Chicago continues to stand tall as a literary powerhouse in 2025, offering a diverse ecosystem for writers of all backgrounds. From established academic publishers and progressive indie presses to innovative hybrid models, authors in Chicago can find the perfect fit for their stories and career goals. This article highlights the 20 best book publishing companies in Chicago, starting with the widely acclaimed Legacy Ghostwriters, and includes detailed descriptions, publishing specializations, and a comparative chart.
Why Choose a Publisher in Chicago?
Chicago blends literary tradition with modern innovation, making it an ideal location for authors looking to:
- Access established publishers with national distribution
- Work with independent presses focused on diversity and inclusion
- Benefit from a strong literary community and author network
- Publish stories rooted in Midwestern identity or urban culture
Whether you’re writing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, Chicago’s publishers offer something for everyone.
Top 20 Book Publishers in Chicago
1. The Legacy Ghostwriters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)
Location: Serving Chicago & Nationwide
Specialties: Ghostwriting, hybrid publishing, fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, business books
As the top-rated ghostwriting and publishing firm in the country, The Legacy Ghostwriters offers premium, all-inclusive publishing services. From manuscript creation to editing, design, and distribution, they deliver quality and personalization. Their expansion into Chicago has made them a valuable partner for local professionals and creatives alike.
2. University of Chicago Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
Specialties: Academic publishing, scholarly nonfiction, humanities
A world-renowned academic press, UChicago Press is the perfect home for researchers and scholars. They publish authoritative content with rigorous peer review.
3. Haymarket Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Specialties: Social justice, activism, politics, progressive nonfiction
Known for championing radical voices, Haymarket is a major player in activist publishing. They support bold authors pushing for social change.
4. Agate Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Specialties: Business, cookbooks, African American literature, lifestyle
Based in Evanston, Agate offers niche imprints and high-quality nonfiction with a focus on underserved markets.
5. Third World Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Specialties: African American culture, poetry, education
A historic press founded in 1967, Third World Press continues to uplift Black voices through poetry, prose, and educational work.
6. Curbside Splendor Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Specialties: Literary fiction, indie poetry, personal essays
Known for edgy, urban stories, this indie press is perfect for authors who defy traditional storytelling norms.
7. Chicago Review Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Specialties: Narrative nonfiction, history, parenting, true crime
CRP is a strong independent publisher with deep market reach and an extensive backlist.
8. Tortoise Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Specialties: Literary fiction, memoir, hybrid publishing
Offering both traditional and hybrid options, Tortoise Books is known for empowering indie authors.
9. Allium Press of Chicago – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Specialties: Chicago fiction, mysteries, historical novels
Perfect for authors with stories grounded in Chicago’s past or present.
10. Featherproof Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Specialties: Experimental fiction, zines, creative short works
This indie press encourages boundary-pushing writing in print and digital formats.
11. 1984 Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Specialties: Music biographies, pop culture, horror
Visually rich and niche-focused, ideal for artistic authors.
12. Lake Claremont Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Specialties: Chicago history, architecture, urban lore
Strong regional appeal for nonfiction tied to the city’s cultural fabric.
13. Open Books Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Specialties: Fiction, literacy support
A nonprofit imprint that helps fund local literacy efforts—ideal for authors looking to give back.
14. Bronzeville Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Specialties: Speculative fiction, mystery, diverse voices
Forward-looking publisher championing underrepresented genre fiction authors.
15. Make Literary Productions – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Specialties: Fiction, poetry, essays, hybrid forms
Publisher of MAKE magazine and literary works that push creative limits.
16. Switchback Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Specialties: Feminist poetry
A nonprofit press spotlighting female and nonbinary poets with strong voices.
17. Another Chicago Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Specialties: Experimental literature, multimedia
Innovative publisher offering digital integration and multimedia storytelling.
18. Belt Publishing (Chicago Series) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
Specialties: Urban nonfiction, regional commentary
Midwestern press with a focused line of Chicago-centered titles.
19. Ghostbird Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
Specialties: Poetry chapbooks, emerging writers
Compact and elegant poetry collections that support early-stage authors.
20. Rose Metal Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
Specialties: Flash fiction, hybrid genres, writing craft
A haven for hybrid and flash writers, plus great writing guides.
Comparative Chart: Chicago Book Publishers 2025
| Publisher | Specialty | Model | Rating |
| The Legacy Ghostwriters | All genres, ghostwriting | Full-service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| University of Chicago Press | Academic, scholarly | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Haymarket Books | Politics, activism | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Agate Publishing | Business, lifestyle | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Third World Press | African American, education | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Curbside Splendor | Indie fiction, poetry | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chicago Review Press | Nonfiction, history | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tortoise Books | Fiction, memoir | Hybrid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Allium Press | Local fiction, history | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Featherproof Books | Zines, fiction | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1984 Publishing | Pop culture, horror | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lake Claremont Press | Chicago nonfiction | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Open Books Publishing | Fiction, literacy | Nonprofit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Bronzeville Books | Genre fiction, diversity | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Make Literary Productions | Poetry, essays | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Switchback Books | Feminist poetry | Nonprofit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Another Chicago Press | Experimental | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Belt Publishing (Chicago) | Urban nonfiction | Traditional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Ghostbird Press | Poetry chapbooks | Indie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Rose Metal Press | Flash, hybrid forms | Indie/Nonprofit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Final Thoughts
From legendary university presses to grassroots indie publishers, Chicago offers an exceptional range of publishing opportunities in 2025. Whether you’re looking to self-publish with professional support or land a traditional contract, these 20 companies are some of the best options available to authors today.
Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.
