.com
Contact Information: +61 284250100
Allen & Unwin has created a unique system called The Friday Pitch for authors to submit their manuscripts. On their website, you will find guidelines for different genres, including adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, crime fiction, and others.
Fun Fact: Allen & Unwin produces around 250 titles each year. They have won the 2020 Publisher of the Year Award and many other recognitions since 1992.
Tilbury House PublishersAddress: 12 Starr St, Thomaston, ME 04861
Website: www.tilburyhouse.com
Contact Information: 207-582-1899
Tilbury House Publishers provides books for children and adults. This independent publishing company started to expand its children’s books division in the early 1990s. Their published books bring forth a diverse list of subjects, including social justice, science, and mindfulness.
If you are an author that has created an innovative manuscript with an educational focus, Tilbury House is an excellent match for you. Authors can expect an open submissions policy and a six-month review process.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the books they have published to get an idea of the type of content they seek.
Little Tiger PressAddress: 189 Munster Rd, London SW6 6AW, United Kingdom
Website: www.littletiger.co.uk
Contact Information: +44 20 7385 6333
After more than 30 years as one of the most recognized children’s book publishers, Little Tiger Press offers a variety of captivating books for children and young adults. They produce various genres and formats, including picture or board novels for younger kids and novels for older readers.
In 2019 Little Tiger Press was bought by Penguin Random House. All submissions must follow Penguin’s guidelines, including submitting a proposal with your manuscript. Moreover, the company prefers you work with a literary agent.
Levine Querido (formerly Arthur A. Levine Books)Address: 34 Newark St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
Website: www.levinequerido.com
Contact Information: 800-759-0190
Recognized as the publisher of some of the world’s finest books, including The Little Toy Maker and Creature, Levine Querido strives to give authors a voice. Levine Querido seeks strong storytelling that touches on delicate topics, including deep human emotions and cultural issues.
The company is open to unsolicited submissions and seeks to target authors from underrepresented backgrounds. They request authors to submit their manuscript accompanied by a query letter that highlights the content’s strengths.
Flying Eye BooksAddress: 27 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
Website: www.flyingeyebooks.com
Contact Information: +44 0207 033 4430
When submitting your manuscript to Flying Eye Books, your content should match their values. They are looking for picture books and nonfiction illustrated children’s books. The company accepts manuscripts via email only with an attachment that includes a short summary of the story.
Many of their books have been translated into multiple languages to reach a worldwide audience. They value creating wonderment in children and thus seek innovative books such as the award-winning series by Luke Pearson called Hildafolk.
Bear PressAddress: 130 Pen Y Bryn, Caerphilly CF83 2LA, UK
Website: www.bearpress.uk
Contact Information: 029 2236 2256
With various published titles such as Happy Harry’s World Turns Up-Side-Down and Chirp and Find, Bear Press has become a strong player among children’s book publishers.
Bear Press wants to help new authors launch their creative works. They have partnered with Lightning Source, who are book distribution experts. The company also has a dedicated marketing team that will help your book become a success.
To submit your manuscript, you must send it with a synopsis of the entire project. A cover letter is optional but highly recommended.
Expert Tip: The company is highly particular in the submission format. On their website, there’s a link to the publisher’s presentation guidelines.
Arbordale PublishingAddress: 612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Website: www.arbordalepublishing.com
Contact Information: 843-971-6722
Arbordale Publishing’s mission is to provide exciting books about math and science in a fun story format. They seek fiction or narrative nonfiction stories that combine an educational twist. So, if your content is the kind that inspires parents and children to read together, then Arbordale Publishing could be a great partner.
Your manuscript must be fun to read, relate to science and math, and pass specific marketing and subject matter guidelines. There are other submission requirements, so make sure that you check Arbordale Publishing’s website before submitting your manuscript.
Free Spirit PublishingAddress: P.O. Box 1040, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Website: www.freespirit.com
Contact Information: 714-891-2273
If you write inspirational content, Free Spirit Publishing could publish your work.
For over 40 years, Free Spirit Publishing has brought content to children and young adults that help them become strong individuals.
This unique publishing company provides self-help books that are both educational and heart-warming. The books they publish often center around topics such as anger control and conflict resolution.
Ready to submit? You are also required to submit the following:
Keep in mind that they process submissions between two to six months.
One Step CloserHopefully, after reading this list of children’s book publishers, you have a better idea of publishing houses accepting children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, and middle-grade fiction books.
Interested in writing children’s literature that young readers will love? Check our guide on how to write a children’s book.
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