Top 50 Book Publishing Companies in Chicago — updated 2025

Chicago has long been a major hub for the book-publishing world, and in 2025, the city’s publishing landscape is more vibrant and diverse than ever. From venerable university presses and politically engaged independents to boutique poetry houses and full-service author platforms.

1. Ghostwriter Inside

Overview
Ghostwriter Inside is an author services and ghostwriting firm that helps busy leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives turn ideas into publishable books — offering developmental writing, editing, design, and managed publishing packages.

Strengths & genres
Strengths include end-to-end project management, experience across nonfiction (business, leadership, memoir) and select commercial fiction, and packages tailored for time-pressed clients who want a professional, done-for-you product.

Notable work & reputation
While not a traditional trade house, Ghostwriter Inside markets itself as a modern hybrid partner for authors who need hands-on collaboration from idea to finished book.

Submissions & contact
Authors typically contact Ghostwriter Inside for commissioned ghostwriting or full-service publishing support; they do not follow conventional unsolicited manuscript submission guidelines used by trade publishers.

2. University of Chicago Press

Overview
Founded in 1891, the University of Chicago Press is one of the oldest and most respected academic presses in the U.S., publishing influential scholarly and trade works across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Strengths & genres
Its strengths lie in rigorous peer-reviewed scholarship, high-quality academic monographs, reference works, and select trade books that bridge scholarship and general readership.

Notable titles & authors
The press is known for landmark titles and reference works — including authoritative academic texts and influential intellectual titles that shape scholarly conversation.

Submissions & contact
Academic authors typically submit proposals via the press’s formal guidelines; editorial review is peer-driven, and selection emphasizes scholarly significance and methodological rigor.

3. Chicago Review Press

Overview
Chicago Review Press is an independent trade publisher with a broad list that includes biography, music, true crime, history, and children’s books — known for accessible nonfiction with a strong editorial voice.

Strengths & genres
The house excels at regional history, cultural nonfiction, and lifestyle titles, as well as well-curated backlist promotion and distribution partnerships.

Notable titles & authors
Chicago Review Press has a reputation for thoughtful narrative nonfiction and evergreen regional books that appeal to both local and national audiences.

Submissions & contact
Open to agented and some unsolicited queries, depending on the imprint; authors should consult the press’s submission guidelines and imprint focuses before querying.

4. Sourcebooks

Overview
Sourcebooks (headquartered in the Chicago area) is one of the largest independent trade publishers in the U.S., with a wide-ranging list that spans fiction, children’s, cookbooks, and lifestyle titles.

Strengths & genres
Notable for strong marketing and a hands-on editorial approach, Sourcebooks is particularly successful in children’s books and creative nonfiction, and in building author platforms.

Notable titles & authors
Sourcebooks has launched breakout children’s titles and lifestyle bestsellers through savvy branding and retail partnerships.

Submissions & contact
Sourcebooks has clear submission routes by imprint, often preferring agented submissions for adult fiction while maintaining distinct programs for children’s and special categories.

5. Haymarket Books

Overview
Haymarket Books is an independent, nonprofit publisher known for politically engaged nonfiction, progressive politics, and social-justice–oriented titles with an activist bent.

Strengths & genres
Its strength is unapologetically political and grassroots publishing: theory and accessible analysis for readers interested in labor, race, environment, and global justice.

Notable titles & authors
Haymarket frequently publishes influential political thinkers, organizers, and scholars whose books spark debate and community organizing.

Submissions & contact
Haymarket accepts proposals consistent with its mission; authors should be prepared for a publishing approach that emphasizes community outreach and activism.

6. Agate Publishing

Overview
Agate Publishing is an independent Chicago house known for a diverse list that includes regional interest, business, biography, and trade nonfiction with a strong focus on quality production.

Strengths & genres
Agate stands out for regional books and narrative nonfiction, often giving voice to Midwest stories that resonate nationally.

Notable titles & authors
The press champions both emerging and established authors with compelling nonfiction and select fiction lines.

Submissions & contact
Agate accepts submissions that align with its editorial vision, with clear instructions available on its website regarding proposals and sample materials

7. Loyola Press

Overview
Loyola Press is a Chicago-based Catholic publisher producing spiritual, educational, and children’s titles alongside pastoral resources and curriculum materials.

Strengths & genres
Specialties include religious education, spirituality, and faith-based children’s books; the press emphasizes accessible theological content for parishes and schools.

Notable titles & authors
Loyola Press is trusted by clergy and educators for dependable faith formation resources and family-oriented books.

Submissions & contact
Authors and educators seeking to publish religious or educational materials should review Loyola’s mission-driven submission guidelines and editorial priorities.

8. Northwestern University Press

Overview
Northwestern University Press (Evanston area) is a respected academic and literary press focusing on poetry, literary fiction, and scholarly works, with strong regional and international translation programs.

Strengths & genres
Renowned for poetry and literary fiction, plus critical and scholarly books that serve academic and discerning general readers.

Notable titles & authors
Northwestern has championed important poets, translators, and literary voices with awards and critical recognition.

Submissions & contact
Manuscript and proposal submissions follow university press norms; poetry and literary submission windows and contests are a notable route for new authors.

9. Albert Whitman & Company

Overview
Albert Whitman & Company is a long-standing children’s book publisher with a strong backlist of classic and contemporary titles for young readers.

Strengths & genres
Expertise centers on middle-grade and children’s picture books, educational titles, and enduring family-oriented stories.

Notable titles & authors
Their catalog includes beloved children’s classics and new works that often become staples in libraries and classrooms.

Submissions & contact
Authors and illustrators should consult Albert Whitman’s submission policies; many children’s publishers have specific guidelines regarding unsolicited material.

10. Triumph Books

Overview
Triumph Books is a Chicago-based sports publisher famous for high-quality sports nonfiction, team histories, and fan-oriented titles that capture local and national sports culture.

Strengths & genres
Specializes in sports history, photography-heavy books, team chronicles, and seasonal titles geared toward passionate fan bases.

Notable titles & authors
Triumph produces well-produced keepsake books tied to major sports events and franchises, making it a go-to for sports publishing in Chicago.

Submissions & contact
Authors with sports projects, especially those tied to teams or seasons, can approach Triumph with proposals; many projects are editorially commissioned.

11. Dalkey Archive Press

Overview
Dalkey Archive Press is an independent press with global reach, celebrated for avant-garde literature, translations, and critical reissues of overlooked modernist and experimental works.

Strengths & genres
Dedicated to literary innovation and translation, Dalkey is a champion of international and experimental voices that larger houses often overlook.

Notable titles & authors
Known for revitalizing influential but under-read authors and providing top-quality translations for global literature lovers.

Submissions & contact
Dalkey’s editorial focus is specialized; prospective contributors should align with the press’s interest in experimental and translated literature.

12. Third World Press

Overview
Third World Press is a historic Chicago publisher committed to African American literature, poetry, and cultural commentary, with deep roots in community publishing and activism.

Strengths & genres
Focuses on Black voices, poetry, cultural studies, and community-centered works that preserve and amplify African American literary traditions.

Notable titles & authors
Third World Press has published important poets and thinkers and remains influential in African American literary spaces.

Submissions & contact
The press seeks manuscripts that reflect its mission of cultural empowerment and literary excellence within Black literary traditions.

13. Curbside Splendor

Overview
Curbside Splendor is an independent literary press known for high-quality literary fiction and nonfiction, championing emerging literary talent and carefully curated projects.

Strengths & genres
Strength lies in contemporary literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and books that showcase distinct authorial voices and craft.

Notable titles & authors
The imprint has an indie-minded reputation and publishes critically praised literary works often recognized by reviewers and award committees.

Submissions & contact
Curbside Splendor accepts submissions aligned with their editorial taste — strong, distinctive literary work with polished manuscripts preferred.

14. Big Shoulders Books

Overview
Big Shoulders Books is a Chicago-based small press emphasizing poetry and literary works that reflect local culture and broader contemporary concerns.

Strengths & genres
Works best with poetry and short-form literary projects where craft and local voice are central.

Notable titles & authors
A boutique press, it focuses on bringing unique, regionally resonant voices to a dedicated readership.

Submissions & contact
Poets and literary authors should check Big Shoulders’ submission windows and editorial focus for the best fit.

15. Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company

Overview
Charles H. Kerr is a historic radical press in Chicago, known for labor, socialist, and leftist political writings with a long legacy in activist publishing.

Strengths & genres
Specializes in labor history, left politics, and reissues of classic radical texts, serving activist and academic readerships.

Notable titles & authors
Its catalog includes foundational political works and accessible reprints that support labor movements and historical study.

Submissions & contact
Scholarly and activist manuscripts that advance progressive political thought are the core of Kerr’s editorial interest.

16. Rose Metal Press

Overview
Rose Metal Press is a small literary press with a focus on hybrid forms, short prose, and experimental creative work—especially chapbooks and craft-forward collections.

Strengths & genres
Noted for literary innovation, hybrid-genre collections, and editorial attention to unique structures and forms.

Notable titles & authors
Rose Metal publishes writers who push form boundaries, often appealing to experimental lit audiences and university programs.

Submissions & contact
They run periodic calls and contests; authors of hybrid and short-form works should monitor their submission announcements.

17. Tortoise Books

Overview
Tortoise Books is a small Chicago imprint with a focus on poetry and literary prose, offering careful editorial attention and a passion for craft-driven projects.

Strengths & genres
Prioritizes poetry and literary works, often supporting new voices and chapbook-length projects.

Notable titles & authors
Tortoise Books builds a selective catalog of writers committed to craft and distinctive tone.

Submissions & contact
Poetry and short literary manuscripts submitted during open windows receive close editorial review; guidelines are detailed on the press site.

18. Switchback Books

Overview
Switchback Books publishes contemporary poetry and literary projects, typically supporting innovative works and authors at early career stages.

Strengths & genres
Known for poetry and experimental forms, Switchback emphasizes fresh voices with a commitment to book design and editorial care.

Notable titles & authors
Their lists include emerging poets and collections that garner critical attention in literary circles.

Submissions & contact
They announce submission periods and contests; prospective poets should match their work to the press’s established aesthetic.

19. Windy City Publishers

Overview
Windy City Publishers is a Chicago-based small press that focuses on niche nonfiction, local interest titles, and short-run projects tailored to community audiences.

Strengths & genres
Strengths are flexibility, small-batch production, and a focus on local histories, memoirs, and practical nonfiction for a regional market.

Notable titles & authors
Often works with community historians, local authors, and organizations to publish accessible regional content.

Submissions & contact
Windy City tends to accept community-focused projects and collaborative publishing arrangements; contact details are on the press website.

20. Haymarket-adjacent / Independent Imprints & Micropresses (Representative)

Overview
Chicago’s ecosystem also includes many micropresses and boutique imprints — from niche literary houses to mission-driven political publishers — that collectively enrich the city’s book culture.

Strengths & genres
These smaller operations are nimble: poetry, local history, activist texts, translations, and experimental works find homes here more readily than at larger trade houses.

Notable activity & collaboration
Micropresses often collaborate with community organizations, local bookstores, and literary festivals, keeping Chicago’s literary scene vibrant and experimental.

Submissions & contact
Each micropress has its own submission cycle and mission; authors should research the imprint’s catalog and reach out directly for guidelines.

21. Arcadia Publishing

Overview
Arcadia Publishing specializes in regional history and local-interest titles, producing short, richly illustrated books that document towns, neighborhoods, and local institutions with archival photos and accessible text.

Strengths & genres
Their strength is high-volume, photo-driven local history — compact, themed titles that sell well in regional markets, historical societies, museums, and gift shops.

Notable titles & authors
Arcadia’s “Images of America” series is widely recognized; many local historians and community authors use Arcadia to preserve regional memory through curated photographic narratives.

Submissions & contact
Arcadia typically commissions local authors and historians; submission processes vary by series and region — check regional editors and series guidelines on the publisher’s website.

22. Featherproof Books

Overview
Featherproof Books is a small, independent Chicago press with an outspoken literary personality, publishing quirky fiction, short stories, and offbeat nonfiction with strong editorial design and voice.

Strengths & genres
Known for tightly edited literary fiction and humorous or surreal short-form work, Featherproof emphasizes craftsmanship, design, and a distinct indie sensibility that appeals to devoted readers.

Notable titles & authors
The press has cultivated a reputation for launching talented small-press authors and producing well-designed editions that indie bookstores and literary readers prize.

Submissions & contact
Featherproof periodically opens submissions or runs themed calls; authors should follow their website and social channels for submission windows and editorial priorities.

23. Open Books (Open Books Press)

Overview
Open Books is a nonprofit literary press and bookstore hybrid in Chicago that publishes poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction with an emphasis on emerging voices and community engagement.

Strengths & genres
Their strength is community-centered publishing: poetry, debut collections, and intentionally curated small print runs tied to readings and local events.

Notable titles & authors
Open Books champions debut poets and local literary voices, often pairing releases with dynamic launch events that engage Chicago’s reading communities.

Submissions & contact
Submissions and contests are announced periodically; prospective authors should watch Open Books’ site for open reading periods and guidelines.

24. Academy Chicago Publishers

Overview
Academy Chicago Publishers is an independent house focused on literary fiction and nonfiction, often with an emphasis on Midwestern voices and overlooked works that deserve rediscovery.

Strengths & genres
The press is known for strong editorial curation in literary fiction, cultural studies, and narrative nonfiction with a regional bent and national reach.

Notable titles & authors
Academy Chicago has a history of publishing solid literary titles that receive critical attention and develop dedicated readerships.

Submissions & contact
Academy Chicago accepts proposals aligned with its editorial mission; authors should adhere to submission guidelines posted on the publisher’s site.

25. Open Letter Books / Dalkey-related imprints (representative)

Overview
While not all are based strictly in Chicago, imprints connected to Dalkey Archive and allied literary partners maintain relationships in the region; they champion translation, avant-garde fiction, and serious literary work.

Strengths & genres
Specialties include international literature in translation, experimental fiction, and critical reissues that deepen the Anglophone literary conversation.

Notable titles & authors
These imprints are valued for introducing major foreign writers and neglected modernist voices to English-speaking readers, often with scholarly-quality translations.

Submissions & contact
Submissions are typically by invitation or via translators/authors with established recommendations; consult each imprint for submission or translation proposal processes.

26. Arcadia-adjacent / Local History Micropresses (representative)

Overview
Chicago supports many local-history micropresses and university-affiliated units that produce neighborhood histories, photographic retrospectives, and community memory projects tailored for local audiences.

Strengths & genres
These micropresses excel at archival research, local narrative nonfiction, and collaborative oral-history projects that serve museums, historical societies, and civic organizations.

Notable titles & authors
They often produce indispensable neighborhood guides and themed photo collections that become reference points for local historians and genealogists.

Submissions & contact
Most projects are editorially commissioned or proposed by local historians; check the specific micropress or historical-society partner for guidelines.

27. Long Day Press

Overview
Long Day Press publishes novellas, chapbooks, and shorter literary works, frequently spotlighting Midwestern writers and experimental prose that traditional houses often overlook.

Strengths & genres
The press specializes in novella-length fiction, hybrid forms, and chapbooks — formats that value density, brevity, and formal experimentation.

Notable titles & authors
Long Day has built a small but influential catalog of boundary-pushing novellas and limited-edition releases that resonate with literary readers and critics.

Submissions & contact
They accept unsolicited submissions during announced reading periods; poets and prose writers should consult the Long Day Press submissions page.

28. Lettered Streets Press

Overview
Lettered Streets Press is a boutique Chicago publisher producing poetry and literary collections, frequently focused on craft and distinctive visual presentation.

Strengths & genres
Designed editions, close editorial collaboration, and a curated poetry list are Lettered Streets’ hallmarks, making them a favored home for serious poets.

Notable titles & authors
They publish debut and established poets whose works emphasize lyrical craft and formal attention, often receiving attention in literary circles.

Submissions & contact
Submissions are typically accepted during open periods or via manuscript contests; authors should review Lettered Streets’ guidelines for specifics.

29. Fort Raphael Publishing

Overview
Fort Raphael Publishing is a Chicago-area independent press that publishes fiction and nonfiction with an emphasis on strong narrative voice and character-driven storytelling.

Strengths & genres
The press favors engrossing literary fiction and creative nonfiction with marketable hooks and editorial polish suitable for discerning readers.

Notable titles & authors
Fort Raphael’s catalog includes both emerging novelists and narrative nonfiction writers who benefit from hands-on editorial support.

Submissions & contact
They accept manuscripts and proposals aligned with their catalog; prospective authors should consult the publisher’s site for current submission windows.

30. Gibson House Press

Overview
Gibson House Press is a small Chicago publisher focusing on poetry, essay collections, and books that foreground voice and craft over market trends.

Strengths & genres
Strengths include editorial attention to lyric and hybrid work, thoughtfully produced small editions, and care for book design.

Notable titles & authors
Gibson House editions often appear in literary reviews and are celebrated for their craft-forward approach and selectiveness.

Submissions & contact
They announce submission windows and occasional contests; poets and essayists should follow Gibson House Press for calls for manuscripts.

31. Nyala Publishing

Overview
Nyala Publishing focuses on multicultural and children’s literature, aiming to increase representation and provide culturally resonant books for young readers and families.

Strengths & genres
The press is notable for inclusive children’s titles, multicultural storytelling, and educational materials that reflect diverse experiences.

Notable titles & authors
Nyala’s books are used in classrooms and libraries seeking diverse perspectives and culturally relevant narratives for younger readers.

Submissions & contact
Children’s authors and illustrators with culturally grounded stories that serve educational and library markets should consult Nyala’s submission guidelines.

32. Lake Claremont Press

Overview
Lake Claremont Press publishes history, local interest, and narrative nonfiction with a regional focus and an eye for archival detail and storytelling.

Strengths & genres
Their titles often appeal to local historians, civic groups, and readers who favor well-researched, accessible historical narratives and memoir.

Notable titles & authors
Lake Claremont partners regularly with historians and community authors to produce book-length projects tied to local heritage initiatives.

Submissions & contact
Many projects are commissioned in collaboration with historical groups; independent authors with strong local history proposals may inquire via the press website.

33. Swan Isle Press

Overview
Swan Isle Press is an independent literary imprint that publishes poetry and short prose with close editorial attention and aesthetic coherence.

Strengths & genres
The press values lyrical work, formal innovation, and poet-centered projects, often producing carefully crafted limited runs and trade editions.

Notable titles & authors
Swan Isle’s catalog showcases poets and writers whose work is admired in small-press literary communities and regional readings.

Submissions & contact
They accept submissions during specified reading periods and announce contests; poets should check the press site for details.

34. Wolfsword Press

Overview
Wolfsword Press is a boutique Chicago micropress that publishes speculative fiction, genre-adjacent novellas, and experiment-driven short works.

Strengths & genres
The imprint’s strengths lie in genre-bending fiction, speculative narratives, and projects that blend literary ambition with genre ideas.

Notable titles & authors
Wolfsword titles often attract readers who love inventive storytelling and small-press discovery books that push genre boundaries.

Submissions & contact
They periodically accept submissions and project proposals; genre authors should watch their site and social channels for calls.

35. City Files Press

Overview
City Files Press is an independent publisher that curates literary fiction and cultural nonfiction grounded in urban themes and contemporary social concerns.

Strengths & genres
The press champions urban narratives, essays about city life, and fiction that explores contemporary Midwest identity and metropolitan experience.

Notable titles & authors
City Files publishes writers whose works interrogate modern urban life and often participates in local literary events and readings.

Submissions & contact
They accept polished manuscripts and proposals that align with the press’s urban-focused mission; check guidelines on the publisher’s site.

36. Joshua Tree Publishing

Overview
Joshua Tree Publishing is a small-studio press producing trade and specialty nonfiction with an emphasis on practical, trade-focused titles and narrative-driven projects.

Strengths & genres
Their strengths include memoir, self-help adjacent narrative nonfiction, and professionally oriented titles that combine craft with market sensibility.

Notable titles & authors
Often working with mid-list authors and specialists, Joshua Tree titles aim for readability and targeted audience reach.

Submissions & contact
They work with authors, agents, and consultants; submission policies vary by project type — reach out via the publisher’s site for specifics.

37. Lettered Streets-adjacent Micropresses (representative)

Overview
Chicago is home to a cluster of boutique poetry micropresses tied to university programs, bookstores, and literary collectives; these small presses produce chapbooks and first collections.

Strengths & genres
They excel at launching debut poets, chapbook series, and community-centered poetry projects with high editorial care and strong local distribution.

Notable titles & authors
Many poets who later place with larger independent presses begin with chapbooks from these micropresses, which serve as incubators of talent.

Submissions & contact
Contests, open calls, and curated series are the common submission paths; check individual micropress sites for windows and rules.

38. The Green Lantern Press

Overview
The Green Lantern Press is a Chicago-based publisher focused on poetry and small literary works, offering selective editorial programs and a commitment to craft over commerce.

Strengths & genres
Their focus is intimate, poet-forward publishing: limited editions, chapbooks, and collections that prioritize voice and formal attention.

Notable titles & authors
Green Lantern Press titles are frequently read at local readings and find appreciative audiences among serious poetry readers and collectors.

Submissions & contact
The press announces reading periods and occasionally runs contests; poets should consult the press’s web page for submission schedules.

39. Cozy Cat Press

Overview
Cozy Cat Press publishes a small list of literary and craft-driven books — poetry, short fiction, and hybrid forms — often emphasizing approachable design and close author-editor collaboration.

Strengths & genres
The imprint favors intimate literary projects that blend accessibility with craft, producing editions that are reader-friendly and well-made.

Notable titles & authors
Cozy Cat’s catalog favors emerging writers and focused collections that gain traction in reading series and small-press review outlets.

Submissions & contact
They accept submissions during open periods and occasionally through invited projects; watch their site for submission windows.

40. Eckhartz Press

Overview
Eckhartz Press is a Chicago independent publisher producing poetry and short-form literary collections with an editorial eye toward craft and design.

Strengths & genres
They concentrate on strong poetic voices, chapbooks, and limited-run collections, often pairing new poets with thoughtful book design and production values.

Notable titles & authors
Eckhartz titles appear in literary reviews and are staples at readings and small-press festivals, building reputations for craft-forward publishing.

Submissions & contact
Eckhartz typically opens submissions or runs contests; poets and short-form authors should review the press’s guidelines and contest calendar.

41. Golden Alley Press

Overview
Golden Alley Press is a Chicago-based independent publisher that focuses on literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays characterized by a distinct artistic voice and regional identity.

Strengths & genres
Their editorial strength lies in discovering contemporary authors who balance narrative craft with experimentation, producing visually elegant paperbacks and e-books that captivate readers.

Notable titles & authors
Golden Alley’s list includes rising novelists and essayists whose work explores identity, belonging, and Midwest culture through vivid, character-driven storytelling.

Submissions & contact
They accept unsolicited manuscripts during annual open calls; writers are encouraged to send a synopsis and first chapters via their online portal.

42. Dreaming Big Publications

Overview
Dreaming Big Publications is a small press with Chicago roots that publishes a mix of genre fiction, memoirs, and poetry, offering emerging authors broad editorial support.

Strengths & genres
They specialize in contemporary fantasy, humor, short fiction, and inspirational nonfiction, aiming to give unknown writers a professional publishing experience.

Notable titles & authors
Dreaming Big’s catalog features debut authors and quirky speculative titles that have developed loyal followings in online book communities.

Submissions & contact
The press accepts submissions year-round; writers can submit manuscripts electronically and expect a transparent review process within eight to ten weeks.

43. The Point Press

Overview
The Point Press is a publishing extension of The Point magazine, dedicated to intellectually engaging nonfiction, essays, and philosophy-oriented trade books.

Strengths & genres
They focus on contemporary ideas, moral philosophy, and cultural criticism, appealing to readers who appreciate rigorous but accessible argument and analysis.

Notable titles & authors
The Point Press collaborates with thinkers and essayists who write with clarity and curiosity about ethics, modern life, and cultural theory.

Submissions & contact
Manuscript proposals should include a concept outline and a sample chapter; the press occasionally commissions book-length expansions of magazine essays.

44. Beating Windward Press (Chicago Division)

Overview
Beating Windward Press operates a Chicago division focused on hybrid literature, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction that blurs genre boundaries.

Strengths & genres
Their mission is to elevate short-form writing, micro-essays, and hybrid storytelling, producing elegant, small-run books that showcase structural innovation.

Notable titles & authors
Chicago-based authors featured by the press often explore intersectional identity and language play through experimental prose or poetic fragments.

Submissions & contact
Submissions are accepted during specific windows; authors can submit short manuscripts or chapbook-length projects through their online form.

45. Bronzeville Books

Overview
Bronzeville Books is a dynamic Chicago publishing house promoting diverse voices across genres, from speculative fiction to social commentary and thrillers.

Strengths & genres
Their editorial vision centers on inclusion and cultural diversity, producing books that challenge stereotypes while entertaining a broad readership.

Notable titles & authors
Bronzeville’s catalog features acclaimed emerging authors of color and genre-blending titles recognized in national literary and cultural media.

Submissions & contact
Bronzeville accepts agented and direct submissions; authors can query through their online system with a synopsis, sample chapters, and an author bio.

46. Prickly Pear Publishing

Overview
Prickly Pear Publishing is an independent Chicago imprint focusing on poetry, memoir, and short story collections that explore resilience and transformation.

Strengths & genres
They excel at emotionally resonant, voice-driven narratives, giving special attention to debut authors and community-driven storytelling projects.

Notable titles & authors
Prickly Pear’s works often appear at local book fairs and writing festivals, gaining recognition for their authenticity and emotional depth.

Submissions & contact
Writers can submit full manuscripts during seasonal open calls; editorial feedback and mentorship opportunities are available for select authors.

47. Silver Birch Press (Midwest Division)

Overview
Silver Birch Press operates an active Midwest division publishing poetry, anthologies, and creative nonfiction centered around memory, place, and personal identity.

Strengths & genres
Their strength lies in thematic collections, often exploring nostalgia, travel, and the human connection to nature and community.

Notable titles & authors
They’ve published numerous themed anthologies featuring both new and established poets from Chicago’s rich literary scene.

Submissions & contact
The press posts open calls for anthology contributions on its website; poets submit up to three pieces with a short bio.

48. Deep Dish Press

Overview
Deep Dish Press takes its name from Chicago’s iconic pizza, symbolizing its devotion to local culture and storytelling with layers of depth and flavor.

Strengths & genres
The press focuses on fiction and memoir about Chicago life — neighborhood narratives, working-class stories, and modern urban experiences.

Notable titles & authors
Deep Dish publishes both debut and mid-career authors who bring authenticity and humor to stories rooted in Chicago’s communities.

Submissions & contact
Submissions are open twice a year; authors can send digital proposals, including synopsis and first 30 pages, through their website.

49. Quimby’s Publishing Arm

Overview
An extension of Chicago’s legendary Quimby’s Bookstore, Quimby’s Publishing supports zines, comics, and DIY-style literary works that thrive in underground culture.

Strengths & genres
They excel in independent comics, experimental literature, and visual storytelling, maintaining Chicago’s zine and alt-lit traditions.

Notable titles & authors
Quimby’s Press collaborates with underground artists and writers, producing collectible small editions sold in-store and at zine festivals.

Submissions & contact
Creators can pitch directly at the store or email samples; Quimby’s prioritizes originality, design, and community collaboration

50. Poetry Foundation Press

Overview
The Poetry Foundation Press, affiliated with Poetry magazine, publishes anthologies, special collections, and reprints celebrating Chicago’s enduring poetry legacy.

Strengths & genres
Its focus is poetry, criticism, and historical collections that expand the reach of contemporary poets and poetic scholarship.

Notable titles & authors
Through curated collections, it honors emerging and established poets, reflecting Chicago’s central role in shaping modern American poetry.

Submissions & contact
Submissions are usually invited or curated; poets can engage through Poetry magazine’s submission platform for consideration in future anthologies.

Top 50 Book Publishing Companies in Chicago (Updated 2025)

Rank	Publisher Name	Genre / Focus	Specialty / Strength
1	Ghostwriter Inside	Ghostwriting, Hybrid Publishing	End-to-end author services, from concept to publication
2	University of Chicago Press	Academic, Scholarly	Humanities, social sciences, peer-reviewed monographs
3	Chicago Review Press	Trade Nonfiction	Biography, music, history, true crime
4	Sourcebooks	Trade Fiction & Nonfiction	Children’s books, lifestyle, bestsellers
5	Haymarket Books	Political, Activist Nonfiction	Progressive and social justice publishing
6	Agate Publishing	Trade Nonfiction, Regional	Business, biography, and regional culture
7	Loyola Press	Religious, Educational	Catholic and faith-based titles
8	Northwestern University Press	Academic, Literary	Poetry, fiction, translations
9	Albert Whitman & Company	Children’s Literature	Educational and family books
10	Triumph Books	Sports Nonfiction	Team histories, fan titles
11	Dalkey Archive Press	Literary, Translations	Experimental and avant-garde fiction
12	Third World Press	African American Literature	Poetry, culture, and social issues
13	Curbside Splendor	Literary Fiction, Essays	Contemporary voices, creative nonfiction
14	Big Shoulders Books	Poetry, Local Culture	Chicago-based literary works
15	Charles H. Kerr Publishing	Labor History, Political	Socialist and progressive works
16	Rose Metal Press	Hybrid, Experimental	Short-form and hybrid literary works
17	Tortoise Books	Poetry, Literary Prose	Emerging voices, chapbooks
18	Switchback Books	Contemporary Poetry	Experimental female poets
19	Windy City Publishers	Regional Nonfiction	Local history, memoir
20	Independent Micropresses (Rep.)	Mixed Literary	Poetry, experimental works
21	Arcadia Publishing	Local History	Illustrated photo histories
22	Featherproof Books	Literary Fiction	Offbeat, design-forward books
23	Open Books Press	Poetry, Fiction	Community and emerging voices
24	Academy Chicago Publishers	Literary Fiction, Nonfiction	Rediscovered and new voices
25	Open Letter Books / Dalkey Imprints	Translations, Literary	Global fiction and essays
26	Local History Micropresses	Historical	Community memory projects
27	Long Day Press	Novellas, Short Fiction	Midwest experimental writing
28	Lettered Streets Press	Poetry, Essays	Visual poetry, design editions
29	Fort Raphael Publishing	Fiction, Nonfiction	Narrative voice & storytelling
30	Gibson House Press	Essays, Poetry	Craft-driven small editions
31	Nyala Publishing	Multicultural, Children’s	Diverse and inclusive stories
32	Lake Claremont Press	History, Memoir	Regional & civic narratives
33	Swan Isle Press	Poetry, Short Prose	Lyrical, crafted poetry books
34	Wolfsword Press	Speculative Fiction	Genre-blending literary fiction
35	City Files Press	Urban Culture	Essays, fiction, and Chicago identity
36	Joshua Tree Publishing	Trade Nonfiction	Memoir, business, self-help
37	Poetry Micropress Network (Rep.)	Poetry Chapbooks	University-affiliated micropresses
38	Green Lantern Press	Poetry, Chapbooks	Experimental, limited editions
39	Cozy Cat Press	Light Fiction, Poetry	Reader-friendly literary works
40	Eckhartz Press	Poetry, Literary Short Works	Chicago voices, design-forward
41	Golden Alley Press	Fiction, Essays	Midwest literary fiction
42	Dreaming Big Publications	Genre Fiction, Humor	Speculative and inspirational
43	The Point Press	Nonfiction, Essays	Philosophy & cultural criticism
44	Beating Windward Press (Chicago Div.)	Hybrid, Flash Fiction	Short experimental prose
45	Bronzeville Books	Speculative, Diverse Voices	Urban fantasy & cultural thrillers
46	Prickly Pear Publishing	Memoir, Poetry	Emotionally resonant storytelling
47	Silver Birch Press (Midwest Div.)	Poetry, Anthologies	Themed literary collections
48	Deep Dish Press	Fiction, Memoir	Chicago-centric narratives
49	Quimby’s Publishing Arm	Zines, Comics	Indie and DIY literature
50	Poetry Foundation Press	Poetry, Criticism	Anthologies & reprints

Chicago’s Thriving Publishing Scene: Where Words Meet Opportunity

Chicago’s publishing scene in 2025 stands as a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. From the global reach of the University of Chicago Press to the creative freedom offered by Ghostwriter Inside and other indie publishers, the city remains a powerhouse for authors of every genre. Its presses champion diversity, nurture emerging voices, and blend digital accessibility with literary excellence. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, poet, or academic writer, Chicago offers a vibrant community where creativity thrives and every word finds its perfect place.

Conclusion

Chicago’s publishing world in 2025 continues to be a vibrant crossroads of creativity and opportunity. From powerhouse names like the University of Chicago Press to inclusive and innovative imprints such as Ghostwriter Inside and Bronzeville Books, every author can find a home for their voice here. Whether you’re writing fiction, academic work, or poetry, Chicago offers the perfect blend of tradition, diversity, and modern publishing vision — keeping the Windy City at the heart of America’s literary pulse.

FAQs

1. How do I find the right book publisher in Chicago for my manuscript?

Start by identifying your genre and goals—academic, fiction, poetry, or nonfiction—then research publishers from this list who specialize in that category and accept open submissions.

2. Are there publishing houses in Chicago that work with first-time authors?

Yes. Companies like Ghostwriter Inside, Curbside Splendor, and Windy City Publishers regularly collaborate with debut authors, offering editorial guidance and hybrid publishing options.

3. Do Chicago publishers accept digital or eBook submissions?

Almost all of them do. Many accept online manuscript uploads or email proposals, streamlining the submission process for both local and international writers.

4. Can I publish children’s books or poetry through a Chicago press?

Absolutely. Publishers such as Albert Whitman & Company (children’s books) and Switchback Books or Silver Birch Press (poetry) specialize in those genres.

5. What makes Chicago’s publishing industry stand out in 2025?

Chicago combines a historic literary culture with modern innovation—balancing traditional university presses, inclusive small publishers, and digital-friendly platforms for emerging voices.

 

 

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.