If you’ve been querying agents for a while, you know that finding representation can be more challenging than finding a publisher. You’ve likely been searching for an agent because most publishers, namely corporate publishers that can offer authors a substantial advance against royalties, don’t generally accept unagented submissions. But several independent and university presses welcome submissions directly from authors.

Here is a list of publishers that don’t just accept unsolicited submissions; they also offer what I think is the best prize of all: publication of your work in book form. Some include an advance and/or cash award in addition to publication. A few have deadlines coming up in January or February, but there’s still time to apply.

"Ask the Editor” was a column that published on Jane Friedman’s website in 2022-2023 for writers’ questions about the editing process and editors themselves. It also featured first-page critiques. My critiques for this column will give you a sense of my writing style and editorial approach.

Photo by Alice AliNari