2026 List of Traditional Book Publishing Companies (Nonfiction)
2026 List of Traditional Book Publishing Companies (Nonfiction)
Find the Right Publisher for Your Nonfiction Book
Stop searching! Get a curated, up-to-date list of American publishers and submission guidelines so you can target your efforts and get your nonfiction book noticed.
The publishing world changes constantly.
Publishers merge, imprints vanish, and submission rules shift, and every minute spent chasing the wrong contacts is time lost from writing, revising, and pitching the right people.
➜ Quickly and accurately identify the publishers that fit your topic.
➜ Avoid chasing publishers and imprints that have merged, rebranded, or closed.
➜ Increase response rates with tailored outreach based on current guidelines.
You need a meticulously updated list of American book publishers to streamline your search and focus your pitching efforts.
This resource is built for nonfiction authors like you. It contains:
A full list of nonfiction publishers and imprints, with the genres and categories of books they accept.
Submission guidelines, including whether an agent is required.
150+ pages of publisher profiles with contact links.
Coverage of every publisher type: Big Five, independent trade publishers, university presses, and specialty presses.
Stop guessing and start targeting.
With this list, you’ll know which publishers are a fit, whether to seek representation, and exactly where to send your query or proposal.
What’s included for $15:
Digital download with a comprehensive list of publishing companies and imprint descriptions written in their own words.
Direct links to submission guidelines, showing whether unsolicited proposals are accepted or if an agent is required.
Hundreds of traditional publishing houses and imprints.
Fully updated for 2026, spanning 150+ pages and refreshed monthly.
Essential tips on getting traditionally published.
After purchase:
Download the 2026 List of Traditional Book Publishing Companies.
Pinpoint publishers that match your book’s topic and format.
Confirm submission guidelines.
Send your author query letter and/or your book proposal
Move closer to a book deal.
If you’d like to write a book proposal that gets you noticed, check out my Nonfiction Book Proposal Template.
I’m excited to help you get one step closer to becoming traditionally published!
Get the list now!
Read more about the 2026 List of Traditional Book Publishers for Nonfiction Authors here.
“Absolutely essential for the writing process. It is clear that the financial investment I made was worth 100% of the cost.”
—Jeffrey A. Denman, author of John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist
“When it was time to start preparing the book for submission to my publisher, I turned to Dan to help me shepherd the manuscript through that long process.”
—Eric A. Cheezum, author of Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster
**All sales are final. You’ll get the link to your digital download immediately after checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I purchase this list?
A: Buy this list as soon as you start considering a traditional publisher for your book! It will help you explore your options and understand what potential publishers are looking for, so you can confidently finalize and submit your query letter or proposal.
Q: What can I do with this list?
A: This list is your valuable tool for finding the right publishers for your book. With it, you can:
Browse and search a user-friendly PDF packed with expert tips on getting published.
Access a directory of publishers and imprints that accept proposals both with and without an agent.
Find links to publisher websites and submission guidelines.
Discover what each publisher specializes in, described in their own words.
This resource puts you one step closer to securing a book deal!
Q: What exactly is a traditional publishing company? What is an imprint?
A: A traditional publishing company—such as HarperCollins or the Big 5—acquires book manuscripts and handles everything from editing and packaging to marketing, distribution, and sales. Instead of paying them, they pay you through advances and royalties. An imprint is a specific brand or division under a publishing company, often specializing in certain genres or audiences. Some imprints are formerly independent publishers now operating under larger companies.
Q: Which traditional publishers are included in this list?
A: The list features nearly all U.S.-based traditional nonfiction publishers—several hundred in total, along with their respective imprints. Whether you're seeking Christian or conservative publishers, or liberal or LGBTQIA+ options, you'll find plenty of choices here. For books exclusively targeting the Christian market, consider purchasing the separate List of Traditional Christian Book Publishers.
Q: Can I get published without an agent?
A: Absolutely! Dozens of publishers are accepting unsolicited book proposals in 2025. This list provides you with the latest information to reach out directly. It also includes guidance on finding an agent, available in the digital download.
Q: Do you offer book proposal editing?
A. Yes. Click on the link to learn more about book proposal editing. I also offer coaching calls and packages for authors pursuing traditional publishing.
Q: Who else has purchased this list and found it helpful?
A: In addition to authors, freelance editors, book designers, booksellers, librarians, and author coaches have benefited from using this resource.
Q: I’m not based in the U.S. Should I still buy this list?
A: Unless you plan to publish with a U.S.-based company, this list may not be the best fit for your needs.
Q: Are refunds available?
A: All sales are final. This comprehensive and time-saving resource took weeks to curate and verify. I’m confident it will be invaluable to you. If you have any questions before purchasing, just ask.
“Dan is a godsend to authors. I can’t imagine publishing my next book without his help, expertise, and knowledge.”
—Samantha Shad, Author of The Write to Happiness
“Daniel’s expertise has been invaluable. . . . I highly recommend Dan for any writing/publishing someone may have!”
—John L. Smith, Jr., author of The Unexpected Abigail Adams