Two Small Presses Unagented Writers Should Know About
If you’re a writer with a finished novel or memoir but no publisher or literary agent, take note of these two small presses: Two Dollar Radio and Black Balloon Publishing. They might be the right fit for you.
Two Dollar Radio
This family-run publishing company is increasingly gaining recognition. It was founded in 2005 in San Diego, but it's now based in Columbus, Ohio. The publisher is looking for “bold work,” which it describes as something “subversive, original, and highly creative.” It publishes mostly fiction.
Two Dollar Radio accepts submissions from writers who are not represented by literary agents. Take note, however, that it charges a $3 submission fee to discourage writers who submit their works blindly. “By charging a measly $3, we hope to eliminate superfluous submissions,” the publisher said on its Web site.
Learn more about Two Dollar Radio’s submission guidelines here.
Black Balloon Publishing
New York-based Black Balloon Publishing will accept unagented submissions in October. It’s looking for literary fiction, memoir, and non-fiction manuscripts. If your book is that rare work that combines multiple genres, this might be the right place for you. “We’re interested in the uncategorizable,” said the publisher.
Black Balloon accepts unagented manuscripts only in April and October. Check out the guidelines here.
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