Book submissions

Book submissions

Existing Salt authors

If you are already a Salt author or contributor, please submit new work directly to your editor or via your agent. 

Unsolicited submissions from non-Salt authors

Salt does not accept unsolicited submissions directly from authors.

We can only consider work submitted to us by literary agents.

We cannot respond to work sent via our contact form, social media, phone, or personal email addresses. To maximise your chances of publication, we strongly recommend securing representation. You’ll find lists of reputable agents in publications such as Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book, and many literature development agencies run workshops featuring agents and publishers, as do most university-based Creative Writing courses. You can find a list of agents we currently work with below.

If you’re new to Salt, the best preparation is to read what we publish. Understanding our list will help you and your agent judge whether your work is a natural fit for us.

See also our guides and information further down this page.

Notes for agents

Salt is proud to publish distinctive, high-quality literary work. We are particularly well suited to agents looking for an engaged, hands-on publisher with a strong editorial identity and a genuine commitment to its authors.

Working with Salt

Salt is one of the UK’s leading independent publishers. Since 1999, we have been a home for distinctive, high-impact literature, combining a long heritage of editorial excellence with a modern, data-driven approach to global discovery. We publish a focused list of thirty-five titles each year, ensuring every book receive the dedicated resource and strategic positioning it deserves.

We place a premium on author care. Our writers are central to the publishing process, collaborating directly with us on editorial development, cover design, and the architecture of their publicity and marketing campaigns. We believe the best books are the result of transparent dialogue, professional trust, and a shared commercial ambition.

Authors at Salt enjoy direct access to the core publishing team. By removing the layers of intermediaries found at larger houses, we ensure communication is personal, responsive, and sustained throughout the life of the book. We pride ourselves on being an agile partner – from the initial contract to the long-term growth of an author’s backlist.

Each title is supported by a bespoke, data-backed publicity and marketing plan. We coordinate closely with our sales and distribution partners to ensure maximum trade outreach, high-profile review coverage, and targeted digital promotion. Our goal is to build a lasting market presence for every work we acquire.

Salt has an enviable track record of literary success. For over a quarter of a century, our titles have been consistently recognised by major honours, including two Booker Prize shortlistings alongside numerous national and international awards. We approach prize submissions strategically, as part of a wider commitment to the long-term cultural and commercial life of our books.

We view publishing not as a single transaction, but as a career-long partnership. At Salt, we don't just publish books; we build enduring relationships with writers who define the contemporary landscape.

Agents we work with

Salt collaborates with a wide network of respected literary agencies. Recent and ongoing partnerships include: