12 Publishers That Offer Advances to Authors in 2025

An advance is a signing bonus paid to an author before their book is published. It functions as an upfront payment against future royalties, meaning authors must first “earn out” the advance through sales before they can collect additional royalty checks. While advances are standard among major trade publishers, they are far less common among independent presses, particularly for debut authors. According to NY Book Editors, independent publishers typically provide advances in the range of $2,000 to $10,000, with amounts above $20,000 considered rare. By comparison, the Big Five publishing houses—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster—sometimes negotiate six-figure advances, though these remain the exception rather than the rule.

For many writers, the appeal of an advance extends beyond its financial benefit. Authors would eventually earn those funds through royalties, but an advance represents something more significant: a publisher’s confidence in the book’s potential. It is both a business decision and a public endorsement, a sign that the publisher is willing to take a financial risk on the author’s success. That vote of confidence often carries weight in the industry, signaling prestige and increasing the likelihood of strong marketing support, media coverage, and future book deals.

Industry research shows just how varied advances can be. Mary Adkins has reported that average advances for debut authors differ widely by category, with adult fiction authors averaging $65,908, memoirists averaging $90,686, young adult authors earning around $50,718, and middle-grade authors closer to $35,406. Josh Bernoff’s findings add further context, showing that 85 percent of traditionally published nonfiction authors receive some form of advance, with 40 percent earning at least $25,000 and 23 percent securing advances of $100,000 or more. These figures highlight both the opportunities and disparities within the publishing landscape.

Unfortunately, most publishers do not disclose their typical advance ranges publicly, making hard data difficult to pin down. Where estimates are available, they are included, but the reality is that much of this information is drawn from author accounts and agent reports. What can be said with certainty, however, is that the publishers on this list stand out because they consistently offer advances to the majority of their authors. While not all are currently open to submissions, many are, and for writers seeking both financial security and professional validation, these publishers represent some of the most reliable options in the industry. The list is presented alphabetically for clarity.

Angry Robot

Angry Robot is a respected independent publisher specializing in science fiction and fantasy, with additional reach into subgenres such as urban fantasy, steampunk, and horror. Established with initial backing from HarperCollins and now operating under Watkins Media Ltd., Angry Robot has built a reputation for championing bold, unconventional voices within speculative fiction. Unlike many independent presses, they consistently provide advances to their authors—an important distinction in today’s market. Their contracts typically cover print, ebook, and audiobook formats, and they are known for pairing these advances with competitive royalty structures. For emerging and midlist authors in speculative genres, Angry Robot represents a rare combination of financial commitment, genre expertise, and multi-format publishing support.

BenBella

BenBella is a Dallas-based independent publisher specializing in nonfiction that challenges conventional thinking and appeals to niche audiences. Founded by Glenn Yeffeth, whose background in marketing shapes the company’s strategy, BenBella has earned a reputation for combining sharp editorial judgment with robust distribution and promotion. Publishing between 30 and 40 titles annually, the press has seen fourteen of its books reach the No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers list—a rare achievement for an independent house. Unlike many small and mid-sized publishers, BenBella offers advances to its authors, pairing this financial commitment with a marketing-driven model designed to maximize visibility. For nonfiction writers, BenBella represents one of the few independents that not only invests editorially but also demonstrates that investment through advances and aggressive sales support.

Bold Strokes Books

Founded in 2004 by author Radclyffe, Bold Strokes Books has become one of the largest independent publishers dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature. The press publishes a wide range of fiction that centers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters, spanning genres from romance and mystery to fantasy, science fiction, and literary fiction. With hundreds of titles in print, Bold Strokes has built a reputation as a cornerstone of queer storytelling, providing visibility and representation for voices that have long been underrepresented in mainstream publishing. Unlike many LGBTQ+ publishers, Bold Strokes offers advances to its authors, demonstrating a financial and editorial commitment that sets it apart in this niche market. Its titles are distributed widely in both print and digital formats, supported by strong partnerships and an active presence in LGBTQ+ literary communities and events.

Harlequin

Harlequin stands as one of the most recognizable names in romance publishing, with a global presence that extends across bookstores, grocery store shelves, and online retailers. Founded in 1949 and now operating under HarperCollins, Harlequin has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern romance genre, launching the careers of bestselling authors such as Nora Roberts, Mercedes Lackey, and Christopher Rice. The press publishes hundreds of titles each year across a wide range of romance subgenres, from historical to contemporary to paranormal. Known for its unmatched distribution network and mass-market reach, Harlequin remains a dominant force in commercial fiction. Importantly, Harlequin continues to offer advances to its authors, a practice that underscores its commitment to investing in both debut and established talent. This financial support, combined with its far-reaching distribution and brand recognition, makes Harlequin a premier destination for authors writing within the romance category.

Soft Skull Press

Soft Skull Press is a California-based independent publisher known for its commitment to unconventional, boundary-pushing literary fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 1992 and now operating as an imprint of Counterpoint Press, Soft Skull has earned a reputation for championing distinctive voices and publishing works that resist easy categorization. Its catalog includes acclaimed authors such as Maggie Nelson, Eileen Myles, and Sam Lipsyte, solidifying its standing as a press that values both innovation and craft. Unlike many small literary publishers, Soft Skull offers advances to its authors, reflecting a meaningful investment in the writers it supports. Submission policies vary by category: while the press accepts unsolicited queries for nonfiction, literary fiction submissions generally require representation by a literary agent. With its reputation for quality and its willingness to financially support authors, Soft Skull remains a respected home for writers seeking to challenge conventions and reach discerning readers.

Tor/Forge

Tor/Forge, an imprint of Macmillan operated by Tom Doherty Associates, is one of the most established publishers of science fiction and fantasy. Widely regarded as a leader in speculative fiction, Tor has earned the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Publisher an unprecedented 26 years in a row, underscoring its dominance in the genre. The imprint publishes a wide range of works, from epic fantasy and hard science fiction to genre-bending crossovers, and has long been home to some of the field’s most celebrated authors. Unlike many smaller presses in speculative fiction, Tor/Forge consistently offers advances to its authors, a practice that demonstrates both financial commitment and confidence in the commercial strength of its titles. With the resources of Macmillan behind it, Tor/Forge provides not only strong advances but also world-class distribution and marketing reach, making it a premier destination for science fiction and fantasy writers at every stage of their careers.

Parvus Press

Parvus Press is a newer, digital-first publisher dedicated to science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on high-quality, commercially viable novels. Since its founding in 2016, the press has positioned itself as an author-focused publisher that combines traditional editorial development with the flexibility of modern digital distribution. While still small compared to major speculative imprints, Parvus distinguishes itself by offering advances—typically up to $3,500—paired with quarterly royalty payments, a structure that provides authors with both upfront support and regular income. Their model reflects a commitment to transparency and fair compensation, qualities that have helped them build credibility within the SFF community despite their relative youth. For emerging authors in speculative fiction, Parvus offers a rare balance of accessibility, editorial investment, and financial backing.

Ulysses Press

Ulysses Press is an independent publisher specializing in nonfiction that targets niche markets and emerging trends. Founded in the 1980s and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the press has built its reputation on publishing timely, highly marketable books that address gaps in the trade market—whether by offering fresh takes on established subjects or introducing new ideas to meet evolving reader interests. Its catalog spans a wide range of categories, from health and wellness to pop culture, self-help, and practical guides. Unlike many small independents, Ulysses Press offers advances to its authors, though specific amounts are not publicly disclosed. This financial commitment, combined with its agility in identifying market opportunities, has helped Ulysses maintain a strong presence in the competitive nonfiction space. For authors with specialized expertise or trend-driven projects, Ulysses provides both editorial support and meaningful investment.

Securing an advance remains one of the clearest signs that a publisher is willing to invest in an author’s work. While the size of these payments varies widely—from a few thousand dollars at smaller presses to six-figure deals at major houses—the advance itself carries both financial and symbolic weight. It provides authors with upfront support to continue their craft and signals a publisher’s confidence in the book’s potential to reach readers.

The publishers highlighted here stand apart because they consistently offer advances, setting them apart from many independents that rely solely on royalties. Whether it’s a powerhouse like Tor/Forge or Harlequin with global distribution, or a niche press like Soft Skull or Parvus investing in distinctive voices, each represents an opportunity for writers seeking both financial commitment and editorial partnership.

For authors, understanding which publishers reliably provide advances is more than a matter of money—it’s about finding a partner who is willing to take a tangible stake in the success of their work. In a competitive and often unpredictable industry, that kind of commitment can make all the difference.