There are hundreds of independent presses out there. Some are merely storefront
scams, some are vanity presses, and some are venerable outfits. Keep in mind
that the real power of an indie press often lies in their relationships with
reputable distributors. We’ve accumulated a list of the legits, both for
fiction and nonfiction. More than half of the indie presses on our list have
been in business for over 10 years—which is a literary lifetime in human years.
And while many literary presses aim to inject more cutting edge, experimental,
unconventional and downright raw and brazen fiction into the marketplace,
others have helped launch grassroots literary fiction into the mainstream
spotlight. Girl in Hyacinth Blue and The Time Traveler's Wife first published by MacAdam/Cage Publishing
comes to mind.
But mainstream is not always the goal. Indie presses cater to an alternative
marketplace that the Major New York Publishers overlook or don’t bother to touch. Some
works cross over, some stay happily in their counter-culture niches. And unlike
the major New York Bad Boys, most indie presses accept unsolicited
submissions—which means you don’t need an agent to submit your writing for
consideration.
Academy Chicago Publishers
(fiction, nonfiction)
Academy Chicago Publishers publish a broad range of fiction, history,
literature, mystery, and travel.
Albert Whitman & Company
(children's/ middle grade fiction & nonfiction)
Albert Whitman & Company publishes approximately thirty books per year for the trade, library, and school library market.
They are mainly interested in children's picture books and middle grade fiction and nonfiction.
Alyson Books
(gay fiction & nonfiction)
Alyson Publications publishes fiction and non-fiction books for gay teens, gay
men and lesbians, and their children. Exploring the political, legal,
financial, medical, spiritual, social and sexual aspects of gay and lesbian
life, Alyson books reflect the rich diversity of gay life in America.
Akashic Books
(urban & cosmopolitan literary fiction)
Originally founded in 1996 as a small independent record label by punk rocker
Johnny Temple, Akashic publishes urban literary fiction, or fiction with a
cosmopolitan sensibility.
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
(high-quality literary fiction & nonfiction)
Founded as a small independent trade publisher in 1982 and later acquired by
Workman Publishing in 1989, Algonquin Books publishes twenty to twenty-five new
books each year and seeks books of high-quality, both fiction and non-fiction,
including literary fiction, cookbooks, and lifestyle books (about family,
animals, food, flowers, adventure, and other topics of interest).
Apress
(nonfiction by technology professionals)
Apress is a publishing company devoted to meeting the needs of programmers and IT professionals.
Apress is looking for authors with both technical expertise and the ability to explain complicated concepts clearly. They want authors who are passionate, innovative, and original.
Arcade Publishing
(fiction & nonfiction)
Arcade Publishing is a small independent publisher with a major presence in the publishing
scene. Since their launch in 1988, Arcade has published some 500 titles, discovered dozens of new voices,
and built a considerable and constantly growing backlist. With a global reach, they challenge the domestic commercial
marketplace by introducing fiction and nonfiction works by 252 authors from 31 different countries.
Arsenal Pulp Press
(broad range of fiction & nonfiction)
Arsenal Pulp Press is one of Canada's leading independent publishers, with over
160 titles in print, ranging from fiction and poetry to cultural and
multicultural studies; from erotica and gay and lesbian literature to city
guides and cookbooks. In 2001, Arsenal Pulp Press celebrated its 30th
anniversary in the business of book publishing. As such, it is well-established
as a publisher of provocative and stimulating books that challenge the status
quo.
Aunt Lute Press
(multicultural women's fiction and social criticism)
Aunt Lute Books is a non-profit, multicultural women's press publishing fiction
and social criticism that reflects the complexity of women's lives and the
possibilities for personal and social change.
Avalon Publishing Group
(broad range of fiction & nonfiction)
Avalon imprints include Avalon Travel Publishing, Carroll & Graf
Publishers, Marlowe & Company, Nation Books, Seal Press, Shoemaker &
Hoard, and Thunder’s Mouth Press (formerly the indie press, Four Walls Eight
Windows). Each imprint has a distinct editorial and marketing focus, combining
the vision and commitment of an independent press with the scale and resources
of a larger enterprise.
Barefoot Books
(high-quality children's picture books)
Barefoot Books publishes high-quality children’s picture books, and specializes
in cross-cultural picture books and anthologies. They are interested in
folktales for anthologies as well as picture books with a whimsical timeless
quality.
Barricade Books
(polemical nonfiction)
Barricade Books tests the boundaries of the First Amendment, ultimately strengthening it and
protecting personal freedom. Barricade Books is committed to protecting the rights of serious authors
to express even the most unpopular, outrageous, and offensive ideas. They look for non-fiction, mostly of the controversial type,
from authors who can talk about their topics on radio and television, and to the press.
Basic Books
(nonfiction by journalists and academics)
Basic Books is an imprint of Perseus Books Group and publishes serious
nonfiction by leading intellectuals, academics, and journalists.
Basic Civitas Books
(African-American nonfiction)
Basic Civitas Books is an imprint of Perseus Books Group and is devoted to
publishing a broad range of titles on African and African American Studies.
Beacon Press
(serious nonfiction & high-quality literary fiction)
Founded in 1854, Beacon Press is a nonprofit, independent publisher of serious
nonfiction books and high-quality literary works that seeks to change the way
readers think about fundamental issues. Beacon promotes such values as freedom
of speech and thought, the importance of racial and ethnic diversity, and
respect for our environment. They are a distribution client of Houghton
Mifflin.
Bella Books
(lesbian fiction)
Bella Books specializes in fiction by and about lesbians.
They publish general lesbian fiction, romance, mystery / thriller, sci-fi / fantasy, and erotica.
Bella is interested in novels with a solid plot and engaging, fully-realized characters.
The main characters must be lesbians and the story must be credible.
The manuscript should be between 50,000 and 80,000 words.
Behler Publications
(literary fiction and nonfiction)
Behler Publications is an independent publisher in Southern California.
They publish works where the issues of a character's personal introspection, conflict and resolution is the primary driving force propelling the story.
Additionally, they publish a writer's series relating to subjects that writers would find helpful during their research phase.
BenBella Books
(science fiction and popular culture)
BenBella specializes in science fiction and popular culture and is always on the lookout for books that are thoughtful, creative, intelligent and unusual.
Bleak House
(high-quality mystery, crime, suspense and literary fiction)
Bleak House looks for well written mystery/crime/suspense and literary fiction.
They accept queries during January, February, July, and August, and books should be between 50,000-100,000 words.
Bethany House Publishers
(Christian children's books, fiction, nonfiction)
Bethany House is a division of Baker Publishing Group. The purpose of Bethany House is to help Christians apply biblical truth in all areas of life--whether through a well-told story, a challenging devotional, or the message of an illustrated children's book.
They are diligently committed to offering the best in editing, design and marketing to make each book as inspiring, challenging,
enjoyable and attractive as it can be.
Bold Strokes Books
(lesbian fiction)
Bold Strokes Books offers a diverse collection of lesbian-themed general and genre fiction.
Their category fiction incorporates the exciting new trends in romance, action, adventure, mystery,
speculative fiction (sci-fi/fantasy/horror), and erotica while preserving the integrity of the traditional genres.
Breakaway Books
(sports fiction and essays on the athletic experience)
Breakaway Books publishes literary and thoughtful writing on sports—fiction,
poetry, and essays on the athletic experience. They are interested in the
emotional and metaphysical side of sports, and the inner life of the athlete.
Charlesbridge
(seeking children's authors and illustrators)
Charlesbridge publishes high-quality books for children, with a goal of creating lifelong
readers and lifelong learners. Their books encourage reading and discovery in the
classroom, library, and home. They seek new voices, new visions, and new directions in children’s literature.
Chelsea House
(text books for middle grade and high school students)
Chelsea House continues its 30-year tradition of publishing curriculum-based, nonfiction books
for middle school and high school students. Their young adult titles include historical and contemporary biography,
social studies, world cultures, science, and health.
City Lights Publishers
(cutting-edge fiction, poetry, memoir, social & political works)
Founded in 1955 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights has focused on
cutting-edge fiction, poetry, memoirs, literary translations and books on
compelling social and political issues.
Cleis Press
(gay & lesbian & gender studies, provocative fiction)
Cleis Press publishes provocative, intelligent books in the areas of sexuality, gay and lesbian studies, erotica, fiction, gender studies, and human rights.
Contemporary Press
(pulp fiction)
Contemporary Press loves pulp fiction for its irreverence, its dark (sometimes bitter, sometimes funny)
mirror of society, its tittering embrace of the kink and defiance of the pious conventions.
Counterpoint Press
(serious nonfiction and some fiction)
Counterpoint Press is an imprint of Perseus Books group and publishes serious
literary work, with an emphasis on natural history, science, philosophy and
contemporary thought, history, art, poetry, and fiction.
Coffee House Press
(fiction with unique voices written by those under-represented in literature)
Coffee House Press is a nonprofit literary press dedicated to innovation in the
craft of writing. Coffee House publishes books that present the dreams and
ambitions of peoples who have been under-represented in literature. They
publish literary novels, full-length short story collections, poetry and
essays. They look for writing with a unique voice that instructs, inspires,
and/or entertains the reader.
Da Capo Press
(nonfiction)
Da Capo Press is an imprint of Perseus Books Group and is a leading publisher
of quality paperbacks in American and world history, film, dance, theater,
literature, art and architecture, sports, and African American studies.
Dalkey Archive
Press/Center for Book Culture
(experimental fiction)
Although their main focus is on reprints, Dalkey has returned to publishing
original fiction and puts out four titles a year. They publish primarily
literary fiction and place a heavy emphasis on fiction belonging to the
experimental tradition of Sterne, Joyce, Rabelais, beckett, Gertrude Stein and
Djuna Barnes. They rarely publish criticism, or non-fiction.
DAW
(science fiction, fantasy)
Founded in 1971 by veteran paperback editor Donald A. Wollheim, along with his
wife, Elsie B. Wollheim, DAW Books was the first publishing company ever devoted
exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. Now more than 30 years and more than a thousand titles later, DAW has a
well-deserved reputation for discovering and publishing the hottest talents in
the industry.
Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group
(nonfiction and literary fiction)
Douglas & McIntyre began publishing in the autumn of 1971 as a trade publisher deeply rooted in the culture of Pacific Northwest, but with a mandate to publish internationally.
Douglas & McIntyre publishes around 35 non-fiction books a year while maintaining a small and distinguished literary fiction list. They are the preeminent publisher of art and architecture books in the country with a vital brand in First Nations culture, food and wine, and Canadian culture.
Dorchester Publishing
(genre fiction)
Dorchester Publishing has been involved in the publishing of mass market books since 1971, making Dorchester the oldest independent
mass market publisher in America. From its founding, they have strived to bring the freshest
authors to millions of fans. Although mostly known for Romance, Dorchester
also publishes world-class Horror, Westerns, and Thrillers under its Leisure Books imprint.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(children's books, middle grade, young adult fiction and nonfiction)
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers publishes picture books, middle reader and young adult fiction, and nonfiction for the general trade,
school, and library markets. They seek manuscripts that celebrate the wonders of the physical and spiritual world—the joys
and beauty, but also the challenges. They seek stories that are honest, wise, and hopeful; but they also publish stories that
simply delight them with their storyline, characters, or good humor. They publish 13 to 16 titles a year.
Ellora's Cave
(erotica)
If you write erotic romance, Ellora's Cave is the place to be. Currently the ONLY e-publisher recognized by the Romance Writers of America,
Elloras's Cave's website receives over 50,000 hits daily and average sales of over 30,000 books per month. Many of their authors have gone on to secure erotica book deals with major publishers.
Emmis Books
(commercial nonfiction)
Based in Cincinnati, Emmis Books aims to become the premier publisher in the Midwest by
creating books that have both a universal appeal and a distinct sense of place. Emmis Books publishes
commercial nonfiction books in a variety of categories, including:
current events, pets, sports, food, travel, regional interest, psychology, Americana,
pop culture, religion, social studies, music biography, biography, women's studies,
comedy/performing arts, humor and reference.
Firebrand Books
(feminist & Lesbian fiction and nonfiction)
Firebrand Books is an award-winning feminist and lesbian publishing house
committed to producing quality work in a wide variety of genres by ethnically
and racially diverse authors. They have a very selective but open submissions policy, and
they are currently accepting submissions of fiction and non-fiction.
Four Walls Eight Windows
Four Walls Eight Windows has been acquired by the Avalon Publishing Group. Its
entire list has been incorporated into the Thunder's Mouth Press imprint of
Avalon.
Front Street Inc.
(children's, middle grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction)
Front Street is an independent publisher of books for children and young
adults. Their picture books reflect the joy, spontaneity, and energy of infants
and toddlers. Their middle grade books address the various settings and
activities of school-age children. And their young adult titles often deals
with children in crisis, children at risk, and offers hope and succor, however
difficult the subject.
Four Way Books
(poetry and short-story collections
Four Way Books accepts submissions through their yearly contest and through
their open June submissions reading period only. In June, they read short story
collections and novellas (no novels) and book-length poetry collections.
Genesis Press
(African-American fiction, young adult fiction, self-help, and inspirational)
Genesis Press is the largest privately-owned African-American book publisher in the country.
Genesis Press has introduced several significant imprints, pushing the boundaries of African-American and
cross-cultural literature further and further into the horizon. These imprints include Indigo Imprint (leader in African-American romance),
Black Coral fiction, Indigo Love Spectrum (for the interracial romantic), Indigo After Dark (erotica), Obsidia (thriller/mystery),
Indigo Glitz, Indigo Vibe (for the stylish 35 and under audience), Mount Blue Christian titles,
Inca Books (for young teens), and Sage (self help and inspirational titles).
Globe Pequot Press
(nonfiction in the areas of travel, outdoor recreation guidebooks, etc.)
Globe Pequot Press includes the following imprints: the Insiders' Guide, the FalconGuide, the Lyons Press, and Chockstone.
The Insiders' Guide series offers guidebooks that can be found in the travel sections of nearly every major bookstore for more than 60 cities and regional destinations.
Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, FalconGuides set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks.
Lyons Press publishes both literary fiction and practical books on subjects such as nature, camping, adventure, gardening, woodworking, travel, the sea, history, food and wine, art and reference,
hunting, general sport, and more. Chockstone offers the largest and most comprehensive line of instructional books and guidebooks for rock climbers in North America.
Graywolf Press
(high-quality fiction, memoir, and nonfiction)
Graywolf Press is a literary press that publishes twenty-one books annually,
mostly collections of poetry, memoir, essays, novels, and short stories. Their
editors are looking for quality literary fiction and nonfiction that combines a
distinct voice with a distinct vision. They are interested in manuscripts that in
some way take on the social and cultural challenges of contemporary life. In
1999, they celebrated 25 years of independent publishing. In 2002, they became
a distribution client of Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.
Greystone Books
(nonfiction about nature, the environment, travel books, pop culture, sports, and current affairs)
Greystone Books has been publishing textual and illustrated books of the highest quality since 1993. Under the guidance of Rob Sanders, the company has become a leading publisher of books about nature and the environment, travel books, guidebooks, and books about sports, popular culture, and current issues.
Greenwood Publishing Group
(reference nonfiction)
The Greenwood Publishing Group is one of the world's leading publishers of reference titles,
academic and general interest books, texts, books for librarians and other professionals,
and electronic resources. With over 18,000 titles in print, GPG publishes some 1,000 books
each year, many of which are recognized with annual awards from Choice, Library Journal,
the American Library Association, and other scholarly and professional organizations.
Hand Print Books
(children's books, middle grade, young adult)
Handprint Books aims to publish high-quality books for young readers, ranging
from board books to young adult novels. Handprint Books are distributed to the
trade by Chronicle Books.
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
(high-quality art and illustrated books)
Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (HNA), is the preeminent American publisher of high-quality art and illustrated books. HNA encompasses:
Abrams Books, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Abrams Books for Young Readers (including Amulet Books for Middle Grade and Young Adult), and
Abrams Gifts and Stationery. HNA publishes and distributes approximately 250 titles and the company is a subsidiary of the prominent
French publisher, La Martinière Groupe.
Holy Cow! Press
(poetry, short fiction, young adult children's books and other prose that
reveals the American Midwest)
For the past 20 years, Holy Cow! Press has concentrated their efforts upon
bringing the very best writings from the Midwestern region into the hands of a
national audience.
Ig Publishing
(offbeat and edgy fiction and lifestyle nonfiction)
Ig Publishing seeks the finest quality literary fiction and cultural
non-fiction, particularly works that have an edge to them, or are completely
distinct from works published by most large commercial presses. They aim to
publish literature that is better and different. Their Gamble Guide imprint
publishes offbeat eating, drinking and lifestyle guides.
Ilura Press
(literary fiction)
Ilura Press, established in 2006, is a small independent press based in Australia.
As writers themselves, they have come together to form a publishing house interested in promoting engaging literary fiction, and seek to publish
a high standard of writing. International submissions are welcome. Ilura Press also publishes Etchings, a triannual
literary publication with an international focus, dedicated to showcasing new work
by emerging and established writers and artists.
Inner Ocean Publishing
(spiritual, personal growth, inspirational, environmental nonfiction)
Inner Ocean Publishing (IOP), established in 1999 and distributed by Publisher’s Group West (PGW),
publishes books on topics ranging from personal growth and spirituality, to women’s issues, inspiration,
and environmental and political activism. Located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, their team of veteran publishing
professionals has the unique opportunity to draw creativity and inspiration from their natural environment and support
their books with national marketing, sales, and publicity exposure.
Joseph Henry Press
(nonfiction related to science, technology, and health)
The Joseph Henry Press, an imprint of the National Academy Press, was created
with the goal of making books on science, technology, and health more widely
available to professionals and the public.
Juno Books
(paranormal romance)
Juno Books publishes fantasy and science fiction with a focus on strong female
protagonists. They are an imprint of Wildside Press.
Künati Books
(provocative, bold, controversial fiction)
Künati Books successfully combines its focus on edgy and controversial fiction with cutting edge book marketing.
Leapfrog Press
(quality fiction, poetry, and memoir)
The Leapfrog Press was created by working writers to publish books that tell a
strong personal story. Their list is eclectic and represents quality fiction,
poetry and memoir.
Loveland Press
(high-quality fiction and nonfiction)
Loveland Press, founded in 1995 under the name of Rodgers
& Nelsen Publishing, is an independent commercial book publisher based in
Loveland, Colorado.
Llewllyn Press
(mind, body, spirit nonfiction and young adult fiction)
Llewellyn is the oldest and largest publisher specializing in books for personal growth and the transformation of body, mind, and spirit.
Llewellyn’s best-selling subject areas include astrology, divination, tarot books and card decks, magic/magick, Wicca, paganism, witchcraft,
shamanism, self-help, alternative health, herbs, religion, spirituality, tantra, paranormal, calendars, date books, almanacs, DVDs and
spoken word and meditation audio CDs. They also have a new imprint, Flux, dedicated to publishing fiction for young adult.
MacAdam/Cage Publishing
(high-quality fiction and nonfiction)
MacAdam/Cage Publishing was founded as an independent trade publisher in 1998 by
David Poindexter with the aim of publishing books of quality fiction and
non-fiction and committed to bringing new and talented voices to the literary
marketplace.
Mapletree Publishing Company
(fiction & nonfiction that gently promotes religious values)
Founded in 2002, Mapletree Publishing Company is dedicated to producing quality books that gently promote
religious values. It publishes in the subject areas of parenting, marriage, homeschooling, self-help, and certain public policy issues.
It also publishes literary fiction.
Medallion Press
(mainstream adult and young adult fiction)
Medallion's mission is to publish well-written, visually appealing products based upon quality editing,
excellent cover art, and an aggressive marketing campaign. They seek to publish mainstream adult and young adult fiction
in a variety of genres, including historical fiction, romance, science fiction, fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, dark fiction, mystery,
thriller, suspense and mainstream fiction.
Mid-List Press
(high-quality fiction and nonfiction)
MidList was founded in 1989 by a group of writers and editors who believed
strongly that there was a need for an independent book publisher dedicated to
the survival of the "midlist"-- those quality titles of general interest that
are rarely bestsellers. Mid-List Press publishes books of high literary merit
and fresh artistic vision by new and emerging writers and by writers excluded
from publication for reasons of profitability.
Milkweed Editions
(high-quality literary fiction)
Milkweed Editions looks for high quality literary fiction that embodies humane
values and contribute to cultural understanding.
National Academy Press
(science and health nonfiction)
National Academy Press (NAP) publishes over 200 books a year on a wide range of
topics in science, engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative
views on important issues in science and health policy.
Northwestern University Press
(contemporary works by European writers and works of translation)
Northwestern University Press publishes contemporary works by European authors
as well as reissues lost or previously untranslated works of important European
authors.
Open City Books
(dynamic, youthful, humorous, daring fiction)
Open City Magazine was founded in 1990 by Thomas Beller and Daniel Pinchbeck,
and publishes three issues per year. The book series was founded in 1999 by
Robert Bingham, and releases one book per year. Story submission and novels
excerpts should be sent to the magazine, and they’ll contact you if they’re
interested in reviewing more work for their book press.
Other Press
(contemporary novels, essays, poetry)
Other Press explores the ideas and concepts that shape our understanding of human subjectivity.
They are committed to a dialectical exchange between disciplines, and publish essays and novels as well as scholarly texts.
Handsel Books is the literary imprint of Other Press, specializing in contemporary essays, novels, and poetry.
Perseus Books Group
(serious fiction and nonfiction)
Perseus Books Group was created with the belief that works of literary fiction
and serious nonfiction are both necessary and desirable. They serve as an
umbrella for their six imprints. Each imprint of Perseus Books Groups is
editorially independent and individually focused, and all are committed to
publishing books that matter.
Permanent Press
(fiction of literary and/or social merit)
Founded in 1978, Permanent Press is committed to publishing works of social and
literary merit.
Poisoned Pen Press
(mystery)
Poisoned Pen Press is an independent publisher specializing in
publishing high-quality works in the field of mystery. They are interested in
publishing books that they think booksellers everywhere and especially independent booksellers would want to have available to sell.
Potomac Books, Inc.
(serious nonfiction)
Formerly Brassey’s, Inc., American-owned Potomac Books will build on the reputation of the respected publishing company
founded in 1983 as part of London based Brassey’s Ltd. Potomac Books will continue publishing outstanding titles in the areas of military history and
affairs, memoir, biography, sports, international relations, intelligence, and world and national affairs. As Potomac Books, they will carry on the Brassey’s, Inc.
tradition of providing readers with greater insight and solid information to help them better understand
contemporary issues and national and world events.
Princeton Architectual Press
(books on architecture, design, photography, landscape, and visual culture)
PAP publishes fine books on architecture, design, photography, landscape, and visual culture.
Their books are acclaimed for their unique editorial vision, unrivaled design sense, and high production values at affordable prices.
PublicAffairs
PublicAffairs is an imprint of Perseus Books Group.
Red Hen Press
(poetry, literary fiction, memoirs)
Red Hen Press is a nonprofit literary press which focuses on publishing poetry and literary fiction as well as memoirs.
They are dedicated to advancing the arts by means of helping to support quality writing that is being ignored or overlooked by large or commercial publishers.
Raincoast Books
(nonfiction: current affairs, juvenile, culture, environment, nature, history, science, health/ fiction: young adult, middle grade, and children's picture books)
Raincoast Books is a Canadian publisher and distributor based in
Vancouver, BC. Raincoast Publishing,
which includes the Polestar imprint and key titles from Press Gang
Publishers, produces a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for
adults and children. Raincoast Books is committed to being Ancient Forest
Friendly.
Red Sage Books
(sensual romance and erotica)
Red Sage Publishing strives to publish the best in women’s sensual fiction in the form of their
Secrets collections—anthologies of four diverse, ultra-spicy tales, brimming with sensuality.
Submitted novellas/stories should be 20,000 - 35,000 words and can fall anywhere in the romance genre; from historicals to contemporary, from fantasy to science fiction—there’s something for everyone.
Sarabande Books
(short fiction and poetry)
A nonprofit literary press located in Louisville, Kentucky, publishes quality
poetry, essays, and short fiction.
Seal Press
(adventure/travel books and third-wave feminist concerns)
Since their establishment in 1976, Seal Press has published over 150 titles and
has recently become an imprint of Avalon Publishing Group. They are committed
to publishing great books by women. Currently, they are focusing on two
successful series: their ADVENTURA line (lively outdoor/adventure and travel
books) and their LIVE GIRLS series (fiction and non-fiction with a focus on
third-wave feminist concerns).
Seven Stories Press
(social and political works of fiction and nonfiction)
Seven Stories, based in New York City, publish works of the imagination,
political titles by voices of conscience, works of literature in translation,
notable works in the area of women's health and contemporary feminism, and
issues regarding U.S. foreign policy, civil liberties, human rights and social
justice.
Shambhala Publications
(specializes in religion and philosophy)
Shambhala Publications specializes in religion and philosophy, particularly
Buddhism.
Skyhorse Publishing
(a variety of nonfiction)
As of January 2008, Skyhorse plans to publish further in the areas of general sports (both team and individual), outdoor sports, narrative non-fiction, history and military history, nature and conservation, reference, house and home, gambling, hobbies, rural living, business, and maverick titles in a variety of other niches.
Soho Press
(literary fiction and crime fiction)
Soho Press primarily publishes fiction, with the occasional autobiography or
cultural historical account. They are eager to accept a wide range of literary
fiction, and their SOHO CRIME series includes hardcover and paperback novels
featuring foreign settings, local noir and unusual investigators.
Soft Skull Press
(alternative fiction)
Thoughtful, critical, committed to expounding an openly manifold perspective toward
all modern life, these and other releases by Soft Skull endorse a new, enlightened way of looking at society.
Story Line Press
(high-quality prose, poetry, and literary criticism)
Story Line Press is a nonprofit publisher of high-quality literature,
specializing in poetry, prose and literary criticism.
Ten Speed Press
(variety of nonfiction and children's/YA fiction)
Their Ten Speed, Celestial Arts, and Crossing Press imprints publish paperback genres that include how-to,
cooking, business/career, relationships, crafts, gardening, gift, humor, pop culture, alternative lifestyles, spirituality, and healing.
Their Tricycle Press imprint publishes children's, middle grade, and young adult.
Timberwolf Press
(variety of genre fiction and some nonfiction)
Timberwolf Press publishes original fiction in paperback and unabridged audio
theatre and publishes science fiction, fantasy, horror, military,
techno-thriller, mystery, and non-fiction.
Ugly Duckling Presse
(emerging, international, and "forgotten" works/writers)
Ugly Duckling Presse is a not-for-profit collective publishing non-commercial
poetry and literature, collaborations, periodicals, and experimental artist
books. They specializes in experimental literature and artist-writer
collaborations, paperless books (performances), artist's books, and more.
University of Illinois Press
(African-American studies, ethnic, folklore, religious)
The University of Illinois Press was established in 1918 as a not-for-profit
scholarly publisher at the University. They publish about 120 books each year,
as well as 26 journals. They are interested in African-American studies,
American history, American music, anthropology and archaeology, ethnic and
immigration history, fiction and poetry, folklore, Judaica and Holocaust
studies, labor history, literature, Mormon studies, music studies, religion,
social history, and women's studies.
Unbridled Books
(high-quality literary fiction)
Unbridled Books aspires to become a premier publisher of works of rich literary quality that appeal to a broad audience.
They aim for readers, booksellers, and reviewers to trust that when they pick up an Unbridled book, they're inviting them
to enjoy that rarest of pleasures—a good read. They publish both commercial and literary fiction.
Urban Books
(African-American fiction, street fiction, and urban Christian )
Urban Books focuses on fiction where drama meets the streets.
Versus Press
(books rooted in subcultures and unorthodox points-of-views)
Founded in 1999 by Don Waters and John DeWitt, Versus is dedicated to
publishing books rooted in subcultures and unorthodox points-of-views. They are
interested in good writing that stirs things up and radical voices—the unique,
the angry, the displaced, the marginalized. Versus Press is nationally known
for publishing high-quality, exciting poetry and prose both by younger American
poets, as well as by the more established poets who influenced and preceded
them.
Walker Books
(children's and young adult literature)
A division of Bloomsbury USA, Walker Books was founded 45 years ago and still maintains its tradition of
publishing mystery/thriller fiction. In addition, they take great pride in their continued commitment of
finding and fostering new talent in children's and young adult literature.
Westview Press
(general interest nonfiction)
Westview Press is an imprint of Perseus Books Group and serves as an important
publisher of general interest trade titles, signing both notable scholars and
cutting-edge journalists.
Wildside Press
(science fiction and fantasy, mystery, paranormal romance)
Since its founding in 1989, Wildside Press has become one of the industry’s
leading publishers of science fiction and fantasy, with a stable of talent that
includes multiple award-winners. Nominated six times for the World Fantasy Award for publishing excellence,
Wildside Press publishes books, magazines, and audiobooks in multiple genres,
including not only science fiction and fantasy, but mystery, classics, and
paranormal romance.
White Pine Press
(high-quality literature)
White Pine Press is dedicated to discovering exceptional works of literature
from around the world and making this work accessible to a diverse circle of
readers.
Zumaya Publications
(genre fiction that expands boundaries)
Independent publishers of fantasy, gothic, horror, mainstream, young adult, romance, science fiction,
suspense, thriller, and nonfiction. They look for well-written, professional presented manuscripts that extend the boundaries
of the usual genre definitions, ones the move beyond genre formulas, whether because of unique characters or new plot twists.
If you represent a small independent press, and would like to be included on
this list, please email us information about your indie press to
updates@agentquery.com.
In order to be included on our AQ independent
press list, you must fulfill the following requirements: a) you must
maintain a website b) publish some nonfiction or fiction c) currently accept
unsolicited submissions d) and of course, you must significantly impress us.
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