A smaller, independent publishing house that typically specializes in specific genres or literary fiction and offers a more personal author experience.
A small press is an independent publisher that operates on a smaller scale than the Big Five conglomerates. They usually have a focused catalog, often specializing in a particular genre, literary fiction, poetry, or regional writing. What they lack in marketing budgets and distribution reach, they often make up for in editorial attention, creative risk-taking, and genuine enthusiasm for their authors' work. Many small presses accept unagented submissions, which makes them an accessible entry point for debut authors.
Small presses publish some of the most interesting, boundary-pushing work in fiction. If your book is too literary for commercial publishers or too niche for a Big Five imprint to justify the investment, a small press might be the perfect fit. They're also a real option for authors who want the editorial support and legitimacy of traditional publishing without navigating the agent-query-submission gauntlet.
Published by Bloomsbury (technically mid-size but operates with small-press sensibility in many markets). Won the Women's Prize and became a bestseller, proving that smaller publishers can produce massive hits.
Published by Tor Books (a Macmillan imprint, but Klune's earlier works came through small presses). His journey shows how small press publication can build the readership that leads to bigger deals.
Published by Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This debut short story collection became a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 pick, demonstrating how smaller imprints can launch major literary careers.
Some of the most acclaimed books in literary fiction come from small presses. Research their catalogs before judging. Many small presses have won or been nominated for major awards.
Check whether they pay advances (even small ones), how they handle rights, and what their contract terms look like. Look up their authors and ask about their experiences. Avoid presses that charge you fees to publish.
Small presses typically can't get you into every Barnes & Noble or land you a spot on morning television. Set realistic expectations and be prepared to do significant self-promotion.
Search for five small presses that publish in your genre. For each one, find their submission guidelines, check whether they accept unagented submissions, look at their recent releases, and note any awards their books have received. Rank them by how well they match your work and aesthetic. This is the beginning of a targeted submission list.