These up-and-coming book publishers and imprints are new to the scene and looking for fresh talent.
This brand new press kicks off in 2015 with a list featuring work by NPR commentator Alan Cheuse; acclaimed novelists Meyer Levin and Jonathan Papernick; and a debut novel by Jessamyn Hope. The press seeks literary novels that explore the diverse American-Jewish experience. It hopes to publish about a dozen novels each year, including books by first-time authors.
“Our goal is that readers of all faiths and traditions will relate to and appreciate the stories we publish,” Michelle Caplan, editor-in-chief, said in a press release. “Fig Tree will champion emerging and unique voices, and create a place where writers can launch their work with significant support.”
The publisher currently accepts both agented and unrepresented manuscripts. Visit the website to read samples or to submit a manuscript.
Still buzzing with the success of a digital novella by Karen Russell, this new publisher released its first print title last month, a novel by the award winning writer Kamila Shamsie. Atavist Books is set to publish a lineup of novels, memoirs and nonfiction works from a diverse range of new and acclaimed writers. With a toolkit of digital marketing resources and a digital-first model, the publisher is spearheaded by Frances Coady, a veteran publisher and editor who founded Vintage paperbooks and the UK division of Random House. Atavist Books accepts unsolicited manuscripts via email.
Zest Books, known for its nonfiction titles for young adults, recently expanded its offerings with Pulp, an imprint that seeks memoirs, graphic novels and art and humor books for new adult readers. The imprint is looking for provocative, “open-ended books full of messy lives, valuable mistakes and profound punchlines.” Submit your book proposal and samples via email.
With a moniker inspired by Ray Bradbury’s iconic Fahrenheit 451, Simon & Schuster is set to launch its newest imprint in a few weeks. Simon451 will publish speculative fiction across the genres of science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, apocalyptic and the supernatural. The press kicks off with the first volume in a new trilogy co-written by actress Gillian Anderson. Submissions are currently closed, but check the website for updates.
Novelist Jason Pinter joined the publishing biz last November with a digital-first model that focuses on crime, science fiction, fantasy, romance, erotica and commercial women’s fiction, written by new and established writers. As it nears its one-year birthday, Polis Books has added children’s fiction, young adult fiction and print editions to its lineup. According to Pinter, 70% of submissions are agented and about 30% are unrepresented. Submit query and sample chapters via email.
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