Navigating Independent Publishing: How to Find the Right Company Without a Literary Agent

When you have a manuscript ready for publication and you're considering independent publishing, it's crucial to find the right company that will accept your work without requiring representation by a literary agency. This process, while daunting, can be streamlined with the right resources and preparation. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to find an independent publishing company that suits your needs.

1. Utilizing Writer's Resources to Your Advantage

One of the best ways to identify reputable independent publishing companies is to refer to resources like Writer’s Market. These directories provide comprehensive information about publishing companies, including the genres they accept and whether they require literary agents for submission. By consulting such resources, you can save valuable time and avoid wasting efforts on companies that are not a good fit.

How to Use Writer's Market: Locate the publisher’s listing in Writer’s Market. Learn what genres they accept. Check if an agent is required for submission.

2. Directly Visiting the Publishing Company’s Website

Another effective method is to go straight to the publishing company’s website. Most companies will have specific submission guidelines detailing whether they require agents or if unsolicited manuscripts are accepted. It's important to note that even if they accept direct submissions, a query letter is almost always necessary. Ignoring these guidelines can result in your manuscript being discarded.

What to Look for on a Publishing Company’s Website: Submission guidelines. Preferred genres. Contact information for direct submissions.

3. Aligning with the Market and Publishers’ Focus

It's not enough to just have a manuscript ready; it's equally important to ensure your book aligns with the market and the publishing company's focus. To do this, read similar books and identify the publishers that publish them. Visit their websites and explore their author submission guidelines.

For example, if your book is a fantasy novel, check if the company predominantly publishes literary fiction or detective thrillers. A company that specializes in literary fiction may not be the best fit for a fantasy novel, despite accepting unagented submissions.

4. Using the Writers and Artists Yearbook (or Similar Directory)

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can purchase a copy of the "Writers and Artists Yearbook" (or a similar directory available in the US). This book provides a detailed list of publishers, allowing you to carefully select those that publish the type of work you have written. Narrow down your list based on the current status of each publisher (accepting queries, not accepting queries, etc.).

5. Understanding the Landscape of Independent Publishing

It's essential to understand that there are various independent publishing companies that accept direct submissions from authors without the need for a literary agent. Some smaller or independent publishers exclusively accept unagented submissions, while larger publishing houses may have specific imprints or submission portals dedicated to unsolicited manuscripts.

To find the right company, research publishers that align with the genre and style of your work. Carefully review their submission guidelines to ensure your manuscript meets their criteria. Keep in mind that the submission process can vary widely between publishers, so it's crucial to follow their instructions closely.

Key Takeaways: Use resources like Writer’s Market to find publishers. Visit the publisher’s website for specific submission guidelines. Ensure your book aligns with the publisher’s focus and market. Consider the resources available in the "Writers and Artists Yearbook." Research publishers that align with your work's genre and style.