The landscape of Young Adult (YA) literature in 2026 is marked by a fascinating blend of high-concept commercialism and deeply personal, diverse storytelling. As we move deeper into the decade, the “Golden Age of Romantasy” continues to reign, but it has evolved into a more sophisticated market where atmospheric world-building and inclusive narratives are no longer just “nice-to-haves”—they are the baseline.
For authors of YA fantasy, 2026 offers a unique window of opportunity. While the “Big Five” houses increasingly rely on literary agents as gatekeepers, a robust and prestigious secondary market of independent presses and boutique imprints has flourished. These houses are actively seeking unagented manuscripts to find the “next big thing” before it hits the auction block.
Below is a comprehensive, detailed directory of the top publishers accepting YA fantasy submissions in 2026, categorized by their market position and editorial focus.
Turn Your YA Vision into a Published Reality
At Adept Ghostwriting, we understand that having a groundbreaking idea is only half the battle; the other half is crafting a manuscript that captures the hearts of editors and readers alike. Whether you are struggling to bridge a plot hole in your epic fantasy or need a professional eye to polish your “Romantasy” prose to industry standards, our team is here to help you cross the finish line. We specialize in transforming raw concepts into submission-ready masterpieces that align with the high expectations of the publishers listed below. Let’s turn your vision into the next YA bestseller. Let’s start writing your legacy together.
1. Albert Whitman & Company
A centenarian in the publishing world, Albert Whitman & Company has transitioned from a traditional educational publisher to a dynamic force in the YA market. They are particularly famous for their commitment to “books that matter,” focusing on character growth and social consciousness without sacrificing the escapism of fantasy.
-
Fantasy Focus: Contemporary fantasy, magical realism, and “light” high fantasy. They prefer stories where the magic serves as a metaphor for personal growth or social change.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Approximately 1.5% acceptance. They receive a high volume of unagented queries.
-
Geographic Reach: International distribution with a core focus on the North American library and school market.
-
Price: Traditional. They offer competitive royalties and modest advances for debuts.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent for debuts seeking long-term shelf life).
-
Submission Timeline: 3 to 6 months for a response.
-
Open for Submission: Year-round via their online portal.
2. DAW Books (Astra Publishing House)
DAW Books holds the distinction of being the first publishing house devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. Now under the Astra Publishing House umbrella, they have retained their “indie spirit” while gaining the distribution muscle of a larger conglomerate. They are one of the few high-prestige houses that still read unagented manuscripts.
-
Fantasy Focus: Epic fantasy, “hard” magic systems, and complex political world-building. They love high-stakes YA that doesn’t “talk down” to its audience.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Very Low (<1%). Their prestige attracts thousands of submissions annually.
-
Geographic Reach: Global.
-
Price: Traditional. Offers robust advances and professional marketing.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (The gold standard for genre fiction).
-
Submission Timeline: 6 to 12 months (be prepared for a long wait).
-
Open for Submission: Year-round.
3. Entangled Teen (Entangled Publishing)
Entangled has revolutionized the 2020s publishing scene with its “author-first” and data-driven approach. They are the market leaders in Romantasy (Romance + Fantasy), a sub-genre that remains the hottest commodity in 2026.
-
Fantasy Focus: High-heat Romantasy, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy with a strong “hook.”
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (~5%). They have a high output and are always looking for new voices in the romance space.
-
Geographic Reach: Worldwide digital-first with strong print distribution for lead titles.
-
Price: Traditional. They are known for high royalty percentages compared to the Big Five.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best for commercial, fast-paced writers).
-
Submission Timeline: 2 to 4 months.
-
Open for Submission: Year-round.
4. Quirk Books
The Philadelphia-based house that gave the world Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. They pride themselves on being “strikingly unconventional” and only publish about 25 books a year, ensuring each title receives massive marketing attention.
-
Fantasy Focus: Whimsical, dark, “weird,” and genre-bending fantasy. If your book is “too strange” for a traditional house, it belongs at Quirk.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Very Selective (<2%).
-
Geographic Reach: International (distributed by Penguin Random House).
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High prestige, high design quality).
-
Submission Timeline: 3 months.
-
Open for Submission: They typically use specific submission windows (check their website monthly).
5. Page Street Publishing
An independent publisher that has rapidly gained a reputation for finding the “coolest” new voices in YA. They are a “Submittable-heavy” house, meaning they rely on a clear, digital workflow for submissions.
-
Fantasy Focus: Diverse fantasy, mythic retellings, and atmospheric “vibe” stories. They are very focused on underrepresented voices.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Low/Selective.
-
Geographic Reach: Strong North American presence, widely available in major retailers like Barnes & Noble.
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent editorial guidance).
-
Submission Timeline: 3 to 5 months.
-
Open for Submission: They often have “Open Windows” for specific genres.
6. Angry Robot Books
UK-based but globally minded, Angry Robot is the home of “genrefluid” fiction. They are known for their “Open Door” months, where they bypass agents entirely to look for the next innovative voice in speculative fiction.
-
Fantasy Focus: “Weird” fantasy, steampunk, and boundary-pushing YA that appeals to “crossover” adult audiences.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Competitive (~2% during Open Door).
-
Geographic Reach: Global (UK, US, and AU).
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Great for “smart” fantasy).
-
Submission Timeline: 4 to 6 months after the window closes.
-
Open for Submission: Periodic “Open Door” periods (usually once or twice a year).
7. Lodestone Books (Collective Ink)
The YA imprint of Collective Ink, Lodestone focuses on “soul-searching” fiction. They are less interested in commercial tropes and more interested in books that challenge how young readers see the world.
-
Fantasy Focus: Philosophical fantasy, eco-fantasy, and “Quiet” YA.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (~8%). They use a more collaborative author model.
-
Geographic Reach: Strong UK and US digital presence.
-
Price: Traditional/Hybrid (read contracts carefully; some imprints require author investment, but Lodestone generally operates traditionally).
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Good for niche/philosophical works).
-
Submission Timeline: 1 to 2 months.
-
Open for Submission: Year-round.
8. Holiday House
An established New York house that has been around since 1935. They are a staple of the industry and have a dedicated YA line that values literary quality and “timeless” storytelling.
-
Fantasy Focus: Folklore, fairy-tale retellings, and classic “Hero’s Journey” high fantasy.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.
-
Geographic Reach: North America.
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Prestigious and stable).
-
Submission Timeline: 4 months.
-
Open for Submission: Year-round (unagented).
9. CamCat Books
A newer, fast-growing independent house. They are aggressive in their marketing and are specifically looking for “books to live in”—meaning series-potential and immersive worlds.
-
Fantasy Focus: Urban fantasy, “Portal” fantasy, and high-action YA.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate.
-
Geographic Reach: Global.
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very active social media presence/marketing).
-
Submission Timeline: 3 months.
-
Open for Submission: Year-round.
10. Tiny Fox Press
A boutique house that focuses on the “fun” side of fiction. They are looking for manuscripts that can be summarized with a “killer hook” and a sense of humor.
-
Fantasy Focus: Humorous fantasy, action-fantasy, and lighthearted YA adventures.
-
Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Low (due to small catalog size).
-
Geographic Reach: US/UK.
-
Price: Traditional.
-
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very author-friendly).
-
Submission Timeline: 1 to 3 months.
-
Open for Submission: Check their “Monthly Calls” on Submittable.
Detailed Comparison Table for 2026
| Publisher | Fantasy Sub-Genre | Best For | Word Count Preference | Unagented? |
| Albert Whitman | Contemporary/Magic | Debuts | 70k – 85k | Yes |
| DAW Books | Epic/High Fantasy | Serious Worldbuilders | 80k – 110k | Yes |
| Entangled Teen | Romantasy | Commercial Hooks | 75k – 95k | Yes |
| Quirk Books | Weird/Niche | Non-traditional plots | 60k – 80k | Windows Only |
| Page Street | Diverse/Retellings | Underrepresented voices | 75k – 90k | Yes |
| Angry Robot | Speculative/Weird | Crossover Audiences | 80k – 100k | Windows Only |
| CamCat Books | High Action/Series | Immersive Worlds | 70k – 95k | Yes |
2026 Industry Trends: What Publishers Want
To reach the 2000-word depth of understanding required for a successful 2026 submission, an author must look beyond the list and into the psychology of the 2026 editor.
1. The Rise of “Genre-Melding”
In 2026, the lines between Fantasy and other genres have blurred. A “straight” high fantasy is harder to sell than a “Fantasy-Mystery” or a “Fantasy-Thriller.” Publishers like Storm Publishing and Aethon Books are actively seeking manuscripts that blend speculative elements with the pacing of a thriller.
2. The “Romantasy” Saturation
While Romantasy is still king, editors are becoming more discerning. They are moving away from “copycat” tropes (the shadow-daddy, the hidden heir) and toward “Specific Romantasy.” For example, “Sapphic Regency Romantasy” or “Cyberpunk Romantasy.” If you are submitting to Entangled or Inkyard Press (a HarperCollins imprint), your romantic stakes must be as high as your magical stakes.
3. Ethical and “Clean” Fantasy
There is a growing sub-market in 2026 for “Clean” or “Values-Based” fantasy. Publishers like Shadow Mountain Publishing are looking for “proper” romance and empowering stories that avoid explicit content while maintaining high stakes. This is a massive market in the US Midwest and South.
4. Technical Submission Requirements
In 2026, the submission process has become highly automated. Most publishers use Submittable or proprietary portals.
-
Query Letter: Must include “Comps” (Comparison titles) from the last 2-3 years. Comparing your book to Harry Potter or Twilight is considered a red flag. Instead, use 2024-2025 hits like The Prisoner’s Throne or A Fate Inked in Blood.
-
Synopsis: A 1-2 page document that spoils the entire ending. Editors in 2026 don’t want surprises; they want to know if the ending is satisfying.
Final Strategy for the 2026 Author
The rejection rate in traditional publishing remains high, but the “mid-list” is healthier than it has been in decades. To succeed:
-
Polished Manuscripts Only: With the rise of AI-assisted writing, editors are hyper-sensitive to “soul-less” prose. Your voice must be distinct and undeniably human.
-
Diverse Perspectives: If you are writing from a marginalized perspective, look at houses like Amble Press or Kaya, which specialize in elevating these voices.
-
The “Series” Question: While many publishers want “Standalones with Series Potential,” the 2026 market is leaning back toward planned trilogies for fantasy to maximize “BookTok” marketing cycles.
