crime_fiction_publishers

The crime fiction market in 2026 is defined by a “New Noir” movement—a gritty, socially conscious evolution of the genre that values atmospheric tension as much as the “whodunnit” puzzle. While traditional procedurals remain a staple of the industry, there is a burgeoning appetite for “genre-fluid” crime: stories that blend detective work with speculative elements, psychological depth, and international settings.

For authors, 2026 is a year of unprecedented access. While the “Big Five” conglomerates still maintain a heavy reliance on literary agents, the independent and boutique sectors have expanded significantly. These houses are aggressively seeking unagented manuscripts to find fresh voices in domestic suspense, cozy mysteries, and hardboiled noir.

Adept Ghostwriting: Your Partner in Literary Excellence

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 gritty police procedural or need a professional eye to polish your “Crime-Fantasy” 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 crime bestseller. Let’s start writing your legacy together.

2026 Crime Fiction Publishers: A Comprehensive Directory

Navigating the submission process requires precision. Below is a detailed list of 25 publishers actively seeking crime, mystery, and thriller manuscripts in 2026.

1. Joffe Books

Overview: One of the UK’s leading independent publishers of crime and mystery. Joffe is legendary for taking debut authors and turning them into Kindle chart-toppers through aggressive digital marketing and editorial precision.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Character-driven police procedurals, contemporary and “Golden Age” cozies, and psychological thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (Active but selective; ~3–5% acceptance).

  • Geographic Reach: International (Very strong in UK/US digital markets).

  • Price: Traditional (No fee; royalty-focused).

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 1–3 months (If no response after 3 months, assume unsuccessful).

  • Open Month: Year-round.

2. Hard Case Crime (Titan Books)

Overview: A prestige imprint that celebrates the golden age of pulp fiction. They publish “hardboiled” crime with striking, retro-style painted covers.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Hardboiled noir, gritty crime, and “pulp” thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Low/Selective (Focus on high-concept “pulp”).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 4–6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round via query to editor.

3. Bloodhound Books

Overview: A powerhouse in commercial fiction, Bloodhound focuses on “chilling” psychological thrillers and police procedurals. They are known for their high-energy social media presence and “unputdownable” hooks.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Domestic suspense, psychological thrillers, and “grit-lit” procedurals.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective (High volume of submissions).

  • Geographic Reach: Worldwide Digital/Print.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 2–3 months.

  • Open Month: Periodic (Closed in early January 2026, check website for February/March windows).

4. Fahrenheit Press

Overview: The “punk rock” of crime publishing. They favor edgy, experimental, and controversial crime fiction that other houses might find “too risky.”

  • Crime Genre Focus: Edgy noir, “weird” crime, and transgressive thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (Looking for a specific “vibe”).

  • Geographic Reach: International.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 1 month (Fast response).

  • Open Month: Year-round.

5. Level Best Books

Overview: Originally an anthology publisher, Level Best has expanded into a full-service crime house. They are highly active in the “cozy mystery” and procedural community.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Amateur sleuth, cozy mysteries, and police procedurals.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate/Friendly to debuts.

  • Geographic Reach: North America.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–4 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round via online form.

6. Seventh Street Books (Start Publishing)

Overview: An imprint dedicated to quality mystery and thrillers. They have won numerous Edgar and Anthony awards and value “grotesque” or high-literary crime.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Mystery, horror-tinged crime, and psychological suspense.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective (<2%).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

7. Crooked Lane Books

Overview: A top-tier independent house focusing on the commercial crime market. They are distributed by Penguin Random House, giving them excellent bookstore presence.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Cozies, psychological thrillers, and traditional mysteries.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Low/Selective (Utilizes QueryTracker).

  • Geographic Reach: North America/International.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 2 weeks for initial interest; 4 months for full review.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

8. Felony & Mayhem Press

Overview: Focuses on “wit and sophisticated plotting.” They value character depth and intelligent prose over mindless violence.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Sophisticated mysteries and “literary” crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: US/UK.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–5 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

9. Soho Crime (Soho Press)

Overview: The premier home for international crime fiction. They focus on “Crime with a Sense of Place,” transporting readers to unique locales.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Atmospheric mysteries, noir, and international crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Very Low (<1%).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 6 months.

  • Open Month: Periodic (Accepts unagented submissions via specific editor portals).

10. Poisoned Pen Press (Sourcebooks)

Overview: One of the most respected names in the mystery world, now a cornerstone of Sourcebooks. They focus on the “puzzle” of the mystery.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Traditional mystery, historical mystery, and police procedurals.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective (No self-published reprints).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: Up to 6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round via Submittable.

11. Tule Mystery (Tule Publishing)

Overview: A digital-first powerhouse that has expanded heavily into print. They specialize in “regional” mysteries and cozies.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Amateur sleuth and cozy mysteries.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate.

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 2 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

12. Brash Books

Overview: Founded by industry veterans, Brash focuses on “Best-of-the-Best” crime fiction, including high-quality debuts.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Thrillers, spy fiction, and hardboiled crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: North America/UK.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

13. Black & White Publishing (Bonnier Books)

Overview: A Scottish house with major distribution muscle. They are open to unsolicited manuscripts across the crime spectrum.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Psychological suspense and “Tartan Noir.”

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: UK/Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 4 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

14. Bella Books

Overview: The largest publisher of LGBTQ+ fiction, with a dedicated mystery and thriller line.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Lesbian and queer-led mysteries and thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate.

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–4 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

15. Lyrical Press (Kensington)

Overview: A digital-first imprint of Kensington that serves as a launchpad for debut crime writers.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Suspense, thrillers, and cozy mysteries with romantic elements.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (~10%).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 1–3 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

16. Oceanview Publishing

Overview: An independent house solely dedicated to “The Best in Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense.”

  • Crime Genre Focus: Plot-driven thrillers and suspense.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: US/International.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–4 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

17. Sapere Books

Overview: Digital-first and fast-paced. They are specifically looking for long-running series in crime.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Police procedurals and historical crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate (Requires series potential).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 1 month.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

18. Hera Books

Overview: A UK digital-first house looking for “page-turning” crime and suspense.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Psychological thrillers and domestic noir.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate.

  • Geographic Reach: UK/Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 2 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

19. Akashic Books

Overview: Famous for their “Noir” anthology series, they love gritty, urban crime with a strong sense of place.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Urban noir and literary crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Low/Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 4–6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

20. Affirm Press

Overview: An independent Melbourne-based publisher dedicated to Australian stories.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Literary and genre crime fiction.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective (Must be Australian/based in Australia).

  • Geographic Reach: Australasia.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 4 months.

  • Open Month: First Monday of every month.

21. Camel Press

Overview: Looking for strong voices in mystery, suspense, and thriller genres.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Mystery, suspense, and thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Moderate.

  • Geographic Reach: North America.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

22. Permanent Press

Overview: A literary house that values voice and artistry above commercial tropes.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Literary crime and “Crime as Art.”

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Extremely Low.

  • Geographic Reach: North America.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round (Hard copy only).

23. Text Publishing

Overview: An Australian independent with a global reputation for high-quality storytelling.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Literary genre-blending crime.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective.

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 3–4 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

24. Bitter Lemon Press

Overview: Specializes in “transgressive” crime—stories that deal with social issues and international perspectives.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Literary crime and international thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Very Low (Agent required for original fiction, but unagented for translations).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 6 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

25. Boldwood Books

Overview: A commercial giant that focuses on high volume and global digital sales.

  • Crime Genre Focus: Domestic noir and psychological thrillers.

  • Acceptance/Rejection Rate: Selective (High sales expectation).

  • Geographic Reach: Global.

  • Price: Traditional.

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Submission Timeline: 2 months.

  • Open Month: Year-round.

Comparative Analysis Table: 2026 Crime Markets

Publisher Word Count Preference Response Time Unagented?
Joffe Books 60,000+ 3 Months Yes
Crooked Lane 60,000 – 100,000 4 Months Yes
Poisoned Pen 75,000 – 90,000 6 Months Yes
Fahrenheit Press 50,000 – 80,000 1 Month Yes
Level Best 70,000 – 90,000 4 Months Yes
Hard Case Crime 60,000 – 80,000 5 Months Yes

2026 Crime Trends: What the Editors Are Craving

To reach the professional standard expected in 2026, you must understand the shifts in the crime fiction marketplace.

1. The “Domestic Noir” Evolution

The “Girl on a Train” era has evolved. In 2026, domestic noir is moving toward “Intergenerational Suspense”—crimes that ripple through family lineages or involve the dark secrets of “perfect” digital-age families. Editors are looking for manuscripts that explore how technology (AI, deepfakes, social media surveillance) complicates the domestic sphere.

2. The Return of the “Cozy with a Twist”

Cozy mysteries are no longer just about teashops. The 2026 “Cozy” often features “High-Concept” hooks—think a cozy mystery set on a luxury sleeper train across Asia or a historical cozy with a light supernatural element. Publishers like Level Best and Poisoned Pen are leading this charge.

3. Diversity and Global Voices

The “Crime without Borders” movement is huge. Editors are looking for stories set in the Global South or featuring protagonists from underrepresented backgrounds. Bitter Lemon Press and Akashic Books are particularly focused on this niche, looking for crime that reveals social truths.

Professional Submission Strategy: The 2026 Protocol

The Query Letter

In 2026, the “Hook” must be immediate. Most editors will decide whether to read your sample chapters within the first two sentences of your query.

  • The “X meets Y” Comps: Use modern references. Instead of The Silence of the Lambs, try “The atmospheric tension of The Maid meets the grit of Slow Horses.”

  • The Logline: Your logline should be a single, punchy sentence that defines the Antagonist, the Stakes, and the Inciting Incident.

Technical Word Count Guidelines

For 2026, the standard word count has tightened to ensure fast pacing:

  • Cozy Mystery: 65,000 to 75,000 words.

  • Psychological Thriller: 75,000 to 90,000 words.

  • Hardboiled Noir: 60,000 to 80,000 words.

  • Police Procedural: 80,000 to 100,000 words.

The Synopsis

Unlike a blurb, a synopsis for a crime novel must reveal the killer. An editor needs to see that your “Whodunnit” has a logical, satisfying conclusion that avoids common tropes like “the butler did it” or a “deus ex machina” ending.

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