15 Notable Publishing Companies in Sydney (Submissions)

Are you looking for the most distinguished publishing companies in Sydney? This list shows which ones read manuscripts, which are closed, and which are paid services.

If you’re a new author looking to spread your work far and wide, it’s easier now than ever. There are amazing opportunities available by working with traditional publishers and small independent publishing houses that offer comprehensive self-publishing packages. Some entries below are paid author services or magazine publishers rather than book houses, and each one says so. Let’s explore the possibilities in one of the most global cities in the world!

Related content:

• Publishers in Australia
• Publishers in Melbourne
• Publishers in Brisbane
• Publishers in Perth

Submission policies change without notice, so confirm on the publisher’s own page before you send anything, and never pay a reading fee. Last verified: October 3, 2026.

Here are the top publishing companies in Sydney, Australia:

1. HarperCollins Publishers Australia

HarperCollins Publishers Australia is one of the country’s leading publishing houses, with a focus on both literary fiction and commercial fiction. Renowned for an impressive catalog of bestsellers, they have been the force behind acclaimed titles such as “Working Class Man” by Jimmy Barnes. Another standout is “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel celebrated for its beautiful and ambitious storytelling. They also own Harlequin Australia, which is a respected imprint in its own right. The open door for new writers is HQ Books, a boutique division that looks for fiction and memoir, from psychological thrillers, family sagas and crime to historical novels, romance and book-club fiction. It does not take erotica, horror, children’s or young adult fiction, and its submissions inbox is currently closed, so check the HQ page before you send a manuscript. Submission guidelines.

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2. Ventura Press

Ventura Press has been a prominent independent publisher in Sydney since 2002, synonymous with high-quality titles and a wide range of engaging fiction and non-fiction, including children’s books. The company’s mission is to bring innovative publishing solutions to Australia and the global stage. Under the guidance of Jane Curry, with over 30 years in the publishing industry, Ventura Press rebranded in 2015 and entered a new phase through a partnership with Simon & Schuster Australia. Jane’s extensive experience and leadership, coupled with the launch of her boutique consulting firm in 2021, reflect her commitment to enhancing the lives of readers and authors alike. Ventura’s contact page says the press is closed to submissions for now, so hold your manuscript until that changes and send general questions to info@venturapress.com.au. Contact page.

3. Hachette Australia Books

Hachette Australia is one of the country’s largest publishers, that’s all about discovering new and emerging voices and publishing diverse and inclusive works. Their belief in the transformative power of books has led them to establish initiatives like The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, a partnership that honors their former CEO, Matt Richell, and offers unpublished writers of adult fiction and non-fiction a $10,000 prize and a year-long mentorship. They welcome email submissions of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books from writers who are residents of Australia or New Zealand, with a special interest in fantasy, romance, historical, speculative and science fiction for readers aged 18 to 30. They are not looking for illustrated books, cookbooks, poetry, screenplays or academic works, and they do not consider hardcopy submissions. Adult work goes to one submissions inbox, while picture books, junior and middle grade fiction, YA fiction and children’s non-fiction go to another. If the editors want to take your project further, they reply within six weeks, and Hachette states that it never asks authors for payment. Submission guidelines.

4. Longueville Media

Longueville Media, founded by Managing Director David Longfield in 2002, is an award-winning custom publisher driven by a passion to write and publish books that impact the world and make a difference in people’s lives. Longfield started out at Oxford University Press as an academic commissioning editor, then moved on to managing corporate magazines for organisations like The National Trust, Fujitsu, and Microsoft. Longueville Media has produced publications for governments, universities, corporations and private authors working on passion projects. You commission Longueville to produce your book instead of pitching a finished manuscript, so treat it as a paid publishing service. Its enquiry form carries no obligation, and the team replies to enquiries within two business days. Enquiry form.

5. Halstead Press

Halstead Press, a specialist in history and heritage books, literature, current affairs, scholarly works, and general illustrated books, maintains a legacy as one of Australia’s longest-established independent book publishers. Based in Ultimo, Sydney, Halstead Press manages all stages of book production, including concept development, research commissioning, writing, editing, design, typesetting, and marketing promotion. Established in 1929 by George Robertson of Angus and Robertson, Halstead became Australia’s leading book printer for 40 years before transitioning into a publishing imprint following a corporate takeover in the 1970s. The current company, established in 1991, continues the tradition under Australian ownership. Halstead Press sets itself apart by being open to new ideas and innovative writers. They accept unsolicited manuscripts, and you send your book idea or manuscript by post, with a synopsis, estimated word length, completion date, and other relevant details. Its Black Mountain Books imprint also co-publishes books by authors in the Canberra region, so read the terms carefully before you agree to anything. Halstead books are distributed through Woodslane and stocked in all good bookstores. Submission guidelines.

6. Little Steps Publishing

Little Steps Publishing is a refreshing force in the world of publishing, offering a unique hybrid publishing model that merges the benefits of a larger publishing house with the creative freedom of self-publishing. As a small publisher specialising in children’s picture books, young adult fiction, adult memoirs, and fiction, they have created a platform where authors can retain full creative control over their work while receiving expert guidance to ensure industry standards are met. In their Partnership Publishing model, the author invests in the financial costs associated with the production of their book. This innovative approach empowers authors to receive the majority of royalties and maintain influence over book proposals at every step of the publishing process. Little Steps asks for near-complete manuscripts, and its submissions page lists picture books of up to 600 words and junior fiction for readers aged 5 to 14. Because it is a hybrid publisher, ask for the package details before you commit. Submission guidelines.

7. New Holland Publishers

New Holland Publishers is recognized for its commitment to creating high-quality, non-fiction books that span categories like cooking, natural history, children’s literature, true crime, and more. With a unique blend of editorial integrity and visual innovation, they specialize in true stories and short story collections, setting a benchmark for books of distinction. Though not the largest publisher, they certainly punch above their weight, striving for excellence in the design, creativity, and presentation of physical books. Welcoming all manuscript submissions, primarily in non-fiction genres, New Holland offers a platform for authors to bring their stories to life. You email a submissions questionnaire, a cover letter, a synopsis of about 300 words and the full manuscript, and only successful authors are contacted, within three months. Their strong customer focus, along with exploring avenues to maximize sales, ensures that they deliver competitively priced, outstanding books. Submission guidelines.

8. Bloomsbury Australia

Bloomsbury Publishing Australia, part of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, is a leading independent publisher known for high-quality content, including the bestselling Harry Potter series. Established in 1986, Bloomsbury has a rich legacy of publishing authors who have won Nobel, Pulitzer, and Booker Prizes. With offices globally, the company operates under several divisions. The Academic division specializes in a wide array of subjects ranging from African Studies to Theology, and UN Sustainable Development Goals, committed to lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. Their Adult Special Interest and Adult Trade divisions were recognized and shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Publisher of the Year in 2018, showcasing various imprints like Bloomsbury Sport, Bloomsbury Circus, and Raven Books. The Children’s Division, shortlisted for Children’s Publisher of the Year in 2018, includes renowned authors like J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman. Authors are invited to discuss an idea with a commissioning editor before they send a proposal, and the guidance covers academic, series and textbook proposals. It does not describe a route for unsolicited trade manuscripts. Submission guidelines.

9. Write With Jane

Write With Jane is a paid author-coaching and ghostwriting service, not a publisher, so it does not take manuscript submissions. It is aimed at aspiring authors, especially entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and those with a legacy to share. Led by Jane, an author of four books including “Mindset for Authors: How to Overcome Procrastination, Perfectionism and Self-doubt” and “Mindset For Business: The Art and Science of Sound Decisions”, the company guides clients through the writing and publishing process to position them as authorities in their field. Jane’s mission is more than simply assisting clients in becoming published authors. She aims to inspire and support them in building their profile exponentially. Her offerings include the Power Writing Program, which is designed to fast-track clients to published author status, the Power Publicity Program, which helps leverage their new status to gain free publicity, and the Power Writers Publishing Group. Jane has also ghostwritten over 20 books. Expect to pay for these services. Website.

10. Rockpool Publishing

Rockpool Publishing is among Australian-owned book publishers specializing in spiritual and wellness books, oracle cards, gifts, and journals. Led by Lisa Hanrahan and Paul Dennett, Rockpool focuses on publishing products that make a difference, resonate with society, and promote thoughtfulness and well-being. Their imprints, Love & Write Publishing and Gelding Street Press, help further these objectives, and they have established distribution with partners like Simon & Schuster and Red Wheel Weiser in various international markets. Often working with local authors, Rockpool fosters a philosophy of calmness and serenity, symbolized by its name. They offer opportunities for authors in areas like Mind, Body, Spirit; Health and Wellness; and Self-help, and they take pride in creating beautiful and meaningful products. Their approach combines niche marketing with long-term relationships with authors, customers, and suppliers, reflecting a commitment to values that extend beyond traditional business considerations. Rockpool is part of Moore Street Media, and manuscripts for its books and card decks go through the group’s online submission form, not a page on the Rockpool site. Visit Rockpool.

11. Cilento Publishing

Cilento Publishing is an independent author-services company, not a traditional publisher, so authors pay for its work. Owned and operated by authors and designers, they offer writing, book design, publishing and mentoring that turn manuscripts into polished, high-quality books and e-books. With a focus on delivering beautiful cover designs and well-formatted text, Cilento ensures that authors stay in control, keep their copyright, and end up with a product they can be proud of. Because every book and author is different, Cilento gives customised quotes with a free estimate, and it does not list a manuscript submissions page. Website.

12. Universal Media Co (Umco)

Universal Media Co, based in Sydney, Australia, is a magazine publisher and marketing agency, not a book publisher, so it does not take book manuscripts. It is proud of its origins as a traditional magazine publisher and focuses on niche media in areas like home, health, sports, hobbies, and more. They create content across print, digital, and social platforms, and offer custom publishing, content marketing and design for brands. Their portfolio includes licensed and branded calendars, diaries, and planners, and they have expanded to provide new digital services and B2B publishing through WF-Media. Westwick-Farrow Media, an associate company, focuses on B2B media within niches such as industrial, technology, and healthcare sectors. Its site lists no submissions page. Website.

13. Are Media

Are Media is one of Australia’s best-known media companies for women, home to The Australian Women’s Weekly, which launched in the 1930s, and its brands say they have spoken to Australian women since 1902. It has expanded into digital, video, social, e-commerce, podcasts, and events. The company’s evolution has seen various mergers and acquisitions, starting from Sydney Newspapers Ltd in 1932, leading to Australian Consolidated Press, and then becoming Are Media under Mercury Capital. Its portfolio spans lifestyle, entertainment, fashion, beauty, homes, and food. It is a magazine and media company, not a book publisher, and its site lists no book submissions. Website.

14. Pan Macmillan Australia

Pan Macmillan Australia is a renowned publisher offering a wide array of bestselling, award-winning, and high-quality titles across various genres. They are known for publishing commercial and literary fiction, children’s and young adult fiction, autobiography, history, true crime, sport, cooking, lifestyle, and more. Committed to investing in Australian authors and stories, they publish under the imprints Macmillan, Pan, Picador, Plum, and Macquarie Dictionary Publishers. As part of one of the largest international publishing houses, Macmillan Publishers, Pan Macmillan Australia also represents many of Macmillan Group’s international imprints in the region and handles sales for Guinness World Records within Australia and New Zealand. Its publishers read manuscripts only during set windows, and the 2027 Autumn and Spring windows run in March and September. Submissions go by email, never by post, and only from Australian or New Zealand citizens or residents, with a 50-page sample (non-fiction can send a book proposal and a sample). Anything sent outside the windows is not considered. Submission guidelines.

15. Murdoch Books

Allen & Unwin, Australia’s largest independent publisher, has an imprint in Crows Nest called Murdoch Books. The company is known for its innovative lifestyle publishing. Established in the 1990s, it’s now a global force with offices in Sydney, London, and Auckland. The company’s mission is to publish visually stunning books that resonate with freshness and bravery across four main pillars: Food, Home, Gift, and Life. Beyond Australian shores, Murdoch Books has an extensive network of international publishing partners and represents renowned groups such as Quarto Publishing and Welbeck Publishing. With an approachable submissions system known as The Friday Pitch, Murdoch Books demonstrates a commitment to discovering new voices and cultivating unique perspectives, aligning with its parent company’s values. Illustrated projects go by email to the Friday Pitch with a title information sheet, a proposal PDF and a 300-word synopsis, while non-illustrated work goes through the Allen & Unwin site. You get an automatic acknowledgement, and if you hear nothing within a fortnight, assume Murdoch Books is not pursuing your project. Submission guidelines.

Names you may be looking for

Pantera Press

Pantera Press, the Sydney publisher founded in 2008, was acquired by Hardie Grant in 2024 and no longer has a website of its own, because its old address now redirects to Hardie Grant. Check Hardie Grant’s submissions page before you send work.

Wrap Up

Sydney is a thriving hub for new authors and literary creativity. A handful of these publishers read manuscripts, some only in set windows, while others are closed for now or charge authors for their services, so read each entry before you send anything. From fiction to nonfiction, children’s books to academic works, these companies cater to different genres, ensuring a diverse and vibrant literary scene. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on custom publishing companies.