This guide lists the best, active book publishing companies in New York City. It shows what they publish, whether they accept unagented submissions, and how to reach each house. Use it to shortlist the right fit fast.
Top picks at a glance
- Penguin Random House – giant trade publisher with many NYC imprints. Agented only. About PRH
- Simon & Schuster – flagship HQ in Midtown. Mostly agented. Locations
- Hachette Book Group – home to Little, Brown, Orbit, Workman. Mostly agented. NY office
- Macmillan Publishers – Tor, St. Martin’s, Henry Holt. Mostly agented. Contact
- W. W. Norton – large independent trade and academic publisher. Often agented. Site
Major trade publishers in NYC
These are the largest New York trade publishers. Most require a literary agent for unsolicited fiction and general nonfiction.
| Publisher | Focus | Unagented? | NYC base | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguin Random House | Broad trade list across 300+ imprints | No – agented for trade | Headquartered in NYC | About PRH |
| Simon & Schuster | Fiction and nonfiction, many imprints | Typically no | 1230 Avenue of the Americas | Locations |
| Hachette Book Group | Little, Brown; Grand Central; Orbit; Workman | Typically no | 1290 Avenue of the Americas | Press & Publicity |
| Macmillan Publishers | Tor, St. Martin’s, Henry Holt, Picador | Typically no | Multiple NYC offices | Contact |
| W. W. Norton | Trade nonfiction, literary fiction, textbooks | Often agented | 500 Fifth Avenue | Site |
| Scholastic | Children’s and education | Open only via specific calls or programs | 557 Broadway | HQ address |
Why these matter: scale, distribution, and deep imprint variety. Example confirmations of NYC presence and contacts are available on each linked page.
Independent and literary presses
These active New York independents lean literary, arts-driven, or genre-specific. Policies change, so always confirm before submitting.
| Press | Strengths | Unagented? | NYC base | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grove Atlantic | Literary fiction, nonfiction, Roxane Gay Books | No – agented preferred | W. 14th St. | FAQ |
| Soho Press | Literary, crime, YA | Currently closed to unagented | Manhattan | Submissions |
| New Directions | Literary, poetry, translation | Periodically accepts | 80 Eighth Ave | Contact |
| Kensington | Commercial fiction, romance, mystery | Yes – email query | Midtown East | Submission guidelines |
| Skyhorse | Broad nonfiction, genre lists | Varies by imprint | W. 36th St. | Contact |
| Melville House | Literary fiction, politics, translation | Often agented | John St., Brooklyn | Site |
| Akashic Books | Crime, literary, anthologies | Check current policy | 3rd St., Brooklyn | Contact |
| Archipelago Books | Literature in translation | Periodic windows | 3rd St., Brooklyn | Contact |
| Seven Stories Press | Political nonfiction, fiction | Selective – see guidelines | Watts St. | Company info |
| Verso Books | Radical politics, criticism | Digital proposals | DUMBO, Brooklyn | Guidelines |
| powerHouse Books | Photography, visual culture | Proposal program | Adams St., Brooklyn | Submissions |
| Ugly Duckling Presse | Poetry, chapbooks, translation | Calls open intermittently | American Can Factory, Brooklyn | Submissions |
Children’s and illustrated publishers in NYC
- Holiday House – long-running children’s list. Accepts unsolicited by mail and email. FAQ and submissions
- Lee & Low Books – diverse children’s publisher with contests for new voices. Guidelines
- ABRAMS – leading illustrated publisher with strong kids imprints. Contact
- POW! Kids Books – children’s list from powerHouse. Email submissions accepted. Submissions
- Enchanted Lion – acclaimed picture books; check status before submitting. Contact
Academic and university presses in NYC
Academic projects often start with a proposal rather than a full manuscript.
| Press | Strengths | Proposal route | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University Press | Humanities, social sciences, area studies | Email a targeted proposal to the right editor | Manuscript submissions |
| NYU Press | Social science, culture, law | Email proposal to a single editor | Contact & author resources |
| Fordham University Press | Humanities, urban studies, religion | Email proposal to acquisitions | Proposal submissions |
| Oxford University Press USA | Wide academic list with NYC office | Proposal by discipline to OUP | US contact |
| Bloomsbury USA (Academic) | Humanities, visual arts, education | Subject-specific proposal channels | NY office |
How to choose the right NYC publisher
- Match the list – shortlist houses that publish books like yours. Review catalog pages and imprint scopes.
- Submission doorway – many trade houses require an agent. Children’s and some indies may allow direct queries during open windows.
- Distribution – strong distribution helps sales. Learn the basics in our distribution guide.
- Timeline and goals – traditional timelines can be long. If you need speed or control, compare with self-publishing.
- Platform readiness – plan web and email early. See our author website tips.
Submission and agent tips
Most large NYC trade houses work through agents. Many indie and children’s presses publish open guidelines. For academic presses, lead with a strong proposal.
- Follow each house’s posted rules. See examples: Kensington, Holiday House, CUP.
- Query only one editor or imprint at a time unless the site says otherwise.
- Keep the package clean: 1-page query, short synopsis, sample chapters if allowed.
- If agented, aim for houses that fit your genre. Learn the trade path in our traditional publishing overview.
Service spotlight: WriteLight Group can review your pitch and tailor a submission list for NYC houses. See our services.
FAQs
Do I need an agent to publish with a major NYC house?
Usually yes. Big trade publishers like PRH, S&S, Hachette, and Macmillan rely on agented submissions. Check each imprint’s policy pages before querying.
Which NYC presses accept unagented work?
Several independents and children’s presses consider direct queries. Examples include Kensington’s email-query process and Holiday House’s guidelines. Policies change, so confirm the linked pages first.
Are these publishers active today?
Yes. The companies listed above maintain current NYC offices or operations and update their sites with contact information and policies.
How do academic presses want proposals?
Target the correct editor with a concise proposal. Include audience, competing titles, table of contents, and sample chapters. See Columbia, NYU, and Fordham links above for specifics.
Last updated: 2025-10-10
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