21 Top Book Publishing Companies in Washington
21 Top Book Publishing Companies in Washington
Being a writer is a creative yet exhausting profession.
You have to constantly find new perspectives, fresh ideas and different ways of saying something that in all probability has been said before.
And once you have managed to write something, you need to be prepared to let the world see and criticize it.
Before you send your dream novel, short story or poem out in the universe, you need to find a publisher who can stand with you through this journey of discovering your voice.
The right publisher will shape your book in the correct way so that it manages to reach the audience it is intended to. They will also fight for your book, fight with you if need be and give it a makeover if that’s required.
For writers in Washington State, there are multiple options when it comes to publishers. Small, big, traditional, modern and self are some of the types of publishers you can expect.
We have compiled a list of 21 top book publishing companies in Washington for all the writers eager to start finding the right one.
1. Black Heron Press
This Seattle based boutique publishing house has printed many award winning books over the years. An exclusive publishing house dealing with only literary fiction, some of its books have been nominated for prestigious awards like the American Book Award. Interested writers can only send their manuscripts via post. Note that the company is primarily interested in literary fiction. Find guidelines and address details on this page.
2. Feral House
Based in Port Townsend, Washington, Feral House is a leading publisher of non-fiction titles. The company was established in 1989 by Adam Parfrey. Adam is also the co-founder of the recently established imprint, Process Media. Over the last few decades, Feral House has worked with fresh, new talent, and till date, the company is looking to acquire innovative content. Some of their best-selling authors include Sean Tejaratchi, Jim Christie, and Steve Bergsman. Feral House is currently acquiring new submissions. They accept non-fiction, historical fiction, poetry, short stories, and plays. For more details about their submission process, check this page.
3. Copper Canyon Press
Launched by Sam Hamill, Tree Swenson and associates in 1972, Copper Canyon Press is an exclusive publisher of poetry. Copper Canyon Press boasts of having published poetry’s icons like Alfred Corn, Pablo Neruda and C.D Wright. Translations, anthologies, re-issue of classics and contemporary poems are some of the genres they publish. They are a non-profit publisher based in Port Townsend. Note that the company only accepts submissions through Submittable. However, they are currently closed for new submissions. You can keep checking this page to stay updated about their upcoming submission call. Also check these guidelines before submitting your manuscript .
4. Radial Books
An independent boutique press in Seattle, Radial Books promotes unique narratives in contemporary fiction and poetry. Publishing only 2-4 books annually, Radial calls itself a ‘writer friendly’ press because of the creative control and terms it offers on a contractual basis. They accept submissions through Submittable for novels, poetry and short stories. Note that while they are independent publishers, Radial Books might charge a $4 fee for reading your manuscripts. First time writers should consider Radial because they prefer publishing multiple works by the same writer.
5. Floating Bridge Press
Floating Bridge Press was established in 1994 to celebrate and encourage the poets of Washington State. This literary arts organization is supported by the efforts of the community and managed by volunteers. Floating Bridge Press holds readings, workshops and an annual poetry chapbook competition to find the next talented poet in Washington State. Their annual poetry chapbook competition began in 1995 and has flourished ever since. They also select authors for online publication and the same poems then are considered for the Paula Jones Gardiner Memorial Award. You can find submission guidelines here and send your entry via Submittable during the company’s open submission calls. Note that Floating Bridge Press is not currently open for submissions.
6. Sasquatch Books
An independent press primarily focusing on non-fiction, DIY and children’s books, Sasquatch Books is based in Seattle. They also have an imprint called Little Bigfoot which prints children’s books. Cookbooks, guides, nature, travel, gardening and design are some genres they have previously published. Read submission guidelines for Sasquatch and Little Bigfoot on this page before sending your manuscript. The company is open to submissions for non-fiction and children’s titles.
7. University of Washington Press
A press that goes back nearly 100 years, University of Washington Press first published a book in 1920. They have maintained impeccable standards through the decades by printing scholarly works in culture, history, environment, gender studies and general interest. They have published approximately 3500 books and continue to publish 70 titles annually. Follow these guidelines to submit your proposal for consideration.
8. Peanut Butter Publishing
Operating as Peanut Butter Publishing or Classic Day Publishing, it is a premier self-publishing company. Elliott Wolf launched Peanut Butter Publishing almost 45 years ago and they have managed to help 1500 authors with editing, proofreading, marketing, design and promotion. Having offices all over the country, their editorial office is located in Seattle. Memoirs, fiction, self-help and novels are certain genres they are interested in. The benefit of an experienced self-publisher is that they understand each project and writer will require personalized and tailor-made services, which shall benefit the project. You can find contact details on this page and send a query.
9. Books To Go Now
Jennifer Conner started Books to Go Now in 2010 with the intention to help and guide aspiring authors to hone their skills and get their novel published. They do not accept memoirs or non-fiction currently. Writers of short stories, novella, fiction, romance, mystery, chick lit, suspense and thriller can send their submissions via email to this address. Find submission guidelines and acceptable themes on this page. They offer a complete range of services right from proof reading to marketing which is a boon for first time writers as it can get your book to the correct audience. The company is currently accepting romance, mystery, suspense and new adult titles. They are also accepting anthologies and Christmas books.
10. WSU Press
The publishing division of the Washington State University, WSU Press began its journey in the 1980’s. Since then they have published 200 titles in history, culture, academics, art and politics. They are not accepting fiction, novels or poetry currently. An eco-friendly press, they use recycled paper to print books. Interested writers can read submission guidelines and contact details on this page.
11. Wave Books
Based in Seattle, Wave Books is an independent publisher of poetry. The company was established in 2005 by merging with the iconic poetry publisher, Verse Press. Wave Books publishes contemporary poetry, translated poetry and any other verse that’s unique, mind-boggling, and innovative. The company is driven to publish strong, finely crafted poetry that challenges the conventional values of readers. Over the years, Wave Books has worked with talented poets like John Beer, David Brazil, and Eric Baus. While they are not open to submissions at the moment, you can always check this page to stay updated about their open submission calls.
12. Pediment
Brad Fenison launched Pediment in 1997 after years of experience as a newspaper publisher. A new age publisher with the intent to collaborate creatively with authors, illustrators and artists to print books, make art and design apps, Pediment is based in Battle Ground, Washington. History, disaster, sports and food are genres they have dabbled in and they have printed 600 titles so far. You can send a query to them about your manuscript or idea by filling this form. Note that Pediment is a self-publishing company and you will have to pay a fee to get your titles published by them.
13. Mountaineers Books
Mountaineers Books was founded in 1960 by The Mountaineers, a non-profit outdoor organization to spread their interest in travel and nature. Photography, travel, adventure, nature, and trekking are some of the categories that have been previously printed by Mountaineers Books. They have 700 titles in print and do not publish fiction, children’s books and guides. The company is primarily focused on publishing sports book and any other book related to mountaineering, hiking, natural history, and outdoor adventure. Writers can find the detailed submission guidelines here.
14. Epicenter Press
Started in 1988 in Fairbanks, Alaska, Epicenter Press is a publisher of non-fiction books. Their 175 titles include genres like fiction, comedy, thriller, action, memoirs and non-fiction. They are currently seeking submissions in biography, memoir, history, true-crime and humor related to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. They also publish works focusing on the Northern life and Native American Culture. You can read the submission guidelines and contact details of this Kenmore based publishing house here.
15. New Libri Press
New Libri Press had started their publishing journey with a traditional publishing model. But over the time, they evolved into a hybrid press. The company only publishes a few books every year, and they strictly assess and curate the material before agreeing to publish your work. As with self-publishing companies, you are required to pay a fee to get your work published. However, New Libri Press will offer you royalty and edit your book. They can also arrange a publicity agency for marketing your title. New Libri Press has published authors like Toni Fuhrman, Tobin Loshento, and Kim Holston. If interested, you can send your manuscript queries on this page.
16. Fantagraphics Books
This Seattle based publisher is a leader in the comic book and graphic novel industry. It is the only independent contemporary publisher actively printing modern and innovative comics alongside Marvel and DC. Fantagraphics Books was started in 1976 and it has continued to use different themes like politics, drama and history in comics to emphasize it as a medium. They have maintained a crucial balance between visuals and words leading them to achieve commercial and critical success. Fantagraphics Books is not your average comic book publisher and are interested in finding authors, illustrators and writers with a fresh, challenging and unique perspective, impressive voice and edgy storytelling capabilities. Writers need to have a team with them if they can’t illustrate and vice versa. Authors and illustrators should read the submission guidelines carefully before writing to them since they are very exclusive. Note that the company is only considering submissions in the popular genres of superhero, vigilante, horror, fantasy, and science fiction.
17. Redemption Press
A Christian self-publishing company, Redemption Press was co-founded by Athena Dean Holtz in 2014. Situated in Enumclaw, Redemption Press believes in letting the writer take charge of the project and support him/her as needed. Amateur writers need not worry as Redemption Press has the full range of services required for publishing a book. Consulting, editing, proof reading, designing, branding, marketing and promotion are the services you can opt for depending on your need. The Submission guidelines are explained in this form and you can contact them using the details mentioned here. Note that the company only accepts manuscripts focusing on religious themes. They also offer manuscript assessment services for new authors.
18. Braided River
An imprint of the iconic Mountaineers Books, Braided River is a publisher of large-format photography titles. Their works usually focus on the wild places across North America. The company is driven to protect the nature and the wilderness through their thought provoking titles, and they are primarily interested in works that’s support their cause. Braided River has worked with talented authors and artists like Margaret Atwood, Dr. Richard Alley, and Rick Bass. Since they follow an open submission policy, you can send in your work, any time of the year. You can find more details about their submission policies on this page.
19. Directed Media Inc
Directed Media Inc is a leading publisher of educational and scholarly materials. The company publishes textbooks and supplemental materials for schools in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Established in 1979, Directed Media Inc has produced excellent titles for assisting students and teachers in both elementary and secondary levels. Their books have been used by almost 400 public schools and more than hundred private schools in the Pacific Northwest. Of late, they have also expanded their interests and have published titles across multiple genres like poetry, music, history, geology, law, health, travel. They also publish selected fiction for adults and young readers. You can send a manuscript query to Directed Media Inc on this page.
20. Ravenna Press
Formed in Edmonds in 1999, Ravenna Press is a small, unconventional publisher. On the lookout for poetry, stories and anthologies that differ from the typical and mundane, Ravenna Press has had titles reviewed by critics around the country. They are currently accepting submissions only in the Triple Series. Read these submission guidelines before submitting your manuscript.
21. Book Publishers Network
This Bothell based self-publishing company is a staunch advocate of the writer being in the driver’s seat of the publishing process. Sheryn Hara creates a plan suited to the writer’s book, idea and expectations. They have an extensive range of services that one might need like editing, proof reading, designing, marketing, promotion, e-book printing and distribution. Fiction or non-fiction authors can contact them and get a quote regarding the services.
For every amateur writer waiting for the moment to share his story, you now have the names of the 21 top book publishing companies in Washington State right in your hands.
Take advantage of the mixed bag of options available to you. Every genre has a publisher and you just need to follow the submission guidelines properly to embark on the journey that can take you from a writer to an author.
Previously published authors looking to change their publisher can also find their next partner and have a better handle on the creative process in the future. Washington is going through an exciting phase in publishing and it is a perfect time to explore new narratives and stories with a publisher that can polish your story and correct the grammar but also market it to the audience.
Do you run a publishing house in Washington? Please introduce your organization in the comments box below!
21 Top Book Publishing Companies in Washington is an article from Writing Tips Oasis.
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Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.