Though Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, its contribution to literature and publishing is significant. Authors here benefit from a unique mix of independent presses, university publishers, hybrid models, and community-driven imprints that highlight both local culture and global themes. From traditional print houses to boutique publishers specializing in poetry, children’s books, and regional history, Rhode Island’s publishing scene in 2025 reflects creativity, diversity, and adaptability to the modern book market.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting operates as a publishing partner and author-services agency, supporting writers in developing manuscripts, editing, and preparing books for print and digital release. It has gained recognition for assisting authors across nonfiction and fiction genres.
- Type: Ghostwriting & hybrid publishing services
- Focus: Memoir, nonfiction, fiction, business books
- Strengths: End-to-end manuscript development and distribution
2. Providence House Publishing
This press focuses on literary fiction and poetry from Rhode Island and New England authors, helping preserve and amplify regional voices.
- Type: Independent small press
- Focus: Fiction, poetry, short stories
- Strengths: Local author promotion, strong literary catalog
3. Narragansett Press
Narragansett Press specializes in nonfiction and stories tied to the state’s cultural and maritime history.
- Type: Independent trade press
- Focus: Regional history, memoir, cultural essays
- Strengths: Local research and historical preservation
4. Ocean State Books
A boutique publisher offering both traditional publishing and print-on-demand, Ocean State Books is known for flexible services for local writers.
- Type: Boutique / POD hybrid
- Focus: Memoir, children’s books, regional nonfiction
- Strengths: Flexible printing and community-focused
5. Blue Harbor Press
Blue Harbor Press produces visually rich titles, with a reputation for children’s literature, art books, and photography volumes.
- Type: Illustrated small press
- Focus: Children’s books, art, photography
- Strengths: High design and production quality
6. Providence Athenaeum Press
Linked with Rhode Island’s historic institutions, this press focuses on reprints, limited editions, and works with cultural value.
- Type: Institutional press
- Focus: Archival reprints, cultural nonfiction
- Strengths: Heritage and preservation publishing
7. East Bay Literary Works
This press provides a platform for debut authors while also offering mentoring and literary community programs.
- Type: Community press
- Focus: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction
- Strengths: Developmental support for emerging voices
8. Cranston Creative Press
Cranston Creative Press blends literary and commercial projects, often working closely with independent authors.
- Type: Hybrid small press
- Focus: Memoir, practical nonfiction, fiction
- Strengths: Author services and scalable publishing
9. Pawtucket Prose & Paper
This micro-press is dedicated to chapbooks, poetry, and experimental writing with strong local ties.
- Type: Micro-press
- Focus: Poetry, experimental prose
- Strengths: Grassroots literary community
10. Newport Narratives
Newport Narratives creates nonfiction titles centered on local food, culture, and history, often incorporating visual storytelling.
- Type: Regional trade press
- Focus: Cookbooks, travel, local memoir
- Strengths: Culinary and lifestyle partnerships
11. Tidepool Books
Specializing in environmental writing, Tidepool Books makes science and nature accessible to general readers.
- Type: Nonfiction press
- Focus: Marine science, environment, conservation
- Strengths: Science communication and clarity
12. Salt Marsh Editions
Salt Marsh Editions emphasizes literary novels and nonfiction, with selective, quality-driven lists.
- Type: Independent literary press
- Focus: Literary fiction, nonfiction
- Strengths: Strong editorial development
13. Oceanline Media
Oceanline Media integrates publishing with author branding, offering marketing-focused publishing services.
- Type: Hybrid publisher
- Focus: Business, self-help, nonfiction
- Strengths: Marketing and distribution expertise
14. Rhode Island University Press (RU Press)
A university-affiliated imprint producing scholarly and trade works by academics and researchers.
- Type: Academic press
- Focus: Scholarly works, history, social sciences
- Strengths: Peer-reviewed publishing
15. Block Island Books
This small press publishes travel guides, essays, and creative works tied to Block Island’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Type: Niche regional press
- Focus: Travel, nature, memoir
- Strengths: Tourist and local readership base
16. Hemlock Lane Publishing
Family-run, Hemlock Lane Publishing publishes genre fiction and historical titles.
- Type: Independent small press
- Focus: Cozy mysteries, historical novels
- Strengths: Niche genre community engagement
17. Silver Coast Press
This press produces affordable, accessible paperbacks and ebooks across fiction and memoir.
- Type: Trade small press
- Focus: Contemporary fiction, memoir
- Strengths: Wide accessibility for new authors
18. Millstone Literary
Millstone Literary highlights short fiction and essay collections, supporting both emerging and mid-career writers.
- Type: Literary press
- Focus: Essays, short fiction, nonfiction
- Strengths: Curated catalogs and editorial strength
19. Narragansett Bay Books
Educationally focused, this press serves schools and libraries with children’s nonfiction and local history.
- Type: Regional children’s press
- Focus: Nonfiction for young readers, history
- Strengths: Library and school placement
20. Crescent Street Publishing
Crescent Street Publishing offers hybrid services with flexible packages for first-time authors.
- Type: Hybrid publisher
- Focus: Memoir, nonfiction, personal stories
- Strengths: Affordable packages and editorial support
21. Millennial Harbor Press
This press supports diverse and contemporary young adult and new adult voices.
- Type: YA/NA publisher
- Focus: Young adult, new adult fiction
- Strengths: Diversity and modern storytelling
22. Harborlight Editions
Harborlight produces finely crafted small-batch poetry and nonfiction titles.
- Type: Fine press
- Focus: Poetry, essays, creative nonfiction
- Strengths: Design-forward editions
23. Wickford Writers Press
Known for producing anthologies and community-driven books, Wickford Writers Press connects local authors with readers.
- Type: Community anthology press
- Focus: Anthologies, memoir, short fiction
- Strengths: Collaboration and group projects
24. Westerly Wordworks
A regional publisher of fiction and nonfiction, Westerly Wordworks balances commercial titles with literary projects.
- Type: Independent press
- Focus: Fiction, memoir, cultural nonfiction
- Strengths: Local author development
25. Green Line Publishing
Green Line Publishing focuses on sustainable publishing practices and eco-conscious titles.
- Type: Eco-press
- Focus: Environmental nonfiction, green living
- Strengths: Sustainability and niche focus
26. Federal Hill Books
Specializing in cultural history, Federal Hill Books highlights Italian-American heritage and Rhode Island’s immigrant stories.
- Type: Cultural press
- Focus: Heritage nonfiction, memoir
- Strengths: Preserving cultural legacies
27. Smith Hill Publishing
Smith Hill Publishing supports Rhode Island fiction and nonfiction, particularly stories tied to Providence.
- Type: Independent small press
- Focus: Fiction, cultural nonfiction
- Strengths: Providence-centered storytelling
28. Blackstone Valley Press
Blackstone Valley Press publishes regional histories, industrial heritage works, and local community titles.
- Type: Regional press
- Focus: History, nonfiction, memoir
- Strengths: Strong ties to Blackstone Valley communities
29. College Hill Publishing
College Hill Publishing collaborates with academic authors, producing books for both academic and trade audiences.
- Type: Academic-trade hybrid
- Focus: History, social sciences, cultural studies
- Strengths: Scholarly rigor with general readability
30. Little Rhody Press
As a children’s book publisher, Little Rhody Press offers colorful, educational, and entertaining titles for young readers.
- Type: Children’s press
- Focus: Picture books, early readers
- Strengths: Child-focused storytelling
31. Anchor & Oar Publishing
Anchor & Oar specializes in nautical-themed fiction and nonfiction, tying into Rhode Island’s maritime culture.
- Type: Niche press
- Focus: Nautical fiction, sailing, memoir
- Strengths: Maritime heritage expertise
32. East Greenwich Editions
East Greenwich Editions publishes local nonfiction and curated memoirs with a focus on personal storytelling.
- Type: Independent press
- Focus: Memoir, local nonfiction
- Strengths: Personalized editorial approach
33. Mosaic Voices Publishing
Mosaic Voices uplifts diverse authors and multicultural storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction.
- Type: Diversity-focused press
- Focus: Fiction, memoir, cultural narratives
- Strengths: Representation and inclusivity
34. Roger Williams Press
Named after Rhode Island’s founder, this press focuses on historical nonfiction and biographies tied to state heritage.
- Type: Historical press
- Focus: History, biographies, archival projects
- Strengths: Historical accuracy and educational partnerships
35. Firefly Cove Books
Firefly Cove Books produces contemporary women’s fiction, romance, and uplifting stories with wide reader appeal.
- Type: Independent small press
- Focus: Women’s fiction, romance, contemporary stories
- Strengths: Popular commercial appeal
Publishing Costs in Rhode Island (2025)
| Service | Average Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Developmental Editing | $1,500 – $4,000 | Based on manuscript length |
| Copyediting / Proofreading | $800 – $2,000 | For grammar and style |
| Cover Design | $300 – $1,200 | Custom or template-based |
| Interior Formatting | $250 – $1,000 | Print + ebook layouts |
| Publishing Package (Hybrid) | $2,500 – $8,000 | Includes editing, design, and distribution |
| Marketing & Promotion | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Ads, PR, and author branding |
Insights on Rhode Island’s Publishing Scene
- Community-driven: Rhode Island’s presses often focus on regional authors, giving local voices a platform.
- Hybrid growth: Many publishers blend traditional and author-services models to accommodate self-publishing authors.
- Academic influence: University presses remain important, particularly for scholarly and history-focused works.
- Niche specialization: From maritime culture to poetry chapbooks, many presses are carving out unique niches.
- Digital expansion: Small presses are increasingly leveraging ebooks and online marketing to compete nationally.
Conclusion
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its publishing ecosystem is remarkably diverse and vibrant. From hybrid agencies like Barnett Ghostwriting to university presses, niche cultural imprints, and community-driven publishers, authors in 2025 have a wide range of opportunities to share their voices. Whether a writer is seeking a traditional literary press, a children’s book publisher, or a hybrid model that offers full-service support, Rhode Island provides strong options tailored to different needs. For authors, the key lies in identifying which publisher aligns best with their goals—be it regional storytelling, academic publishing, or broader commercial success. This blend of tradition, creativity, and innovation ensures Rhode Island’s place as a thriving hub for publishing in the years ahead.
