Submissions

Free Spirit Publishing is committed to uplifting diverse voices with books that are relevant and inclusive for the youth we serve. We are especially seeking manuscripts from authors of diverse representation; including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, social class, LGBTQ identities, ability, and physical differences.

We Publish Books for Ages Birth through Eighteen in the Following Categories

PICTURE BOOKS WITH ALIGNMENT TO AN SEL TRAIT OR STRATEGY

Authentic, high-interest, and lyrically written picture books reflecting contemporary experiences of children from diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, and identities; and that also align with a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) trait or strategy.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Books on academic, social, and emotional development for young people of all ages with diverse learning needs, including gifted students and students with learning differences, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, or autism spectrum disorders.

BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Picture books and books for kids and teens, and resources for teachers, counselors, and other educators, to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to bullying incidents. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

CHARACTER EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help young people build character, discover their leadership potential, and engage in their communities. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Board books for infants to age 4 and picture books for ages 3 to 8 that focus on social skills and getting along, early learning, character education, self-esteem, and other topics related to positive early childhood development. We will also consider fiction that relates directly to these areas of focus.

COUNSELING & SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help children and teens deal with grief and loss, health and wellness, depression and other mental illnesses, stress, social skills and friendship, anger management, LGBTQ issues, manners, family, self-confidence, and more. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

Note: Due to the large volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond personally to each query. Please review our publishing categories carefully. If you think your work may be a fit for Free Spirit, please submit a proposal according to our guidelines.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS

• Books with animals or mythical creatures as the primary characters
• Poetry
• General self-help for adults
• Nonfiction material with religious or New Age content, or books with religious messages outside of the representation of religious practices

If your proposal is in any of the above formats, it is not right for us—even if content themes overlap with those we publish.

Curiosity Unlocked Books publishes engaging, curiosity-driven books for children ages birth through twelve. We seek fiction and nonfiction that spark imagination, connect to children’s interests, build knowledge, and inspire a love of reading and learning.

We Publish Books in the Following Categories:

BOARD BOOK SERIES

Concept- and curiosity-driven board book series for infants and toddlers, including early learning topics.

PICTURE BOOKS

Engaging picture books that reflect children’s natural curiosities and play with language storytelling, and the power of words. We welcome realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, concept books, biographies, informational titles, wordless books, humorous stories, and poetry/rhyme.

EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS

Fiction for ages 6–9 featuring relatable characters, accessible chapters, and engaging plots that ignite curiosity and support developing readers.

MIDDLE GRADE FICTION

Compelling novels for ages 8–12 that celebrate kids’ interests, identities, and growing independence—across genres such as realistic, fantasy, sci-fi, historical, mystery, humor, and horror.

HIGH-INTEREST NONFICTION

Browsable, expository, narrative, and interactive nonfiction for ages 4–12. Topics may supplement content-area learning but are written primarily to inspire curiosity and a love of reading.

MATH FICTION

Imaginative picture books and early chapter books that weave math ideas naturally into engaging, character- or plot-driven stories.

SOCIAL STUDIES FICTION

Picture books and early chapter books connected to history, civics, economics, and geography—fun, story-first titles that spark interest rather than formally teach content.

STEAM FICTION

Picture books and early chapter books that explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through imaginative stories, creative problem solving, and curiosity-driven characters.

SEASONAL FICTION & NONFICTION

Books celebrating the wonder of seasons and holidays across picture book, early chapter book, and middle grade formats.

Note: Due to the large volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond personally to each query. Please review our publishing categories carefully. If you think your work may be a fit for Curiosity Unlocked, please submit a proposal according to our guidelines.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS

• Books primarily written to teach academic skills and standards (e.g., textbooks, direct math instruction, grammar instruction, or curriculum-driven texts).
• Didactic, message-heavy stories or nonfiction that prioritizes rote facts over engagement, curiosity, or narrative appeal.
• YA novels or nonfiction for teens ages 13 and up.
• Fiction or nonfiction for adults.

If your proposal is in any of the above formats, it is not right for us—even if content themes overlap with those we publish.