How to Pitch Your Book to Small Presses Without an Agent
You don’t need an agent to get traditionally published. While many big publishers only accept agented submissions, small presses often welcome authors to submit directly—and for many writers, this can be a powerful (and strategic) path to getting your work into the world.
But success in this route depends on knowing how to pitch your book professionally and effectively. Here's how to do it.
1. Make Sure Your Manuscript Is Truly Ready
Before you submit anything, your book should be:
Fully written and revised
Professionally edited, or at minimum beta-read by multiple trusted readers
Formatted to industry standards (12 pt font, double-spaced, clean file)
Small presses don’t have the bandwidth to develop your manuscript from scratch. Submitting too early is a fast way to land in the rejection pile.
2. Research the Right Presses for Your Genre
Every small press has a niche—and they tend to be passionate about what they publish. Some focus exclusively on horror or romance. Others prioritize marginalized voices, experimental structure, or clean content.
Don’t mass submit. Instead:
Look at what titles they’ve published in the last 2–3 years
Read submission guidelines carefully
Follow them on social to get a feel for tone, mission, and values
This helps you tailor your pitch and increases your chance of acceptance.
3. Craft a Polished Query Letter
Yes, even without an agent, you’ll need a query letter. Treat it as your professional introduction.
Your letter should include:
A compelling hook or logline
A short summary of the book (think jacket copy-style)
Key metadata (genre, word count, audience)
A brief author bio that includes relevant experience or credentials
Keep it one page, proofread it multiple times, and personalize it when possible (“I saw you published ___ and thought my book might be a good fit”).
4. Include the Right Materials
Follow each press’s submission guidelines exactly. Most small presses will ask for:
A query letter
A synopsis (1–2 pages that reveal the full plot, including the ending)
A sample (usually the first 10–50 pages or first few chapters)
Don’t attach your full manuscript unless they specifically ask for it.
5. Understand What Small Presses Offer
Most small presses:
Do not offer large advances, but they often offer higher royalties
Will handle editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution
May have access to niche markets or academic libraries
Expect you to participate in marketing your book
Ask questions before you sign anything. A reputable press will welcome transparency.
6. Be Patient—and Professional
Response times can vary. Some presses reply within weeks; others take months. You’re allowed to follow up politely after the timeline stated in their submission guidelines.
If they decline? Thank them anyway. Every professional interaction helps build your reputation—and you never know who will remember your name down the road.
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