22 Women’s Fiction Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2026

In 2026, the landscape of Women’s Fiction is shifting away from generic “chick lit” and toward “Upmarket Commercial Fiction”—stories that blend high-stakes emotional drama with literary polish. Readers today are demanding complex female protagonists who are navigating more than just romance; they are tackling career pivots, intergenerational trauma, and the evolving definitions of family.

For authors, this means publishers are looking for more than a “happily ever after.” They want “Book Club Fiction”—stories that leave readers with questions to discuss long after the final page is turned.

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22 Women’s Fiction Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2026

Below is a comprehensive guide to 22 publishers and imprints currently seeking Women’s Fiction. We have prioritized those that offer accessibility to new authors while maintaining high industry prestige.

1. Lake Union Publishing (Amazon Publishing)

Lake Union is a powerhouse in the Women’s Fiction space, known for turning debut novels into global bestsellers. They focus on “absorbing works of contemporary and historical fiction” that explore the complexities of life and relationships.

• Target Genres: Contemporary, Historical, and “Book Club” fiction.

• Submissions: They primarily work through agents but are known to scout through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Amazon’s “First Reads” program.

• What Readers Want: Emotional resonance, relatable life struggles, and strong “what would I do?” scenarios.

2. Bookouture (Hachette UK)

A digital-first giant that specializes in high-concept commercial fiction. They are famous for their “forensic” marketing and fast-paced publishing schedules.

• Target Genres: Women’s Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Psychological Thrillers, and Historical Sagas.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions via their website.

• What Readers Want: Pacy plots, high stakes, and “unputdownable” cliffhangers.

3. Harlequin Special Edition

While Harlequin is synonymous with romance, the Special Edition line focuses heavily on the “Total Woman”—her career, her family, and her place in her community, alongside the romantic arc.

• Target Genres: Contemporary Women’s Fiction with a central romantic heart.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions via Submittable.

• What Readers Want: Optimism, small-town charm, and stories of community and connection.

4. Alcove Press

An imprint of Crooked Lane Books, Alcove Press is “dedicated to publishing the stories that inspire, enlighten, and empower.” They bridge the gap between commercial and upmarket fiction.

• Target Genres: Book Club fiction, contemporary women’s stories, and narrative non-fiction.

• Submissions: Open to both agented and unagented queries.

• What Readers Want: Empowerment, intellectual depth, and modern social themes.

5. Graydon House (Harlequin/HarperCollins)

Graydon House is the “upmarket” wing of Harlequin. They look for books that are “smart, commercial, and conversational.”

• Target Genres: Relationship fiction, historical fiction, and suspense with a female lead.

• Submissions: Primarily agented, but they participate in diverse writer open calls.

• What Readers Want: Sophisticated prose, complex secrets, and moral ambiguity.

6. Kensington Publishing Corp.

One of the few remaining large, independent US houses. They are incredibly prolific and offer many different imprints (like Lyrical Press) that cater to women’s voices.

• Target Genres: Everything from “cozy” women’s fiction to gritty, dark suspense.

• Submissions: Open to unagented queries for specific digital imprints.

• What Readers Want: Diverse characters, high drama, and long-running series potential.

7. Sourcebooks Landmark

Sourcebooks is an “innovation-led” publisher. Their Landmark imprint focuses on women’s fiction that breaks the mold or introduces a unique “hook.”

• Target Genres: Upmarket women’s fiction and literary-leaning commercial novels.

• Submissions: Agented preferred, but they hold occasional “open door” days.

• What Readers Want: Originality, “big” themes, and emotional authenticity.

8. Affirm Press

Based in Australia but with a global eye, Affirm Press publishes “stories and ideas that influence the way we live.” They have a very strong track record with women’s fiction debuts.

• Target Genres: Contemporary fiction, memoir, and narrative non-fiction.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions on the first Monday of every month.

• What Readers Want: Vitality, humor, and specifically “stories with heart.”

9. Black Rose Writing

A Texas-based independent press that has grown significantly. They offer a more personal relationship between author and publisher.

• Target Genres: General fiction and women-centric narratives.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Character-driven stories and diverse perspectives.

10. Bloodhound Books

A leading digital-first publisher in the UK that has expanded into the US market. They specialize in high-concept commercial fiction.

• Target Genres: Women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, and crime.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Pacing, secrets, and relatable but flawed protagonists.

11. Bold Strokes Books

A premier publisher of LGBTQ+ fiction. Their women’s fiction line focuses on “lesbian and feminist fiction” that covers the full range of the female experience.

• Target Genres: Romance, general fiction, and speculative women’s stories.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Inclusivity, queer joy, and authentic representation.

12. Literary Wanderlust

A boutique publisher that prides itself on helping new authors “achieve their dreams.” They look for stories with a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

• Target Genres: Women’s fiction, historical, and paranormal romance.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Escapism, evocative settings, and strong female leads.

13. Entangled Publishing

Known for their data-driven approach, Entangled has several imprints that focus on the “heat” and “heart” of women’s stories.

• Target Genres: Contemporary and historical fiction, often with a romantic element.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Strong tropes, high chemistry, and satisfying endings.

14. Bella Books

The largest independent publisher of “women-loving-women” fiction. They are dedicated to telling stories where women are the heroes of their own journeys.

• Target Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, and Romance.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Community, feminist themes, and sapphic representation.

15. Joffe Books

While famous for crime, Joffe Books has a growing list of “Sagas and Women’s Fiction.” They are masters of the “Kindle Bestseller” algorithm.

• Target Genres: Family sagas, romantic comedy, and contemporary women’s fiction.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Emotional warmth, family drama, and nostalgic settings.

16. Aunt Lute Books

A multicultural women’s press that has been around for over 40 years. They focus on “the underrepresented,” making them a vital home for BIPOC and queer women.

• Target Genres: Literary and contemporary fiction, feminist theory, and memoir.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Social justice themes, radical honesty, and diverse cultural narratives.

17. Bancroft Press

A “publisher without a niche,” Bancroft looks for “great stories, well told.” They are known for taking risks on books that don’t fit into standard categories.

• Target Genres: General and Women’s fiction.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Unpredictability, fresh voices, and cross-genre appeal.

18. Penguin Random House Australia (The “Open House” Program)

PRH Australia has a recurring program for unagented writers to submit their work directly to editors.

• Target Genres: Literary and Commercial fiction.

• Submissions: Open on specific days (check their “Open House” calendar).

• What Readers Want: High-caliber writing and distinctly Australian/Oceanic settings.

19. House of Riviera

A newer independent house based in Monaco/UK, focusing on “glamorous and gripping” commercial fiction.

• Target Genres: Women’s fiction, “Jet-set” romance, and cozy mysteries.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Luxury, intrigue, and escapist settings.

20. Blue Ink Press

A small press with a big heart, focusing on stories that “leave a lasting impression.”

• Target Genres: Contemporary and YA Women’s Fiction.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Sincerity, coming-of-age themes, and emotional depth.

21. Bywater Books

Focused on “the best in lesbian and feminist writing,” Bywater looks for narrative excellence and stories that possess a strong sense of purpose.

• Target Genres: Literary and Genre fiction.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Intellectual rigor and authentic queer experiences.

22. CamCat Publishing

A house that prioritizes “Books to Die For.” They look for stories with strong hooks and exceptional craftsmanship.

• Target Genres: Women’s Fiction, Thriller, and Romance.

• Submissions: Open to unagented submissions.

• What Readers Want: Polish, professionalism, and engaging plots.

The Anatomy of a Women’s Fiction Submission in 2026

Success in 2026 requires understanding the “Upmarket” shift. Use the diagram below to ensure your manuscript hits the required beats.

What Readers Actually Want in 2026:

1. Nuanced Aging: A massive demand for protagonists in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are “starting over” in ways that don’t involve just a man.

2. Platonic Intimacy: Deep explorations of female friendship as a life-sustaining force, often more important than the romantic arc.

3. Moral Complexity: Readers are tired of “perfect” women. They want to see mistakes, rage, and the messy reality of modern life.

4. The “Aesthetic” Hook: In the age of BookTok, having a clear “vibe”—whether it’s “Coastal Grandmother,” “Dark Academia,” or “Gritty Urbanism”—helps readers find your book.

Quick Comparison Table

Publisher	Word Count	Best For	Status
Bookouture	70k – 90k	Digital Bestsellers	Unagented
Harlequin	70k – 75k	Tropical/Small Town	Unagented
Bella Books	60k+	Queer Fiction	Unagented
Lake Union	80k – 100k	Book Club Hits	Agent Preferred
Affirm Press	75k+	Heartfelt/Debut	Unagented (Mondays)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance?

This is the most critical question for positioning your book. In 2026, the industry uses a simple test:

• Romance: The central driving force is the romantic relationship. The book must end in a “Happily Ever After” (HEA) or a “Happy For Now” (HFN). The character’s growth is often achieved through the relationship.

• Women’s Fiction: The central driving force is the protagonist’s internal journey toward a more fulfilled self. While there is often a romantic subplot, the couple does not have to end up together. The character’s arc is independent of the romance; the climax is when she solves her own internal or external conflict.

2. What are the “Book Club” trends for 2026?

Publishers like Lake Union and Sourcebooks Landmark are prioritizing three major “Book Club” hooks this year:

• The “Dual-Timeline” Legacy: A contemporary woman discovering a secret about a female ancestor, allowing the reader to explore two eras of womanhood.

• The “Friendship Breakup”: Moving away from romantic heartbreak to explore the devastating loss or complex evolution of lifelong female friendships.

• Nuanced Motherhood: Stories that move beyond the “perfect mom” trope to discuss “Regretful Motherhood,” “Child-free by Choice,” or the “Sandwich Generation” (caring for both children and aging parents).

3. Do I need an agent to submit to these 22 publishers?

While the “Big Five” (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, etc.) still largely require agents, the landscape in 2026 is more open than ever for independent thinkers.

• Direct Submissions: Houses like Bookouture, Kensington (Lyrical), Bold Strokes, and Black Rose Writing have robust portals for unagented authors.

• Digital-First Imprints: Many large houses have digital imprints (like Entangled or Hachette’s Embla Books) that act as “scouting grounds” and accept direct queries.

4. What is the standard word count for Women’s Fiction in 2026?

Word counts have tightened slightly to accommodate shorter digital attention spans while maintaining the “weight” required for physical Book Club editions:

• Standard Women’s Fiction: 75,000 – 90,000 words.

• Upmarket/Literary Women’s Fiction: 80,000 – 100,000 words.

• Commercial/Beach Reads: 70,000 – 85,000 words.

• Historical Sagas: 90,000 – 110,000 words.

Note: Anything under 60,000 words is usually considered a novella and is much harder to sell to traditional publishers.

5. How important is an “Author Platform” for a Women’s Fiction debut?

In 2026, publishers are looking for “Authentic Reach.” You don’t need a million followers, but you do need to show you know where your readers “hang out.”

• Micro-Communities: Being active in Facebook Book Groups, specialized Discord servers, or having a 1,000-subscriber Substack is often more valuable to a publisher than 50k generic Instagram followers.

• The “Expert” Angle: If your book is about a woman starting a vineyard, being a sommelier or a hobbyist with a small, dedicated following gives you “Authority,” which publishers love for marketing.

6. What should be in my “Pitch Package”?

Most of the 22 publishers listed will ask for a standard digital submission containing:

1. The Query Letter: A 1-page “elevator pitch” including your book’s hook, word count, and your bio.

2. The Synopsis: A 500–1,000 word summary that outlines the entire plot, including the ending.

3. Sample Chapters: Usually the first 3 chapters or the first 50 pages (ensure these are polished to a “near-perfect” state).

4. Comparative Titles (Comps): Two or three books published in the last 2–3 years that are similar in “vibe” or audience to your own.