Top 15 Book Publishing Houses in New York City

New York City is the heart of the publishing world, home to some of the most prestigious book publishing houses in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring author looking for a publisher or simply curious about the giants shaping literature, knowing the top players can be invaluable.

From legendary names like Penguin Random House to niche independent presses, this list of the top 15 publishing houses in NYC will guide you through the best places to bring your book to life.

Top 15 Book Publishing Houses in New York City

1. Beacon Publishing Group

For aspiring authors navigating the self-publishing world, Beacon Publishing Group stands out with its global presence and reputation among indie publishers in NYC. With a diverse selection of ebooks and audiobooks, this publisher has built a name for itself by accepting both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts without requiring a literary agent.

Their extensive imprints, including Fox and Hound Books, Gallant Publishing, Moher Books, Kessler Books, University Press, and Trinity Book Group, ensure that every writer, whether crafting Christian fiction, children’s books, thrillers, cookbooks, or even works inspired by Ireland and chivalry, finds a suitable home for their work.

Among its newest titles, J. L. Canfield’s gripping thriller, “Hiding Behind Robes,” and Sarah H. Long’s cookbook, “College Cooking 101,” highlight the publisher’s wide-ranging appeal. Aspiring writers can submit their manuscripts, but careful attention to submission details is crucial to avoid rejection and secure acceptance into their catalog of renowned titles and choices that cater to a broad audience.

2: Workman Publishing

A powerhouse in the industry, Workman Publishing operates under the umbrella of Hachette Book Group, standing out as a sizable publisher with a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction topics. Known for its imprints like Timber Press, Artisan Books, Storey Publishing, and Algonquin Books, it has carved a niche in parenting books, gardening books, and bestsellers that captivate readers.

The recently launched second edition of Jeff Alworth’s informative and entertaining guide, The Beer Bible, along with Kaitlyn Greenidge’s well-reviewed historical fiction, Libertie, highlights its commitment to quality.

Recognized among the best novels of 2021, these works reflect the publisher’s ability to blend commercial success with literary excellence. Currently open to submissions, nonfiction authors and those seeking to submit to all other imprints, except Algonquin Books and Algonquin Young Readers, should carefully follow the submission guidelines to increase their chances of accepting proposals and securing a publishing deal that aligns with their creative identity.

3. Skyhorse Publishing

With a significant legacy built over 15 years, Skyhorse Publishing has expanded its portfolio to include 20 imprints and a collection exceeding 10,000 books. This sizable publisher offers the best fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles, making it a go-to choice for diverse genres.

Its imprints, including Arcade Publishing, Sky Pony Press, Talos Press, and Good Books, have introduced remarkable works such as Melvyn Bragg’s medieval fiction Love Without End and Carolyn Schlam’s enlightening The Joy of Art. Whether readers are drawn to historical stories or insightful subjects, Skyhorse ensures a compelling experience from morning till night time.

Aspiring authors can explore submissions for nonfiction proposals, particularly in military history and true crime, while Allworth Press actively seeks content on graphic design and photography. Those looking to submit fiction should check out Arcade Publishing, making Skyhorse a dynamic platform for both emerging and established writers.

4. W. W. Norton

For nearly a century, W. W. Norton has remained an independent entity, setting itself apart in the industry since 1923 when it was founded by William Warder Norton and Mary Dows Herter Norton. Publishing around 400 books each year, it continues to cater to general readers, professionals, and students alike.


With notable associated imprints like Norton Young Readers, Countryman Press, and Liveright, its catalog features excellent reads, including Ronald H. Spector’s A Continent Erupts and Kim Addonizio’s poetry collection Now We’re Getting Somewhere. While the publisher is currently accepting agented manuscript submissions, aspiring authors should keep an eye on its submission page for possible developments regarding open submissions.

5. Knopf Doubleday

Knopf Doubleday has a rich literary history, with prestigious imprints like Alfred A. Knopf, Doubleday, Schocken, Pantheon, and Vintage Books, some of which date back to 1897 and 1915. These imprints have made significant contributions to fiction and nonfiction, covering diverse categories such as biographies, social science, music, thrillers, and history.

Many noteworthy releases have come from this house, including Sandra Cisneros’s acclaimed novel The House on Mango Street and Hope Jahren’s best-selling autobiography, Lab Girl. While Knopf is generally open to agented submissions, it does occasionally accept unsolicited works, unlike Schocken and Pantheon, which are more strict about accepting only agented manuscripts.

6. Elsevier

For university students, researchers, and healthcare professionals, the name Elsevier is synonymous with invaluable knowledge and scientific rigor. This publisher, which began in 1880 in the Netherlands, has established itself as a global voice in elevating science and health, ensuring that every title published annually maintains integrity without compromising quality.

With works like Kenneth Maiese’s Sirtuin Biology in Medicine and Christophe Pascal’s Paleostress Inversion Techniques, Elsevier continues its pursuit of knowledge that drives society’s progress. Authors from fields such as neuroscience, engineering, biomedical research, and psychology should thoroughly explore the submission process before sending a proposal to be part of this prestigious platform.

7. St. Martin’s Press

For writers aiming to establish themselves, self-publishing provides an alternative to big publishers like St. Martin’s Press, which operates under Macmillan with five imprints, including Minotaur Books, Castle Point Books, and St. Martin’s Griffin.

While traditional routes ensure widespread reach, they often favor bestsellers in fiction and nonfiction, such as Kevin Boyle’s gripping nonfiction Arc of Justice and Louis Sachar’s children’s novel Holes, both recipients of the National Book Award.

Writers seeking traditional deals should be aware that St. Martin’s Press is only accepting agented manuscript submissions, so reviewing their submission policy through the linked page is essential. However, for those who wish to bypass these barriers and publish romance novels, mystery thrillers, political nonfiction, or self-help books, self-publishing offers complete creative control.

8. Persea Books

Founded in 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, Persea Books remains an indie press dedicated to contemporary concerns and the evolution of American storytelling.

As a publisher that values literary depth, it has released notable works, including Michael White’s memoir, Travels in Vermeer, and the 85th-anniversary edition of Oscar Hijuelos’ debut novel, Our House in the Last World, a literary classic.

While not open to children’s literature or genre fiction, the press actively seeks to publish new essay collections, YA novels, literary fiction, and biographies. Additionally, budding poets are encouraged to submit their contemporary work, with detailed submission guidelines available on the same page.

9. Thieme

With a legacy spanning 125 years, Thieme has established itself as a significant factor in disseminating scientific information and accelerating medical progress.

Known for its essential resources and advanced resources across different specialties, the publisher supports medical researchers and healthcare providers in fields like radiology, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery.

Some of its newest titles include Donald H. Lalonde’s Wide Awake Hand Surgery and Therapy Tips and David Goldenberg’s Head & Neck Endocrine Surgery, reflecting its commitment to medical advancements.

For those interested in publishing with Thieme, the submission process begins with browsing the book proposals page, followed by accessing the authors & reviewers section for manuscript submission guidelines and the submission checklist.

10. Oxford University Press

When diving into self-publishing, understanding how major publishers like Oxford University Press operate can provide valuable insights. As the world’s biggest university press, with branches in over 50 countries, including NYC, it has been at the forefront of research, learning, and scholarly endeavors since the late 16th century.

Unlike independent authors, traditional publishers have the advantage of established networks to print journals, academic texts, music scores, and children’s literature for general readers, policymakers, and researchers.

Notable titles like Once We Were Slaves by Laura Arnold Leibman and Human-Centered AI by Ben Schneiderman reflect how they bridge the past, present, and future of humanity. However, their proposal submission policy is strict, requiring interested authors to submit queries to only one editor per distinct field, such as archeology, history, or medicine.

If a self-publishing author wants to follow a similar standard, it’s crucial to identify the appropriate editor and carefully submit their work with a professional approach.

11. Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Established in 1924 by Richard L. Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster, Simon & Schuster, Inc. started with a best-selling collection of crossword puzzles and has since grown into a leading publisher, releasing over 2,000 books each year.

With renowned imprints like Atria, Touchstone, Threshold, and Saga Press, its hefty catalog includes fresh, engaging reads, such as Mona Awad’s occult fiction, All’s Well, and David M. Rubenstein’s political philosophy work, The American Experiment.

However, aspiring authors must note that agented submissions are required for both fiction and nonfiction, making it crucial to explore helpful tips on finding an agent through the manuscript submissions page before proceeding.

12. Abrams

Founded in 1949, Abrams was primarily recognized for concentrating on illustrated works and art resources, but over time, this publisher expanded its reach, offering books in science, history, fashion, technology, and even humor.

With imprints like Amulet Books and Abrams Press, it caters to kids and adults alike, covering multiple genres. The catalog features works such as Ted Naifeh’s YA graphic novel Witch for Hire and Brad Kessler’s literary and cultural novel North.

However, aspiring authors should note that manuscripts and proposals are only accepted through reputable literary agents, as outlined in the author submissions section.

13. Perseus Books

Frank Pearl founded Perseus Books in 1996, and after two decades, it was acquired by Hachette Book Group, yet it continues to thrive as a publisher that handles imprints like Avalon Travel, Basic Books, and Public Affairs.

Known for its intellectual nonfiction, this industry giant is a resource for captivating reads, including Emily Willingham’s The Tailored Brain and Joe Moshenska’s poignant biography of John Milton, titled Making Darkness Light.

For authors eager to get their project published, securing an esteemed literary agent to vouch for their manuscript is essential. Those seeking details on the submission and query policy should explore the FAQs page for further guidance.

14. Church Publishing Inc.

Founded in 1918 as the Church Hymnal Corporation, Church Publishing Inc. has evolved over a century into a platform that has served 400 writers, covering topics ranging from social justice to mental health. Writers exploring faith, spirituality, and their impact on facets of life will find that the publisher encourages insightful discussions.

Titles such as A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman, which delves into leadership, and Financial Anxiety by Brendan J. Barnacle, which provides a theological perspective on money, exemplify the depth of its catalog. Unlike many traditional publishers, this company allows authors to directly submit a nonfiction manuscript or proposal, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to publish within this niche.

15. Springer Publishing

Founded by Bernhard Springer in 1950, Springer Publishing quickly became a powerhouse in health and science literature.

Within its first five years, it saw a surge in sales of nursing books and later explored diverse fields like social sciences and behavioral sciences. Comparable to Elsevier and Thieme, this publisher is known for highly informative books on medicine and healthcare, earning praise from professionals. Works like Lisa Lopez Levers’s Trauma Counseling and Peter G.

Levine’s Stronger After Stroke benefit both practitioners and recovering stroke patients alike. If you have a manuscript relevant to Springer Publishing’s core fields, you can send a book proposal to a relevant editor. The authors’ section provides submission guidelines, along with a link to a document detailing how to approach preparing manuscripts effectively.

Your Gateway to Seamless Self-Publishing

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With a team of dedicated professionals and a guided publishing plan, we help you navigate the complexities of self-publishing, giving you full control over your work while maximizing your book’s success.