Seattle has always been more than just a hub for technology and coffee culture—it’s a city with a rich literary heritage. From world-renowned university presses to independent houses focusing on niche genres, Seattle’s publishing scene is both diverse and dynamic. Authors in 2025 have an impressive array of options in the city, ranging from academic presses to children’s imprints, graphic novel specialists, and full-service author partners. This article explores the top 25 book publishing companies in Seattle, each contributing in its own way to the cultural and literary fabric of the Pacific Northwest.

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting is recognized as a comprehensive publishing and writing partner. Based in Seattle, it provides authors with services that go beyond ghostwriting, including editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. While not a traditional press, Barnett operates in a hybrid publishing capacity, offering tailored packages to help writers bring their manuscripts from idea to shelf.

• Focus: Ghostwriting, editorial development, hybrid publishing solutions.

• Strengths: End-to-end author support with customized services.

• Ideal For: Writers who want collaborative involvement in the publishing journey.

2. Sasquatch Books

One of Seattle’s most prominent trade publishers, Sasquatch Books focuses on regional nonfiction, cookbooks, nature writing, and children’s titles through its Little Bigfoot imprint. It has built a strong reputation for celebrating the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

• Focus: Lifestyle, cooking, children’s literature, and Pacific Northwest culture.

• Strengths: Wide bookstore distribution and strong brand recognition.

• Ideal For: Authors writing about regional interests or lifestyle topics.

3. University of Washington Press

As the oldest and largest publisher in the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington Press produces academic works as well as trade titles. Its catalog emphasizes history, cultural studies, anthropology, and environmental issues, many of which highlight the Pacific Rim and Indigenous voices.

• Focus: Scholarly works, history, cultural and environmental studies.

• Strengths: Academic credibility and international reach.

• Ideal For: Scholars, researchers, and nonfiction authors with rigorous projects.

4. Mountaineers Books

Mountaineers Books is a nonprofit publisher with a mission to inspire people to explore and protect the outdoors. It produces guidebooks, memoirs, and environmental narratives tied closely to outdoor life.

• Focus: Outdoor adventure, conservation, and natural history.

• Strengths: Strong ties with outdoor communities and environmental groups.

• Ideal For: Authors specializing in nature, climbing, and outdoor skills.

5. Fantagraphics Books

Fantagraphics is a world-renowned independent publisher of comics and graphic novels. Since the 1970s, it has shaped the landscape of graphic literature, publishing groundbreaking works by alternative cartoonists.

• Focus: Comics, graphic novels, alternative art.

• Strengths: Global reputation and cult following.

• Ideal For: Graphic artists and authors pushing visual storytelling boundaries.

6. Black Heron Press

Black Heron Press has carved out a niche in literary fiction and memoir. Its books often lean toward thoughtful, carefully crafted prose and it publishes a small but consistent list.

• Focus: Literary fiction, memoir, and select nonfiction.

• Strengths: Personal editorial relationships and boutique publishing style.

• Ideal For: Writers of serious fiction seeking close editorial collaboration.

7. Chin Music Press

Known for its emphasis on cross-cultural and international voices, Chin Music Press publishes works that bridge the Pacific Northwest with Asia. Its books are also noted for high-quality design and production values.

• Focus: Cross-cultural narratives, translations, and creative nonfiction.

• Strengths: Strong design aesthetics and unique catalog.

• Ideal For: Writers exploring Asian-American or Pacific Rim cultural themes.

8. Pear Press

Pear Press is a small publisher producing carefully selected nonfiction and children’s books. It gained attention for publishing Brain Rules by John Medina, which became a bestseller.

• Focus: Nonfiction, education, science communication, children’s books.

• Strengths: Selective publishing with high-impact titles.

• Ideal For: Authors of science-based or educational nonfiction.

9. Bennett & Hastings Publishing

This small independent press in Seattle handles both traditional and assisted publishing projects. It has built a reputation for working with local authors and producing books with regional themes.

• Focus: Regional nonfiction, memoir, and custom projects.

• Strengths: Flexibility and local author support.

• Ideal For: Writers seeking a smaller press with hands-on service.

10. Epicenter Press

Although technically based in Washington State beyond Seattle proper, Epicenter Press plays an important role in publishing works about Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Its titles often blend adventure with regional history.

• Focus: Alaska and Northwest history, biography, and adventure.

• Strengths: Niche expertise in northern narratives.

• Ideal For: Authors writing about wilderness, history, or regional culture.

11. Parenting Press

Parenting Press publishes practical guides for parents, caregivers, and educators. With a focus on family life and child development, its catalog provides resources that are widely used in schools and homes.

• Focus: Parenting, child development, education.

• Strengths: Practical resources with clear applications.

• Ideal For: Authors in child psychology, education, or parenting fields.

12. Martingale & Company

Located in Bothell, within the Seattle metro area, Martingale is known for craft and quilting books. Its titles reach a national audience of hobbyists and professionals in creative crafts.

• Focus: Quilting, crafts, and how-to guides.

• Strengths: Specialized niche with strong following.

• Ideal For: Authors with expertise in crafting or visual guides.

13. Two Sylvias Press

Two Sylvias Press is an innovative independent publisher focusing on poetry, anthologies, and creative nonfiction. It has embraced digital innovation while maintaining a strong print presence.

• Focus: Poetry, memoir, anthologies, craft books.

• Strengths: Progressive publishing model with strong community ties.

• Ideal For: Poets and memoirists.

14. Minor Arcana Press

This small press in Seattle is dedicated to poetry, chapbooks, and experimental works. It often collaborates with local literary communities.

• Focus: Poetry, experimental writing, limited editions.

• Strengths: Grassroots connections and artistic independence.

• Ideal For: Emerging poets and avant-garde writers.

15. Red Hen Press (Seattle branch projects)

Though headquartered in California, Red Hen Press maintains active projects in Seattle, supporting local authors and events. Its catalog covers literary fiction, poetry, and essays.

• Focus: Literary fiction, poetry, essays.

• Strengths: National recognition with Seattle ties.

• Ideal For: Writers looking for wider distribution but local connection.

16. Empty Bowl Press

Founded in Port Townsend but closely tied to Seattle’s literary ecosystem, Empty Bowl focuses on environmental writing, poetry, and regional voices.

• Focus: Poetry, environmental themes, Northwest literature.

• Strengths: Legacy of regional literary activism.

• Ideal For: Authors aligned with environmental and social issues.

17. Raven Chronicles Press

This nonprofit multicultural press publishes anthologies and works highlighting diverse voices. It emphasizes inclusivity and representation in literature.

• Focus: Multicultural anthologies, poetry, fiction.

• Strengths: Commitment to diversity and equity.

• Ideal For: Authors from underrepresented backgrounds.

18. Floating Bridge Press

Floating Bridge Press is dedicated to poetry, especially chapbooks by Washington State authors. It provides an entry point for emerging poets in the region.

• Focus: Poetry chapbooks, regional authors.

• Strengths: Regional identity and poet support.

• Ideal For: Local poets seeking first publications.

19. Grey Spider Press

This independent small press produces limited-run fiction and nonfiction titles with strong literary themes.

• Focus: Fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction.

• Strengths: Small, carefully curated list.

• Ideal For: Writers seeking intimate collaboration with a micropress.

20. Blue Begonia Press

While based in Washington State more broadly, Blue Begonia has close ties with Seattle poets and communities. Its catalog features poetry and local anthologies.

• Focus: Poetry and regional anthologies.

• Strengths: Deep roots in the state’s poetry community.

• Ideal For: Poets and essayists.

21. Chinook Press

Chinook Press produces regional titles, focusing on Northwest history, environment, and folklore.

• Focus: Regional nonfiction and cultural narratives.

• Strengths: Emphasis on local heritage.

• Ideal For: Authors writing about the Northwest’s unique traditions.

22. Copper Canyon Press (Seattle collaborations)

Though headquartered in Port Townsend, Copper Canyon maintains connections with Seattle literary circles. It is one of the most respected poetry publishers in the United States.

• Focus: Poetry.

• Strengths: Internationally recognized quality.

• Ideal For: Poets with strong manuscripts seeking literary prestige.

23. Minor Matters Books

This collaborative publishing platform based in Seattle specializes in art, photography, and design books, often involving community pre-orders to support production.

• Focus: Art, photography, design.

• Strengths: Innovative community-supported publishing model.

• Ideal For: Visual artists and photographers.

24. Stormbird Press (Seattle partnerships)

Stormbird Press, though internationally connected, partners with Seattle’s activist and literary communities. It focuses on environmental and animal rights themes.

• Focus: Environmental advocacy, animal welfare.

• Strengths: Mission-driven publishing.

• Ideal For: Authors working on advocacy-driven projects.

25. Greywolf Press (regional projects in Seattle)

Though primarily based in Minnesota, Graywolf Press often collaborates with Seattle authors and hosts events in the city. It has become one of the leading independent literary publishers in the U.S.

• Focus: Literary fiction, essays, poetry.

• Strengths: Award-winning catalog and broad national distribution.

• Ideal For: Writers of literary works with national ambitions.

Cost Comparison of Publishing Services in Seattle (2025)

Publishing costs vary widely depending on whether you work with a traditional publisher, a hybrid service provider, or self-publish independently. The ranges below reflect average prices authors in Seattle can expect in 2025 when seeking professional assistance.

Service	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Manuscript Editing	$1,200 – $4,500	Developmental editing costs more than copyediting or proofreading.
Book Cover Design	$500 – $2,000	Custom illustrated covers are at the higher end; template-based designs cost less.
Interior Formatting & Layout	$400 – $1,500	Prices vary depending on complexity, images, and whether the book is print + eBook.
ISBN & Registration	$125 – $295 per ISBN	Each format (print, eBook, audiobook) requires its own ISBN in the U.S.
Printing (per copy, 200–300 pages)	$3 – $6 (paperback), $7 – $12 (hardcover)	On-demand printing costs more per unit but avoids large upfront investments.
Marketing & Promotion Packages	$1,500 – $10,000+	Includes book launch campaigns, press releases, social media management, and PR outreach.
Ghostwriting (per book)	$15,000 – $50,000+	Costs vary by word count, complexity, and level of research.
Distribution Setup	$100 – $500	Fees for placing books in online retail systems or aggregator platforms.

 

Final Thoughts

Seattle’s publishing industry in 2025 reflects the city’s spirit: creative, diverse, and deeply connected to place. Authors here can choose between globally recognized presses, university-backed scholarship, niche independent houses, and hybrid service providers. Whether your manuscript is a scholarly monograph, a climbing memoir, a poetry chapbook, or a graphic novel, Seattle offers a publishing home that aligns with your vision.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to publish a book in Seattle?
   On average, $3,000–$8,000 for editing, design, and marketing if self-publishing or using hybrid services.
2. Can I find traditional publishers in Seattle who accept unsolicited manuscripts?
   Yes, some independent presses like Chin Music Press or Raven Chronicles consider direct submissions, but larger houses usually require an agent.
3. How do I publish my book on Kindle?
   You can self-publish through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon’s free platform for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks.
4. Which Seattle publishers focus on poetry?
   Two Sylvias Press, Floating Bridge Press, and Minor Arcana Press are well-known for publishing poetry.
5. Do publishers in Seattle handle book marketing?
   Some offer marketing support, but many authors invest in additional promotional packages to maximize visibility.