New York is globally recognized as the heart of the publishing world, home to some of the largest international publishing houses as well as independent presses that focus on niche markets. Authors seeking to publish in 2025 will find a wide spectrum of opportunities here—from major trade publishers that dominate the bestseller lists to small literary houses that nurture unique voices.

Table of Contents

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting is a full-scale publishing partner offering a hybrid model that blends traditional publishing with modern author services. It works across genres from memoirs and fiction to children’s books and business titles.

Services: Ghostwriting, editing, design, marketing, and distribution.
Why Choose Them: They provide authors with end-to-end guidance, ensuring both creative quality and strong market positioning.

2. Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House, headquartered in New York, is the largest trade publisher in the world, managing numerous renowned imprints.

Services: Editorial support, marketing, translations, and global distribution.
Why Choose Them: Authors gain unmatched reach and access to both mainstream and niche readerships worldwide.

3. Simon & Schuster

A cornerstone of American publishing since 1924, Simon & Schuster publishes a wide range of books across fiction and non-fiction.

Services: Editing, publicity, retail promotion, international rights.
Why Choose Them: Their robust marketing network helps authors achieve global recognition.

4. HarperCollins

HarperCollins is one of the “Big Five” publishers and maintains a significant presence in New York.

Services: Publishing, eBook distribution, global licensing.
Why Choose Them: They excel at commercial genres such as romance, thrillers, and non-fiction.

5. Macmillan Publishers

Macmillan is a global publishing powerhouse with New York as one of its main centers.

Services: Editorial development, design, distribution, academic publishing.
Why Choose Them: They balance scholarly credibility with commercial appeal across genres.

6. Hachette Book Group

Hachette Book Group is another “Big Five” publisher with headquarters in New York.

Services: Publishing, translation, multimedia adaptations.
Why Choose Them: Known for powerful fiction and non-fiction lists with strong bestseller performance.

7. Scholastic Inc.

Scholastic is the leading publisher of children’s books in the United States.

Services: Educational publishing, children’s series, school distribution.
Why Choose Them: Their focus on young readers makes them a dominant force in children’s literature.

8. W. W. Norton & Company

W. Norton is an employee-owned publisher based in New York with a focus on academic and trade books.

Services: Textbooks, non-fiction, anthologies.
Why Choose Them: Their independence allows for editorial freedom and long-term author partnerships.

9. Bloomsbury Publishing

The U.S. arm of Bloomsbury operates from New York, publishing literary fiction and academic works.

Services: Literary publishing, non-fiction, scholarly titles.
Why Choose Them: Known for high-quality editing and global reach.

10. Abrams Books

Abrams specializes in illustrated and art-heavy titles, from coffee-table books to graphic novels.

Services: Illustrated publishing, design, visual storytelling.
Why Choose Them: A leading choice for artists, photographers, and visual creators.

11. Skyhorse Publishing

Skyhorse is a dynamic independent publisher in New York with a broad catalogue.

Services: Trade publishing, niche imprints, distribution.
Why Choose Them: Their range includes sports, health, cooking, history, and fiction.

12. Kensington Publishing Corp.

Kensington is one of the largest independent trade publishers in the U.S., located in New York.

Services: Commercial publishing, marketing, genre fiction.
Why Choose Them: Popular for romance, thrillers, and African American literature.

13. New Directions Publishing

New Directions is known for avant-garde and translated literature.

Services: Literary fiction, poetry, international works.
Why Choose Them: They nurture unique voices and publish experimental authors.

14. Arcade Publishing

Arcade is an imprint under Skyhorse that specializes in literary and narrative non-fiction.

Services: Biographies, memoirs, cultural studies.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for authors with strong narrative-driven manuscripts.

15. Workman Publishing

Workman is a respected independent house in New York focusing on lifestyle, cookbooks, and self-help.

Services: Illustrated books, guides, trade publishing.
Why Choose Them: Their practical and visually engaging titles resonate with wide audiences.

16. Overlook Press

Overlook Press publishes a diverse list of fiction and non-fiction from New York.

Services: General trade publishing, design, marketing.
Why Choose Them: They provide authors with opportunities in both mainstream and niche markets.

17. Seven Stories Press

Seven Stories focuses on political non-fiction and progressive literature.

Services: Activist works, cultural publishing, translations.
Why Choose Them: A good fit for authors writing socially conscious material.

18. Akashic Books

Akashic is a Brooklyn-based independent publisher specializing in edgy and urban fiction.

Services: Fiction, anthologies, alternative voices.
Why Choose Them: Known for championing underrepresented and diverse voices.

19. Feminist Press

Located in New York, the Feminist Press is dedicated to amplifying women’s and marginalized voices.

Services: Non-fiction, feminist literature, academic works.
Why Choose Them: They focus on social justice, activism, and equality-driven publications.

20. Soho Press

Soho Press is a respected independent publisher of literary fiction, mysteries, and international crime novels.

Services: Fiction, crime series, editorial development.
Why Choose Them: Their strong focus on mystery and literary works appeals to niche audiences.

21. Arcade CrimeWise

An imprint under Skyhorse, Arcade CrimeWise publishes crime fiction and thrillers.

Services: Genre-specific editing, marketing, crime publishing.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for crime writers seeking dedicated genre expertise.

22. Fordham University Press

As the publishing arm of Fordham University, this press specializes in academic and scholarly works.

Services: Academic publishing, peer-reviewed editing, distribution.
Why Choose Them: A top choice for authors in humanities and social sciences.

23. Columbia University Press

One of the oldest university presses in the U.S., Columbia publishes academic works with international prestige.

Services: Scholarly publishing, translations, research-based books.
Why Choose Them: They are well-regarded for groundbreaking academic contributions.

24. New York University Press

NYU Press publishes scholarly and cultural works reflecting diverse voices and ideas.

Services: Academic publishing, cultural studies, law and society.
Why Choose Them: Known for critical studies in race, politics, and culture.

25. Cornell University Press (NY office)

Cornell University Press extends its reach into New York through distribution networks.

Services: Scholarly works, history, political science.
Why Choose Them: Authors benefit from Ivy League academic credibility.

26. Teachers College Press

Affiliated with Columbia University, Teachers College Press is a leader in educational publishing.

Services: Educational books, pedagogy, research texts.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors in education, teacher training, and curriculum development.

27. The New Press

The New Press focuses on progressive and socially relevant works that influence public debate.

Services: Non-fiction, political books, cultural studies.
Why Choose Them: A great platform for authors tackling issues of justice, politics, and activism.

28. Applause Theatre & Cinema Books

Specializing in theatre, film, and performing arts, Applause publishes niche works for entertainment enthusiasts.

Services: Stage plays, screenwriting guides, biographies.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors passionate about theatre and cinema culture.

29. Arcade Publishing (Skyhorse imprint)

Arcade remains a staple for literary non-fiction and biographies.

Services: Narrative non-fiction, history, culture.
Why Choose Them: Well-suited for authors with strong storytelling in real-life accounts.

30. Algonquin Books (Workman imprint)

Though Workman is the parent, Algonquin retains its New York presence with literary fiction and memoirs.

Services: Fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction.
Why Choose Them: Known for discovering new voices and nurturing debut authors.

31. Other Press

Other Press is a New York publisher that focuses on fiction and non-fiction with an international perspective.

Services: Literary fiction, memoirs, translations.
Why Choose Them: They highlight thought-provoking global voices and diverse narratives.

32. Arcade Science & History

Another Skyhorse imprint, Arcade Science & History focuses on informative non-fiction.

Services: History, science, cultural commentary.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors aiming to publish research-driven yet accessible works.

33. Verso Books

Verso Books is an independent publisher known for radical and political non-fiction.

Services: Political theory, philosophy, history.
Why Choose Them: Popular among academics and authors exploring critical ideas.

34. Crown Publishing Group (Penguin Random House imprint)

Crown is a prominent New York imprint publishing commercial non-fiction and bestsellers.

Services: Biographies, politics, lifestyle.
Why Choose Them: Known for high-profile books by public figures and influential authors.

35. Anchor Books

As part of Penguin Random House, Anchor focuses on trade paperback editions of fiction and non-fiction.

Services: Reprints, classics, affordable editions.
Why Choose Them: A reliable imprint for accessible paperbacks across genres.

36. Vintage Books

Vintage, under Penguin Random House, is synonymous with literary prestige.

Services: Modern classics, contemporary literary fiction.
Why Choose Them: They publish some of the most influential literary voices of the modern era.

37. Ballantine Books

Ballantine, another Penguin Random House imprint, is known for commercial fiction and non-fiction.

Services: Genre fiction, mass-market appeal.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for authors writing popular fiction or general non-fiction.

38. Broadway Books

Broadway Books is a trade paperback imprint within Penguin Random House.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, reprints.
Why Choose Them: Known for maintaining quality while offering affordability.

39. Pantheon Books

Pantheon is known for publishing literary works, graphic novels, and serious non-fiction.

Services: Graphic storytelling, cultural works, translations.
Why Choose Them: Their eclectic catalogue appeals to readers who value artistry and intellectual depth.

40. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

FSG is a literary powerhouse in New York with a reputation for award-winning titles.

Services: Literary fiction, poetry, non-fiction.
Why Choose Them: A top destination for authors seeking critical acclaim.

41. Henry Holt and Company

An imprint of Macmillan, Henry Holt has a rich legacy in literary and political publishing.

Services: Fiction, biographies, politics.
Why Choose Them: Known for strong editorial focus and high literary standards.

42. Picador USA

Picador is Macmillan’s trade paperback imprint with a focus on contemporary literature.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, paperback editions.
Why Choose Them: Popular for affordable, stylish editions of acclaimed works.

43. St. Martin’s Press

St. Martin’s Press is one of Macmillan’s leading imprints specializing in a wide range of genres.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, genre publishing.
Why Choose Them: They cover everything from thrillers and romance to scholarly titles.

44. Tor Books

Tor Books, also under Macmillan, is one of the leading science fiction and fantasy publishers.

Services: Genre fiction, series publishing, fantasy.
Why Choose Them: A go-to publisher for sci-fi and fantasy authors.

45. Holt Paperbacks

Holt Paperbacks focuses on affordable reprints and new editions under the Henry Holt umbrella.

Services: Trade paperbacks, non-fiction, fiction.
Why Choose Them: Good for wide circulation in accessible formats.

46. Metropolitan Books (Henry Holt imprint)

Metropolitan specializes in serious non-fiction, especially cultural and political commentary.

Services: Essays, politics, investigative works.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors writing on current affairs and global issues.

47. Little, Brown and Company (Hachette)

Based in New York, Little, Brown publishes high-profile fiction and non-fiction.

Services: Literary and commercial publishing, editing, marketing.
Why Choose Them: Known for strong fiction lists and biographies of notable figures.

48. Mulholland Books (Little, Brown imprint)

Mulholland focuses on crime, suspense, and thriller fiction.

Services: Genre-specific fiction, marketing.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors in the mystery and thriller space.

49. Orbit Books (Hachette imprint)

Orbit is dedicated to science fiction and fantasy titles.

Services: Fantasy, sci-fi, speculative fiction.
Why Choose Them: A premier destination for imaginative world-building and genre storytelling.

50. Grand Central Publishing

A division of Hachette, Grand Central publishes both fiction and non-fiction with broad appeal.

Services: Commercial publishing, editorial, distribution.
Why Choose Them: Known for balancing literary quality with mass-market success.

51. Twelve (Hachette imprint)

Twelve publishes a small number of carefully selected titles each year with high editorial attention.

Services: Narrative non-fiction, politics, biographies.
Why Choose Them: Their selective model ensures strong focus on each author.

52. Scholastic Trade Publishing

As part of Scholastic, this division focuses on trade distribution of children’s and YA titles.

Services: Children’s books, YA fiction, illustrated titles.
Why Choose Them: A leader in young adult and middle-grade publishing.

53. Graphix (Scholastic imprint)

Graphix publishes graphic novels for children and young readers.

Services: Illustrated books, comics, graphic storytelling.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for visual authors targeting young audiences.

54. Arthur A. Levine Books

Formerly part of Scholastic, this imprint is known for high-quality children’s and YA titles.

Services: Children’s fiction, YA, picture books.
Why Choose Them: Famous for introducing major series and nurturing young talent.

55. Liveright Publishing (W. W. Norton imprint)

Liveright continues a legacy of publishing groundbreaking works.

Services: Literary fiction, essays, cultural works.
Why Choose Them: Known for publishing daring and influential voices.

56. Bloomsbury Academic

The academic division of Bloomsbury publishes scholarly and professional works.

Services: Research-based texts, educational works.
Why Choose Them: Strong in academic, legal, and educational publishing.

57. Harry N. Abrams (Abrams imprint)

Harry N. Abrams is dedicated to art and illustrated publishing.

Services: Art books, design, photography.
Why Choose Them: A top choice for authors and artists producing visual works.

58. Amulet Books (Abrams imprint)

Amulet focuses on middle-grade and young adult titles, including illustrated novels.

Services: YA fiction, children’s fiction, illustrated works.
Why Choose Them: Known for best-selling children’s and YA series.

59. Soho Teen (Soho Press imprint)

Soho Teen publishes YA fiction, often with thrilling or mysterious plots.

Services: Young adult novels, editorial support.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for YA authors writing suspense-driven stories.

60. Feminist Press at CUNY

This press is affiliated with the City University of New York and publishes works with feminist themes.

Services: Scholarly and activist publishing, feminist literature.
Why Choose Them: A strong advocate for marginalized and women’s voices.

61. Bellevue Literary Press

Bellevue is an independent press publishing works that intersect literature and science.

Services: Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction.
Why Choose Them: Known for thought-provoking works at the crossroads of art and science.

62. Catapult Books

Catapult is an independent publisher in New York known for innovative literary works.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, translations.
Why Choose Them: They support bold and unique authorial voices.

63. Graywolf Press (NY office distribution)

While headquartered in Minnesota, Graywolf’s New York presence is strong in distribution and editorial.

Services: Literary fiction, poetry, essays.
Why Choose Them: Renowned for critical acclaim and award-winning authors.

64. Grove Atlantic

Grove Atlantic is a leading independent publisher of literary fiction and non-fiction.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, drama.
Why Choose Them: Famous for publishing contemporary and innovative literature.

65. Tin House Books (NY representation)

Though based in Portland, Tin House maintains New York ties for its literary projects.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for emerging authors with literary focus.

66. Archipelago Books

Archipelago specializes in international literature in translation.

Services: Translations, world literature, fiction.
Why Choose Them: They bring global voices to English-speaking audiences.

67. Melville House Publishing

Melville House is known for political non-fiction and literary fiction.

Services: Fiction, essays, non-fiction.
Why Choose Them: A good fit for bold, intellectual, and activist writers.

68. Restless Books

Restless focuses on international literature, immigrant voices, and global perspectives.

Services: Translations, fiction, cultural commentary.
Why Choose Them: They highlight diverse and underrepresented perspectives.

69. Black Balloon Publishing

An imprint of Catapult, Black Balloon is known for unconventional works.

Services: Fiction, non-fiction, hybrid genres.
Why Choose Them: They specialize in risk-taking and genre-defying projects.

70. OR Books

OR Books is a progressive, independent New York publisher focusing on direct-to-reader distribution.

Services: Political non-fiction, contemporary issues, alternative publishing.
Why Choose Them: Known for speed, innovation, and socially urgent works.

How to Become a New York Times Bestseller

The New York Times Bestseller list is one of the most respected achievements for any author. While there’s no guaranteed formula, success comes from strong writing combined with smart publishing and marketing strategies.

Choose the right publisher: Work with a house that offers wide national distribution.
Polish your book: Professional editing and design make your work stand out.
Secure distribution: Sales must come from multiple regions and retailers.
Market strategically: Use tours, media, social media, and email to build buzz.
Build pre-orders: Early sales count toward launch-week rankings.
Get reviews & endorsements: Influencers, critics, and authors boost credibility.
Maintain sales: Consistent weekly numbers keep you on the list.

Becoming a bestseller requires preparation, visibility, and sustained effort across multiple fronts.

Final Thoughts

New York remains the epicenter of the publishing world in 2025, offering a mix of global giants, university presses, and independent houses. From Barnett Ghostwriting’s hybrid model to powerhouse firms like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, alongside progressive presses such as Feminist Press and OR Books, the options span every genre and readership. Authors looking to publish in New York have a wealth of opportunities, whether they seek mass-market success, literary prestige, or socially conscious engagement.

Top 70 Book Publishing Companies in New York 2025