New York is the heartbeat of the global publishing industry. As home to major literary agencies, world-renowned publishing houses, and innovative independent presses, the city offers unmatched opportunities for both debut and veteran authors. Whether you’re looking to publish fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, business books, or children’s literature, New York offers a diverse landscape to suit every author’s publishing goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of the 45 best book publishing companies in New York, with a mix of traditional, hybrid, and indie publishers. Leading the list is The Legacy Ghostwriters, a full-service ghostwriting and publishing agency committed to excellence.
✅ Quick Summary Overview
- Top publishing company in NYC: The Legacy Ghostwriters – Full-service ghostwriting and publishing
- Publishing types: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing
- Genres covered: Fiction, memoir, business, self-help, poetry, academic, children’s, and more
- Best for new authors: She Writes Press, Archway Publishing, BookBaby
- Notable big 5: Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins
🔝 1. The Legacy Ghostwriters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
📍 New York, NY
🌐 thelegacyghostwriters.com
The Legacy Ghostwriters tops the list as the premier choice for authors seeking expert-level ghostwriting and full-scale publishing solutions. Known for their white-glove service and professional confidentiality, they assist clients from concept development to market-ready books.
Services include:
- Ghostwriting (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, business, and self-help)
- Editing: Developmental, line, and copy
- Professional book design (print + eBook)
- Publishing via Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and B&N
- Audiobook creation
- PR campaigns, marketing, and author branding
Why choose them?
✔ Trusted by CEOs, influencers, and entrepreneurs
✔ Personalized one-on-one project management
✔ Full rights ownership & NDA-backed confidentiality
✔ Amazon bestseller strategies & global distribution
If you’re serious about creating a legacy with your book, The Legacy Ghostwriters is your best publishing partner in New York.
📚 Major Traditional Publishers in New York
2. Penguin Random House – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
One of the world’s largest and most prestigious publishing houses. Home to iconic imprints like Knopf, Viking, Ballantine, and Riverhead.
🔗 penguinrandomhouse.com
3. HarperCollins – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.8/5)
A Big Five publisher with a global reach. Publishes a wide range of genres including commercial fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
🔗 harpercollins.com
4. Simon & Schuster – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)
A powerhouse in literary and commercial publishing, now owned by KKR. Known for both debut authors and bestselling legends.
🔗 simonandschuster.com
5. Macmillan Publishers – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Imprints include St. Martin’s Press, FSG, and Tor/Forge. Covers literary fiction, sci-fi, and popular nonfiction.
🔗 macmillan.com
6. Hachette Book Group – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Publisher of Malcolm Gladwell, James Patterson, and David Baldacci. Known for strong editorial and international distribution.
🔗 hachettebookgroup.com
🖋️ Independent & Hybrid Publishers
7. She Writes Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
A hybrid publishing platform for women authors. Award-winning and author-friendly.
🔗 shewritespress.com
8. Greenleaf Book Group (NY Office) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Hybrid publishing with editorial, marketing, and distribution solutions for entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
🔗 greenleafbookgroup.com
9. Archway Publishing (A Simon & Schuster Imprint) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Guided self-publishing with access to traditional publishing expertise.
🔗 archwaypublishing.com
10. Kensington Publishing Corp. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The largest independent US publisher. Strong in romance, mystery, and African-American fiction.
🔗 kensingtonbooks.com
11. Skyhorse Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Publishes across categories from politics and health to literary fiction and sports.
🔗 skyhorsepublishing.com
📖 Children’s and YA Book Publishers
12. Scholastic Inc. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The world’s largest publisher of children’s books and educational materials.
🔗 scholastic.com
13. Lee & Low Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)
Multicultural children’s book publisher focused on diversity and inclusion.
🔗 leeandlow.com
14. Holiday House – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Independent children’s book publisher with a rich history of quality storytelling.
🔗 holidayhouse.com
✍️ Literary, Niche, and Cultural Presses
15. Seven Stories Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Publishes socially conscious fiction and nonfiction with bold voices.
🔗 sevenstories.com
16. Melville House Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Focuses on literary fiction, current affairs, and translated works.
🔗 mhpbooks.com
17. Europa Editions – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Publisher of international fiction and translations with literary acclaim.
🔗 europaeditions.com
18. The New Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Progressive press focusing on social justice and cultural criticism.
🔗 thenewpress.com
💼 Business, Self-Help, and Memoir-Focused Publishers
19. Scribe Media (NYC Team) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Helps entrepreneurs and executives publish high-impact business books.
🔗 scribemedia.com
20. Morgan James Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Hybrid publishing for business professionals, coaches, and nonfiction authors.
🔗 morgan-james-publishing.com
🧠 Academic & University Presses in NYC
21. Columbia University Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.8/5)
Known for scholarly excellence in humanities, global studies, and economics.
🔗 cup.columbia.edu
22. NYU Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Publishes cutting-edge scholarship on race, gender, politics, and culture.
🔗 nyupress.org
23. Fordham University Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Focuses on philosophy, theology, and American literature.
🔗 fordhampress.com
🧰 Self-Publishing Companies in New York
24. BookBaby (NY Office) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Top-tier self-publishing platform with editing, cover design, and distribution.
🔗 bookbaby.com
25. Lulu Press (East Coast Office) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Print-on-demand and eBook publishing with global reach.
🔗 lulu.com
📦 Additional Notable NYC-Based Publishers
26. Abrams Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Abrams Books is a leading publisher of illustrated books on art, photography, design, fashion, and pop culture. Known for beautiful visuals, they produce high-quality books for readers of all ages.
27. Soho Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Soho Press is an independent publisher that specializes in literary fiction, crime, and international works. They support bold, original voices and are known for their award-winning mystery imprint, Soho Crime.
28. Tor Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Tor Books is the foremost science fiction and fantasy publisher in the U.S. They publish bestselling speculative fiction authors and are known for strong world-building and loyal genre readers.
29. W. W. Norton & Company – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- W. Norton is an employee-owned publisher specializing in academic, nonfiction, and literary works. Their independence allows strong editorial standards and a unique approach to author relationships.
30. Spiegel & Grau – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Spiegel & Grau publishes thought-provoking nonfiction and memoir. Their editorial team is known for curating impactful books with powerful cultural, political, and personal stories.
31. Algonquin Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Algonquin Books is a division of Workman Publishing known for high-quality fiction and nonfiction. They champion debut authors and literary works with emotional resonance and national appeal.
32. Akashic Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Akashic Books is a Brooklyn-based independent publisher that focuses on urban literary fiction and politically engaged nonfiction. Their acclaimed noir series sets them apart in the indie publishing space.
33. Other Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Other Press publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and psychology books. Known for their international focus, they bring global voices to American readers through careful translation and editing.
34. Grove Atlantic – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Grove Atlantic is a respected independent publisher of literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. Their catalog includes renowned authors and prize-winning titles across diverse genres.
35. Catapult – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Catapult publishes fiction, nonfiction, and memoir with a focus on innovative storytelling. They support emerging writers and run workshops and fellowships for creative writers.
36. Feminist Press – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Feminist Press publishes books that promote feminist perspectives and social justice. They focus on diverse, intersectional voices in literature, memoir, and academic discourse.
37. The Experiment Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The Experiment publishes nonfiction books in health, food, science, and lifestyle. Their mission is to provide practical, empowering, and evidence-based titles for everyday readers.
38. Workman Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Workman is known for bestsellers in lifestyle, self-help, and gift books. Their innovative formats and marketing strategies make them a staple among nonfiction and how-to readers.
39. Henry Holt and Co. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
An imprint of Macmillan, Henry Holt publishes high-caliber nonfiction, biographies, history, and politics. They are known for rigorous editorial standards and bestselling authors.
40. Vintage Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Vintage Books is a paperback imprint of Penguin Random House. They reissue modern classics and literary fiction with broad cultural significance and lasting appeal.
41. Flatiron Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Flatiron Books, part of Macmillan, publishes a selective list of literary fiction and commercial nonfiction. Their curated approach ensures high-impact titles with strong critical and commercial potential.
42. Basic Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Basic Books specializes in nonfiction works on history, science, sociology, and philosophy. They publish leading intellectual voices and public thinkers with wide influence.
43. Rizzoli New York – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Rizzoli is known for luxury coffee table books in art, fashion, design, and architecture. Their elegant visuals and expert editorial make them leaders in illustrated publishing.
44. New Directions Publishing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
New Directions is an avant-garde literary publisher with a focus on translated works and experimental fiction. Their catalog includes international literary giants and contemporary innovators.
45. Verso Books – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Verso Books is a radical publisher of leftist political theory, history, and activism. They provide critical perspectives on global and contemporary issues through sharp, provocative works.
📊 Publishing Companies Comparison Chart (New York 2025)
| # | Publisher Name | Specialization | Publishing Type | Location | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legacy Ghostwriters | Ghostwriting, all genres | Full-service/Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 2 | Penguin Random House | All genres | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 3 | HarperCollins | Fiction, nonfiction, children’s | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.8) |
| 4 | Simon & Schuster | Commercial, literary, nonfiction | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7) |
| 5 | Macmillan Publishers | Fiction, sci-fi, literary | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6) |
| 6 | Hachette Book Group | Thriller, memoirs, self-help | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 7 | She Writes Press | Women authors, fiction/nonfiction | Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6) |
| 8 | Greenleaf Book Group | Business, leadership | Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 9 | Archway Publishing | All genres (guided self-pub) | Self/Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 10 | Kensington Publishing Corp. | Romance, mystery, diverse fiction | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 11 | Skyhorse Publishing | Nonfiction, politics, sports | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 12 | Scholastic Inc. | Children’s, education | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 13 | Lee & Low Books | Multicultural children’s books | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7) |
| 14 | Holiday House | Children’s and YA | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6) |
| 15 | Seven Stories Press | Political, radical fiction/nonfiction | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 16 | Melville House Publishing | Literary, political nonfiction | Independent | Brooklyn, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 17 | Europa Editions | Literary fiction, translations | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 18 | The New Press | Social justice nonfiction | Nonprofit | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 19 | Scribe Media | Business, thought leadership | Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 20 | Morgan James Publishing | Business, self-help, Christian | Hybrid | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 21 | Columbia University Press | Academic, global studies | Academic | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.8) |
| 22 | NYU Press | Race, gender, culture | Academic | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6) |
| 23 | Fordham University Press | Philosophy, theology | Academic | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 24 | BookBaby | All genres (DIY packages) | Self-Publishing | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 25 | Lulu Press | Print-on-demand, all genres | Self-Publishing | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 26 | Abrams Books | Art, photography, pop culture | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 27 | Soho Press | Literary fiction, global noir | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 28 | Tor Books | Sci-fi and fantasy | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 29 | W. W. Norton & Company | Nonfiction, academia | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 30 | Spiegel & Grau | Memoir, social commentary | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 31 | Algonquin Books | Literary fiction, debut authors | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 32 | Akashic Books | Urban, noir fiction | Independent | Brooklyn, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 33 | Other Press | Literary fiction, psychology | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 34 | Grove Atlantic | Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 35 | Catapult | Fiction, memoir, new writers | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 36 | Feminist Press | Feminist literature, academic | Nonprofit | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 37 | The Experiment Publishing | Health, lifestyle, science | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 38 | Workman Publishing | Lifestyle, gift books, education | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 39 | Henry Holt and Co. | Politics, history, biography | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 40 | Vintage Books | Literary reprints, modern classics | Imprint (PRH) | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
| 41 | Flatiron Books | Fiction, memoir, nonfiction | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 42 | Basic Books | History, science, economics | Traditional | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 43 | Rizzoli New York | Art, fashion, photography | Illustrated/Art | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 44 | New Directions Publishing | Experimental, translated fiction | Independent | New York, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4) |
| 45 | Verso Books | Leftist politics, global theory | Independent | Brooklyn, NY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3) |
📌 Final Thoughts
New York continues to lead the publishing world in 2025 with its robust blend of legacy publishers, innovative hybrid companies, and niche presses. Whether you’re a debut novelist, an academic, or a CEO with a story to tell, there’s a publisher in New York for you.
For full-service support—from ghostwriting to editing, publishing, and marketing—The Legacy Ghostwriters remains the top recommendation for authors seeking premium results with personalized attention.
In the publishing capital of the world, your story has the best chance to thrive.
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.
