Illinois has long been a hub for writers, publishers, and literary talent. From Chicago’s bustling publishing scene to smaller independent presses across the state, Illinois offers authors a wide range of opportunities to bring their stories to life. Whether you are a new writer looking for your first break or an established author seeking a reliable publishing partner, Illinois has companies that specialize in everything from fiction and nonfiction to academic, children’s books, and self-publishing services.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is known for its strong presence in the publishing industry, supporting authors with professional ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services. The company helps writers across various genres, providing end-to-end support from manuscript development to book launch.
- Focus: Ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support
- Works with: Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and business books
- Strength: Comprehensive author assistance and tailored publishing strategies
2. University of Chicago Press
As one of the most respected academic publishers in the United States, the University of Chicago Press has a long history of producing scholarly works. It also publishes trade books that appeal to general readers.
- Focus: Academic, scholarly, and trade publications
- Works with: Researchers, scholars, and general authors
- Strength: Global reputation and rigorous editorial standards
3. Sourcebooks
Headquartered in Naperville, Sourcebooks is one of the largest independent publishers in the U.S. It publishes across a variety of genres, including children’s books, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
- Focus: Trade publishing for wide audiences
- Works with: Emerging and established authors
- Strength: Diverse catalog and innovative marketing strategies
4. Agate Publishing
Based in Evanston, Agate Publishing is recognized for its strong catalog in business, food writing, and African American culture. The company also has imprints for fiction and young readers.
- Focus: Business, food, cultural studies, and fiction
- Works with: Authors across niche and mainstream markets
- Strength: Specialized imprints and cultural representation
5. Third World Press
Founded in Chicago in 1967, Third World Press is one of the oldest independent Black-owned publishers in the United States. It specializes in works that uplift African American voices.
- Focus: African American literature and cultural works
- Works with: Poets, novelists, and nonfiction authors
- Strength: Legacy of amplifying diverse voices
6. Northwestern University Press
Located in Evanston, this press publishes scholarly works in literature, philosophy, and the humanities. It also has a strong reputation in drama and poetry publishing.
- Focus: Academic and literary works
- Works with: Scholars, playwrights, and poets
- Strength: Award-winning catalog and critical acclaim
7. Chicago Review Press
Chicago Review Press is an independent publisher that focuses on quality nonfiction and children’s books. It is known for its thought-provoking and educational titles.
- Focus: Nonfiction and children’s publishing
- Works with: Authors of history, memoir, and education
- Strength: Engaging nonfiction with strong market appeal
8. Albert Whitman & Company
Based in Park Ridge, Albert Whitman & Company is widely recognized for publishing children’s literature. It is best known for its Boxcar Children series, along with new titles for young readers.
- Focus: Children’s and middle-grade books
- Works with: Children’s authors and illustrators
- Strength: Generational influence in children’s publishing
9. Haymarket Books
Haymarket Books is a progressive nonprofit publisher based in Chicago. It specializes in books on politics, history, and social justice.
- Focus: Progressive and activist literature
- Works with: Scholars, activists, and journalists
- Strength: Strong advocacy and wide readership in social issues
10. ACTA Publications
Founded in Chicago, ACTA Publications publishes books that focus on spirituality, social issues, and inspirational stories.
- Focus: Religion, spirituality, and social themes
- Works with: Inspirational writers and faith-based authors
- Strength: Accessible, community-oriented works
11. Loyola Press
Run by the Jesuits in Chicago, Loyola Press specializes in religious and educational publishing. It produces resources for Catholic readers of all ages.
- Focus: Religious and educational materials
- Works with: Catholic educators, families, and general readers
- Strength: Faith-driven content and wide distribution
12. Featherproof Books
A Chicago-based indie publisher, Featherproof Books is known for quirky, experimental fiction and creative literary works.
- Focus: Independent and experimental fiction
- Works with: Emerging authors and unique voices
- Strength: Bold and unconventional publishing choices
13. Hope and Life Press
Hope and Life Press publishes religious, inspirational, and biographical works with a focus on Christian values.
- Focus: Faith-based and inspirational titles
- Works with: Christian authors and biographers
- Strength: Niche focus and global audience
14. Lake Claremont Press
This independent publisher specializes in books about Chicago history, culture, and local interest topics.
- Focus: Local history and cultural works
- Works with: Historians and local writers
- Strength: Deep Chicago roots and community appeal
15. Allium Press of Chicago
Allium Press publishes fiction set in Chicago and the surrounding Midwest. It has a special focus on mysteries and historical fiction.
- Focus: Regional fiction and mysteries
- Works with: Authors writing about Chicago and Midwest themes
- Strength: Emphasis on local settings and historical accuracy
16. Academy Chicago Publishers
Now an imprint of Chicago Review Press, Academy Chicago Publishers has a tradition of publishing reprints of classic works along with contemporary nonfiction.
- Focus: Classics and modern nonfiction
- Works with: Contemporary and legacy authors
- Strength: Balance of tradition and modern publishing
17. Green Ivy Publishing
Green Ivy Publishing offers publishing services for authors across multiple genres, with an emphasis on supporting first-time writers.
- Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, and self-publishing support
- Works with: New and aspiring authors
- Strength: Author-centered services and mentorship
18. Tortoise Books
A Chicago-based indie publisher, Tortoise Books focuses on literary fiction and short story collections.
- Focus: Literary fiction and anthologies
- Works with: Emerging and independent authors
- Strength: Dedication to high-quality, thoughtful literature
19. Elephant Rock Books
Located in Chicago, Elephant Rock Books is known for its young adult and literary fiction titles.
- Focus: Young adult and general fiction
- Works with: YA writers and novelists
- Strength: Fresh perspectives and youth-centered storytelling
20. World Library Foundation
This organization publishes digital and print editions of classic works, making literature accessible to a wide audience.
- Focus: Classic and public domain works
- Works with: Literary preservation initiatives
- Strength: Global reach and digital accessibility
21. Living Justice Press
Living Justice Press is dedicated to publishing books on social justice, conflict resolution, and peace studies.
- Focus: Justice, conflict transformation, and activism
- Works with: Scholars and peace advocates
- Strength: Niche specialization in conflict resolution
22. Silver Birch Press
Though smaller in scale, Silver Birch Press offers publishing opportunities for poetry, anthologies, and creative works.
- Focus: Poetry and short creative works
- Works with: Emerging poets and essayists
- Strength: Encouragement of diverse literary voices
23. Prickly Paradigm Press
Prickly Paradigm Press publishes short books of social commentary and criticism, often written in an accessible style.
- Focus: Essays and cultural criticism
- Works with: Academics and commentators
- Strength: Sharp, concise works on modern issues
24. University of Illinois Press
This press is a major academic publisher specializing in history, music, and cultural studies.
- Focus: Academic publishing
- Works with: Scholars and researchers
- Strength: Scholarly credibility and strong academic distribution
25. Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company
Founded in 1886, this historic publisher in Chicago is known for its radical and labor movement literature.
- Focus: Labor, socialism, and radical thought
- Works with: Historians, activists, and political writers
- Strength: Historic legacy and progressive vision
26. Dalkey Archive Press
Now based in Illinois, Dalkey Archive Press is a highly respected publisher of experimental and translated literature.
- Focus: Literary fiction and translations
- Works with: International and experimental authors
- Strength: Global reputation and unique catalog
27. Seminary Co-op Offsets
Associated with Chicago’s famous Seminary Co-op Bookstore, this publisher focuses on academic and intellectual titles.
- Focus: Scholarly and intellectual works
- Works with: Academics and independent thinkers
- Strength: Deep ties to Chicago’s literary culture
28. Open Books Publishing
Open Books Publishing is part of a nonprofit literacy organization that produces works supporting reading initiatives in Chicago.
- Focus: Literacy and community publishing
- Works with: Local authors and educators
- Strength: Mission-driven and literacy focused
29. Candlewick Midwest Office (Chicago)
While Candlewick is a larger national publisher, its Chicago office supports children’s book development and distribution in the Midwest.
- Focus: Children’s literature
- Works with: Children’s authors and illustrators
- Strength: National recognition with regional influence
30. Poetry Foundation Publications
The Poetry Foundation in Chicago publishes works that support its mission to promote poetry.
- Focus: Poetry publishing
- Works with: Contemporary poets
- Strength: Global influence and literary prestige
31. Brown Books Publishing Group Midwest Division
This branch helps authors across Illinois publish a wide range of works, including memoirs, fiction, and business books.
- Focus: Wide-ranging publishing services
- Works with: First-time and experienced authors
- Strength: Author-focused and service-oriented
32. Hopewell Publications
Hopewell Publications publishes fiction, memoirs, and works of cultural interest, with a presence in the Midwest literary scene.
- Focus: Fiction and memoirs
- Works with: Independent authors
- Strength: Emphasis on personal storytelling
33. Sidebrow Books
This small press is known for experimental fiction and poetry, often with collaborative or cross-genre approaches.
- Focus: Innovative fiction and poetry
- Works with: Creative authors
- Strength: Risk-taking and literary experimentation
34. DePaul University Press
Connected with DePaul University in Chicago, this press supports scholarly works in the humanities and social sciences.
- Focus: Academic publishing
- Works with: Scholars and educators
- Strength: University-backed credibility
35. Woman Made Gallery Press
This press focuses on works by women writers and artists, supporting feminist and diverse perspectives.
- Focus: Women’s literature and art
- Works with: Female authors and poets
- Strength: Advocacy for women’s voices in literature
36. Carus Publishing
Carus Publishing, based in Illinois, is best known for producing children’s magazines and educational resources alongside books.
- Focus: Educational and children’s literature
- Works with: Children’s authors and educators
- Strength: Longstanding reputation in educational publishing
37. Arcadia Publishing – Illinois Division
Arcadia Publishing is famous for its local history books, and its Illinois branch produces numerous community-focused titles.
- Focus: Local and historical works
- Works with: Historians and community writers
- Strength: Strong emphasis on preserving local heritage
38. Scholastic Midwest Distribution Center
Scholastic’s Illinois branch handles publishing and distribution for children’s books, supporting a wide network of schools and libraries.
- Focus: Children’s and educational books
- Works with: Teachers, schools, and young authors
- Strength: International reputation and classroom presence
Conclusion
Illinois is home to a diverse mix of publishing companies, from academic presses and children’s book publishers to independent and socially driven imprints. Whether you’re an emerging author or an experienced writer, these 38 publishers offer opportunities to bring your story to readers locally and globally. The key is to match your genre and publishing goals with the company that best aligns with your vision.
FAQs
Q: What types of books are published in Illinois?
A: Illinois publishers handle everything from academic research and children’s literature to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Q: Can new authors find opportunities with Illinois publishers?
A: Yes, many independent and mid-sized publishers in Illinois welcome new and emerging writers.
Q: Are there religious and academic publishers in Illinois?
A: Absolutely—Illinois has strong academic presses and religious publishers like Loyola Press and University of Chicago Press.
Q: Do Illinois publishers work with self-publishing authors?
A: Some, like Green Ivy Publishing, offer services tailored for self-publishing writers.
Q: Is Chicago the main publishing hub in Illinois?
A: Yes, most of the state’s largest and most recognized publishers are based in Chicago
