Top 23 Book Publishing Companies in North Carolina

Introduction:

For the passionate author seeking a literary haven, North Carolina emerges as a vibrant hub of diverse publishing opportunities. This comprehensive guide delves into the notable book publishing companies in the state, each offering a unique platform for authors to bring their creative visions to life. As we navigate this literary landscape, we explore renowned publishers such as Writers of USA, Warren Publishing, Chapel Hill Press, Wisdom House Books, Franklin/Kerr Press, Black Mountain Press, McFarland Books, and many more.

Here is the List of Top 23 Book Publishing Companies in North Carolina

1. Professional Writers Help

Professional Writers Help is a distinguished name among book publishing companies in North Carolina, renowned for its commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to authors. With a team of seasoned professionals adept in the nuances of the publishing industry, they offer comprehensive services tailored to bring authors' visions to life. From manuscript evaluation to editing, design, and distribution, Professional Writers Help ensures a seamless journey for authors, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes.

2. Writers of USA:

Writers of USA stands as a prominent player in the North Carolina publishing scene, boasting over a decade of experience and a stellar reputation, as evidenced by 50+ positive reviews on Trustpilot. This esteemed publishing company provides a platform for authors to showcase their literary prowess. Aspiring writers are encouraged to explore the submission guidelines meticulously to ensure a seamless process.

3. Warren Publishing:

Founded in 1988 by Cathy Brophy and currently led by Mindy Kuhn, Warren Publishing has evolved into an award-winning literary agency. This all-women agency employs a 5-step publishing process, offering a unique approach to getting books published. With a focus on trade fiction, suspense, romance, children's books, health and fitness, cooking, travel, motivational books, memoirs, poetry, and self-help, Warren Publishing engages in close collaboration with authors, providing feedback on each submission.

4. Chapel Hill Press:

Under the guidance of Edwina Woodbury since 1999, Chapel Hill Press has transformed into a profitable self-publishing company. Offering a spectrum of services including editing, proofreading, designing, planning, and marketing, Chapel Hill Press supports authors across genres like fiction, biographies, self-help, mystery, coffee table books, children’s books, and memoirs. While not currently accepting new manuscripts, authors can reach out for general inquiries via email.

5. Wisdom House Books:

Founded by Ted Ruybal and Clara Jackson, Wisdom House Books is a boutique publisher offering comprehensive services. From editing to branding, they guide authors through the intricate literary landscape. With a focus on children’s books, fiction, memoirs, non-fiction, coffee table books, and graphic novels, Wisdom House Books invites authors to inquire about their services and receive a free 10-page manuscript evaluation.

6. Franklin/Kerr Press:

A full-service publishing house based in Concord, Franklin/Kerr Press specializes in horror, thriller, and science fiction genres. Open to various genres and subgenres, including fantasy and young adult fiction, they are currently closed for submissions. Authors are advised to periodically check the submissions page for updates and reach out via email for general inquiries.

7. Black Mountain Press:

Originally focused on outdoor sports and nature, Black Mountain Press has shifted its focus to publishing outstanding emerging writers. Based in Asheville, they are currently seeking memoirs, novels, short story collections, and poetry books. Authors can submit their work via snail mail or through Black Mountain’s Submittable page, with a small submission fee for online submissions.

8. McFarland Books:

Founded by Robert McFarland Franklin in 1979, McFarland Books is deeply rooted in North Carolina's rich heritage. Specializing in academic and non-fiction genres, McFarland Books covers topics such as academia, sports, education, literature, cinema, and the arts. With a vast collection of nearly 7000 titles, they annually publish more than 350 new titles. They are currently accepting non-fiction manuscripts on various subjects, with detailed submission guidelines available on their website.

9. Backbone Press:

Situated in Durham, Backbone Press is a small press offering opportunities to aspiring poets, particularly those of color. Open for submissions at the moment, they seek poetry that is gritty, poignant, and invocative. Authors interested in submitting their work can use the submission form on their website and refer to the detailed submission guidelines for additional information.

10. Press 53:

Since October 2005, Press 53 has been a stalwart in publishing the best writing from North Carolina and beyond. Located in Winston-Salem, Press 53 discovers new talent through writing contests, offering opportunities for authors to get their work published. While not accepting unsolicited submissions, authors are encouraged to participate in the annual writing contests, focusing on short fiction and poetry.

11. The University of North Carolina Press:

Founded in 1922, UNC Press was among the first university presses in the United States. With a strong emphasis on regional publishing, UNC Press has published nearly 5,400 titles, many of which are Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners. Focusing on non-fiction in areas like history, law, media, culture, business, science, economy, sociology, and politics, UNC Press welcomes submissions adhering to their submission requirements.

12. Gryphon House:

Located in Lewisville, Gryphon House, initially a distributor, has evolved into a publisher with nearly 200 titles. Open for submissions, Gryphon House seeks quality books for teachers, parents, and those working with children. While not currently interested in children’s books, detailed instructions for submitting proposals are available on their website.

13. Taylor Made Publishing:

Based in Greenville, Taylor Made Publishing is a full-service self-publishing company specializing in non-fiction and children’s books. Offering a range of services, including editing, designing, proofreading, formatting, promotional materials, and media kits, Taylor Made Publishing accepts submissions via their online submission form.

14. Carolina Academic Press:

Specializing in academic and non-fiction books, Carolina Academic Press, based in Durham, has been a trailblazer for over 40 years. Producing reference books and academic journals in various fields, including law, history, sociology, political analysis, management, anthropology, education, and crime, CAP welcomes submissions via mail or their submission form.

15. Alabaster Book Publishing:

Established in 2004 in Kernersville, Alabaster Book Publishing offers self-publishing services to authors, covering a spectrum from novels and poetry collections to memoirs and how-to books. Authors interested in their services can find submission guidelines and contact details on their website.

16. Intellect Books:

With headquarters in the UK and an office in Wilmington, Intellect Books is an independent academic publisher known for its work in media, art, and creative industries. Open for submissions, Intellect Books focuses on film studies, performing arts, visual arts, cultural studies, fashion, communication, and music. Authors can refer to submission guidelines on their website and reach out via email for additional inquiries.

17. Duke University Press:

Duke University Press, based in Durham, serves as the academic press and publishing arm of Duke University. Specializing in scholarly, academic, and educational books across numerous subjects, including anthropology, cultural studies, gender and sexuality, politics, philosophy, history, religion, law, and current affairs, Duke University Press welcomes book proposals adhering to their submission guidelines.

18. Regal House Publishing:

Situated in Raleigh, Regal House Publishing is a small traditional publisher with a focus on historical fiction, literary fiction, and contemporary fiction. Alongside imprints Fitzroy Books and Pact Press, celebrating middle-grade and young adult fiction and diversity, respectively, Regal House is currently accepting submissions via their Submittable page. Additional information can be found in their submission guidelines.

19. Lulu:

Founded in 2002 in Morrisville by Bob Young, Lulu stands as one of the largest self-publishing companies in the country. Enabling authors to publish books across various genres, Lulu provides user-friendly tools and resources for the self-publishing journey. Authors with manuscripts ready for publication can initiate the process through their website, with contact information available for any inquiries.

20. Author’s Boutique:

Founded by Sherrie Wilkolaski in Raleigh, Author’s Boutique is a publishing consulting firm leveraging Sherrie's expertise as a bestselling author and self-publishing expert. Offering manuscript evaluation, editing, proofreading, and marketing services, Author’s Boutique assists authors in navigating the publishing landscape. Authors seeking comprehensive support can contact them for more information.

21. Baen Books:

Established by Jim Baen in 1983, Baen Books specializes in science fiction, speculative fiction, adventure, space operas, and fantasy. Located in Wake Forest, Baen Books embraces electronic publishing and welcomes submissions of full manuscripts through their online submission form. Aspiring authors can refer to detailed submission guidelines for specific information.

22. Alonquin Books:

Founded in Chapel Hill in 1983, Alonquin Books operates as an imprint of Workman Publishing. Known for bestselling fiction and non-fiction titles, Alonquin Books has published renowned works such as "Water for Elephants" and "The Art Forger." While currently closed for submissions, authors can sign up for newsletters to stay informed about future calls for submissions.

23. Supposed Crimes:

Based in Matthews, Supposed Crimes stands out as a publisher specializing in LGBTQ fiction, with a focus on genres beyond romance, including science fiction, action, and horror. Currently closed for submissions, interested authors can periodically check their submissions page for updates. General inquiries can be directed to the Supposed Crimes team via email.

Conclusion:

North Carolina, with its rich literary tradition, unfolds as a fertile ground for authors seeking diverse publishing opportunities. From established houses with decades of experience to emerging boutique publishers, the state offers a spectrum of options for authors to embark on their publishing journeys. As we've navigated through the offerings of Writers of USA, Warren Publishing, Chapel Hill Press, Wisdom House Books, Franklin/Kerr Press, and others, it becomes evident that North Carolina's literary landscape thrives on the diversity and creativity of its authors. Authors, whether seasoned or aspiring, are encouraged to delve into the submission guidelines of these publishing houses to find the perfect home for their literary works. The journey from manuscript to published masterpiece awaits, and North Carolina's publishing houses stand ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of literary excellence.