Wrote a 50 chapter, non-fiction. 70,000 word original on true crime. Most publishers won't look at the material without being submitted by a literary agent. Don't want to self-publish. Any publisher recommendations?

All Answers To Questions

Why not get an agent? If the book is any good and is likely to be taken on by a publisher any agent would be happy to represent you. If you can't interest an agent, it's unlikely you'd interest a publisher either.

I agree that getting an agent is usually the best course. Not only does it gain entry to large publishing companies who have the budget to promote your book in the manner it deserves, but agents also negotiate contracts, making sure you get the best deal possible. If you're dead set against it though, I'd look for independent publishers/small press. They're the only ones really who publish unagented manuscripts...

If you're serious about trying to get your story (any story) published, go order this book. Though, you might want to wait a couple of weeks, the 2009 edition should be coming out *very* soon (usually first week of August). It will give you publishers by topic, submission requirements, etc... I've been published a couple of times since I started using the book.

Could try Cumberland House or Barricade. Both publish many true-crime titles and have some agentless authors. An agent could likely find you something better but it'd still beat self-publishing.