The publishing industry in 2025 is a mix of traditional practices and modern innovations. In Maryland, a notable aspect is the state’s emphasis on education and the humanities, as highlighted by programs like the “One Maryland One Book” initiative. The state is also a host for scholarly publishing events, like the Society for Scholarly Publishing’s annual meeting in Baltimore. While specific data on Maryland’s commercial publishing revenue in 2025 isn’t readily available, national trends indicate a rise in overall publishing revenues, with digital audio and hardcover book sales performing particularly well.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Publisher
For an author, choosing a publisher is one of the most critical decisions. The right publisher can provide professional expertise, a wide distribution network, and marketing support. Conversely, a poor choice can lead to disappointment, low sales, and a loss of creative control. It’s essential to align your goals, whether it’s securing a large advance, maintaining full creative control, or simply reaching a niche audience, with a publisher’s business model and services.
Understanding Publishing Models
Authors have three primary publishing models to consider: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.
Traditional Publishing
In the traditional model, a publisher takes on all the financial risk. They are responsible for editing, design, printing, and distribution. Authors typically receive an advance (an upfront payment against future royalties) and a percentage of sales royalties. This model often provides the highest level of prestige and access to major bookstores, but the author gives up a significant amount of creative control and the process can be very lengthy.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing is a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing. Authors pay a fee for the publishing services, but the publisher also invests in the project and shares in the book’s success. Hybrid presses are distinct from vanity presses because they have an editorial evaluation process and only publish works that meet a certain quality standard. This model offers authors more control and a higher royalty rate than traditional publishing, but requires a significant financial investment upfront.
Self-Publishing
With self-publishing, the author is the publisher. You are responsible for every aspect of the process, including editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. While this gives you complete creative control and the highest percentage of royalties, you also bear all the financial and logistical burdens. Self-publishing is often a faster route to market and is ideal for authors who want to target a specific niche audience or have an entrepreneurial spirit.
Why Publish in Maryland?
Maryland holds a unique place in the literary and cultural landscape of the United States. With a rich history of literature, diverse communities, and a thriving arts scene, the state provides a fertile ground for authors to develop, publish, and promote their work. Maryland’s literary significance is reflected in its numerous book festivals, writing workshops, and active literary organizations, making it an ideal location for writers seeking both inspiration and professional support.
One of the key advantages of publishing in Maryland is access to local talent. From experienced editors and proofreaders to skilled designers and marketing specialists, authors can tap into a pool of professionals who understand the nuances of book production and promotion. This local network ensures that your book receives meticulous attention at every stage, from manuscript refinement to eye-catching cover design and effective marketing campaigns.
List of the 37 Best Book Publishing Companies in Maryland (2025)
1. The Legacy Ghostwriters
Specializes in crafting personalized memoirs and legacy stories, offering clients skilled ghostwriters who capture authentic voices and life experiences. They provide comprehensive support from initial concept to final publication, focusing on preserving family histories.
2. Kbook Publishing
A full-service Maryland publisher supporting authors with editing, formatting, and marketing. They emphasize strong author support and aim to help books reach bestseller status through classic publication plans and quality control.
3. Laissez Faire Publishing
Historically a key libertarian publisher based in Baltimore, known for a diverse libertarian catalog. Though it faced challenges adapting to the changing book market, it left a legacy as a major independent thought publisher. Ownership and focus have shifted away from its original libertarian emphasis.
4. SMS Novel – Ghostwriting, Editing & Podcasting
Provides tailored ghostwriting and editing with a focus on authentic storytelling, also offering podcasting services to enhance author visibility. Known for personalized matching of ghostwriters and affordable, high-quality services.
5. Online Cashback Shopper
Not a traditional publisher but a cashback shopping platform that includes some book retail purchases, helping consumers save money through rewards and affiliate marketing.
6. Christian Living Books Inc
Focuses on Christian literature including fiction, non-fiction, devotionals, and children’s books. Supports emerging Christian authors and promotes faith-based values through a substantial inspirational catalog.
7. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
A major independent academic and trade publisher headquartered in Lanham, Maryland. Publishes over 1,200 academic and professional books yearly across humanities and social sciences. Features multiple imprints and global distribution complemented by its affiliation with Bloomsbury Publishing.
8. Seven Figure Publishing
A Baltimore-based financial publication house offering market research and financial guidance. Specializes in Kindle Direct Publishing and supports authors with marketing coaching aimed at financial success.
9. Pearl River Publishing
A smaller, regional publishing and printing service, known more for its printing capabilities than large-scale book publishing.
10. Black Classic Press, Inc.
Founded in Baltimore in 1978, this press is dedicated to publishing and preserving works by and about people of African descent. It reprints out-of-print African-American literature and publishes culturally significant texts annually.
11. The Omnibus Publishing
A woman-owned Baltimore publisher focusing on children’s and young adult literature. They offer traditional royalty contracts and spotlight overlooked talent, with some award-winning authors and illustrators in their lineup.
12. Kay Street Publishing LLC
A Maryland-centered publisher offering services primarily to local authors, focusing on supporting regional literature.
13. AlTaMiRa LLC
Although listed, this company mainly operates in technology and engineering services with no significant book publishing activities centered in Maryland.
14. International Living
Part of The Agora Companies, this publisher focuses on lifestyle, health, and financial newsletters and publication series headquartered in Baltimore.
15. Aspen Publishers Inc
Known for authoritative legal educational content and innovative digital solutions for law students and professionals, Aspen Publishers is a leader in legal academic publishing with distribution touching Maryland.
16. Anointed Press Graphics Inc
A full-service Maryland printing and publishing firm providing design, print, and publishing services, with a strong regional presence serving authors and businesses for over 20 years.
17. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
A leading medical and health sciences publisher based in Baltimore. Publishes textbooks, journals, and digital content in fields of nursing, medicine, and health sciences as part of Wolters Kluwer.
18. Amana Publications
A Maryland publisher with a niche in Islamic educational and spiritual literature, producing over 100 titles on Quranic studies, prophets, children’s books, and interfaith topics.
19. Maple Creek Media
Provides high-quality print-on-demand services in Maryland, supporting both new and established authors with artisanal publishing and modern printing technology.
20. BookButler Publishing Company
Information on BookButler Publishing Company based in Maryland is limited publicly. It appears to be a smaller independent publisher providing services to regional authors.
21. Image Publishing Ltd
Maryland-based Image Publishing Ltd offers services related to book publishing, with a focus including Maryland-related topics such as Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. They also specialize in stock photography for publications and advertising, and commercial and display photography.
22. The Agora
A major publishing and media company headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The Agora specializes in financial newsletters, investment advice publications, and financial market commentary. They cater primarily to investors and financial professionals.
23. Elite Publishing Company
Offers comprehensive publishing services including book editing, design, and marketing support. It is a boutique Maryland-based company focusing on delivering quality publishing solutions to independent authors and niche markets.
24. Revision Division
Specializes in professional editing and manuscript revision services. It caters to authors in Maryland and beyond, helping them polish manuscripts for traditional and self-publishing success.
25. Wildside Press LLC
An independent publisher known for speculative fiction, rare and classic reprints, and specialty genres including science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. Wildside Press offers both print and digital publishing services.
26. Chesapeake & Hudson Inc
A small regional publisher in Maryland focusing on local history, culture, and general trade books. Known for its niche in Chesapeake Bay area topics and community interest publications.
27. Lightwork Publishing, LLC
A Maryland-based independent publisher specializing in diverse voices, fiction, and inspirational works. They serve emerging and mid-list authors with personalized publishing services.
28. Rise Publishing Company
Located in Maryland, Rise Publishing focuses on self-help, business, and personal development books. The company aims to empower authors to impact their audience through well-crafted publications.
29. Bancroft Press
A small independent publisher based in Maryland, Bancroft Press publishes literary fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. It has a reputation for quality editorial work and niche literature publishing.
30. NewTrends Publishing, Inc
A Maryland-based publishing company specializing in print and digital media, focusing on niche markets and specialized content including instructional and educational materials.
31. Bellwether Publishing Ltd
Bellwether Publishing is an independent press focusing on contemporary literature, poetry, and cultural works. Known for publishing innovative and critically-acclaimed writing.
32. Fortune Publishing Group
A Maryland-based full-service publishing company that provides editorial, design, marketing, and distribution services primarily for business, finance, and technical publications.
33. Kuumba Publishing
Overview: Specializes in African-American literature, poetry, and cultural heritage books. Kuumba Publishing is dedicated to promoting diverse voices and preserving cultural narratives.
34. Johns Hopkins University Press
A leading academic publisher based in Baltimore, Maryland. It publishes scholarly books and journals across a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, history, and international studies.
35. Charm City Publishers Inc
Charm City Publishers Inc appears closely related or possibly part of the broader Charm City Books community in Baltimore, Maryland. Charm City Books itself is an independent, Black-owned bookstore and community gathering space known for its warmth.
36. Recorded Books
Overview: Recorded Books is a leading audiobook and spoken-word content publisher with a significant presence in Maryland, especially in the production and distribution of audiobooks.
37. Liftoff Press LLC
Liftoff Press LLC is a Maryland-based independent publisher specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. They focus on innovative storytelling and supporting emerging and mid-list authors in genre fiction.
Benefits of Working with Local Maryland Publishers
Choosing to work with a Maryland-based publisher can offer advantages that go beyond standard publishing services. For many authors, having a local partner creates opportunities for stronger collaboration, personalized marketing, and a deeper connection to the regional literary community.
1. Easier Communication and Collaboration
Working with a nearby publisher allows for more direct and timely communication. Authors can meet face-to-face with editors, designers, and marketing teams, making it easier to discuss creative ideas, resolve concerns, and maintain a smooth publishing process. This personal interaction can lead to stronger professional relationships and a more tailored final product.
2. In-Person Events, Workshops, and Networking Opportunities
Local publishers often host or participate in community events such as book signings, author panels, writing workshops, and literary festivals. These in-person opportunities allow authors to promote their work, build their audience, and connect with other writers, industry professionals, and readers in Maryland’s vibrant literary scene.
3. Localized Marketing Strategies for Regional Success
Maryland publishers have an insider’s perspective on the local market. They understand the state’s readership preferences, cultural events, and media outlets, enabling them to create marketing campaigns that resonate with regional audiences. This targeted approach can boost book sales locally and create a strong foundation for expanding to national or international markets.
Selection Criteria for the 37 Best Companies
The selection criteria for identifying the 37 best book publishing companies in Maryland for 2025, considering your specified factors—editorial quality and reputation, range of genres accepted, marketing and distribution network, author support services, and royalties—can be summarized as follows:
1. Editorial Quality and Reputation
- Publishers are evaluated on the quality of their editorial processes, including professional editing, proofreading, and production standards.
- Reputation within the industry and among authors plays a critical role, including history, awards, and reviews.
- Commitment to producing high-quality, polished books that meet market and academic expectations.
2. Range of Genres Accepted
- A wide or specialized range of genres that the publisher embraces is important.
- Versatility in publishing fiction, non-fiction, academic, children’s books, niche cultural works, and more.
- Openness to new and diverse voices and genres, including emerging subject areas.
3. Marketing and Distribution Network
- The strength and reach of the publisher’s marketing and distribution channels are pivotal.
- National and international distribution capabilities.
- Strategic partnerships with bookstores, libraries, online retailers, and distributors.
- Ability to create visibility via advertising, PR, social media, and other promotional activities.
4. Author Support Services and Royalties
- Comprehensive author services, including editorial advice, design, marketing assistance, and coaching.
- Transparent and competitive royalty structures.
- Support through every stage from manuscript development to post-publication promotion.
- Clear author rights and contract fairness.
These criteria ensure that selected publishing companies not only produce quality books but also actively support authors and ensure books reach appropriate audiences effectively. Many Maryland-based companies like the legacy ghostwriters, Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Black Classic Press, The Omnibus Publishing, and others, meet these criteria by combining strong editorial processes, diverse genre offerings, established marketing networks, and solid author support systems.
FAQs
1. Which Maryland publishers accept debut authors?
Many Maryland publishers, such as The Omnibus Publishing and Anointed Press Graphics Inc, are open to working with first-time authors. They often provide additional guidance and editorial support to help new writers navigate the publishing process. However, submission guidelines vary, so it’s essential to review each publisher’s requirements before sending your manuscript.
2. Can I submit my manuscript without a literary agent?
Yes. Several Maryland-based publishers accept direct submissions from authors without requiring a literary agent. Smaller presses, hybrid publishers, and self-publishing service providers are especially open to unsolicited manuscripts. That said, larger or more traditional houses may still prefer agented submissions.
3. What is the average cost for hybrid publishing in Maryland?
Hybrid publishing costs in Maryland generally range between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on the package, services included, and the complexity of the project. Packages typically cover editing, design, ISBN registration, and distribution, but marketing services may be priced separately.
4. Do Maryland publishers offer global distribution?
Yes. Many Maryland publishers’ partner with major distributors like IngramSpark, Baker & Taylor, and Amazon KDP, allowing books to reach international markets. Even smaller local presses often have options for global eBook distribution, expanding an author’s reach far beyond the state.
Conclusion
Maryland’s publishing scene in 2025 offers a vibrant mix of traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing options, making it an attractive destination for authors across all genres. From niche indie presses that nurture emerging voices to established publishing houses with national reach, the state provides diverse opportunities for getting your book into the hands of readers.
When selecting a publisher, it’s important to research their submission guidelines, editorial quality, and distribution networks. The right publishing partner will not only bring your manuscript to life but also help it thrive in both local and global markets.
