Vermont, often celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, is also home to a thriving literary scene. While the state may be small in size, it has a strong community of writers, publishers, and literary organizations that contribute to the preservation of storytelling and the growth of new voices. From independent presses and regional publishers to agencies offering comprehensive book services, Vermont provides authors with diverse opportunities to share their work with the world.
This article highlights the top 28 book publishing companies in Vermont for 2025, showcasing a variety of publishers that range from established presses to innovative publishing service providers.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is known for its versatile approach to book publishing. Although primarily recognized for its ghostwriting services, the company has expanded into full-scale publishing, offering authors editorial support, design expertise, and strategic marketing guidance.
- Focus: Works across fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and business books.
- Strength: Provides a complete publishing journey from manuscript creation to distribution.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Barnett Ghostwriting bridges the gap between writing and publishing, ensuring authors have access to high-quality professional services.
2. Green Writers Press
Based in Brattleboro, Green Writers Press is a well-regarded publisher with a mission rooted in sustainability and environmental awareness.
- Focus: Literature that promotes environmental consciousness, social justice, and local culture.
- Strength: Dedicated to using eco-friendly printing and materials.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: The press aligns with Vermont’s values of sustainability while offering a platform for voices that advocate positive change.
3. Vermont Press
Vermont Press focuses on regional titles that highlight the state’s history, culture, and community. It serves as a significant outlet for writers passionate about sharing local stories.
- Focus: Regional history, cultural studies, and Vermont-inspired works.
- Strength: Deep local engagement and distribution within the state.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Writers find a home for works that preserve Vermont’s identity and heritage.
4. Chelsea Green Publishing
Located in White River Junction, Chelsea Green is one of Vermont’s most prominent publishing houses.
- Focus: Specializes in sustainable living, ecological topics, and social change.
- Strength: Internationally recognized for authoritative works in environmental literature.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Chelsea Green combines global reach with a commitment to empowering local authors writing on crucial issues.
5. Rootstock Publishing
Rootstock Publishing provides both traditional and hybrid publishing models, making it an appealing option for a broad range of authors.
- Focus: Fiction, memoir, poetry, and socially conscious non-fiction.
- Strength: Offers personalized guidance and modern publishing approaches.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Flexibility in publishing models gives authors more control over their work.
6. Northshire Book Press
Connected to the independent Northshire Bookstore, this press supports local writers in developing and publishing their books.
- Focus: Regional works, fiction, and memoirs.
- Strength: Integrated with a bookstore for better local distribution.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Authors benefit from both publishing support and retail visibility.
7. Tupelo Press
Although operating nationally, Tupelo Press maintains a strong presence in Vermont’s literary ecosystem.
- Focus: Poetry and literary fiction.
- Strength: Recognized for nurturing emerging voices in contemporary literature.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Poets and literary authors find an esteemed platform for their work.
8. Onion River Press
Onion River Press operates as the community publishing arm of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier.
- Focus: Local authors and community-driven projects.
- Strength: Encourages self-publishing with supportive resources.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Provides an accessible, community-centered publishing model.
9. New England Review Press
Associated with the New England Review, this press offers publishing opportunities for works that align with its literary focus.
- Focus: Literary fiction, essays, and poetry.
- Strength: Connected to a respected literary magazine.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Writers gain credibility by working with a press linked to a well-regarded journal.
10. Vermont Historical Society Press
The Vermont Historical Society Press is dedicated to preserving the state’s history through carefully curated publications.
- Focus: Vermont history, biographies, and local research.
- Strength: Provides scholarly resources and community heritage titles.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: A natural fit for historians and writers focused on Vermont’s past.
11. Bear Pond Books Press
Bear Pond Books, a beloved independent bookstore in Montpelier, has expanded into publishing to support local writers.
- Focus: Fiction, children’s books, and Vermont-themed works.
- Strength: Offers community-driven publishing with retail backing.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Authors benefit from close connections to Vermont’s readers.
12. Honeybee Press
Honeybee Press emphasizes creative works that reflect Vermont’s artistry.
- Focus: Poetry, art books, and creative projects.
- Strength: Small press dedicated to unique, artistic voices.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Provides an intimate space for creative publishing.
13. Champlain Books
Champlain Books serves regional authors with a variety of genres, from fiction to history.
- Focus: Regional storytelling and local literature.
- Strength: Emphasis on capturing the Champlain Valley’s cultural identity.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Writers find a supportive publisher focused on Vermont’s unique setting.
14. Middlebury College Press
As part of Middlebury College’s literary efforts, this press supports academic and literary works.
- Focus: Academic publishing, literature, and cultural studies.
- Strength: Backed by a respected academic institution.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Authors gain credibility and access to academic circles.
15. Sundog Poetry Center Press
Sundog Poetry Center works to nurture Vermont’s poetic voices through workshops and publishing opportunities.
- Focus: Poetry collections and anthologies.
- Strength: Strong network of poets and readers in Vermont.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Ideal for poets seeking publication in their home state.
16. Catamount Press
Catamount Press is known for its focus on local authors and Vermont-based stories.
- Focus: Fiction, non-fiction, and regional works.
- Strength: Encourages Vermont-centered narratives.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Strong local branding appeals to regional writers.
17. Brattleboro Literary Press
This small press focuses on bringing literary works from Brattleboro and beyond into print.
- Focus: Fiction, essays, and poetry.
- Strength: Emphasis on literary quality and local roots.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Writers find opportunities in a supportive, literature-first environment.
18. Stone Lantern Press
Stone Lantern Press brings together history, memoirs, and cultural works with a Vermont connection.
- Focus: Historical narratives and memoirs.
- Strength: Focused editorial support for non-fiction authors.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Especially suited for memoirists and historians.
19. Goose Lake Press
Goose Lake Press specializes in creative works that reflect Vermont’s landscapes and culture.
- Focus: Fiction, poetry, and regional art books.
- Strength: Captures the natural beauty of Vermont in literature.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Provides an outlet for works inspired by Vermont’s environment.
20. Maple Leaf Press
Maple Leaf Press takes pride in publishing works that emphasize New England culture.
- Focus: Regional culture, children’s books, and local history.
- Strength: Creates family-friendly works with a Vermont touch.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Ideal for authors writing about community and tradition.
21. White River Valley Press
This publisher serves authors in the White River Valley and beyond.
- Focus: Local authors, fiction, and non-fiction.
- Strength: Community-centered publishing ethos.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Offers a supportive platform for first-time authors.
22. Snowfall Press
Snowfall Press publishes works inspired by New England’s natural world and seasonal traditions.
- Focus: Fiction, memoirs, and poetry.
- Strength: Known for visually beautiful book designs.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Creative writers find a strong aesthetic partner.
23. Moose Hill Press
Moose Hill Press focuses on outdoor themes and regional adventure literature.
- Focus: Outdoor writing, adventure memoirs, and nature books.
- Strength: Taps into Vermont’s outdoor culture.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Perfect for writers passionate about the outdoors.
24. Riverbend Publishing
Riverbend Publishing has a small but meaningful presence in Vermont’s publishing scene.
- Focus: Fiction and non-fiction with a community focus.
- Strength: Strong editing and design support.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Authors value their commitment to quality.
25. Northeast Kingdom Press
Based in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, this press emphasizes rural voices and unique perspectives.
- Focus: Rural literature, regional non-fiction, and personal stories.
- Strength: Highlights underrepresented voices from the Northeast Kingdom.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Provides a voice to rural authors often overlooked.
26. Echo Lake Press
Echo Lake Press blends literary publishing with regional storytelling.
- Focus: Fiction, essays, and Vermont history.
- Strength: Highlights unique local stories with literary merit.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Appeals to authors balancing storytelling with cultural preservation.
27. Mountain View Press
Mountain View Press publishes works that celebrate Vermont’s landscapes and people.
- Focus: Outdoor writing, regional poetry, and fiction.
- Strength: Strong visual themes tied to Vermont’s scenery.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Writers find a natural fit for works about place and environment.
28. Silver Birch Press Vermont
Silver Birch Press has an imprint in Vermont, contributing to the local literary scene.
- Focus: Poetry, short stories, and anthologies.
- Strength: Collaborative projects with writers across New England.
- Why Vermont Authors Choose Them: Great for authors seeking inclusion in anthologies or collaborative works.
Estimated Publishing Costs in Vermont (2025)
Publishing in Vermont varies depending on the press, whether it’s traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing services. Below is a general breakdown of average costs authors may encounter:
| Service | Average Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Manuscript Editing (per word) | $0.02 – $0.08 | Developmental and line editing are on the higher end; proofreading is lower. |
| Book Cover Design | $300 – $1,500 | Professional custom designs cost more than template-based covers. |
| Interior Formatting (Print + eBook) | $250 – $1,000 | Depends on complexity (e.g., images, charts, or unique layouts). |
| ISBN Registration | $125 – $295 | For one ISBN; bundles reduce cost. |
| Full Hybrid Publishing Package | $3,000 – $8,000 | Covers editing, design, distribution, and basic marketing. |
| Marketing & Promotion | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Ranges from basic campaigns to large-scale media outreach. |
| Printing (per copy) | $3 – $10 | Based on size, binding, and color vs. black-and-white. |
Conclusion
Vermont may be small, but its publishing landscape is rich, diverse, and deeply connected to the region’s culture, environment, and sense of community. From Barnett Ghostwriting’s full-service model to Chelsea Green’s global impact and the grassroots efforts of smaller local presses, the state offers authors countless paths to see their work in print. Whether an author is seeking traditional publication, hybrid models, or community-driven projects, Vermont’s publishers in 2025 demonstrate that the Green Mountain State is an inspiring place to create and share literature.
FAQs
Q: How can I make my book a bestseller in Vermont?
Focus on strong marketing, professional editing, and building local and online readership.
Q: Is hybrid publishing a good choice for Vermont authors?
Yes, it balances professional support with author control, though it requires an upfront investment.
Q: Do Vermont publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts?
Some do, especially smaller independent presses, while larger ones often prefer agented submissions.
Q: What genres are most popular with Vermont publishers?
Regional history, environmental topics, poetry, and literary fiction are especially well-received.
Q: How long does it usually take to publish a book in Vermont?
Timelines range from 6 months with hybrid publishers to 1–2 years with traditional presses.
