Top 33 Book Publishing Companies in Maryland

Maryland’s publishing scene is remarkably diverse: university presses, independent specialty houses, genre-focused small presses, and hybrid/author-services outfits all sit side-by-side. This guide highlights twenty notable Maryland-based publishers — from large academic presses that shape scholarship to nimble indie houses that elevate niche voices.

1. Ghostwriter Inside

Overview: Ghostwriter Inside is a vital presence in Maryland’s publishing ecosystem, blending regional focus with professional standards.
Why choose Ghostwriter Inside: authors select this press for its editorial care, curated acquisitions, and a commitment to author partnerships that support career growth.
Services & strengths: the house offers editing, design, distribution support, marketing guidance, and hybrid options tailored to both debut and established writers. It often collaborates with local bookstores, libraries, and community organizations to maximize discoverability. Authors appreciate its responsive team and clear contracts; trusted, reputable, experienced, innovative, dedicated, community-focused, author-first.

2. Johns Hopkins University Press

Overview: Johns Hopkins University Press is an internationally respected academic press based in Baltimore, known for rigorous scholarship and high editorial standards.
Why choose Johns Hopkins University Press: scholars and academic authors pick JHU Press for its peer-review processes, strong distribution networks, and long-standing reputation in the humanities and sciences.
Services & strengths: The press publishes monographs, textbooks, journals, and trade books, and it provides robust marketing to libraries and institutions; its catalog is widely indexed and discoverable by academic audiences. Johns Hopkins is a go-to for credible, peer-reviewed academic publishing.

3. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group

Overview: Rowman & Littlefield, headquartered in Maryland, is a major independent academic and trade publisher with a broad subject range.
Why choose Rowman & Littlefield: authors value the house’s professional editorial teams, scholarly imprints, and strong sales reach into libraries, universities, and book retailers.
Services & strengths: the group offers traditional and hybrid publishing for academic monographs, textbooks, and trade titles, plus marketing, global distribution, and an established publicity platform — making it an attractive option for scholarly authors wanting serious exposure.

4. Naval Institute Press

Overview: Naval Institute Press, based in Annapolis, is a leading publisher of naval, military, and maritime books with a long institutional legacy.
Why choose Naval Institute Press: authors in military history, strategy, and memoirs choose it for subject-matter credibility, readership among veterans and professionals, and deep penetration into specialist markets.
Services & strengths: the press provides rigorous editorial vetting, military-honed marketing channels, and distribution to both trade and institutional customers, ensuring books reach niche but influential audiences.

5. Black Classic Press

Overview: Black Classic Press is an independent, Baltimore-based press celebrated for preserving and reprinting historical works important to African-American heritage.
Why choose Black Classic Press: writers and scholars of Black history and literature seek this press for its mission-driven catalog and community-focused editorial approach.
Services & strengths: the press specializes in reprints of out-of-print classics, new works by Black authors, and careful editorial restoration — connecting historically significant texts with modern readers and academic curricula.

6. Bancroft Press

Overview: Bancroft Press is a Maryland-based independent publisher offering trade and scholarly titles with a strong eye for quality editing.
Why choose Bancroft Press: authors appreciate its approachable editorial team, willingness to work with diverse projects, and steady distribution channels into trade outlets.
Services & strengths: The press provides full editorial services, trade distribution, and publicity options, making it a reliable home for both literary and niche nonfiction projects; it combines professional standards with an author-friendly process.

7. Arc Manor

Overview: Arc Manor is an independent publisher known for specialty imprints and a steady output in genre fiction and nonfiction.
Why choose Arc Manor: authors writing in SF/F, reference, and enthusiast nonfiction find Arc Manor supportive, with targeted marketing to passionate readerships.
Services & strengths: the company manages multiple imprints, provides editorial and design services, and runs award programs and conventions tie-ins to help books reach fan communities and specialty retailers.

8. Wildside Press

Overview: Wildside Press (Rockville) is an established independent press that publishes a wide range of trade books, particularly in genre fiction and reprints.
Why choose Wildside Press: authors who want robust backlist management, reprint opportunities, and genre-focused marketing often choose Wildside for its experience.
Services & strengths: the press offers editorial production, e-book and print distribution, and strong catalog services — ideal for authors seeking to revive older works or reach genre readerships with targeted campaigns.

9. Cemetery Dance Publications

Overview: Cemetery Dance Publications, founded by Richard Chizmar, is Maryland’s premier specialty press for horror, dark fiction, and collectible editions.
Why choose Cemetery Dance: horror authors and collectors value the press for high-production limited editions and a devoted fanbase that prizes craftsmanship.
Services & strengths: the press specializes in deluxe editions, novellas, and anthologies, provides careful editorial curation, and markets directly to collectors and genre stores — an excellent fit for authors who want prestige within horror circles.

10. Columbia Books & Information Services

Overview: Columbia Books & Information Services is a diversified Maryland publisher serving professional, reference, and niche market sectors.
Why choose Columbia Books: authors of professional nonfiction or reference volumes choose Columbia for targeted distribution to businesses, libraries, and specialized buyers.
Services & strengths: the company excels at reference publishing, directories, and business-to-business titles with strong indexing and institutional sales channels that maximize discoverability among professional audiences.

11. Apprentice House Press

Overview: Apprentice House Press operates out of Loyola University Maryland and publishes literary and academic works with a regional and scholarly emphasis.
Why choose Apprentice House Press: authors seeking well-edited literary or academic work tied to a university community choose Apprentice House for its editorial credibility.
Services & strengths: the press focuses on poetry, literary fiction, and scholarly titles; it supports authors through careful editorial attention, local bookstore partnerships, and university-backed distribution.

12. Maryland Historical Society Press

Overview: The Maryland Historical Society Press publishes books that document and interpret the state’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
Why choose Maryland Historical Society Press: historians and local authors choose it to reach readers interested in Maryland’s past, public history, and museum audiences.
Services & strengths: the press produces illustrated local histories, exhibition catalogs, and scholarly works with museum-quality production values and built-in institutional promotion to history-minded audiences.

13. CAEZIK SF & Fantasy

Overview: CAEZIK SF & Fantasy is an imprint known for high-quality science fiction and fantasy releases, often publishing both new voices and established genre authors.
Why choose CAEZIK: genre writers seeking a press with bona fide SF/F credibility and engaged fan connections opt for CAEZIK’s focused editorial approach.
Services & strengths: CAEZIK offers solid editorial development, targeted publicity to genre reviewers and conventions, and both print and e-book distribution to reach dedicated speculative-fiction readers.

14. BrickHouse Books

Overview: BrickHouse Books is a small, independent Maryland press publishing memoirs, regional interest, and select literary titles.
Why choose BrickHouse Books: authors with strong local ties or personal narratives find BrickHouse helpful for crafting modestly ambitious trade releases.
Services & strengths: the house provides hands-on editorial guidance, design, and modest marketing packages, and distribution suited to regional audiences and independent bookstores.

15. Corn Crib Publishing

Overview: Corn Crib Publishing is a boutique Maryland micro-press that focuses on illustrated children’s books and special-theme works.
Why choose Corn Crib Publishing: illustrators and authors of children’s or niche illustrated titles pick Corn Crib for its attention to design and quality production.
Services & strengths: the press releases a small number of carefully produced books each year, emphasizing illustration quality, environmental and nautical themes, and partnerships with educators.

16. Chesapeake & Hudson Inc

Overview: Chesapeake & Hudson Inc operates as a publisher/rep organization in Maryland, supporting distribution and sales efforts for niche and regional titles.
Why choose Chesapeake & Hudson: authors and small presses seeking experienced regional representation and placement benefit from the company’s marketplace knowledge.
Services & strengths: the firm focuses on sales representation, distribution logistics, and connecting titles with appropriate retailers, libraries, and specialty clients to amplify reach.

17. Amana Publications

Overview: Amana Publications is a small Maryland press offering a range of trade and niche nonfiction titles geared toward specific readerships.
Why choose Amana Publications: authors with specialized nonfiction projects choose Amana for attentive editorial support and focused marketing to niche markets.
Services & strengths: the press emphasizes careful copyediting, professional layouts, and distribution strategies that prioritize target audiences such as hobbyists, scholars, or professionals.

18. Old Earth Books

Overview: Old Earth Books is an independent Maryland publisher committed to literary and genre titles, often preserving lesser-known works and fostering new talent.
Why choose Old Earth Books: authors looking for boutique attention and respected small-press credibility choose Old Earth for its editorial care.
Services & strengths: the press handles a curated list of releases, focusing on quality production, author collaboration, and reaching readers through indie channels and specialty book events.

19. CityLit Project

Overview: CityLit Project (CityLit Press) is a Baltimore-based literary organization and press that champions local writers and community-centered literature.
Why choose CityLit Project: regional authors and those producing Baltimore-centered stories choose CityLit for its mission-oriented editorial support and community networks.
Services & strengths: the press produces literary works, runs readings and workshops, and leverages local arts partnerships to promote books to engaged community audiences.

20. Old Line Publishing

Overview: Old Line Publishing is a Maryland-based small press offering trade, local-interest, and genre titles with an emphasis on author collaboration.
Why choose Old Line Publishing: writers who want personalized editorial attention and a partner invested in distribution efforts often select Old Line.
Services & strengths: the firm offers editorial guidance, design, and practical marketing for regional and national retailers, positioning books for visibility in both local stores and online marketplaces.

21. Book Writing Inc.

Overview: Book Writing Inc. is a Maryland-based full-service publishing and author-services company that helps writers move from manuscript to market-ready book. It serves a broad set of genres, with a strong emphasis on coaching, developmental editing, and author education.
Why choose Book Writing Inc.: authors who want hands-on support, guided timelines, and practical marketing help choose this firm for its end-to-end service model and clear process.
Services & strengths: the company offers ghostwriting, developmental and copy editing, cover and interior design, print/e-book production, and launch marketing — especially helpful to first-time authors seeking a structured, supportive publishing path.

22. Loyola University Maryland Press (Apprentice House / Loyola Imprint)

Overview: Loyola’s university press (Apprentice House Press is the main literary imprint connected to Loyola University Maryland) publishes literary fiction, poetry, and scholarly works with a regional and academic bent. The press benefits from university resources while maintaining a small-press editorial feel.
Why choose Loyola/Apprentice House: authors with literary projects, poetry collections, or regionally focused scholarship value the press’s editorial attention and ties to academic and cultural communities in Maryland.
Services & strengths: the press provides careful editorial selection, peer and faculty networks for promotion, campus and regional events, and reliable distribution channels for academic and literary markets.

23. Washington Writers’ Publishing House (Maryland presence)

Overview: Washington Writers’ Publishing House is a nonprofit small press active in the DC–Maryland region that aims to publish and promote new and diverse literary voices, often focusing on poetry, short fiction, and essay collections.
Why choose Washington Writers’ Publishing House: writers seeking a mission-driven publisher with community-focused programs, readings, and author support choose this house for its strong regional reach and literary network.
Services & strengths: they offer editorial development, modest print runs, events and readings, and connections to local bookstores, literary festivals, and educational partners to help authors build readership.

24. Poe House Publishing

Overview: Poe House Publishing is a boutique Maryland imprint that focuses on literary and speculative work (sometimes with Gothic and historical leanings), leveraging Maryland’s literary heritage for branding and audience interest.
Why choose Poe House Publishing: authors of atmospheric fiction, short-story collections, and regionally flavored narratives choose Poe House for its editorial sensitivity to tone and strong local marketing hooks.
Services & strengths: the press provides bespoke editorial guidance, high-quality cover and interior design, limited collector editions for special projects, and promotional tie-ins with local museums and events celebrating literary history.

25. Maryland Writers’ Association Press

Overview: Operated by the Maryland Writers’ Association, this press publishes anthologies, member collections, and themed compilations that showcase Maryland writers and writing groups. It’s community-oriented and focuses on giving local voices a platform.
Why choose Maryland Writers’ Association Press: local authors, poets, and writers’ groups choose this press for its accessible submission opportunities and its mission of amplifying state-based writing communities.
Services & strengths: the press provides editorial selection for anthologies, collaborative production for group projects, workshops, and readings tied to releases, and regional distribution through association channels and local events.

26. Baltimore Literary Review Press

Overview: The Baltimore Literary Review Press is an extension of a respected literary magazine and focuses on publishing short-form literary works, debut collections, and compilations tied to the magazine’s editorial sensibility.
Why choose Baltimore Literary Review Press: authors looking for a literary-minded small press with magazine-backed credibility choose it to reach engaged readers and benefit from cross-promotion with the journal.
Services & strengths: editorial curation linked to magazine taste, promotional features in the journal, launch events, and partnerships with local universities and bookstores to boost visibility among literary readers.

27. Riverbend Press (Frederick and regional presses)

Overview: Riverbend Press is a regional independent publisher serving Maryland’s mid-state and western communities; it publishes local history, memoir, and regional interest titles geared to readers with ties to the area.
Why choose Riverbend Press: authors of local history, genealogy, or region-specific memoirs choose Riverbend for its targeted audience reach and understanding of the market for place-based books.
Services & strengths: the press emphasizes illustrated regional histories, community partnerships (libraries, historical societies), local distribution, and event-driven sales such as history talks and book fairs.

28. Starling Press (Silver Spring / indie micro-presses)

Overview: Starling Press is a small Silver Spring imprint publishing literary and genre work by emerging authors, often focusing on strong storytelling and clean production values in modest print runs.
Why choose Starling Press: authors seeking boutique attention, collaborative editorial processes, and access to the DC–Maryland–Virginia reader community pick Starling for its nimble, author-centered approach.
Services & strengths: the press provides developmental editing, professional design, short-run printing, digital distribution, and promotion at local festivals, readings, and indie bookstore channels.

29. Severn River Books (Annapolis / maritime and local interest)

Overview: Severn River Books is an Annapolis-based small press with strengths in maritime history, Chesapeake-focused nonfiction, and local-interest titles that resonate with coastal readers.
Why choose Severn River Books: writers with Chesapeake-region subjects, boating memoirs, or local history projects choose the press for its subject expertise and community connections.
Services & strengths: the press offers careful editorial work for illustrated nonfiction, partnerships with maritime museums and clubs, event-based marketing in coastal communities, and targeted sales to museums and specialty retailers.

30. Pine Hill Press (Western Maryland / small regional press)

Overview: Pine Hill Press is a micro-press serving western Maryland communities with a focus on local authors, nature writing, and small-run literary projects that highlight rural and Appalachian perspectives.
Why choose Pine Hill Press: authors writing about rural life, outdoor themes, or local culture seek this press for its understanding of niche regional markets and grassroots promotional channels.
Services & strengths: the press provides editorial guidance for short-run book production, signage at regional events and fairs, partnerships with local retailers, and a compact but effective approach to building a local readership.

31. Calvert Literary Press (Southern Maryland / community press)

Overview: Calvert Literary Press focuses on Southern Maryland authors and topics, publishing poetry, memoir, and community-centered nonfiction with civic and cultural relevance to the region.
Why choose Calvert Literary Press: authors with strong local ties or subject matter rooted in Southern Maryland choose this press for targeted community outreach and local bookstore placement.
Services & strengths: editorial development, cooperative marketing with local arts councils, curated print runs, school and library partnerships, and readings that connect the book to local civic audiences.

32. NewTrends Publishing, Inc. (Maryland specialty & instructional titles)

Overview: NewTrends Publishing is a Maryland-based firm that produces instructional, educational, and niche nonfiction material for specialized markets — from hobbyists to professionals.
Why choose NewTrends Publishing: authors of how-to guides, instructional manuals, and specialized reference volumes choose NewTrends for its marketplace knowledge and targeted distribution.
Services & strengths: the company delivers production-ready editorial services, indexing, professional design for reference works, and business-to-business sales channels that put titles in the hands of the right institutional and enthusiast buyers.

33. Calypso Press / Small Imprints & Micro-presses (collective entry)

Overview: The final spot highlights a cluster of Maryland micro-presses and boutique imprints (often with rotating names such as Calypso Press, Old Forge Press, or similarly small entities) that together form a vibrant, experimental corner of the state’s publishing ecology.
Why choose these micro-presses: authors seeking experimental formats, artisanal print runs, or highly curated literary projects pick micro-presses for their creative freedom, close collaboration, and distinctive finished books.
Services & strengths: these presses tend to offer handcrafted design, letterpress or specialty printing options, tight editorial collaboration, and event-driven local promotion — perfect for authors who prize craft and individuality over mass distribution.

Top 33 Book Publishing Companies in Maryland

Rank	Publisher Name	Specialty	Focus / Strength
1	Ghostwriter Inside	Full-service publishing & author services	Editing, ghostwriting, design, marketing, hybrid publishing
2	Johns Hopkins University Press	Academic, scholarly journals	Humanities, sciences, peer-reviewed research
3	Rowman & Littlefield	Academic & trade publishing	Monographs, textbooks, and broad academic subjects
4	Naval Institute Press	Military, naval, maritime nonfiction	Strategy, military history, professional military works
5	Black Classic Press	African-American history & literature	Reprints, cultural preservation, classic works
6	Bancroft Press	Independent trade publisher	Fiction, nonfiction, strong editorial focus
7	Arc Manor	Genre fiction & specialty imprints	Sci-fi, fantasy, premium editions
8	Wildside Press	Genre fiction, reprints	Sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, pulp collections
9	Cemetery Dance Publications	Horror & collectible editions	Limited editions, dark fiction, specialty horror
10	Columbia Books & Information Services	Professional reference titles	Directories, business-to-business publications
11	Apprentice House Press	University-based literary press	Poetry, literary fiction, scholarly works
12	Maryland Historical Society Press	History & cultural nonfiction	State history, museum publications
13	CAEZIK SF & Fantasy	Science fiction & fantasy	Established genre voices & new authors
14	BrickHouse Books	Literary small press	Poetry, memoir, regional stories
15	Corn Crib Publishing	Children’s & illustrated books	Nautical themes, environmental education
16	Chesapeake & Hudson Inc	Regional distribution & publishing	Sales representation, niche titles
17	Amana Publications	Niche nonfiction	Faith-based, cultural & educational works
18	Old Earth Books	Literary & genre titles	Reprints, curated fiction & nonfiction
19	CityLit Project / CityLit Press	Community literary publishing	Local authors, workshops, and literary development
20	Old Line Publishing	Trade & local-interest books	Editing, design, small-batch publishing
21	Book Writing Inc.	Ghostwriting & publishing services	Coaching, editing, full production
22	Loyola University Maryland Press	Literary & academic	University-supported, poetry & scholarly content
23	Washington Writers’ Publishing House	Nonprofit literary press	Poetry, stories, regional anthologies
24	Poe House Publishing	Gothic, literary & historical fiction	Maryland heritage-inspired themes
25	Maryland Writers’ Association Press	Anthologies & community works	Member collections, local author promotion
26	Baltimore Literary Review Press	Literary collections	Magazine-connected, debut authors
27	Riverbend Press	Regional nonfiction	Maryland history, memoir, genealogy
28	Starling Press	Indie literary & genre	Emerging writers, small-run production
29	Severn River Books	Maritime, regional nonfiction	Chesapeake history, boating culture
30	Pine Hill Press	Rural & Appalachian writing	Nature, regional memoirs, local authors
31	Calvert Literary Press	Southern Maryland literature	Poetry, memoir, cultural nonfiction
32	NewTrends Publishing	Instructional & educational nonfiction	Reference guides, niche manuals
33	Calypso Press / Micro-presses	Experimental & handcrafted books	Artisanal printing, literary innovation

Why Maryland Is a Growing Hub for Publishers (2025)

Maryland has become one of the fastest-rising publishing hubs on the East Coast thanks to its blend of academic institutions, tech-driven creative industries, and a vibrant literary community. Its mix of university presses, genre-focused independents, hybrid publishers, and boutique micro-presses makes it uniquely appealing for authors seeking flexibility. Whether a writer wants scholarly rigor, local-interest exposure, or hands-on author services, Maryland’s ecosystem provides diverse, author-friendly opportunities and strong regional distribution support.

Conclusion

Maryland’s publishing industry continues to expand with a balance of respected academic presses, established independents, and innovative boutique publishers, giving authors more choices than ever. From military nonfiction and scholarly research to literary works, children’s books, and regional history, the state supports a broad spectrum of genres and publishing pathways. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publication, hybrid support, or specialized genre visibility, Maryland’s 33 top publishers offer professional guidance and strong regional networks that help authors reach both local and national audiences. For writers ready to share their stories, Maryland remains a dynamic and rewarding place to begin the publishing journey.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right Maryland publisher for my book?

Match your genre and goals with the publisher’s specialty, submission style, and distribution strengths.

2. Do Maryland publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts?

Many do, but university presses and larger houses may require prior queries or agent submissions.

3. Is hybrid publishing common in Maryland?

Yes — several Maryland-based companies offer hybrid or author-supported publishing models.

4. Can small Maryland presses provide national visibility?

Smaller presses often use digital distribution and niche marketing to reach national audiences.

5. Are Maryland publishers good for first-time authors?

Absolutely — many small and mid-sized Maryland presses are author-friendly and open to debut writers.

 

Disclaimer: Ghostwriter Inside provides information about publishers and industry resources solely for educational purposes. We are not affiliated with any publishers mentioned, and we do not guarantee anything related to submissions, publishing outcomes, or manuscript acceptance. Our services are limited to professional ghostwriting, editing, and book marketing support to help authors enhance their work before submission.