11 Australian fantasy publishers accepting manuscript submissions in May 2025

My worldwide list of fantasy publishers can be found here, while my science fiction publishers list is located here.

An all too common experience for Australian fantasy writers is looking for a publisher, only to see the "we are not currently accepting fantasy novels" in the fine print. Thankfully, many Australian publishers do accept fantasy submissions, so if you have a fantasy manuscript ready to go, then this list is for you!

While all the publishers listed below are Australian, many will accept manuscripts from overseas writers and the vast majority accept submissions from our writer friends over in New Zealand. I also update this list every month so please subscribe to my newsletter if you'd like to be notified of the latest Australian publishers accepting fantasy submissions.

Don’t forget to check out my developmental editing services or pre-querying package if you want to make sure your novel is in top shape before you send it to a publisher for consideration. I offer a variety of services to suit all budgets, from writers looking for the standard developmental editing experience to those seeking high-level feedback with a quick turnaround time.

1. Pan Macmillan Australia

   Pan Macmillan Australia is committed to investing in Australian authors and publishes a variety of bestselling books.
   Genre: Middle grade, young adult, commercial and literary fiction. For nonfiction, they're interested in narrative nonfiction, contemporary issues, memoir, history, true crime, lifestyle, health, and mind, body & spirit.
   Word count: Not stated.

2. Hague Publishing

   Hague Publishing is an independent Australian publisher of science fiction and fantasy. Please note that they publish work by Australian and New Zealand authors.
   Genre: Science fiction and fantasy.
   Word count: 30,000 to 80,000 words but they will consider works outside of this range.

3. Affirm Press

   Affirm Press is an independent Melbourne-based publisher dedicated to publishing Australian stories and ideas. Please note they only accept submissions from Australian authors or authors based in Australia.
   Genre: Literary and genre fiction as well as nonfiction that is engaging and entertaining.
   Word count: Novel-length work.

4. HQ

   HQ, a boutique division under HarperCollins, publishes a broad range of fiction.
   Genre: Adult genre and upmarket fiction. They also accept memoirs.
   Word count: At least 70,000 words.

5. Affirm Press

   Affirm Press is an independent Melbourne-based publisher dedicated to publishing Australian stories and ideas. Please note they only accept submissions from Australian authors or authors based in Australia.
   Please note they accept manuscripts for their kids publishing program on Monday 2 December and Monday 2 June. You'll find these on my publishing lists the month before as well so you don't miss the deadline!
   Genre: Literary and genre fiction as well as nonfiction that is engaging and entertaining.
   Word count: Novel-length work.

6. MidnightSun Publishing

   MidnightSun Publishing grew from a disenchantment with the established publishing houses in Australia. They want their readers to be entertained and accept manuscript submissions in the first week of every month.
   Genre: Fiction and nonfiction. They also accept picture books, middle grade and young adult novels.
   Word count: Not stated.

7. New Dawn Publishing

   New Dawn Publishing is an independent publisher of speculative fiction based in Perth, Western Australia.
   Genre: Speculative fiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

8. Allen & Unwin

   Allen & Unwin are an Australian-owned and operated publisher. They were named 2023 Publisher of the Year and have won the title twelve times since 2000! They accept submissions every Friday during their The Friday Pitch sessions.
   Genre: Adult literary and genre fiction, nonfiction and illustrated books. Fiction. They are not currently interested in adult high fantasy and science fiction but do accept other fantasy manuscripts.
   Word count: Full length works.

9. JOAN Press

   JOAN Press is a new imprint from Allen & Unwin that publishes work pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating space for marginalized voices. JOAN seeks stories that find joy in resistance and humor in adversity.
   Genre: Literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
   Word count: Not stated.

10. Text Publishing

    Text Publishing is an independent Melbourne-based publisher of fiction and nonfiction. They accept submissions from citizens or residents of Australia and New Zealand.
    Genre: Genre fiction, including crime, thriller, erotica, fantasy, paranormal, historical, romance, LGBTQIA+, young adult, and middle grade. For nonfiction, they accept biography, memoir, essays, film, history, humour, philosophy, politics, religion, science, environment, relationships, society, culture, sport, travel and war.
    Word count: 10,000-120,000 words.

11. Oceaniacom Pty Ltd

    Oceaniacom Pty Ltd is all about "making waves" (yes, that is an ocean pun they use on their website!) and turning wild ideas into successful books.
    Genre: Literary fiction and genre fiction, including science fiction, romance, comedy, thriller, horror, slice of life, fairy tale, young adult and LGBTIQA+.
    Word count: Not stated.

Best of luck with your manuscript submissions! If you want to ensure your manuscript is in the best position to be accepted, check out my developmental editing services, pre-querying package or my free writing advice.