Introduction
Crime fiction is one of the most resilient genres in publishing, with a global readership spanning cozy mysteries, police procedurals, legal thrillers, and gritty noir. Yet for many authors—especially debut writers—the biggest challenge isn’t writing the novel, it’s finding the right publisher who is both open to submissions and aligned with the book’s style.
While many large publishers require literary agent representation, 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities for authors to approach independent, mid-sized, and digital-first publishers directly. This guide takes you through the top crime fiction publishers currently accepting submissions, what they look for, and how to approach them for the best chance of success.
Understanding the Current Publishing Landscape
Before submitting, it’s important to understand the types of publishers you’ll encounter. Broadly, they fall into three categories:
Traditional Large-Scale Publishers
The “Big Five” publishers—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan—rarely accept unsolicited manuscripts. They typically work through agents and have highly competitive acquisition processes.
Independent and Mid-Sized Presses
These publishers often specialize in specific genres and are far more open to discovering new voices. They frequently accept direct submissions during open calls, making them ideal for crime fiction authors without representation.
Digital-First Publishers
Focused on ebooks and online distribution, these companies can be nimble in acquiring new work and often offer faster publication timelines. Many are open to unagented authors year-round.
Crime Fiction Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2025
Below is a curated list of publishers actively seeking crime fiction manuscripts this year. Always check the publisher’s website for the most up-to-date submission guidelines.
Ghostwriting LLC (USA & Global)
Focus: Full spectrum of crime fiction including cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and police procedurals.
Submission Process: Accepts complete manuscripts or partial submissions with a synopsis. Email-based submissions with an author bio.
Why Submit: Known for personalized editorial feedback, multi-format publishing (print, ebook, audiobook), and global distribution. They welcome debut authors and work closely with them on marketing strategies.
Polis Books / Agora Books (USA)
Focus: Mystery, thriller, and literary crime.
Submission Process: Email query with three chapters, synopsis, and short author biography.
Why Submit: Strong track record for breaking debut authors into the market. Notable for securing high-profile reviews and library placements.
Seventh Street Books (USA)
Focus: Mystery and thriller novels that combine strong characters with gripping plots.
Submission Process: Email with full manuscript, synopsis, and author details.
Why Submit: Established genre imprint with a loyal readership and industry recognition.
Lume Books (UK)
Focus: Mystery, suspense, and thriller fiction with commercial appeal.
Submission Process: First 10,000 words, synopsis, and comparable titles. Submissions via email.
Why Submit: Digital-first marketing approach with strong Amazon sales performance and a proven readership base.
Sapere Books (UK)
Focus: Historical crime, ongoing mystery series, and thrillers.
Submission Process: Cover letter, synopsis (around 1,000 words), and first 10,000 words of the manuscript.
Why Submit: Particularly interested in series potential and authors willing to write multiple books with recurring characters.
Joffe Books (UK)
Focus: Police procedurals, psychological thrillers, and cozy mysteries.
Submission Process: Full manuscript in Word format, a concise synopsis, and a 100-word bio in the body of the email.
Why Submit: One of the fastest-growing independent crime publishers in the UK with a heavy emphasis on ebook sales and digital marketing.
Level Best Books (USA)
Focus: Mystery, thriller, suspense, and historical crime fiction.
Submission Process: Online submission form with manuscript upload.
Why Submit: Selective editorial process with a strong focus on nurturing and developing new voices in crime fiction.
Verve Books (UK)
Focus: Voice-driven, distinctive crime novels with a literary edge.
Submission Process: Full manuscript and author bio sent via email.
Why Submit: Open to experimental structures and fresh perspectives in crime storytelling.
Fahrenheit Press (UK)
Focus: Gritty, unconventional crime fiction.
Submission Process: Email query plus full manuscript attachment.
Why Submit: Known for their bold, no-nonsense approach to publishing and cultivating a fiercely loyal reader community.
Crooked Lane Books (USA)
Focus: Mystery, thriller, and suspense novels between 60,000 and 100,000 words.
Submission Process: Query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters.
Why Submit: Strong presence in the library market and regular placement in major retail channels.
Hard Case Crime (USA)
Focus: Pulp-style, noir crime novels with a retro flair.
Submission Process: Email submission with full manuscript and synopsis.
Why Submit: Unique aesthetic and established collector fanbase.
How to Maximize Your Submission Success
Match Your Manuscript to the Publisher
Not all crime fiction is created equal. A cozy mystery publisher will likely reject a gritty noir, no matter how well-written. Study each publisher’s backlist to understand their tone, pacing, and preferred settings.
Polish Before You Submit
Even the most forgiving publishers expect a professional manuscript. This means developmental editing, line editing, and thorough proofreading before sending it out.
Follow the Rules Exactly
Publishers often receive hundreds of submissions. Any deviation from their stated guidelines can result in an automatic rejection without reading.
Write a Strong Query Letter
Your query letter is your first impression. It should:
- Present your hook in one compelling sentence
- Summarize your plot without spoiling the ending
- Include a brief bio highlighting relevant writing experience
Common Submission Mistakes
- Submitting an incomplete manuscript when the publisher requires a full
- Ignoring the word count range stated in guidelines
- Sending the same generic query to multiple publishers
- Overloading the synopsis with unnecessary detail rather than the story’s core conflict
Preparing for the Next Step
If your manuscript is accepted, be prepared for:
- Editorial revisions, sometimes extensive
- Contract negotiations (consider consulting a publishing lawyer or agent)
- Marketing expectations, including participation in social media promotion and virtual book tours
Conclusion
The list of crime fiction publishers accepting submissions in 2025 offers a broad range of opportunities for both debut and established authors. Whether you’re writing a lighthearted small-town mystery or a tense, character-driven psychological thriller, there’s a publisher actively seeking your type of story. The key lies in pairing your manuscript with the right press, presenting yourself professionally, and following submission guidelines to the letter.
With persistence and the right fit, your work could join the shelves—digital or physical—of crime fiction fans worldwide.
FAQs About Crime Fiction Publishers Accepting Submissions
1. Do I need a literary agent to submit to these publishers?
No, all publishers listed here accept unagented submissions, though some larger publishers may still prefer agented work.
2. What word count is standard for crime fiction submissions?
Most publishers prefer 70,000–100,000 words for full-length crime novels, though cozies may run shorter.
3. Can I submit the same manuscript to multiple publishers at once?
Yes, unless the publisher states they require exclusive submissions—always check their guidelines.
4. How long does it take to hear back from a publisher?
It can range from a few weeks to several months; many publishers list their expected response times on their submission pages.
5. What happens if my manuscript is accepted?
You’ll receive a publishing contract, go through an editorial process, and work with the publisher on marketing and distribution.
Sources
- Ghostwriting LLC – Official submissions page
- Polis Books – Submissions guidelines
- Seventh Street Books – Official guidelines
- Lume Books – Author submissions page
- Sapere Books – Submission instructions
- Joffe Books – How to submit
- Crooked Lane Books – Submission details
