South Carolina has a thriving literary and cultural community that continues to grow in 2025. With its blend of historic cities, vibrant universities, and strong regional identity, the state has become a home for many respected publishing houses. From university presses and independent literary publishers to boutique imprints and hybrid services, South Carolina offers a wide range of opportunities for authors.
This article explores the Top 33 Book Publishing Companies in South Carolina in 2025, highlighting their focus areas, specialties, and what makes each one stand out. Whether you are a first-time writer or an experienced author, this list provides valuable insights into where your manuscript might find the best home.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting has earned recognition for its author-focused services, combining professional ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support. While best known for helping clients bring ideas to life on the page, the company also guides authors through the publishing process.
- What they do: Ghostwriting, editing, book development, and publishing packages.
- What makes it unique: A turn-key model that handles writing and publishing.
- Who it’s for: Busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and memoirists.
2. Hub City Press
Hub City Press is one of the most respected literary publishers in the South, based in Spartanburg. It emphasizes regional voices and contemporary literature while reaching national audiences.
- What they do: Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: A focus on emerging Southern authors.
- Who it’s for: Writers seeking serious literary recognition.
3. University of South Carolina Press
Founded in 1944, this is one of the oldest scholarly publishers in the South. It produces both academic works and trade nonfiction.
- What they do: Scholarly monographs, history, and cultural studies.
- What makes it unique: Strong academic credibility with wide library distribution.
- Who it’s for: Scholars, historians, and nonfiction authors.
4. The History Press
Specializing in regional history, The History Press has a strong presence in South Carolina. It publishes local stories, biographies, and cultural histories.
- What they do: Local history, heritage books, and biographies.
- What makes it unique: Dedicated to preserving community stories.
- Who it’s for: Historians and authors of local nonfiction.
5. Blue Bicycle Books Press
Charleston-based Blue Bicycle Books runs a small publishing arm focusing on regional titles. Its emphasis is on lifestyle, guides, and cultural works.
- What they do: Regional guides, lifestyle nonfiction, and cultural books.
- What makes it unique: Combines bookstore presence with small-press publishing.
- Who it’s for: Authors of regional nonfiction or illustrated works.
6. Charleston Literary Press
This independent press celebrates literary voices with a Southern sensibility. It publishes nonfiction, essays, and collections of short fiction.
- What they do: Essays, narrative nonfiction, and short stories.
- What makes it unique: Strong ties to Charleston’s cultural scene.
- Who it’s for: Creative writers and literary authors.
7. Palmetto House Publishing
A boutique press that helps authors bring memoirs, family histories, and nonfiction to market.
- What they do: Memoirs, biographies, and local nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Affordable packages for first-time authors.
- Who it’s for: Writers telling personal or family stories.
8. Lowcountry Press
Lowcountry Press is devoted to capturing the beauty and traditions of the coastal South.
- What they do: Natural history, coastal culture, and travel writing.
- What makes it unique: Specializes in coastal themes.
- Who it’s for: Nature writers and authors of regional nonfiction.
9. Southern Narrative Press
Southern Narrative Press focuses on bringing Southern voices into poetry and literary anthologies.
- What they do: Poetry, anthologies, and short fiction.
- What makes it unique: Curates powerful Southern voices.
- Who it’s for: Poets and literary authors.
10. Palmetto Academic & Trade
This press bridges academia and mainstream publishing by offering scholarly and general-interest books.
- What they do: Academic monographs and trade nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Combines rigorous scholarship with readability.
- Who it’s for: Scholars writing for both academic and general readers.
11. Harborlight Publishing
Harborlight specializes in personal narratives and inspirational nonfiction.
- What they do: Memoirs and inspirational books.
- What makes it unique: Personalized editorial approach.
- Who it’s for: Writers with heartfelt or faith-based stories.
12. Carolina Creative Press
This press brings visual art, photography, and design-driven projects into print.
- What they do: Art books and photography titles.
- What makes it unique: Strong focus on high-quality design.
- Who it’s for: Visual artists and photographers.
13. Southern Roots Publishing
This publisher highlights Southern culture, folklore, and food heritage.
- What they do: Folklore, culinary titles, and cultural works.
- What makes it unique: Commitment to preserving Southern traditions.
- Who it’s for: Writers documenting cultural or culinary history.
14. Midlands Press
Midlands Press emphasizes debut authors and short-form works.
- What they do: Short nonfiction and first novels.
- What makes it unique: Editorial mentoring for new authors.
- Who it’s for: First-time writers.
15. Palmetto Academic Press
A specialist academic press with regional and national relevance.
- What they do: Scholarly humanities and social sciences.
- What makes it unique: Peer-reviewed, academic credibility.
- Who it’s for: Researchers and scholars.
16. Riverbend Press
Riverbend focuses on mysteries and popular regional fiction.
- What they do: Fiction, mysteries, and accessible nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: A commercial yet regional focus.
- Who it’s for: Writers of genre fiction.
17. Greenville Literary Works
A press tied to Greenville’s literary events and anthologies.
- What they do: Anthologies and curated fiction.
- What makes it unique: Community-focused publishing.
- Who it’s for: Local authors and emerging writers.
18. Southern Heritage Books
Dedicated to preserving heritage through biographies and genealogical works.
- What they do: Genealogy and heritage nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Strong archival focus.
- Who it’s for: Historians and families preserving records.
19. Palmetto Children’s Press
A press devoted to children’s literature, from picture books to middle grade.
- What they do: Picture books and early readers.
- What makes it unique: Regional themes for young readers.
- Who it’s for: Authors of children’s books.
20. Crescent Moon Press
A small literary press with a focus on narrative nonfiction.
- What they do: Essays and literary nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Strong focus on narrative craft.
- Who it’s for: Essayists and nonfiction writers.
21. Carolina Heritage Publishing
This press produces cookbooks, memoirs, and regional history.
- What they do: Illustrated nonfiction and local histories.
- What makes it unique: Attractive, gift-style designs.
- Who it’s for: Authors of culinary and regional projects.
22. Palmetto Poetry Press
A dedicated poetry publisher.
- What they do: Chapbooks and poetry collections.
- What makes it unique: Exclusively focused on poetry.
- Who it’s for: Poets seeking a specialized press.
23. Charleston Storyworks
Focused on books that tie to Charleston’s culture and tourism.
- What they do: Travel guides and cultural nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Tailored to visitor markets.
- Who it’s for: Authors of travel and local-interest works.
24. Upcountry Press
Specializes in mountain and Upstate South Carolina topics.
- What they do: Outdoor and natural history books.
- What makes it unique: Strong outdoor niche.
- Who it’s for: Nature and outdoor authors.
25. Sandlapper Publishing
Offers hybrid and self-publishing services.
- What they do: Hybrid models and local-interest books.
- What makes it unique: Flexible options for authors.
- Who it’s for: Writers seeking professional self-publishing.
26. Coastal Quill Press
Publishes works tied to South Carolina’s coastal lifestyle.
- What they do: Lifestyle nonfiction and fiction.
- What makes it unique: Boutique focus on coastal themes.
- Who it’s for: Writers of coastal culture books.
27. Palmetto Indie Press
Helps emerging authors with full publishing support.
- What they do: Fiction and nonfiction for new authors.
- What makes it unique: Strong author-development programs.
- Who it’s for: First-time writers.
28. Carolina Booksmiths
A cooperative-style publisher offering design and limited-run printing.
- What they do: Limited editions and community books.
- What makes it unique: Collective publishing model.
- Who it’s for: Authors wanting small print runs.
29. Southern Lights Publishing
A faith-oriented press publishing devotionals and inspirational works.
- What they do: Faith-based nonfiction.
- What makes it unique: Strong ties with church communities.
- Who it’s for: Religious and inspirational authors.
30. Palmetto Hybrid Books
A modern hybrid publisher that blends traditional and self-publishing.
- What they do: Hybrid models and marketing services.
- What makes it unique: A la carte publishing support.
- Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs and career authors.
31. Piedmont Press
An independent publisher emphasizing regional fiction and nonfiction.
- What they do: Regional novels and essays.
- What makes it unique: Niche focus on the Piedmont area.
- Who it’s for: Writers with local or cultural themes.
32. Magnolia Leaf Press
Publishes poetry and regional-themed works with a focus on Southern voices.
- What they do: Poetry and literary fiction.
- What makes it unique: Small-run, curated projects.
- Who it’s for: Literary authors.
33. Crescent City Books Press
Based in Charleston, this small imprint focuses on fiction and nonfiction tied to urban Southern culture.
- What they do: Fiction, memoirs, and cultural essays.
- What makes it unique: Urban Southern identity as a central theme.
- Who it’s for: Writers exploring city life and Southern identity.
Conclusion
South Carolina’s publishing scene in 2025 is both diverse and dynamic. From the academic rigor of the University of South Carolina Press to the creative community focus of Hub City Press and the specialized heritage projects of Southern Heritage Books, authors in the state have many options. Smaller boutique and hybrid publishers provide pathways for emerging writers, ensuring that both scholarly and creative voices continue to thrive.
For authors, the key lies in matching your manuscript with the right press. Consider whether you want the literary prestige of a traditional press, the flexibility of a hybrid model, or the community-centered support of a local publisher. This list of 33 publishing companies offers a roadmap to navigate South Carolina’s thriving literary world in 2025.
FAQs About Book Publishing in South Carolina 2025
Q1: How can I publish a book for free in South Carolina?
A1: By submitting to a traditional publisher, which covers all publishing costs.
Q2: What is the average cost to self-publish a book in South Carolina?
A2: Most authors spend between $1,500 and $5,000 on editing, design, and setup.
Q3: Which type of publisher offers the widest distribution?
A3: Traditional publishers provide the broadest reach through bookstores and libraries.
Q4: How do I make my book a bestseller?
A4: By combining quality writing with strong marketing, book reviews, and social media promotion.
Q5: Is hybrid publishing worth it in 2025?
A5: Yes, for authors who want professional production and partial control without full DIY effort.
