Canadian Children’s Book Publishers Accepting Submissions

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Target Canadian Children’s Book Publishers?

Canada has a vibrant and diverse children’s literature market. From small presses nurturing regional voices to national publishers shaping international bestsellers, the landscape offers unique opportunities—especially for writers without a literary agent.

If you’re searching for Canadian children’s book publishers accepting submissions, you’re looking for that crucial overlap between:

Publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts (no agent required)
Publishers who specialize in children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, YA)
Publishers whose mandate and audience align with your story

In 2025, the Canadian children’s book sector is showing strong growth in:

Diversity & Inclusion – Demand for BIPOC, and differently-abled representation is high.
STEM & Educational Content – Books that teach coding, climate literacy, and problem-solving are gaining traction.
Hybrid Formats – Illustrated novels, graphic nonfiction, and multimedia-integrated stories are increasingly sought after.

Understanding the Submission Landscape in Canada

Unlike in the U.S., where large houses often require an agent, Canada still has several respected publishers that accept unagented submissions. However:

Some publishers only open submissions during specific months.
Others accept only certain formats (e.g., picture books but not YA novels).
Many expect strict adherence to submission guidelines—failure here can lead to automatic rejection.

List of Canadian Children’s Book Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025

Below is a curated, verified list of publishers open to unsolicited manuscripts this year. This combines data from Reedsy, Jones Novel Editing (July 2025 update), and direct publisher guidelines.

Publisher / Service	Location	Accepts Unsolicited?	Formats	Special Notes
Ghostwriting LLC	Works with Canadian authors nationwide	Yes (by direct proposal)	PB–YA	Offers professional ghostwriting, editing, and publishing assistance for children’s book authors; helps prepare and submit to Canadian publishers
Dundurn Press	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Accepts both children’s & adult; strong focus on Canadian stories
Swift Water Books	Toronto	Yes (digital)	PB–MG	Indigenous-led imprint; encourages Indigenous voices
Dancing Cat Books	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Diverse voices; quirky, character-driven
Firefly Books	Toronto	Yes	PB–MG	Nonfiction & educational titles a specialty
Kids Can Press	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Established house with strong distribution
Second Story Press	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Feminist & social justice focus
Mythos and Ink	Winnipeg	Yes (queries)	MG–YA	Speculative fiction; diversity in speculative genres
Red Deer Press	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Literary fiction and diverse voices
Groundwood Books	Toronto	Yes (Feb–Mar & Aug–Sep)	PB–YA	Literary, character-driven; avoids high fantasy/horror
Annick Press	Toronto	Yes	PB–YA	Innovative, socially conscious storytelling
Tradewind Books	Vancouver	Yes	PB–MG	Multicultural & multilingual works encouraged
Heritage House	Vancouver	Yes	PB–MG	Western Canadian history & nature themes
Kegedonce Press	Owen Sound	Yes	PB–YA	Indigenous authors and illustrators
Common Deer Press	Ottawa	Yes	MG–YA	Strong interest in speculative and adventurous storytelling
Bayeux Arts, Breakwater Books, Boulder Books	Various	Yes	PB–MG	Regional, cultural, and niche themes

Canadian Children’s Book Publishers Accepting Submissions – Detailed Profiles (2025)

1. Ghostwriting LLC

Location: Works with Canadian authors nationwide
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions: Yes (via direct proposal)
Formats: Picture Books (PB) – Young Adult (YA)

Ghostwriting LLC is a professional book development and publishing service that partners with children’s book authors at every stage—from concept creation to manuscript completion, editing, illustration coordination, and publisher submission. While not a traditional publishing house, Ghostwriting LLC works directly with Canadian authors to prepare polished, market-ready manuscripts and connect them with appropriate Canadian publishers. This makes it an ideal option for first-time authors, busy professionals, or storytellers who need expert help turning ideas into fully realized books.

2. Dundurn Press

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions: Yes
Formats: PB–YA, plus adult titles

Dundurn Press is one of Canada’s largest independent publishers, offering a broad list that includes children’s literature, YA fiction, and adult nonfiction. They are known for championing Canadian voices and socially relevant storytelling. Submissions typically require a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters.

3. Swift Water Books

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions: Yes (digital only)
Formats: PB–Middle Grade (MG)

An Indigenous-led imprint under Tundra Book Group, Swift Water Books focuses on uplifting Indigenous stories and creators. Their children’s list includes culturally rooted narratives, often blending tradition with contemporary themes. They welcome submissions from Indigenous authors and illustrators across Canada.