Groundwood Books A project of Anansi Press About Groundwood Books was founded in 1978 by Patricia Aldana with a mandate to publish children’s books of the highest possible quality for all ages, which has grown to include fiction, picture books, graphic novels and nonfiction. Our award-winning, critically acclaimed list is known for being ahead of the curve, justice oriented, and unafraid of tackling stories that may be considered difficult or controversial — but always centered on a child’s point of view. We believe that books can be important without sacrificing warmth, beauty, playfulness and humor.Our primary focus has been on works by Canadians, although we are often moved to publish outstanding literature from other countries. Many of our books tell the stories of people whose voices have been underrepresented or marginalized by traditional publishing channels. Books by the Indigenous Peoples of this hemisphere have always been of special interest, and since 1998, we have been publishing works by Latinx authors and illustrators in both English and Spanish.We believe that by reflecting intensely individual experiences, our books are of universal interest. The fact that our authors are published all over the globe attests to this and to their quality. Even more important, our books are read and loved by young people around the world.Groundwood Books respectfully acknowledges that the land on which we operate is the Traditional Territory of many Nations, including the Anishinabeg, the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. It is also the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting 180 days, assume your submission will not be accepted. Country of Publication & Year Established Canada Established in 1978 Publication Medium Print Publication Print Publication AI Policy Unknown AI policy Collapse section Fiction Open We are always looking for new authors of novel-length middle-grade and/or YA fiction. Our mandate is to publish high-quality, character-driven literary fiction with a strong narrative voice. We do not generally publish stories with an obvious moral or message, or genre fiction such as thrillers or fantasy.Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 30 September 2026* (approx. 14 days from now).Audience:Middle grades, Young adults.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novel: No specific word count limits known (our definition: more than 40000 words).Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Unknown advance + Unknown royalties Unknown advance. Unknown royalties.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Groundwood publishes nonfiction for all ages, from informational picture books to issues- driven works for middle-grade and young adult readers.Dates:Open to nonfiction submissions through 30 September 2026* (approx. 14 days from now).Audience:Children, Middle grades, Young adults.Lengths: Book: No specific word count limits known.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Unknown advance + Unknown royalties Unknown advance. Unknown royalties.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to publisher's website Report: Submission/Query Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @groundwoodbooks.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @groundwoodbooks Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Groundwood Books Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Group by submission Include outliers Accuracy We have received 1 report within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Pending 2 responses are pending (18 min | 20.5 mean avg | 20.5 median | 23 max days waiting | 3.5 std dev) from 2 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors will try to make a decision within 180 days. The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting the time indicated above, assume your submission will not be accepted. Most recent response reported was received on 12 Nov 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 06 Aug 2025. Date compiled: 16 Sep 2026 21:44 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.For book publishers, it is standard to submit a cover letter, synopsis, and sample instead of the full manuscript. Do this unless otherwise instructed.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 31 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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