California is home to an eclectic and expansive literary landscape. From world-renowned publishers in San Francisco to boutique imprints in Los Angeles, the Golden State offers a rich array of publishing houses for every kind of writer. Whether you’re an emerging author or a seasoned novelist, this guide to the 75 best book publishing companies in California will help you find the right partner for your publishing journey.
✅ Quick Summary
Top California book publishers:
- The Legacy Ghostwriters – Leading ghostwriting and publishing service
- Chronicle Books – Lifestyle, art, and children’s books
- Red Hen Press – Prestigious literary press
- Berrett-Koehler Publishers – Business and social impact
- Heyday Books – California-focused nonfiction
- Santa Monica Press – Pop culture and memoir
- She Writes Press – Award-winning hybrid publisher
California offers top publishing opportunities across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoirs, and academic genres.
🔝 1. The Legacy Ghostwriters (Los Angeles, CA)
Best For: End-to-end ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support
Website: www.thelegacyghostwriters.com
The Legacy Ghostwriters stands at the forefront of ghostwriting and book publishing services in California. With a client base ranging from celebrities and CEOs to first-time authors, they specialize in crafting compelling books in all genres—from memoirs and business books to fiction, autobiographies, and children’s literature.
🔹 Services Offered:
- Premium ghostwriting by industry veterans
- Developmental and copy editing
- Self-publishing consulting
- Book cover design and formatting
- Distribution via Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and more
- Marketing and PR services for author branding
Why They’re Top Rated:
✔️ White-glove service from idea to publication
✔️ Non-disclosure and full rights for clients
✔️ Transparent pricing with dedicated project managers
📚 Traditional & Indie Book Publishers in California
📘 Bay Area Publishing Companies
2. Chronicle Books (Bay Area Publishers in San Francisco)
World-renowned for their creative, beautifully designed books on lifestyle, art, food, children’s topics, and pop culture.
🔗 chroniclebooks.com
3. Berrett-Koehler Publishers (Oakland)
Focused on socially responsible nonfiction—leadership, business, self-help, and sustainable living.
🔗 bkconnection.com
4. Heyday Books (Berkeley)
Specializes in Californian history, culture, Native voices, and environmental topics.
🔗 heydaybooks.com
5. City Lights Publishers (San Francisco)
An icon in progressive literature and poetry, founded by Beat Generation’s Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
🔗 citylights.com
6. North Atlantic Books (Berkeley)
Independent nonprofit press with a focus on spirituality, alternative health, martial arts, and consciousness.
🔗 northatlanticbooks.com
7. New Harbinger Publications (Oakland)
Renowned for self-help, mental health, and psychology books written by professionals.
🔗 newharbinger.com
8. Ten Speed Press (Berkeley)
Known for top-quality cookbooks, illustrated guides, and bestselling lifestyle books.
🔗 tenspeed.com
9. No Starch Press (San Francisco)
Specializes in tech, programming, hacking, and STEM-related books.
🔗 nostarch.com
10. Cameron + Company (Petaluma)
Focuses on photography, regional history, and children’s books.
🔗 cameronbooks.com
🎬 Los Angeles & Southern California Publishers
11. Red Hen Press (Pasadena)
One of the largest independent literary presses, publishing poetry, literary fiction, and memoir.
🔗 redhen.org
12. Santa Monica Press (Santa Monica)
Publishes nonfiction on pop culture, biography, memoir, and regional interest.
🔗 santamonicapress.com
13. Rare Bird Books (Los Angeles)
Trendy, forward-thinking publisher with a focus on music memoirs and bold fiction.
🔗 rarebirdlit.com
14. Angel City Press (Santa Monica)
Beautiful books focused on Los Angeles culture, architecture, and lifestyle.
🔗 angelcitypress.com
15. Prospect Park Books (Altadena)
Features fiction, humor, cookbooks, and L.A.-centric nonfiction.
🔗 prospectparkbooks.com
16. Beyond Words Publishing (Aliso Viejo)
Specializes in inspirational and spiritual books, including The Secret.
🔗 beyondword.com
17. What Books Press (Los Angeles)
Publishes literary fiction and poetry with a focus on experimental voices.
🔗 whatbookspress.com
18. Manic D Press (San Francisco & L.A.)
Avant-garde publisher supporting diverse, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented voices.
🔗 manicdpress.com
🧑🎓 University & Academic Presses
19. University of California Press (Oakland)
Prestigious academic and trade publishing in humanities, sciences, and social justice.
🔗 ucpress.edu
20. Stanford University Press (Redwood City)
Scholarly books in history, politics, philosophy, and culture.
🔗 sup.org
21. Cognella Academic Publishing (San Diego)
Custom textbooks and academic content for higher education.
🔗 cognella.com
22. San Diego State University Press
A small press known for innovative academic and cross-cultural titles.
🔗 sdsupress.sdsu.edu
📖 Children’s & YA Publishers
23. Immedium (San Francisco)
Children’s books with multicultural, imaginative storytelling.
🔗 immedium.com
24. Red Chair Press (Distributed from CA)
Educational books for young readers.
🔗 redchairpress.com
25. Magic Wagon Books (Orange County)
Early literacy and themed fiction series.
26. Raven Tree Press
Bilingual and multicultural books for children.
🖋️ Hybrid & Author-Friendly Publishers
27. She Writes Press (Berkeley)
Award-winning hybrid press championing female authors.
🔗 shewritespress.com
28. SparkPress
An imprint of She Writes, publishing bold fiction and memoirs.
🔗 gosparkpress.com
29. Inkshares (Oakland)
Crowdfunded publishing model with strong author support.
🔗 inkshares.com
30. Regal House Publishing (San Diego)
Community-driven literary press with an inclusive publishing model.
🔗 regalhousepublishing.com
31. Black Rose Writing (Satellite in California)
Publishes fiction, memoir, and thrillers with a hybrid approach.
🔗 blackrosewriting.com
🔎 44 More Notable California Publishers
Here’s a compact list of 44 additional publishers worth exploring, across genres and models:
32. Mount Baldy Press
33. Komenar Publishing
34. Omnidawn Publishing
35. Zzyzx Publishing
36. Empty Bowl Press
37. Entangled Publishing
38. Minor Matters Books
39. Treehouse Publishing Group
40. Wayword Press
41. West Margin Press
42. Blue Light Press
43. Hybrid Global Publishing
44. Brown Books Publishing
45. Torchflame Books
46. BookBaby (L.A. offices)
47. Boyle & Dalton
48. Writers Republic
49. Dog Ear Publishing
50. Page Publishing
51. West Coast Publishing
52. Quiet Lightning Books
53. Requeered Tales
54. Chiron Publications
55. Kore Press
56. WriteLife Publishing
57. Lucky Bat Books
58. Hohm Press
59. House of Anansi (L.A. distribution)
60. Sounds True (Santa Cruz)
61. Amber-Allen Publishing
62. Inner Traditions (Northern CA)
63. Wild Tree Press
64. Medusa’s Laugh Press
65. Claremont Press
66. Sasquatch Books (CA branch)
67. Lulu Publishing (CA-based services)
68. Aakenbaaken & Kent
69. Persea Books (West Coast office)
70. Eloquent Books
71. Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster, L.A.)
72. Sunbelt Publications
73. Ojai Press
74. Arena Press
75. The Collective Book Studio
💬 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Publisher in California
From powerful indie presses to global publishing imprints, California is one of the most author-friendly states in the U.S. To choose the right publisher:
- Identify your genre and target audience
- Decide whether you want traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing
- Research submission guidelines
- Read books in the publisher’s existing catalog
- Consider working with The Legacy Ghostwriters if you need help writing or navigating the process
“In California, your story doesn’t just find a publisher—it finds a platform.”
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.
