In 2026, the publishing landscape for LGBTQ+ voices is more expansive and nuanced than ever before. We are moving beyond the era where “queer” was a niche sub-genre; today, it is a driving force in the literary market. Industry data from early 2026 shows that nearly 87% of literary agents are actively seeking LGBTQ+ themes, with “sapphic yearning,” “trans joy,” and “queer horror” topping the most-requested lists.
However, the “Big Five” aren’t the only game in town. For many writers, the most authentic home for their work lies with independent presses—the tireless advocates who prioritize community and craft over purely corporate bottom lines.
If you have a manuscript ready or a collection of poetry burning a hole in your hard drive, here are 13+ LGBTQ+ publishers and imprints actively seeking submissions in 2026.
1. Amble Press
An imprint of Bywater Books, Amble Press has carved out a vital space for fiction and narrative nonfiction from writers across the broader queer spectrum, with a specific focus on writers of color. They are particularly interested in “genre-bending” work that refuses to stay in one lane.
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What they want: Crime, mystery, speculative fiction, YA, and memoirs.
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Word Count: 45,000 to 100,000 words.
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The Vibe: Sharp, culturally relevant, and unapologetically diverse.
2. Bold Strokes Books
One of the most established names in the game, Bold Strokes Books continues to be a powerhouse in 2026. They are famous for their high-quality genre fiction. If you have a queer romance or a pulse-pounding thriller, this is a premier destination.
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What they want: Romance (all subgenres), mystery, thriller, and speculative fiction.
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Submission Tip: They are known for a rigorous evaluation process, so ensure your “happily ever after” or “happily for now” is earned.
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Word Count: 15,000 (novellas) to 120,000 words.
3. Neon Hemlock Press
If your writing leans toward the strange, the beautiful, or the “weird,” Neon Hemlock is your tribe. They are a boutique press that champions “the most inclusive definition of queer.” In 2026, they are specifically looking for novellas that push the boundaries of science fiction and horror.
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What they want: Speculative fiction, soft horror, and “weird” fiction.
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2026 Window: They often have specific windows for trans women and writers of color.
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Formatting Note: The editor has a stated fondness for the Georgia font—little details matter!
4. Bella Books
For over two decades, Bella Books has been the leading publisher of fiction for and about “women-loving-women.” While they have a massive catalog of romance, they are also expanding their reach into mystery and thriller territories.
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What they want: Lesbian/sapphic fiction.
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Word Count: Minimum 60,000 words.
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The Vibe: Heart-centered storytelling with a focus on community and connection.
5. Interlude Press
Interlude Press is a boutique publisher that has won numerous awards for its diverse casts. They are looking for “well-crafted original novels” that feature lead characters from across the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum.
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What they want: Contemporary, historical, and romantic fiction.
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Word Count: 60,000 to 90,000 words.
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Note: They also have a YA-specific imprint called Duet Books.
6. Roxane Gay Books (Grove Atlantic)
Founded by the legendary Roxane Gay, this imprint is looking for the “under-sung” voices. They publish only three books a year, making it highly competitive, but they are open to both agented and unagented submissions during specific windows.
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What they want: Work that “challenges conventional thinking without being cheap or lazy.”
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Genres: Fiction, memoir, and essays.
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Submission Tip: Use their Submittable portal. They want a 1-3 page summary and the first three chapters.
7. NineStar Press
NineStar Press is a New Mexico-based boutique publisher that focuses on quality LGBTQA+ romance and literary fiction. They are particularly great for writers who fall outside the standard “binary” of romance tropes.
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What they want: Romance (must have an LGBTQ+ lead), erotica, and literary novels.
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Word Count: 18,000 to 120,000 words.
8. Bywater Books
While Amble Press (see #1) is their imprint for the broader spectrum, Bywater Books itself remains dedicated to lesbian and feminist fiction. They are looking for “narrative excellence” and stories that possess a strong sense of place.
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What they want: Literary fiction, general fiction, and narrative nonfiction.
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Submission Status: They accept unsolicited manuscripts but expect a professional query letter and a synopsis.
9. Blind Eye Books
If your LGBTQ+ protagonist is a wizard, a detective, or a spaceship pilot, Blind Eye Books wants to see it. Based in Washington, they focus exclusively on mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy.
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What they want: High-concept genre fiction.
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The Vibe: They love world-building. If your setting is as much a character as your protagonist, you’re in the right place.
10. Small Robin Press
A newcomer making waves in 2026, Small Robin Press is a “tiny, independent publisher” for those who struggle to be seen. They use an anonymous submission process to reduce bias—a refreshing change in the industry.
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What they want: Creative nonfiction and essays.
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2026 Theme: They are currently seeking work for their Spring 2026 anthology centered on the theme of “Walls.”
11. JMS Books
JMS Books is a queer small press that moves fast. They publish a high volume of electronic and print-on-demand titles, making them a great home for prolific authors of queer romance.
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What they want: M/M, F/F, and Triad romance.
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Word Count: 12,000 to 130,000 words.
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Bonus: They have very clear, easy-to-follow submission guidelines for first-time authors.
12. Arsenal Pulp Press
Based in Canada but with a global reach, Arsenal Pulp Press is a titan of independent publishing. They have been champions of LGBTQ+ literature since before it was “trendy.”
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What they want: Cultural studies, memoirs, fiction, and graphic novels.
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Priority: They explicitly prioritize work by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors.
13. Deep Hearts Jr. & Deep Hearts YA
An imprint of Deep Desires Press, these two branches focus on the younger side of the queer experience. Deep Hearts Jr. is one of the few places specifically looking for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade fiction.
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What they want: MG and YA fiction featuring themes of self-empowerment.
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Word Count: 25,000 to 80,000 words depending on the age category.
Honor Mention: Random House Canada
While a “Big Five” branch, Random House Canada made headlines by opening a permanent submission portal exclusively for LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC writers. This is a rare “direct line” to the major leagues for unagented writers.
Essential Submission Checklist for 2026
Before you hit “Send” on that email or Submittable form, run through this checklist to ensure you aren’t shooting yourself in the foot:
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Read the Room: Does this publisher actually publish your genre? Don’t send a 100k-word space opera to a press that only does 15k-word contemporary romance.
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The “Hook” Query: In 2026, editors are looking for “comp titles” (Comparative Titles). Can you say, “My book is [Famous Queer Novel] meets [Popular Movie]”? It helps them see the market.
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Check for “No-Go’s”: Many LGBTQ+ publishers in 2026 have specific guidelines against “trauma porn” or unexamined sexual violence. They want stories of resilience and joy.
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Professional Formatting: Stick to Standard Manuscript Format unless the guidelines specifically ask for something else (like Neon Hemlock’s Georgia font preference).
Why 2026 is Your Year
The publishing world has realized that the “queer market” isn’t just one thing. It’s a collection of thousands of different experiences, cultures, and genres. Whether you’re writing a cozy “cottagecore” romance or a gritty cyberpunk thriller, there is a publisher on this list that wants to hear your voice.
The most important thing you can do is start. The “perfect” manuscript doesn’t exist, but the “published” one does—and it starts with a single submission.
