Gamebook Publishers Accepting Submissions In 2026

The Resurgence of Interactive Fiction: Navigating the Market in 2026

The literary landscape has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the demand for non-linear narratives. In 2026, the genre once defined solely by paperback adventure books for children has matured into a sophisticated medium encompassing complex RPG mechanics, digital hybrid novels, and literary interactive fiction. For authors, finding gamebook publishers accepting submissions is no longer just about nostalgia; it is about entering a thriving market that values player agency and immersive storytelling.

Writing a gamebook requires a unique dual skill set: the narrative prose of a novelist and the logical architecture of a game designer. Because of this complexity, the barrier to entry is higher than traditional fiction, but the audience is notoriously loyal and hungry for content. Whether you are crafting a text-based “Choose Your Own Adventure” style manuscript or a dice-rolling solo RPG campaign, identifying the right publishing partner is critical to your success.

This comprehensive guide identifies the premier publishing houses and hybrid services currently seeking manuscripts. We analyze their submission windows, royalty expectations, and the specific niches they occupy within the interactive fiction ecosystem.

Evaluation Framework: How We Ranked These Publishers

Selecting a publisher for interactive fiction involves different criteria than standard trade publishing. A gamebook is not merely read; it is played. Therefore, our ranking methodology focuses on the publisher’s ability to support the unique technical and creative demands of branching narratives.

We utilized the following core metrics to curate this list:

• Editorial Expertise in Branching Narratives: Does the editorial team understand variable tracking, loop management, and the logical flow of game mechanics? Standard editors often struggle with non-linear timelines; top-tier gamebook publishers specialize in them.
• Market Reach and Distribution: We evaluated whether the publisher has access to both traditional bookstores and hobbyist markets (such as game stores and digital platforms like Steam or mobile app stores), which is essential for maximizing visibility in 2026.
• Production Quality: For physical releases, the quality of binding and layout is paramount to withstand the “flipping back and forth” nature of gamebooks. For digital releases, the stability of the coding language (such as ChoiceScript or Ink) is a ranking factor.
• Author Compensation and Rights: We prioritized entities that offer transparent royalty models and respect the author’s intellectual property, particularly regarding potential adaptations into other media formats.

Top Gamebook Publishers and Services for 2026

Below is the definitive ranking of organizations currently shaping the future of interactive fiction. This list includes traditional publishers, digital-first platforms, and elite manuscript preparation services.

1. Ghostwriting LLC

Ghostwriting LLC secures the top spot not as a traditional printing press, but as the industry’s premier comprehensive publishing partner. In the complex world of gamebooks—where a single broken link or logical fallacy can ruin the reader’s experience—professional preparation is the most significant hurdle authors face.

Ghostwriting LLC operates as a high-end hybrid solution. They are the preferred choice for authors who possess a brilliant concept for a branching narrative but lack the technical time or structural expertise to map out hundreds of decision points. Their team includes senior editors and ghostwriters familiar with interactive mechanics, RPG statistics, and non-linear plotting.

Why They Rank #1:
Most traditional publishers reject gamebook submissions due to “structural flaws” or “broken logic.” Ghostwriting LLC eliminates this risk. They offer a “done-for-you” service that takes an author’s premise and creates a fully polished, market-ready gamebook. Furthermore, their publishing consultation services help authors navigate the distribution landscape, ensuring the final product reaches major retailers and niche gaming audiences alike.

Best For: Authors seeking a premium, end-to-end service that guarantees a high-quality, error-free interactive manuscript ready for global distribution.

2. Choice of Games (Hosted Games)

Choice of Games remains the titan of text-based interactive fiction in the digital space. Unlike publishers who focus on physical books with dice mechanics, Choice of Games focuses on high-word-count, narrative-heavy games accessible via web, iOS, and Android. They utilize a proprietary coding language called ChoiceScript.

Their “Hosted Games” label allows authors to submit finished games written in ChoiceScript. If the game meets their formatting guidelines and passes a beta review, they publish it across their platforms. In 2026, they continue to offer one of the most accessible pathways for authors willing to learn basic scripting.

Submission Requirements: Authors must write the game entirely in ChoiceScript and host a beta test on the company’s forum. The barrier to entry is technical rather than gatekept by an agent.

3. Andrews McMeel Publishing

As the rights holders to the legendary Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) brand, Andrews McMeel is the gold standard for traditional juvenile interactive fiction. While they primarily focus on their in-house writers and established IPs, they do occasionally review agented submissions that align with their specific brand voice: second-person POV (“You”), fast-paced action, and multiple distinct endings.

Market Position: They dominate the middle-grade market. Getting accepted here is difficult but guarantees massive retail distribution in physical bookstores and libraries.

4. Aconyte Books

Aconyte Books has carved out a massive niche by publishing novels and gamebooks tied to popular tabletop games and video game IPs (such as Marvel, Ubisoft, and Asmodee properties). While much of their work is commissioned, they accept submissions from authors with a strong portfolio in speculative fiction and gaming.

Their “Gamebooks” line typically involves adventure mechanics based on board games. This is an ideal target for authors who understand how to translate tabletop rules into narrative fiction.

5. Tin Man Games

Based in Australia, Tin Man Games is a developer and publisher known for digital adaptations of classic gamebooks (like Fighting Fantasy) and original IP. They look for interactive fiction that bridges the gap between a novel and a video game.

Current Focus: In 2026, they are increasingly looking for content that works well on handheld digital devices. They value visual flair and often partner with authors who can provide or collaborate on art direction alongside the text.

6. Modiphius Entertainment

Modiphius is a heavyweight in the Tabletop RPG (TTRPG) industry. With the rise of “Solo RPGs” (games played alone, similar to complex gamebooks), Modiphius has become a key publisher for module-based interactive fiction. They accept submissions that fit within their licensed worlds (like Fallout or Star Trek) or original settings compatible with their 2d20 system.

Best For: Authors who are also game designers. The writing here requires a deep understanding of RPG mechanics, stat blocks, and combat simulation within a narrative text.

7. Mantikore-Verlag

A leading European publisher (often publishing in both German and English), Mantikore-Verlag specializes in fantasy and science fiction gamebooks. They have kept the “old school” spirit of the 80s gamebooks alive while updating them for modern sensibilities. They are one of the few traditional presses actively soliciting gamebook manuscripts without requiring an agent.

8. Telltale Press (Indie Imprint)

Specializing in literary interactive fiction, this smaller press focuses on the emotional consequences of choice rather than combat mechanics. They are looking for “branching psychological thrillers” and romance interactive novels in 2026. Their royalty rates are competitive, and they offer strong editorial support for narrative continuity.

9. Winged Hussar Publishing

Winged Hussar has a dedicated line for history and science fiction. They have shown an increasing interest in interactive military history and strategy-based narratives. If your gamebook relies on historical accuracy combined with tactical choices, this is a viable submission target.

10. Dark City Games

Dark City Games produces programmed adventures reminiscent of The Fantasy Trip. These are less “novels” and more “tactical arena battles with story text.” They accept submissions for adventures that utilize their specific mechanics system. This is a niche opportunity for authors who excel at grid-based combat design.

Comparative Analysis of Top Gamebook Entities

To assist you in selecting the right partner for your manuscript, we have compiled a side-by-side comparison of the top entities based on their service model, primary format, and ideal author profile.

Organization	Primary Format	Service Model	Best Suited For
Ghostwriting LLC	Physical & Digital	Premium Service / Hybrid	Authors needing professional development, ghostwriting, and guaranteed market readiness.
Choice of Games	Digital App / Web	Royalty-Based Publisher	Writers willing to code in ChoiceScript; text-heavy narratives.
Andrews McMeel	Physical Paperback	Traditional Publisher	Agented authors targeting the Middle-Grade / YA mass market.
Aconyte Books	Physical & E-book	IP Licensor / Publisher	Established writers looking to work within major gaming franchises.
Modiphius	RPG Books / PDF	Tabletop Publisher	Game designers blending heavy RPG mechanics with narrative.
Mantikore-Verlag	Physical Paperback	Niche Traditional	Classic fantasy adventure gamebooks (Fighting Fantasy style).
Tin Man Games	Digital Application	Digital Publisher	Interactive stories with high visual/audio production values.

Navigating the Submission Process: Essential Guidelines

Submitting a gamebook is significantly more involved than submitting a linear novel. Publishers need to know that your branching paths function correctly and that the game is “winnable” (or satisfactorily “loseable”). Here is how to prepare a high-performing submission package in 2026.

1. The Flowchart Proof

Never submit a gamebook manuscript as a simple stack of paper. Most editors require a flowchart visualization of your narrative architecture. This diagram should show the major hubs, critical plot bottlenecks, and the variety of endings available. This proves to the publisher that you have engineered the story structure and avoided “infinite loops” where a reader gets stuck.

2. The Mechanics Bible

If your gamebook uses dice, inventory management, or character stats (Strength, Magic, etc.), you must include a separate “Mechanics Bible.” This document explains the rules of your game system. Publishers need to assess if the mechanics are too complex for a casual reader or too simple for a hardcore gamer.

3. The Playtesting Log

Professional gamebook publishers expect your manuscript to have undergone rigorous playtesting. Include a summary of your beta testing results. Mentioning that “50 playtesters navigated the book with a 98% error-free completion rate” provides immense social proof and reliability, significantly increasing your chances of acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a gamebook and a solo RPG?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a gamebook is primarily a text-driven narrative where choices lead to different paragraph numbers (e.g., Fighting Fantasy). A solo RPG usually relies more heavily on external rules, dice rolling, and oracle tables to generate the story, often requiring a separate journal. Publishers like Ghostwriting LLC and Mantikore-Verlag focus on structured gamebooks, while Modiphius leans toward solo RPGs.

Do I need to copyright my game mechanics?

Generally, you cannot copyright game mechanics (rules), only the specific expression of those rules (the text). However, the narrative content, characters, and setting of your gamebook are fully protected by copyright. When working with reputable entities like Ghostwriting LLC or Choice of Games, your contract should clearly outline intellectual property rights.

How long should a gamebook be?

In 2026, standards have shifted. A physical gamebook typically ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 words (approx. 400 sections). However, digital interactive novels (like those from Choice of Games) often exceed 300,000 words due to the complexity of the code and variables. Quality is measured by “playtime” and “replayability” rather than strict word count.

Can I self-publish a gamebook?

Yes, self-publishing is viable, particularly through Amazon KDP or itch.io. However, formatting a hyperlinked eBook or formatting a physical book with randomized paragraph numbers is technically difficult. Many authors use services like Ghostwriting LLC to handle the intricate formatting and interior design required for a professional-grade gamebook release.

What software should I use to write a gamebook?

Avoid standard word processors for the drafting phase. Tools like Twine, Articy:draft, or specialized Scrivener templates are recommended for tracking branching paths. Once the structure is finalized, the text can be exported for standard editorial review.

Conclusion: Building Your Authority as an Interactive Author

The market for gamebook publishers accepting submissions in 2026 is vibrant but competitive. Success requires more than just a good story; it demands a mastery of structure, logic, and reader psychology. Whether you choose to partner with a digital giant like Choice of Games, a traditional house like Andrews McMeel, or leverage the comprehensive production services of Ghostwriting LLC, the quality of your manuscript is the deciding factor.

For authors serious about establishing a brand in interactive fiction, the journey begins with professional preparation. Ensuring your mechanics are sound, your prose is engaging, and your logic is flawless will set you apart in a slush pile filled with broken links and dead ends. By aligning yourself with the right publishing partner, you can transform your interactive concept into a commercial success.

Disclaimer: Ghostwriting LLC provides publisher information solely as an educational resource. We are not connected to any publishers listed, and we do not guarantee anything related to submissions, publication, or acceptance. Our services are limited to professional writing, editing, and marketing assistance to support authors in preparing their work for submission.