The thriller genre continues to dominate bestseller lists in 2026, captivating readers with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plots, and unforgettable twists. From psychological thrillers that explore the darkest corners of the human mind to action-packed espionage adventures spanning the globe, thrillers offer readers the ultimate page-turning experience.
For writers crafting suspenseful narratives—whether domestic thrillers, spy novels, legal thrillers, or techno-thrillers—2026 presents exceptional opportunities to connect with publishers actively seeking the next breakout thriller sensation.
This comprehensive guide presents over 30 thriller publishers currently accepting submissions, with detailed information about their editorial preferences, submission requirements, acceptance rates, and what distinguishes each in the competitive thriller market.
Expert Guidance for Thriller Authors
Crafting publishable thrillers requires mastering pacing, plotting, and suspense while creating memorable characters readers root for through dangerous situations. Adept Ghostwriting specializes in helping thriller authors refine manuscripts with expert developmental editing that strengthens plot logic, eliminates pacing issues, and ensures clues and twists land perfectly. We provide strategic guidance on targeting publishers whose lists align with your thriller subgenre and prepare compelling query materials that hook agents and editors. Visit Adept Ghostwriting to transform your thriller manuscript into a page-turner publishers can’t resist.
Major Thriller Publishers
1. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press)
Overview: As one of the most prestigious mystery and thriller imprints in traditional publishing, Minotaur Books publishes bestselling authors and award-winners across all thriller subgenres. They offer exceptional editorial support, substantial marketing resources, and broad distribution, making them a dream destination for thriller writers.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, spy thrillers, legal thrillers, police procedurals, domestic suspense, international intrigue, techno-thrillers
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Macmillan network
Price: Traditional publishing with substantial advances for established authors ($25,000-$500,000+)
Rating: 4.9/5.0
Submission Timeline: 8-16 months for agented material; 18-24 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
2. Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group)
Overview: Grand Central maintains a strong thriller list featuring both commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed suspense novels. They publish approximately 30-40 thrillers annually with excellent marketing support and broad commercial distribution.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, action thrillers, techno-thrillers, medical thrillers, legal thrillers
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Hachette network
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances ($20,000-$250,000+)
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Submission Timeline: 10-16 months for agented submissions; 18-24 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
3. Thomas & Mercer (Amazon Publishing)
Overview: Amazon’s mystery and thriller imprint has rapidly become one of the most sought-after publishers in the genre. Thomas & Mercer offers exceptional marketing support, competitive compensation, and direct access to Amazon’s massive reader base. They publish approximately 100+ thrillers annually.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, domestic suspense, international thrillers, detective fiction, police procedurals
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Geographic Reach: Global through Amazon’s international platforms
Price: Traditional publishing with highly competitive advances ($15,000-$100,000+)
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-12 months for agented submissions; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
4. Berkley (Penguin Random House)
Overview: Berkley publishes commercial fiction including strong thriller lists spanning psychological suspense to action-packed adventures. They’re known for excellent author support and strategic marketing that builds author careers.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, romantic suspense, women’s suspense, domestic thrillers, action thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Penguin Random House
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.7/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-10 months for agented material; 12-20 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
5. William Morrow (HarperCollins)
Overview: William Morrow has published numerous thriller bestsellers and maintains a prestigious suspense list. They seek high-concept thrillers with cinematic appeal and strong commercial potential.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, spy thrillers, action thrillers, techno-thrillers, domestic suspense, historical thrillers
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Geographic Reach: Global distribution through HarperCollins network
Price: Traditional publishing with substantial advances for commercial thrillers
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Submission Timeline: 10-16 months for agented material; 18-24 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
Independent Thriller Publishers
6. Crooked Lane Books
Overview: One of the fastest-growing thriller publishers, Crooked Lane specializes in mysteries and thrillers with traditional appeal. They’ve built an impressive catalog since 2014 and are known for excellent author support, professional editing, and strong marketing.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, crime thrillers, amateur sleuth thrillers, cozy mysteries with suspense elements
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Geographic Reach: Strong North American distribution through Macmillan with international presence
Price: Traditional publishing with advances $2,500-$25,000
Rating: 4.7/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for agented submissions; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Primarily agented; occasionally accepts unagented submissions
7. Poisoned Pen Press (Sourcebooks)
Overview: Now a Sourcebooks imprint, Poisoned Pen maintains its reputation as a premier mystery and thriller publisher. They’ve published Edgar Award winners and bestselling crime fiction, with particular strength in traditional mysteries and classic-style thrillers.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, police procedurals, detective fiction, psychological suspense, international crime, noir thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 1-3%
Geographic Reach: Strong international distribution through Sourcebooks
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Submission Timeline: 8-14 months for agented material; 15-20 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Primarily agented; occasionally accepts strong unagented queries
8. Oceanview Publishing
Overview: Focusing primarily on thrillers and suspense, Oceanview Publishing has built a reputation for high-quality crime fiction. They provide strong editorial and marketing support, with particular interest in series potential.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, police procedurals, spy thrillers, action thrillers, suspense, detective series
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Geographic Reach: Strong distribution through independent channels
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-12 months for response; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts queries; prefers agented but considers strong unagented submissions
9. Severn House Publishers
Overview: This UK-based publisher has a strong reputation for mysteries and crime thrillers, particularly traditional suspense, police procedurals, and international crime. Severn House publishes primarily in hardcover for library markets while expanding digital and paperback formats.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, police procedurals, detective fiction, international thrillers, traditional suspense
Acceptance Rate: 3-5%
Geographic Reach: Strong UK and library distribution; international presence
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-12 months for response; 15-20 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions from UK and Commonwealth authors; international authors typically need agents
10. Polis Books
Overview: This New York-based independent publisher specializes in crime fiction and thrillers with particular interest in diverse voices and fresh perspectives on the genre. Polis maintains high editorial standards while championing innovative approaches.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, noir, psychological suspense, LGBTQ+ thrillers, diverse voices, urban crime fiction
Acceptance Rate: 4-8%
Geographic Reach: National distribution with strong crime fiction community presence
Price: Traditional independent publishing; advances vary
Rating: 4.4/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-12 months for response; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Prefers agented but accepts strong unagented queries
11. Down & Out Books
Overview: Specializing in crime fiction and noir thrillers, Down & Out Books publishes edgy, character-driven suspense. They’re particularly interested in hard-boiled thrillers, gritty crime stories, and noir narratives with atmospheric settings.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Noir thrillers, hard-boiled crime, gritty suspense, crime fiction, detective noir, pulp-style thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 6-10%
Geographic Reach: North American distribution with digital international presence
Price: Traditional publishing; small press royalty model
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Submission Timeline: 2-4 months for response; 10-15 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions; clear guidelines on website
12. Soho Crime
Overview: An imprint of Soho Press, Soho Crime publishes international crime fiction and thrillers with particular emphasis on diverse global settings. They seek atmospheric thrillers that transport readers to compelling locations worldwide.
Thriller Genres Accepted: International crime thrillers, global noir, atmospheric suspense, detective fiction, culturally diverse thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Geographic Reach: Strong independent bookstore presence; national distribution
Price: Traditional independent publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Submission Timeline: 8-14 months for response; 15-20 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Agented submissions preferred; occasional unagented opportunities
13. Level Best Books
Overview: This independent publisher focuses exclusively on crime fiction and thrillers, with particular strength in anthologies and regional crime stories. Level Best operates the “Level Best Crime” imprint and maintains strong connections to the thriller writing community.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, noir, police procedurals, amateur sleuth thrillers, regional crime fiction
Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
Geographic Reach: North American focus with digital international distribution
Price: Traditional publishing; small press model with modest royalties
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Submission Timeline: 3-6 months for response; 12-16 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Regular submission windows for anthologies; occasional novel submissions
14. Bloodhound Books
Overview: This UK-based independent publisher specializes in crime fiction and thrillers with particular interest in psychological suspense. Bloodhound Books has rapidly built an impressive catalog and supportive author community.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, crime fiction, domestic suspense, detective fiction, noir thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 7-12%
Geographic Reach: UK-based with international digital distribution
Price: Traditional publishing; independent press royalties
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Submission Timeline: 3-8 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions via online form
15. Camel Press
Overview: An independent publisher with the “Coffeetown Press” imprint for mysteries and thrillers, Camel Press publishes quality crime fiction and suspense across various subgenres. They’re known for author-friendly contracts and professional production.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, suspense, detective fiction, amateur sleuth thrillers, regional mysteries
Acceptance Rate: 7-12%
Geographic Reach: North American focus with digital distribution
Price: Traditional publishing; independent press model
Rating: 4.1/5.0
Submission Timeline: 3-8 weeks for response; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions via online portal
Digital-First Thriller Publishers
16. Bookouture (Hachette Book Group)
Overview: Hachette’s digital-first imprint has become a powerhouse in crime fiction and thrillers, particularly psychological suspense and domestic thrillers. They offer rapid publication timelines and strong digital marketing support.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, crime fiction, women’s suspense, police procedurals
Acceptance Rate: 2-5%
Geographic Reach: Global digital distribution through Hachette
Price: Digital-first traditional publishing; competitive advances
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Submission Timeline: 4-8 weeks for agented material; 8-12 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Typically agented submissions
17. Joffe Books
Overview: This UK digital publisher specializes in British crime fiction and thrillers, publishing rapidly with strong genre focus. Joffe Books has built a substantial catalog of series-driven crime thrillers.
Thriller Genres Accepted: British crime thrillers, detective series, police procedurals, psychological suspense, cozy mysteries
Acceptance Rate: 8-15%
Geographic Reach: Digital-first; strong UK market with international reach
Price: Digital publishing model; royalty-based
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Submission Timeline: 2-6 weeks for response; 6-10 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions from UK authors
18. Alibi (Random House Digital)
Overview: Random House’s digital mystery and thriller imprint publishes shorter thrillers and crime fiction in ebook format. They offer major publisher prestige with digital-first flexibility.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, suspense novellas, detective fiction, psychological thrillers, mystery-thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 3-6%
Geographic Reach: Global digital distribution through Random House
Price: Traditional publishing with digital-focused royalties
Rating: 4.4/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-12 weeks for agented material; 10-14 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Primarily agented; occasionally accepts direct submissions
19. Diversion Books
Overview: This digital-first publisher has expanded successfully into thriller categories. Diversion Books offers faster publication timelines than traditional publishers while maintaining professional editorial standards.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Commercial thrillers, suspense, crime fiction, action thrillers, detective series
Acceptance Rate: 5-10%
Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; international digital distribution
Price: Traditional publishing; competitive digital royalties
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Submission Timeline: 4-10 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts both agented and unagented submissions
20. Wolfpack Publishing
Overview: A rapidly growing independent publisher with strong presence in action, thriller, and mystery categories. Wolfpack Publishing offers fast publication timelines and author-friendly royalty structures, particularly for series fiction.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Action thrillers, suspense, crime fiction, military thrillers, detective series, westerns
Acceptance Rate: 8-15%
Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print and strong audiobook presence
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive royalty rates
Rating: 4.1/5.0
Submission Timeline: 2-4 weeks for response; 6-10 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Actively acquiring; accepts unagented submissions
Specialty Thriller Publishers
21. Kensington Publishing
Overview: With their Zebra and Lyrical imprints, Kensington publishes diverse thrillers including romantic suspense, urban thrillers, and diverse voices. They maintain a reputation for discovering new talent.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Romantic suspense, urban thrillers, crime fiction, women’s suspense, diverse thriller voices
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Geographic Reach: North America with international distribution
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Submission Timeline: 4-8 months for response; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts both agented and unagented submissions for some imprints
22. Midnight Ink (Note: Ceased Operations)
Overview: Midnight Ink ceased acquisitions in 2018. Authors should explore alternative publishers like Crooked Lane, Level Best Books, or Down & Out Books.
Status: No longer accepting submissions
23. Titan Books
Overview: Known for media tie-ins, Titan also publishes original crime fiction and thrillers. They’re particularly interested in cinematic, high-concept thrillers with strong commercial appeal.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime fiction, noir thrillers, high-concept suspense, cinematic thrillers, action thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Geographic Reach: UK-based with strong international distribution
Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Submission Timeline: 6-14 months for response; 15-20 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Primarily agented; occasional unagented opportunities announced
24. Black Rose Writing
Overview: An independent publisher with strong thriller catalog, Black Rose Writing offers both traditional and hybrid options with transparent processes and author support.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Psychological thrillers, crime fiction, suspense, mystery-thrillers, action thrillers
Acceptance Rate: 10-18%
Geographic Reach: North American focus with digital international presence
Price: Traditional publishing track available; some hybrid options
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Submission Timeline: 2-6 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Year-round; accepts unagented submissions
25. Knox Robinson Publishing
Overview: An international publisher with offices in the UK and US, Knox Robinson publishes thrillers and crime fiction alongside other genres. They offer personalized editorial attention.
Thriller Genres Accepted: Crime thrillers, suspense, international thrillers, detective fiction, psychological suspense
Acceptance Rate: 6-10%
Geographic Reach: International distribution through UK and US offices
Price: Traditional publishing; independent press model
Rating: 4.1/5.0
Submission Timeline: 4-12 weeks for response; 12-18 months to publication
Open for Submissions: Accepts unagented submissions with detailed guidelines
26-30. Additional Thriller Publishers
Darkhouse Books: Dark thrillers, noir, psychological suspense; 7-10% acceptance; regular submission windows
Agora Books: Literary thrillers, psychological suspense; 5-9% acceptance; selective acquisition
Encircle Publications: Crime thrillers, suspense; 8-14% acceptance; accepts unagented submissions
Steel City Press: Crime fiction anthologies and novels; 8-14% acceptance; regular windows
Red Adept Publishing: Thrillers, suspense, mystery; 6-12% acceptance; accepts unagented submissions
Thriller Submission Success Strategies
Thriller publishers evaluate manuscripts on pacing, plot originality, character depth, and commercial appeal. Successful thriller submissions demonstrate:
Compelling Openings: Thrillers must hook readers immediately. Publishers reject manuscripts with slow openings regardless of later quality. Start with action, mystery, or immediate threat.
Sustained Tension: Effective thrillers maintain tension throughout, escalating stakes and complications while providing occasional relief before the next crisis.
Original Plots: Avoid overused thriller tropes—amnesia, evil twins, dream sequences as revelations. Fresh takes on familiar concepts work; tired clichés don’t.
Strong Pacing: Thriller pacing requires balance—breakneck action scenes contrasted with character development moments. Too much action exhausts; too little bores.
Satisfying Resolutions: Endings must feel earned and logical based on established clues. Deus ex machina solutions frustrate readers and editors alike.
Research publishers’ recent releases to understand their thriller preferences. Some favor psychological depth; others want action-packed plots. Target publishers seeking your specific thriller style for best success.
Note: Publisher information is current as of January 2026. Submission policies and editorial interests may change. Always verify current requirements on publisher websites before submitting.
