Why Choose a Specialty Book Publisher for Your Book?

When it comes to publishing your book, there are numerous routes you can take, from traditional publishing houses to self-publishing platforms. However, for many authors, specialty publishers offer unique advantages that can help bring their vision to life. The big publishing houses have consolidated and become less accessible to authors. Here's why you might consider working with a specialty publisher and a list of some notable ones across various genres.

1. Tailored Expertise:

Specialty publishers often specialize in specific genres or niche markets, allowing them to provide tailored expertise and resources. Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or focusing on a particular cultural or spiritual theme, a specialty publisher can offer valuable insights and guidance tailored to your target audience.

2. Niche Audience Reach:

By partnering with a specialty publisher, you gain access to their established network and audience within your niche. These publishers have built-in communities of readers who are already interested in the types of books they produce, increasing the visibility and potential success of your work.

3. Personalized Attention:

Unlike larger publishing houses, specialty book publishers typically operate on a smaller scale, allowing for more personalized attention and support throughout the publishing process. This can include editorial guidance, marketing assistance, and ongoing promotion tailored to your book's specific needs.

4. Amplified Visibility:

Many specialty publishers have a strong reputation within their respective genres, which can help amplify the visibility of your book. Through targeted marketing efforts and strategic partnerships, they can help ensure that your book reaches the right readers and stands out in a crowded marketplace.

5. Cultural and Creative Alignment:

Working with a publisher who shares your vision and mission can lead to a more fulfilling collaboration and a book that authentically reflects your voice and perspective.

List of Selected Specialty Book Publishers:

The categories below overlap, so review the publishers in each category. Some publishers do require agented submissions. The following list is for reference not recommendation.

Literary Fiction and Nonfiction

1. Arsenal Pulp Press: Focuses on publishing literary fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels by LGBTQ2S+ authors and authors of color.
2. Tiny Ghost Press: Specializes in YA fiction centering LGBTQIA+ characters, offering a platform for diverse voices in literature.
3. Small Town Girl (an imprint from Brother Mockingbird Press): Exclusively publishes fiction and nonfiction set in or about the 80s decade.
4. Blind Eye Books: Publishes science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance novels featuring LGBTQ protagonists.
5. Farrago (an imprint of Duckworth Publishing): Publishes fiction aimed at entertaining readers with humor at its core, spanning various genres except memoirs. UK based. Usually accepts only agented submissions.
6. Double Dagger Books: Toronto-based small press specializing in military and security-focused fiction and nonfiction.
7. Dragonblade: Digital-first publishing house exclusively publishing historical fiction with a focus on romance.
8. Counterpoint Press: Publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry with a focus on literary excellence and cultural relevance. Website: Counterpoint Press
9. Graywolf Press: Known for publishing award-winning fiction, nonfiction, and poetry by diverse voices. Website: Graywolf Press
10. Coffee House Press: Publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with an emphasis on innovative and experimental works. Website: Coffee House Press
11. Europa Editions: Specializes in publishing translated fiction from around the world, as well as international fiction in English. Website: Europa Editions
12. McSweeney's: Publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in innovative formats, including the quarterly literary journal McSweeney's Quarterly Concern. Website: McSweeney's
13. Melville House: Known for publishing literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry with a focus on social justice and political engagement. Website: Melville House
14. Akashic Books: Publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with a particular emphasis on urban and multicultural literature. Website: Akashic Books
15. Tin House Books: Known for publishing literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as the Tin House literary magazine. Website: Tin House Books  
16. Jack Walker Press: We have to mention our mico press parent site. The micro press for adults and children who believe the best realities are Earth, life, and spirit and the best virtual realities are good books. We partner with you to celebrate thoughtful, verdant, and joyful living. The press doesn't accept book proposals, but does publish personal essays withing anthologies. Two new anthologies are in the works.  Website: Jack Walker Press.

Nonfiction Publishers:

1. SmartPop: Actively seeking engaging nonfiction titles on television, books, and film. Open to anthologies and single-author titles, both official and unofficial guides.
2. Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP): Known for high-quality books on various subjects including autism spectrum, social work, arts therapies, mental health, counseling, and gender diversity.
3. Microcosm Publishing: Focuses on nonfiction DIY books centered on self-empowerment, ranging from Magick how-to guides to Punx.
4. Torrey House Press: Interested in well-crafted works exploring environmental themes, particularly those related to public lands and wilderness in the inter-mountain west.
5. Haymarket Books: Publishes manuscripts appealing to progressive and radical political activists, with relevance to academic audiences.
6. Hatherleigh: Nonfiction publisher specializing in health and wellness, fitness, chronic diseases, self-help, sustainability, and green living.
7. Headpress: Focuses on publishing nonfiction covering diverse topics such as cult film, music, pulp literature, conspiracy theories, sex and gender, occult, folklore, and true crime.
8. Chesapeake Press: Small press publishing books and podcasts for kids promoting American democracy.
9. Grub Street: Specializes in nonfiction books on cookery (recipes) and military aviation history.
10. 1517 Publishing: Nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing nonfiction related to Christian theology and teachings.
11. New Village Press: Focuses on transdisciplinary books in urban sociology, community cultural development, and healthy city design, with a mission to promote community building and change-making.
12. Paloma Press: San Francisco Bay Area-based literary press publishing poetry, prose, and limited edition books, with a commitment to promoting diverse voices.
13. Apollo Publishers: Small press focused on publishing timely and topical nonfiction works.
14. Hamilcar Publications: Boston-based nonfiction publisher primarily focused on professional boxing, true crime, hip-hop, and jazz.
15. Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd.: Islamic book publisher established in 1980, publishing a wide range of titles on Islamic topics.
16. Feldheim: Publishes literature aligned with Torah values, focusing on quality works rooted in Jewish teachings.
17. OSV: Multi-channel Catholic organization publishing works of varying lengths.
18. International Press: Publisher focusing on advanced mathematics works by editors or authors with appropriate credentials.

19. Codhill Press: Independent publisher focusing on books for the "serious seeker" with spiritual elements, often rooted in Buddhism.

20.  Linden Publishing, Inc.: Specializes in high-quality woodworking books.

21. Stone Pier Press: Niche publisher focusing on environmental topics with a food focus.

22. Bard Press: Publishes one business book a year, catering to readers seeking actionable solutions in business.

Spiritual Publishers:

23. Sophia Institute Press: Nonprofit publisher focusing on spirituality, theology, and philosophy, with an emphasis on Catholic teachings.

24. Shambhala Publications: Distributes books focused on meditation and spiritual traditions from various cultures.

25. Parallax Press: Nonprofit publisher founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, focusing on Engaged Buddhism and mindful living.

26. Monkfish: Independent press publishing religious, spiritual, and literary books from diverse perspectives.

27. Lantern Publishing & Media: Focuses on promoting veganism, animal rights, humane education, and spirituality through books and media.

  Cautions:

Specialty book publishers offer promising avenues for writers to bring their work to the world, yet it's imperative for aspiring authors to exercise due diligence in finding the right fit. Despite the allure of publication, writers must be vigilant in researching each publisher's reputation, submission guidelines, contractual terms, and distribution channels. Failure to do so may result in unintended consequences such as loss of rights, financial disputes, or mismatched audience expectations. Additionally, aspiring authors should consider seeking professional advice, joining writing communities, and attending industry events to gain insights and network with fellow writers and industry professionals. Even with the best publisher and good sales, books are rarely an avenue to riches. Take precautions, be realistic, and conduct thorough research to mitigate risks and increase chances of finding the perfect publishing partner. Your book is important.