You’ve written a middle grade novel. Maybe it’s a fantastical adventure where a twelve-year-old discovers a hidden world beneath her ordinary town. Maybe it’s a funny, heartfelt story about navigating the social minefield of sixth grade. Maybe it’s a historical fiction about a kid who changed history, or a contemporary story about a family falling apart and a kid trying to hold it together.
Whatever your middle grade novel looks like, you’ve done something genuinely difficult. Writing for readers aged 8–12 is not the same as writing “simpler” fiction — it’s writing with ruthless precision. Every chapter has to propel readers forward. The protagonist has to carry the entire story on their shoulders. The voice has to be authentic to a ten-year-old without being condescending to a twelve-year-old. The emotional stakes have to feel as real and urgent as anything in adult literary fiction, because to your readers, they are.
Now you’ve finished it — and you’re asking the question that stops so many middle grade authors cold: where do I submit this?
Here’s the honest picture. Middle grade is one of the strongest and most commercially resilient categories in all of publishing. It holds up through recessions, through the rise of streaming, through every cultural disruption that reshuffles the publishing deck. Kids between 8 and 12 are voracious readers when they find books that speak to them, and the right middle grade novel can become a generational touchstone — the book an entire cohort of kids remembers for the rest of their lives.
Publishers know this. Middle grade acquisition is active, competitive, and increasingly diverse. The gatekeepers — editors, agents, publishers — are actively looking for new voices. But the landscape is fragmented, and navigating it without a clear map wastes time and generates unnecessary rejections.
This guide covers every major publisher and every accessible independent press currently working in middle grade fiction — with honest submission guidance, pros and cons, and who each publisher is genuinely best suited for.
If your manuscript needs a professional developmental edit before submission, or if your query letter and synopsis need expert help, Adept Ghostwriting offers specialized editing and submission support for middle grade authors at every stage of the process.
Quick Comparison Table
| Publisher | Best For | Accepts Unsolicited Manuscripts? | Distribution Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholastic Press | Broad commercial MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Random House Children’s / Wendy Lamb | Literary MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen | Diverse, emotional MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Simon & Schuster / Aladdin | Commercial + literary MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Penguin Young Readers / Viking | Literary MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Hachette / Little, Brown | Broad MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Macmillan / FSG / Roaring Brook | Literary, award-aspirant MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Disney Hyperion | Commercial, franchise MG | No (agent required) | Excellent — global |
| Chronicle Books | Innovative, design-forward MG | No (agent required) | Very strong |
| Abrams / Amulet Books | Art-forward, literary MG | No (agent required) | Very strong |
| Candlewick Press | Literary British-tradition MG | No (agent preferred) | Strong |
| Sourcebooks / Jabberwocky | Commercial MG | No (agent preferred) | Strong |
| Holiday House | Traditional literary MG | Yes (selective) | Strong |
| Lee & Low / Tu Books | Diverse, speculative MG | Yes | Strong |
| Peachtree Publishing | Literary, Southern MG | Yes (selective) | Strong |
| Albert Whitman | Social-emotional MG | Yes | Strong |
| Boyds Mills & Kane | Broad MG fiction + nonfiction | Yes | Strong |
| Charlesbridge | Nonfiction + literary MG | Yes (windows) | Strong |
| Tor / Starscape | Fantasy, sci-fi MG | No (agent required) | Strong |
| Flux (North Star Editions) | Contemporary, edgy MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Jolly Fish Press | Humor, adventure MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Month9Books | Broad genre MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Owl Hollow Press | Genre MG fiction | Yes | Moderate |
| Parliament House Press | Diverse YA/MG crossover | Yes | Growing |
| Amberjack Publishing | Debut MG fiction | Yes | Small-moderate |
| Red Deer Press | Canadian literary MG | Yes | Regional |
| Orca Book Publishers | Canadian diverse MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Groundwood Books | Literary diverse MG | Yes (selective) | Moderate |
| Annick Press | Canadian diverse MG | Yes (selective) | Moderate |
| Pajama Press | Canadian literary MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Kids Can Press | Canadian broad MG | No (agent preferred) | Strong |
| Running Wild Press | Literary MG crossover | Yes | Growing |
| Black Rose Writing | Debut-friendly broad MG | Yes | Good — US |
| Eerdmans Books for Young Readers | Literary, values-based MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Wisdom Tales Press | Multicultural MG | Yes | Small |
| Mighty Media Press | Diverse, empowering MG | Yes | Small |
| Reycraft Books | Diverse, translated MG | Yes | Growing |
| Sleeping Bear Press | Educational, regional MG | Yes | Moderate |
| Sky Pony Press | Broad commercial MG | No (agent preferred) | Moderate |
| Starfish Bay Publishing | Multicultural MG | Yes | Small |
| Fitzroy Books | Literary debut MG | Yes | Small |
| Tanglewood Publishing | Broad MG fiction | Yes | Small-moderate |
| Yellow Jacket (Little Bee) | Diverse, bold MG | No (agent preferred) | Growing |
| Pixel+Ink | Commercial, diverse MG | No (agent preferred) | Growing |
| Clarion Books | Literary, award-aspirant MG | No (agent required) | Excellent |
| Greenwillow / HarperCollins | Literary prestige MG | No (agent required) | Excellent |
| Philomel / PRH | Diverse literary MG | No (agent required) | Excellent |
| Nancy Paulsen Books / PRH | Commercial literary MG | No (agent required) | Excellent |
| Inkyard Press (HarperCollins) | Diverse MG/YA | No (agent preferred) | Strong |
What Makes Middle Grade Distinct — And Why It Matters for Submissions
Before diving into the publishers, it’s worth being clear about what middle grade actually is — because submitting the wrong category to the wrong publisher is one of the most common and entirely avoidable reasons for rejection.
Middle grade fiction targets readers aged 8–12, with protagonists typically between 10 and 13 years old. Word counts typically run 40,000–80,000 words, with most falling in the 50,000–70,000 range. The protagonist faces challenges that are externally driven but internally resonant — the story is about what happens in the world, but the emotional core is about what it means for who the protagonist is becoming.
Middle grade differs from YA in three critical ways. First, the protagonist’s age — MG protagonists are typically under 13, YA protagonists are typically 14 and older. Second, the content — middle grade does not include explicit romantic content, graphic violence, or adult themes; YA can include all three. Third, the emotional register — middle grade is optimistic at its core, even when dark; YA can sustain genuine bleakness and moral ambiguity.
The subgenres of middle grade are important to understand for targeting publishers correctly:
Contemporary realistic MG — everyday life stories, school and family dynamics, friendship and identity. Strong market across all publishers.
Fantasy MG — the dominant commercial subgenre. School-of-magic stories, portal fantasies, quest narratives. Enormous market.
Science fiction MG — less dominant than fantasy but strong, particularly STEM-adjacent or near-future stories.
Historical fiction MG — consistently respected, particularly with school and library markets.
Horror MG — a growing subgenre, driven by the success of authors like R.L. Stine. Scary but not graphic.
Humor MG — a perennially strong category, from diary-format to absurdist comedy.
Diverse and own voices MG — one of the most actively sought categories across all publishers in 2026.
Nonfiction MG — biography, history, science, and social topics for middle grade readers. Strong school and library market.
The Big Five and Major Traditional Publishers
1. Scholastic Press
Founded: 1920 | Headquarters: New York, NY
Scholastic is the 800-pound gorilla of children’s publishing — the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, with unrivaled reach into schools through their book fairs and book clubs. A Scholastic publication doesn’t just mean bookstore distribution; it means your book gets handed to kids in school hallways across America. Their middle grade list has produced some of the most beloved books of the past three decades.
Types of books: Commercial middle grade fantasy, adventure MG, contemporary realistic MG, series fiction, diverse and multicultural MG, nonfiction MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required. Scholastic does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions go through literary agents. However, Scholastic occasionally holds open submission initiatives for specific programs — follow their website and social media for announcements.
Pros: Unmatched school distribution through book fairs and clubs. Massive commercial reach. Strong series development. Publication by Scholastic is a significant career credential.
Cons: Agent required. Extremely competitive even with representation. Long timelines — 18 to 24 months from acquisition to publication.
Best For: Commercial middle grade with strong series potential, school and library market appeal, adventure and fantasy MG. Authors with agents.
Notable Authors: Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Dav Pilkey (Dog Man), Ann M. Martin (The Baby-Sitters Club).
2. Random House Children’s Books (Penguin Random House)
Founded: Part of PRH | Parent: Penguin Random House
PRH Children’s is the largest children’s book publisher in the world by title count, encompassing an extraordinary range of middle grade imprints. Key imprints for middle grade include Wendy Lamb Books (literary MG, known for award winners), Delacorte Press (commercial MG and YA), Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (prestige literary MG), Crown Books for Young Readers, and Random House Books for Young Readers.
Types of books: Literary MG (Wendy Lamb, Knopf), commercial MG (Delacorte), award-aspirant literary MG, diverse and multicultural MG, historical fiction MG, fantasy and adventure MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required across all imprints.
Pros: Largest children’s publisher in the world — extraordinary distribution and marketing resources. Multiple imprints allow very targeted placement. Strong award track record.
Cons: Agent required. Highly competitive. Long timelines.
Best For: Authors with agents, literary and commercial MG with strong hooks and series potential.
Notable Imprints: Wendy Lamb Books (literary prestige MG), Alfred A. Knopf (award-aspirant literary MG), Delacorte Press (commercial and genre MG).
Notable Authors: Kate DiCamillo, Rick Riordan (Hyperion, then PRH), Kwame Alexander.
3. HarperCollins Children’s Books
Founded: 1817 (parent) | Parent: HarperCollins
HarperCollins Children’s is one of the most active acquirers of middle grade fiction and includes imprints with very different editorial personalities. Katherine Tegen Books is one of the most important diverse MG imprints. Greenwillow Books carries extraordinary literary prestige. Balzer + Bray publishes bold commercial and literary MG. Inkyard Press focuses on diverse voices in MG and YA.
Types of books: Diverse and emotional MG (Katherine Tegen), literary prestige MG (Greenwillow), bold commercial and literary MG (Balzer + Bray), diverse voices MG/YA (Inkyard).
Submission Guidelines: Agent required across all imprints.
Pros: Multiple imprints with distinct editorial identities allow targeted placement. Strong diverse acquisitions. Award track record.
Best For: Authors with agents, diverse MG, literary MG with emotional depth.
Notable Imprints: Katherine Tegen Books (diverse emotional MG), Greenwillow Books (literary prestige), Balzer + Bray (bold commercial MG).
Notable Authors: Cassandra Clare, Erin Entrada Kelly, Jason Reynolds (also PRH).
4. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Founded: 1924 | Parent: Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster Children’s includes middle grade imprints Aladdin (commercial, series, and tie-in MG), Atheneum Books for Young Readers (literary MG and YA), Margaret K. McElderry Books (distinguished literary MG), Paula Wiseman Books (literary character-driven MG), and Salaam Reads (Muslim-centered diverse MG).
Types of books: Commercial series MG (Aladdin), literary MG (Atheneum, McElderry), diverse and multicultural MG (Salaam Reads), character-driven MG (Paula Wiseman).
Submission Guidelines: Agent required across all imprints.
Pros: Multiple imprints including dedicated diversity imprint. Strong literary tradition. Good range from commercial to award-aspirant.
Best For: Authors with agents, diverse MG including Muslim-centered stories, literary and commercial MG.
Notable Imprints: Margaret K. McElderry Books (distinguished literary MG), Salaam Reads (Muslim-centered diverse MG).
5. Penguin Young Readers
Founded: Part of PRH | Parent: Penguin Random House
Penguin Young Readers includes middle grade imprints Viking Children’s Books (literary, classic-feeling MG), Dial Books for Young Readers (literary innovative MG), G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (commercial, funny MG), Nancy Paulsen Books (literary commercial MG), Philomel Books (diverse literary MG), and Dutton Children’s Books.
Types of books: Literary MG (Viking, Dial), commercial and humorous MG (Putnam’s), diverse literary MG (Philomel), literary commercial MG (Nancy Paulsen).
Submission Guidelines: Agent required across all imprints.
Best For: Authors with agents, broad spectrum of MG from literary to commercial to diverse.
Notable Imprints: Nancy Paulsen Books (literary commercial MG), Philomel Books (diverse literary MG), Putnam’s (funny, commercial MG).
6. Hachette Book Group Children’s / Little, Brown
Founded: 1837 (Little, Brown) | Parent: Hachette Book Group
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is Hachette’s flagship children’s imprint and has a strong middle grade program known for commercial and literary balance. Their backlist includes some of the most beloved middle grade series in recent history.
Types of books: Commercial and literary MG, fantasy MG, adventure MG, diverse and inclusive MG, humorous MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required.
Best For: Authors with agents, commercial and literary MG with strong voice and character, series potential.
7. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Founded: FSG 1946 | Parent: Macmillan Publishers
Macmillan Children’s includes the most literarily prestigious of all children’s imprints — Farrar Straus & Giroux Books for Young Readers — alongside Roaring Brook Press (innovative, award-winning MG), Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (commercial and literary MG), and Square Fish (paperback reprints). FSG’s middle grade list is the destination for authors whose primary ambition is critical acclaim and award recognition.
Types of books: Literary award-aspirant MG (FSG), innovative format and bold MG (Roaring Brook), commercial and literary MG (Henry Holt).
Submission Guidelines: Agent required across all imprints.
Pros: FSG is the most prestigious literary publisher for MG. Award nominations and wins are disproportionately represented. Strong critical relationships.
Best For: Authors with agents whose MG has strong literary ambitions and award potential.
Notable Imprints: FSG Books for Young Readers (prestige literary MG), Roaring Brook Press (innovative award-winning MG).
8. Clarion Books (HarperCollins)
Founded: 1965 | Parent: HarperCollins
Clarion Books is one of the most decorated middle grade imprints in the industry, with a list that consistently appears on Newbery Medal shortlists and winners. Their editorial focus is literary quality, emotional depth, and stories that matter.
Types of books: Literary middle grade, historical fiction MG, contemporary realistic MG with emotional weight, diverse MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required.
Pros: Extraordinary award track record. Editorial investment in literary quality. Strong library and school market relationships.
Best For: Authors with agents writing literary MG with award aspirations. Historical fiction and contemporary realistic MG with emotional depth.
Notable Authors: Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo (some titles), Linda Sue Park.
9. Disney Hyperion
Founded: 1990 (as Hyperion Books for Children) | Parent: The Walt Disney Company
Disney Hyperion publishes original middle grade alongside Disney-licensed content. Their original MG list is more commercially focused and has produced major franchise series.
Types of books: Commercial adventure MG, franchise and series MG, contemporary and fantasy MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required.
Best For: Commercial MG with franchise potential, adventure series, authors with agents.
Notable Authors: Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson — originally published here), Brandon Mull (Fablehaven).
10. Chronicle Books
Founded: 1967 | Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Chronicle Books occupies a unique position — not part of the Big Five but competitive with them in prestige and distribution. Their middle grade program is known for design innovation, visual boldness, and willingness to publish MG that doesn’t fit traditional templates. They’re particularly strong with illustrated MG and graphic hybrid formats.
Types of books: Innovative format MG, illustrated and graphic hybrid MG, design-forward MG, literary MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required. Not currently open to unsolicited manuscripts.
Best For: Authors with agents, MG with strong visual components, innovative format middle grade.
11. Abrams / Amulet Books
Founded: 1950 (Abrams), Amulet Books children’s imprint | Headquarters: New York, NY
Abrams is an art and illustrated book publisher, and their middle grade imprint Amulet Books reflects that DNA with a list that consistently features strong visual storytelling and art-forward design. Their MG program is selective and distinguished.
Types of books: Art-forward middle grade, literary MG, graphic novel and illustrated hybrid MG, adventure and fantasy MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required.
Best For: Authors with agents, MG with strong visual concepts, literary and illustrated MG.
12. Candlewick Press
Founded: 1992 | Headquarters: Somerville, MA
Candlewick is the US arm of the UK’s Walker Books and brings a distinctly British literary sensibility to middle grade publishing. Their list is consistently excellent and includes award-winners across MG categories. They’re more selective than many publishers and tend to invest deeply in each title.
Types of books: Literary middle grade, British-influenced MG, fantasy and contemporary MG, diverse MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent preferred. Candlewick is not generally open to unsolicited manuscripts — check their website for any exceptions.
Pros: Extraordinary literary reputation. Deep investment in each title. Strong UK and US distribution.
Best For: Authors with agents, literary MG with British sensibility, award-aspirant middle grade.
Notable Authors: Kate DiCamillo (some titles), Philip Pullman (some UK titles).
Mid-Size and Accessible Publishers
13. Holiday House
Founded: 1935 | Headquarters: New York, NY
Holiday House is one of the oldest independent children’s publishers in the US with a distinguished middle grade list. They accept unsolicited submissions — one of the very few publishers at this prestige level that does — and their editorial standards are high. A Holiday House publication carries genuine prestige in children’s publishing.
Types of books: Traditional literary MG, historical fiction MG, nonfiction MG, diverse and multicultural MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented manuscript submissions with one critical caveat — exclusive submissions only. They ask that you not simultaneously submit to other publishers while your manuscript is under consideration. Query with full manuscript. Response times up to six months.
Pros: Prestigious independent publisher. Open to unagented authors. Long track record.
Cons: Exclusive submissions only — you cannot submit elsewhere while waiting. Very slow response times.
Best For: Authors willing to submit exclusively, literary MG, historical fiction MG.
14. Lee & Low Books / Tu Books
Founded: Lee & Low 1991, Tu Books imprint 2011 | Headquarters: New York, NY
Lee & Low is one of the most important publishers on this entire list — and their Tu Books imprint is specifically dedicated to diverse speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, mystery) for middle grade and young adult readers. Tu Books was founded explicitly to address the lack of diverse protagonists in speculative MG.
Types of books: Diverse and multicultural MG (Lee & Low), diverse speculative fiction MG — fantasy, sci-fi, mystery with protagonists of color (Tu Books).
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Lee & Low also runs the New Visions Award — a competition specifically for unpublished fantasy, science fiction, or mystery/thriller manuscripts for MG or YA by authors of color. This award comes with a publishing contract from Tu Books.
Pros: Open to unagented authors. New Visions Award is a genuine pathway to publication. Deeply committed to diverse voices. Strong critical reputation.
Best For: Authors of color writing speculative MG, diverse fantasy and sci-fi MG, debut authors from underrepresented communities.
15. Peachtree Publishing
Founded: 1977 | Headquarters: Atlanta, GA
Peachtree is one of the most respected independent children’s publishers with a middle grade list known for warmth, literary quality, and consistent award recognition. Their titles appear regularly on Newbery consideration lists.
Types of books: Literary middle grade, contemporary realistic MG, historical fiction MG, diverse MG, Southern-set MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions selectively during open windows. Check their website for current submission periods.
Best For: Literary MG with emotional resonance, historical fiction MG, diverse and Southern-set MG.
16. Albert Whitman & Company
Founded: 1919 | Headquarters: Park Ridge, IL
Albert Whitman is one of the oldest independent children’s publishers in the US and has a growing middle grade list alongside their picture book program. They’re known for social-emotional themes and diverse representation.
Types of books: Social-emotional MG, diverse and inclusive MG, contemporary realistic MG, mystery MG (they publish a mystery series program).
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit full manuscript with cover letter.
Best For: Social-emotional MG, diverse and inclusive MG, contemporary realistic MG.
17. Boyds Mills & Kane
Founded: 1990 (merged) | Headquarters: New York, NY
Boyds Mills & Kane publishes middle grade fiction and nonfiction with consistent quality and strong school and library market positioning.
Types of books: Contemporary realistic MG, historical fiction MG, nonfiction MG, diverse MG, adventure and mystery MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit full manuscript with cover letter.
Best For: Contemporary and historical MG, nonfiction MG, school and library market-oriented submissions.
18. Charlesbridge Publishing
Founded: 1980 | Headquarters: Watertown, MA
Charlesbridge has one of the strongest nonfiction MG programs alongside their fiction list. They’re particularly known for educational depth that doesn’t sacrifice narrative quality — exactly what school and library buyers want.
Types of books: Nonfiction MG (science, nature, history, biography), literary fiction MG, educational narrative nonfiction MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions during specific open windows. Check their website for current submission periods.
Best For: Nonfiction MG authors, science and nature MG, historical fiction with educational depth.
19. Tor / Starscape (Macmillan)
Founded: Tor 1980, Starscape MG imprint | Parent: Macmillan / Tor Books
Starscape is Tor’s dedicated middle grade imprint and the natural home for MG fantasy and science fiction with serious genre ambitions. Tor’s deep roots in adult SFF translate into a middle grade imprint that takes genre seriously.
Types of books: Fantasy MG, science fiction MG, adventure MG, magical realism MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent required.
Best For: Authors with agents writing fantasy and science fiction MG with strong worldbuilding and genre credentials.
20. Sourcebooks / Jabberwocky
Founded: 1987 (Sourcebooks), Jabberwocky MG/YA imprint | Headquarters: Naperville, IL
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky is the middle grade and YA imprint of Sourcebooks and has grown into a significant MG publisher with a strong commercial and diverse catalog.
Types of books: Commercial MG, diverse and inclusive MG, fantasy and adventure MG, contemporary realistic MG.
Submission Guidelines: Agent preferred. Some direct submission opportunities exist — check their website.
Best For: Commercial MG with diverse characters, authors querying agents.
Independent Publishers Accepting Unagented Submissions
21. Flux (North Star Editions)
Founded: 2005 (Flux), under North Star Editions | Headquarters: Mendota Heights, MN
Flux is a genuinely important option for unagented middle grade authors. They publish contemporary, edgy, and diverse MG alongside YA, and they’re open to manuscripts that deal with real-world issues more directly than some traditional publishers will allow.
Types of books: Contemporary realistic MG, diverse and social-issue MG, edgy and authentic-voice MG, coming-of-age MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit query, synopsis, and first chapters via their portal. Check their website for current guidelines.
Pros: Open to unagented authors. Receptive to more realistic, contemporary MG. Growing distribution.
Best For: Contemporary realistic MG, diverse MG, authentic-voice MG dealing with real issues.
22. Jolly Fish Press (North Star Editions)
Founded: 2012 | Parent: North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press is North Star Editions’ imprint specializing in humor, adventure, and broad-appeal middle grade fiction. They publish highly readable, fun MG that appeals to reluctant readers.
Types of books: Humorous MG, adventure MG, fantasy MG, reluctant reader-friendly MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit via their portal.
Best For: Funny and adventurous MG, reluctant reader-friendly stories, humor-driven middle grade.
23. Month9Books
Founded: 2012 | Headquarters: United States
Month9Books publishes middle grade and YA across genres and is known for working with debut authors. They have an active submission program.
Types of books: Fantasy MG, contemporary MG, science fiction MG, paranormal MG, broad genre MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit via their online portal. Check their website for current open submission windows.
Best For: Genre MG across categories, debut authors, authors seeking a publisher open to diverse genre MG.
24. Owl Hollow Press
Founded: 2014 | Headquarters: United States
Owl Hollow Press publishes middle grade and YA fiction across genres with a reputation for working closely with debut authors.
Types of books: Fantasy MG, contemporary MG, diverse MG, adventure MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit query and manuscript via their portal.
Best For: Genre and contemporary MG, debut authors seeking an accessible indie press.
25. Parliament House Press
Founded: 2017 | Headquarters: Orlando, FL
Parliament House has established itself as a quality press for diverse YA and MG speculative fiction with beautiful cover design and a genuine commitment to inclusive representation.
Types of books: Diverse MG, speculative MG, YA/MG crossover, LGBTQ-inclusive MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unagented submissions through their portal. Submit query, synopsis, and full manuscript.
Best For: Diverse and inclusive MG, speculative MG, LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade.
26. Fitzroy Books (Regal House Publishing)
Founded: 2018 | Headquarters: Raleigh, NC
Fitzroy Books is the children’s and YA imprint of Regal House Publishing, and they publish literary debut middle grade with a genuine commitment to finding fresh voices.
Types of books: Literary MG, debut middle grade fiction, diverse MG, contemporary and historical MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit query with synopsis and first chapters.
Best For: Literary debut MG authors, diverse MG, contemporary and historical MG fiction.
27. Tanglewood Publishing
Founded: 2003 | Headquarters: Terre Haute, IN
Tanglewood is a small independent publisher with a genuine middle grade fiction program and a reputation for personal engagement with authors.
Types of books: Broad middle grade fiction, fantasy MG, contemporary MG, adventure MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions. Submit query and first chapters.
Best For: Debut and unagented MG authors, broad commercial and genre MG fiction.
28. Amberjack Publishing
Founded: 2014 | Headquarters: United States
Amberjack is a small independent publisher open to debut middle grade manuscripts across genres.
Types of books: Contemporary MG, fantasy MG, diverse MG, adventure MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Check their website for current guidelines.
Best For: Debut middle grade authors seeking an accessible independent publisher.
29. Running Wild Press
Founded: 2012 | Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
Running Wild Press publishes across literary and genre fiction including middle grade, with year-round open submissions and genuine interest in diverse voices.
Types of books: Literary MG, diverse MG, genre-literary crossover MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions year-round via their portal.
Best For: Literary MG, diverse voices, genre-literary crossover middle grade.
30. Black Rose Writing
Founded: 2006 | Headquarters: Castroville, TX
Black Rose Writing is consistently one of the most debut-author-accessible small presses in the US with year-round open submissions and fast response times.
Types of books: Middle grade fiction, mystery MG, adventure MG, genre fiction broadly.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented manuscripts year-round. Response typically under 90 days.
Best For: Debut MG authors, authors who want a fast and transparent submission process.
31. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Founded: Ongoing | Headquarters: Grand Rapids, MI
Eerdmans publishes literary children’s and middle grade books with a broadly humanistic and values-oriented sensibility. Their MG list consistently wins awards.
Types of books: Literary MG, multicultural MG, historical MG, values-based MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Submit full manuscript with cover letter.
Best For: Literary MG, values-based and humanistic MG, multicultural middle grade.
Canadian Middle Grade Publishers
32. Groundwood Books
Founded: 1978 | Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Groundwood is one of the most literarily distinguished independent children’s publishers in North America with a strong MG list. They’re deeply committed to diverse and non-Western perspectives and publish internationally sourced titles alongside Canadian authors.
Types of books: Literary diverse MG, internationally sourced MG, social justice MG, Indigenous and multicultural MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions selectively. Check their website for current windows.
Best For: Literary diverse MG, Indigenous and multicultural voices, internationally sourced MG.
33. Orca Book Publishers
Founded: 1984 | Headquarters: Victoria, BC
Orca is one of Canada’s most important children’s publishers with a strong MG program known for diverse, accessible fiction. Their Orca Currents line is specifically designed for reluctant readers.
Types of books: Diverse MG, inclusive MG, reluctant reader MG (Orca Currents), environmental MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions from Canadian authors. Check their website.
Best For: Canadian MG authors, reluctant reader MG, diverse and inclusive middle grade.
34. Annick Press
Founded: 1975 | Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Annick Press is one of Canada’s oldest independent children’s publishers with a strong commitment to diverse and socially engaged MG.
Types of books: Diverse MG, social justice MG, Canadian literary MG, multicultural MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions selectively. Check their website.
Best For: Canadian diverse MG authors, socially engaged middle grade, multicultural MG.
35. Pajama Press
Founded: 2011 | Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Pajama Press is an award-winning Canadian children’s publisher with a growing MG list known for emotional depth and literary quality.
Types of books: Literary MG, diverse MG, contemporary and adventure MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions during open windows. Canadian authors preferred.
Best For: Canadian literary MG authors, diverse middle grade with emotional depth.
Specialty and Niche Middle Grade Publishers
36. Reycraft Books
Founded: 2019 | Headquarters: New York, NY
Reycraft focuses on diverse, globally-sourced children’s books including middle grade, with a particular interest in translated works and authors from underrepresented communities.
Types of books: Diverse MG, translated international MG, multicultural middle grade.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited, unagented submissions. Check their website.
Best For: Diverse MG from underrepresented communities, internationally sourced MG.
37. Sleeping Bear Press
Founded: 1998 | Headquarters: Ann Arbor, MI
Sleeping Bear publishes educational and regional content for middle grade readers alongside their picture book program, with strong school and library market positioning.
Types of books: Educational MG, regional and historical MG, nonfiction MG.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions. Check their website for guidelines.
Best For: Educational and historical MG, regional stories, nonfiction MG.
38. Mighty Media Press
Founded: 2011 | Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN
Mighty Media Press publishes diverse and empowering children’s books including middle grade, with a focus on underrepresented voices and stories.
Types of books: Diverse MG, empowering MG, multicultural middle grade.
Submission Guidelines: Accepts unsolicited submissions. Check their website.
Best For: Diverse and empowering MG, underrepresented voices.
Competition and Award Pathways to Publication
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
SCBWI is the essential professional organization for children’s book authors including middle grade writers. Their Work-In-Progress grants provide funding for MG manuscripts in development. Their Golden Kite Award recognizes outstanding MG fiction. And their annual conference provides direct access to editors and agents actively acquiring middle grade. If you’re serious about MG publishing, SCBWI membership is the single most important professional investment you can make.
Lee & Low New Visions Award
The New Visions Award from Lee & Low’s Tu Books imprint is one of the most important competitions specifically for middle grade fiction. Open to unpublished speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, mystery/thriller) for MG or YA by authors of color, the winner receives a publishing contract. Check the Lee & Low website for current eligibility and entry guidelines.
Minotaur Books / MWA First Crime Novel Award
If your middle grade is a mystery, the Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award administered with Minotaur Books / St. Martin’s Press is worth entering. Check MWA eligibility requirements for middle grade mystery manuscripts.
Getting Submission-Ready for Middle Grade Publishers
Middle grade has specific query conventions worth understanding before you start submitting.
Your query letter needs to clearly establish: your protagonist’s age and situation (this immediately signals MG vs YA), the central conflict driving the plot, the emotional stakes beneath the plot, and the word count and comps (comparable titles). A strong middle grade query positions your book with two recent comparables that signal both the tone and the commercial territory — “for fans of Percy Jackson and Holes” tells an editor far more than any summary.
Your word count matters. Most middle grade manuscripts run 40,000–80,000 words. Fantasy MG can run toward the higher end. Contemporary realistic MG typically runs 45,000–65,000 words. Manuscripts significantly outside the expected range raise red flags — a 30,000-word MG feels underdeveloped; a 100,000-word MG feels overlong for the audience.
Your opening chapter is everything. Middle grade readers — and by extension, middle grade editors — have no patience for slow starts. Your first chapter needs to establish voice, introduce your protagonist in motion, and create immediate forward momentum. Not a prologue. Not backstory. Your story in motion, from sentence one.
If your manuscript isn’t quite there, or if your submission materials need professional polish, Adept Ghostwriting offers specialized editing and query support for middle grade authors. Their editors understand the specific demands of the category and can help you present your manuscript at its strongest.
How to Choose the Right Publisher for Your Middle Grade Novel
Do you have a literary agent? If yes, the Big Five and major imprints — Clarion, FSG, Wendy Lamb, Katherine Tegen, Greenwillow, Amulet, Roaring Brook — are your primary targets. These publishers will give your MG the widest distribution and strongest commercial platform.
Writing without an agent? Your strongest options are: Henery Press (if your MG has mystery elements), Lee & Low / Tu Books (if your protagonist is from an underrepresented community), Holiday House (if you’re willing to submit exclusively), Charlesbridge (during open windows), Flux or Jolly Fish Press (for contemporary or humorous MG), Month9Books (for genre MG), and Parliament House (for diverse speculative MG).
Is your MG diverse or own voices? Start with Lee & Low / Tu Books, Reycraft Books, Peachtree, Parliament House, and Groundwood Books — publishers specifically committed to diverse voices.
Is your MG fantasy or science fiction? Beyond Starscape/Tor and the Big Five, look at Tu Books (for diverse speculative MG), Month9Books, and Owl Hollow Press.
Is your MG nonfiction? Charlesbridge, Boyds Mills & Kane, Sleeping Bear Press, and Albert Whitman are your strongest fits.
Canadian authors should look first at Groundwood Books, Orca, Annick, Pajama Press, and Red Deer Press before pursuing US publishers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between middle grade and young adult fiction?
Middle grade targets readers aged 8–12, with protagonists typically between 10 and 13 years old. YA targets readers aged 12–18, with protagonists typically 14 and older. The content difference is significant: middle grade avoids explicit romantic content, graphic violence, and adult themes. YA can include all three. Emotionally, middle grade is optimistic at its core even when dark, while YA can sustain bleakness and moral ambiguity. Word counts differ too: MG typically runs 40,000–80,000 words; YA runs 60,000–100,000 words.
How long should a middle grade novel be?
Most middle grade novels run 40,000–80,000 words. Contemporary realistic MG typically sits in the 45,000–65,000 range. Fantasy MG, which requires more worldbuilding, can run toward 70,000–80,000 words. Anything under 35,000 words will likely feel underdeveloped to editors; anything over 90,000 words is unusual and may face resistance. Always check specific publisher guidelines — some have precise word count requirements.
Do I need a literary agent to publish middle grade fiction?
For the Big Five publishers and major mid-size publishers like Scholastic, Clarion, Chronicle, Abrams/Amulet, Candlewick, and Sourcebooks, yes — an agent is required or strongly preferred. However, a meaningful number of respected publishers including Holiday House, Lee & Low, Boyds Mills & Kane, Albert Whitman, Charlesbridge, Flux, Jolly Fish Press, Month9Books, and Parliament House Press accept unagented submissions directly.
What are publishers looking for in middle grade manuscripts in 2026?
Diverse protagonists from underrepresented communities are in extraordinary demand — editors across all publishers consistently cite this as a top priority. Fantasy MG remains commercially dominant and highly competitive. Contemporary realistic MG with authentic voice and emotional depth is strongly sought. Horror and dark MG is a growing category. STEM-connected MG (particularly science fiction and nonfiction MG) is actively sought, driven by educational market demand. And MG that addresses social-emotional topics — anxiety, belonging, family change — remains consistently acquisitive across the category.
What are the best competitions and awards for unpublished middle grade authors?
The Lee & Low New Visions Award for diverse speculative MG is one of the most important, with a publishing contract as the prize. SCBWI Work-In-Progress grants provide development funding. The Highlights Foundation offers workshops and fellowship opportunities that connect MG authors with editors and agents. For mystery MG, the MWA First Crime Novel Award with Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s is worth pursuing.
Can I self-publish middle grade fiction successfully?
Middle grade is a harder self-publishing territory than adult genre fiction for a few reasons: parents and gatekeepers (teachers, librarians) are often involved in book selection for this age group, and institutional validation from a traditional publisher carries more weight. That said, the Kindle middle grade market is growing, and authors who produce strong series with professional production quality have found readers. Self-publishing MG works best for series fiction where reader momentum carries discovery. If you pursue self-publishing, professional editing and genre-appropriate cover design are non-negotiable.
Conclusion
Middle grade publishing in 2026 offers genuine pathways for both agented and unagented authors — more than most writers realize when they first start researching the market.
For authors with agents, the Big Five imprints offer the widest distribution and strongest commercial platform. For unagented authors, publishers like Lee & Low, Holiday House, Boyds Mills & Kane, Charlesbridge, Flux, Jolly Fish Press, Month9Books, and Parliament House Press provide legitimate routes to quality publication without requiring an agent first.
The most important thing is to know your manuscript’s category, subgenre, and audience — and to target publishers who specialize in exactly what you’ve written. A literary historical MG belongs at Holiday House or Peachtree, not at Jolly Fish Press. A diverse fantasy MG belongs at Tu Books, not at a publisher with an all-white catalog. Match your manuscript to the publisher, not just the category.
Make sure your submission materials are doing your story justice. Your query letter, synopsis, and opening chapters are all working as one unit to convince an editor that your middle grade novel deserves their attention and their readers’ time.
If you need support getting your manuscript or submission materials to the standard these publishers expect, Adept Ghostwriting is here — developmental editing, line editing, query letter writing, and full manuscript support for middle grade authors at every stage of their journey.
Your middle grade novel deserves the right home. Go find it.
Disclaimer: Submission guidelines and open windows change frequently. Always verify current information directly on each publisher’s official website before submitting. This guide reflects information available as of early 2026.
