The conventional wisdom says you need an agent. For the major UK publishing houses, such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan, that’s true. But the children’s publishing landscape is broader than the blockbuster publishers, and there are independent publishers who actively want to hear from unagented writers.
It’s good to note that this is updated in June 2026, but that submissions policies change constantly and without warning. Publishers might close their submission windows temporarily if they’re overwhelmed, or they might decide to close permanently. So always check the publisher’s website directly before submitting, as things may have shifted.
A note on what “unsolicited” actually means
An unsolicited submission is one sent directly to a publisher without a literary agent. It does not mean your submission will be unwelcome, as the publishers listed here actively accept them. What it does mean is that the work an agent does for on behalf of its authors – identifying fit, presenting your work professionally, filtering for readiness – is now your responsibility. Read each publisher’s catalogue before submitting. Understand their list. Submit only where your book genuinely belongs. A picture book sent to a publisher who only takes middle grade, or a submission that ignores the guidelines, will not be read.
Publishers currently open to unsolicited submissions
Owlet Press A small independent publisher championing diverse creators. They publish picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels, with a particular current interest in the latter two. Their submission requirements are specific, so read the guidelines carefully before submitting.
O’Brien Press Worth including with an important caveat: O’Brien Press is an Irish publisher, based in Dublin, not a UK house. If you’re submitting from the UK that’s not a barrier, as they consider all authors, but they do note a preference for Irish authors for events and promotional purposes. They accept manuscripts for all age groups from picture books to YA.
Wacky Bee Books A small UK independent linked to The Writers’ Advice Centre for Children’s Books. They accept unsolicited manuscript submissions by email. They note a preference for authors who have used manuscript appraisal services, though they are open to direct submissions too.
Lantana Publishing An independent publisher with a clear and consistent identity: Lantana believes every child should be able to see themselves in the books they read. They publish picture books and middle grade fiction with a strong focus on diversity and underrepresented voices. Picture book submissions should be over 4,000 words. They are one of the more respected names in inclusive children’s publishing and their list is worth studying before submitting.
Post Wave Children’s Books A newer independent publisher with an international outlook and a stated mission to make every child a reader. They welcome proposals for pre-school books, picture books, activity books, and nonfiction. They are not currently looking for middle grade or YA. Their submission requirements are detailed (a cover letter, target audience analysis, sample content, and biography), so read the guidelines carefully before submitting. They also run the Post Wave Prize for Illustration, worth knowing about if you’re an illustrator.
Flying Eye Books The children’s imprint of Nobrow, a respected visual publishing house. They produce high-quality illustrated picture books and graphic novels. They prefer author-illustrators and non-rhyming texts. Make sure to read through their submission guidelines carefully, and then submit a PDF via email. If you haven’t heard back within six weeks, assume it’s a no.
New Frontier Publishing An independent publisher with a focus on picture books and junior fiction, with a stated aim to inspire, educate, and uplift children. They accept unsolicited manuscripts via a submissions form on their website and aim to read everything they receive, though response times can be up to four months. Picture books should be under 600 words; junior fiction ranges from 5,000 to 55,000 words depending on the age group. Browse their catalogue before submitting, as they have a clear editorial identity and knowing it will strengthen your submission.
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books A Quarto imprint publishing high-quality picture books, poetry, and nonfiction celebrating diversity and the natural world. Use Quarto’s standard submission guidelines, which apply across all their imprints. Read these carefully before submitting.
Dinosaur Books A small independent with a clear editorial identity: they are looking for uncommon story settings and fast-paced adventure fiction for children aged 5–12. No picture books and no rhyming texts. Submit the first three chapters and a synopsis by email. They’re currently also looking for illustration submissions. Education yourself on what they’re looking for (and what they’re NOT looking for) on their submissions page to make sure it’s a good fit.
Polish that manuscript
Submitting directly to a publisher requires you to do to some ground work, because there is no intermediary filtering for fit before your work reaches an editor’s desk. The writers who succeed through direct submission tend to be the ones who have done their homework, who know the publisher’s list, who have followed the guidelines exactly, and whose manuscript is as polished as they can make it before it leaves their hands.
Good luck! And if you’re spotting any gaps in this article – UK publishers we’ve missed – please let us know.
Further reading: