Top 20 Book Publishing Companies in Chicago | 2023

In the city of Chicago there are many book publishing companies that publish various books with genres ranging from fictional, non-fictional, health, music, food, and education among others, so finding one that tackles your need is not a problem, and you are probably wondering on how to make a choice as choosing from the many options seems like an impossible task to carry out.

You need not worry as I will provide you with top publishing companies in Chicago where you can get your work published. So if you are in the wonderful city of Chicago and you are thinking of which publishing company to choose, then you are m on the right page.

See the table of contents below.

What Is The Best Book Publishing Company In Chicago?

In Chicago choosing one as the best out of the many book publishing companies seems difficult as different authors have different preferences but not to leave you disappointed, here are the top five book publishing companies in Chicago:

  • Haymarket Books
  • Chicago Review Press
  • Joshua Tree Publishing
  • The University of Chicago Press
  • Curbside Splendor

Why Use A Book Publishing Company In Chicago

As an author or a writer making your article, content, story, or book available to the public is called publishing, and to achieve this you will be going through creating, copy editing and design, procuring, producing, printing, marketing and distribution. Publishing your book can be done through the traditional method of publishing which is what I will be putting you through.

Questions like ” why do I need a book publisher? Or “Are publishing companies really important?” Usually, pop up from time to time but the honest truth is book publishers don’t just accept manuscripts and articles to publish them. They are like your prince charming and you’re their Cinderella.

They can help you become a successful author through editing, promoting, dispersing, online and offline marketing, and even monetary management. You might have written the book but it doesn’t mean you will get the right publications and the duty of a publisher is to make sure your book gets seen by the right audience.

How Much Do You Pay A Book Publisher In Chicago?

Your mind must be racing after the list of things you will have to do and how much it will cost you to get your book ready which is what makes the Traditional book publishing method preferable. Unlike the self-publishing method where you have to pay for each process which might cost you, the traditional method requires none of that as your publisher will help work on your manuscript and turn it into a book at no cost, it seems too good to be true right?

As a writer, all you have to do is send a proposal to the publishing company of your choice and if they deem it worthy of such risk by publishing your book, you get an advance payment and after the book is on the market; you get the rest in royalties which depends solely on the percentage rate you and your publisher agreed on. Although you get royalties on your book after the publisher has made their money back i.e the cost of producing your book and the advance payment.

20 Best Book Publishing Company In Chicago

Below is the list of 20 best book publishing companies in Chicago in no particular order:

#1 Agate Publishing Company

Agate publishing company is one of the finest independent publishing companies in Chicago.

After receiving accolades from Various authors and readers. They have 5 unique imprints that cut across fiction and non-fiction ( Golden Books), eBooks(Agate digital), Midwestern (Midway books), entertainment and food nutrition (Surrey books), and business-related non-fiction(B2).

So if you are a writer in any of these categories, Agate publishers are one of the best options for you.

VISIT WEBSITE

#2 Haymarket Books

The Chicago-based publisher was established in 2001. They are known for their non-fiction titles laying emphasis on socialism and socialist issues, however; they publish few selected fiction titles from time to time with a few of their best-selling titles like Missing Daddy by Mariame Kab, Everything Must Go by Kevin Coval, and The Politics of property by Ruy Braga.

For more details, you can visit their WEBSITE.

#3 Arktoi Books

As one of the new names in Chicago, Arktoi Books has created quite an impression especially with their imprint of Red Hen Press, paying attention to the LGBTQ writers, Arktoi Books was established to publish literary works of high quality by lesbian writers by Eloise Klein Healy. They publish fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

For more information visit their WEBSITE.

#4 Chicago Review Press

Chicago Review Press is an independent publishing company, founded in 1973, known for its diversity in different genres ranging from music, science, film, geography, history, travel, and even children’s books. Chicago Review Press also publishes non-fiction works focusing on African American issues, Midwestern themes, food, parenting, politics, cultures, sports, nature, true crime, and social science, and so on.

Visit their website for more details

#5 Kazi Publications

Kazi Publications is a not-for-profit organization promoting a better understanding of Islam for the Muslim community and those interested in learning, intensifying, and sharing their knowledge about Islam with the public.

WEBSITE

#6 University of Chicago Press

University of Chicago Press is said to be one of the oldest and largest printing presses of the country, controlled by the University of Chicago, publishing both academic and non-academic works.

The University of Chicago Press was founded in 1891 and has since published renowned works such as The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn, A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean and The Road to Serfdom by F.A Hayek.

The University of Chicago is open to accepting manuscripts spanning a wide range of topics including (but not limited to) sociology, biology, life sciences, literature, literary studies, media studies, art, architecture ancient history, classics, philosophy, environmental studies, BOLCHAZY CARDUCCI PUBLISHER.


Bolchazy Carducci publishers specialize in publishing books on classical studies including Latin, Greek, Mythological, and classical titles. They also publish textbooks for elementary to high school students.

For more information visit their WEBSITE

#7 Swan Isle Press

Swan Isle Press is an independent, non-profit, publisher specializing in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction to inspire, and educate while promoting literature, art, and culture.

For more inquiries visit their WEBSITE

#8 Tyndale House Publishers inc

Tyndale is a publisher of Christian Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s Books, and the Bible.

WEBSITE

#9 Britany Publications

Recognized as one of the best traditional and independent publishing companies, it focuses on fiction, marketing, and communication and, non-fiction that talks about women’s advocacy.

WEBSITE

#10 Bolchazy Carducci Publisher

Bolchazy Carducci publishers specialize in publishing books on classical studies including Latin, Greek, Mythological, and classical titles. They also publish textbooks for elementary to high school students.

WEBSITE

#11 Triumph Books

The name speaks for itself, making a name as one of the best non-fiction publishers in Chicago delivering quality books on sports, biographies, football, basketball, NBA, NFL, MHL, NASCAR, and so on. They encourage writers to submit their manuscripts for assessments which is great for those that love writing on sport and creative literary takes, Triumph book is a good option.

For more details, visit their WEBSITE

#12 ACTA Publications

ACTA Publications is a Chicago-based publisher established in the year 1957 and started as a publisher of religious, and educational titles. Later on, it expanded into genres like sports, social justice, and fiction. Some of their top titles include; The Alzheimer’s Spouse by Mary K. Doyle, Wayward Tracks by Mark Collins among few others.

WEBSITE

#13 Allium Press of Chicago

Allium Press of Chicago is an independent press founded in 2009. They publish literary fiction, historical fiction, young adult fiction, thrillers, and mysteries.

For more details, visit their WEBPAGE

#14 Joshua Tree Publishing

Founded in 1985, Joshua Tree Publishing is a traditional publisher with years of experience, Joshua publishing everything ranging from biographies and autobiographies to fiction and self-help books.

WEBSITE

#15 Norwood House Press

Norwood House Press is a children’s book publisher that publishes materials for schools and public libraries. With some of their Popular Series like; Team Spirit, Girls Play to Win, Dear Dragon, and so on.

Visit their website for more information 

#16 Curbside Splendor

Curbside publishes speculative and experimental non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. Alongside publishing and selling books, Curbside organizes book fairs and writing contests.

Visit their website

#17 Gray Sky Publishing 

Gray Sky Publishing is a privately owned, family-operated company specializing in romance and horror fiction. They also publish eBooks and novellas given that the material is 100% original.

For more information visit

#18 Lake Claremont Press

Lake Claremont Press was established in the year 1994. It published several non-fiction titles and guidebooks describing Chicago’s history, facts, people, and traditions, with great interest in authors who are passionate about the city’s culture and in-depth knowledge of its local organizations. Some of the notable works of lake Claremont Press include; Chicago Eternal by Larry Broutman, Good Old Neon: Signs You’re in Chicago by Nick Freeman and Draining Chicago: The Early City and the North Area by Richard Lanyon.

You can visit their website for more information 

#19 MEDALLION PRESS

Medallion Press is a small independent book publisher known for its great fiction and non-fiction titles. Publishing fiction in the fantasy, horror, literary, historical, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, YA by young adults, ages 12-19), and commercial.

You can visit their website for more information 

#20 Ara Pacis Publishers

Ara pacis publish co-temporal short fiction, novels, anthologies, autobiographies, reprints of forgotten modern classics, essays, and criticism, travel diaries as well as social and cultural publications.

Visit their website for more information 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do publishers do?

A publisher is a person or group of persons that help the book get to the public for reading purposes.

What are the types of publishing?

The types of publishing are Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-publishing.

How long will authors continue to receive royalty?

For as long as the book continues to sell.

When do I start receiving Royalties?

As soon as the book sales have started except for authors who have received an advance payment, they won’t be paid royalties until after the publisher has accrued the value of the advance from the book royalties, then the author would be paid according to the contract agreement.

What are royalties? 

Royalties are a percentage of a book’s sales that are paid to the writer or copyright holder.

Conclusion

If you reside in Chicago and you want to publish a book, you can visit the websites of the book publishing companies listed above. Publishing your book with the aid of a publisher is one of the ways of publishing and not the only method of publishing your book. 

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