30 Best Canadian Book Publishing Companies (Submissions)

Canada enjoys a thriving publishing industry, with many modern publishers releasing international works every year.

Thousands of talented English and French language writers from diverse literary cultures and backgrounds have published their books through reputable Canadian publishers. Are you an author looking to get your manuscript published? Or, just a book lover in search of the next great Canadian read? Get your Toronto Cocktail ready and check this list of the best Canadian publishing houses. Once you’ve finished this guide, don’t miss out on my extensive collection of over 3,000 publishing companies.

30 Top Canadian Book Publishing Companies:

1. HarperCollins Canada

One of the largest publishing companies of the Great White North, HarperCollins publishes books in a wide range of genres, including memoirs, fiction, nonfiction, short story collections, and young adult fiction. They have a diverse and talented roster of Canadian authors, and their releases garner lots of popularity. HarperCollins has an extensive distribution channel that includes popular bookstores and online stores, so if you’re looking to publish a bestselling book, they’re your pick. Submission Guidelines.

2. Penguin Random House Canada

With over 75 years of rich history, Penguin Random House Canada is one of the most well-established and respected publishers in the country. It belongs to a global publishing house group that’s among the so-called big five publishers and publishes works of famous authors, including Richard Wagamese. They publish thousands of titles across different genres that include fiction, YA books, historical fiction, non-fiction, biography, and children’s books. Submission Guidelines.

3. Simon & Schuster Canada

Part of the global publishing brand, Simon & Schuster Canada disseminates books across genres, including commercial fiction, nonfiction, science fiction, and memoir. Like the first two companies on this list, they also belong to the “Big Five” publishing club. With a long history of publishing in Canada, their books have received many awards and their online store is full of traditional books, as well as ebooks and audiobooks. Submission Guidelines.

4. Dundurn Press

Based in Toronto, Dundurn Press has been publishing books for more than 40 years, zoning in on Canadian history, fiction, and literary nonfiction. They published many bestselling books and pride themselves on their high editorial standards and dedication to supporting Canadian authors. They may not be inclined to receive unsolicited submissions, though. Submission Guidelines.

5. House of Anansi Press

An independent Canadian publisher founded in 1967, House of Anansi Press specializes in publishing contemporary literature, including non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and children’s literature and picture books. Besides being a leading publisher of books in Canada, House of Anansi also operates a literary magazine called The Walrus. Submission Guidelines.

6. ECW Press

Founded in 1974, ECW Press issues a wide range of books, including literary fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, poetry, how-to books, memoirs, and sports books. It has a strong focus on Canadian authors but also publishes international titles. They also have several magazines that are in circulation in Canada, including the trade publication Quill & Quire. Submission Guidelines.

7. Cormorant Books

This independent book publisher was founded in 1986. Cormorant Books specializes in publishing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction by writers across Canada. It also publishes select international titles and operates a literary magazine called The Cormorant Review, which features fictional stories, poetry, and essays. Submission Guidelines.

8. Coach House Books

In addition to publishing books, Coach House Books also operates a printing and typesetting facility in Canada, which allows it to maintain complete creative control over the production process. Among other titles, they published “The Sleeping Car Porter” by Suzette Mayr, which won the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize. Submission Guidelines.

9. Arsenal Pulp Press

Based in Vancouver British Columbia, Arsenal Pulp Press has a strong presence in the LGBTQ+ market for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books. Arsenal Pulp Press was started in 1971 and has since published over 300 titles in a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels. They are committed to promoting underrepresented communities and voices in Canadian literature. Submission Guidelines.

10. Goose Lane Editions

This independent book publisher was established in 1954 and it’s still based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Goose Lane Editions publishes high-quality books that reflect the diversity of Canadian culture, history, and literature. They print a wide range of various authors’ creations, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and art books. Submission Guidelines.

11. Thistledown Press

Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Thistledown Press publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, while emphasizing stories and authors from Canada. The press was founded in 1975 and has since been committed to publishing high-quality Canadian literature, particularly works by emerging and established Western Canadian authors. Submission Guidelines.

12. Freehand Books

An independent publishing house based in Calgary, Freehand Books publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, mostly by Canadian writers. Launched in 2007, this publisher quickly became a market player, producing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry books that are thought-provoking and representative of diverse voices and perspectives. Submission Guidelines.

13. NeWest Press

Founded in 1977, NeWest Press became one of the most vibrant independent Canadian book publishers. This Edmonton-based publisher has a strong presence in Canadian literature, poetry, nonfiction, and children’s fiction. They are known to publish books that explore the unique perspectives and experiences of Western Canadians. They accept submissions that meet their ideals and standards. Submission Guidelines.

14. Guernica Editions

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Guernica Editions publishes literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, with a focus on emerging writers. Like many Canadian publishers, Guernica Editions produces books of assorted genres such as fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and drama. However, they emphasized promoting cultural diversity and understanding, as well as printing innovative and experimental works. Submission Guidelines.

15. Invisible Publishing

An independent publisher based in Halifax Nova Scotia, Invisible Publishing made a name for itself by producing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with a focus on emerging writers in Canada. They often take chances on first-time authors with unique and exciting voices. They also don’t shy away from exploring underrepresented themes and perspectives, such as mental health and LGBTQ+ topics. Submission Guidelines.

16. Gaspereau Press

Based in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Gaspereau Press publishes literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, with a focus on high-quality book design and production. Committed to the art of book-making, they publish books with visually stunning covers that explore important themes and perspectives, particularly those that reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of Atlantic Canadians. Submission Guidelines.

17. Talonbooks

Talonbooks is an independent Canadian book publisher based in Vancouver, British Columbia, that strongly supports both emerging writers and established authors. Born in 1963, the press is known for its focus on publishing works of literary and cultural significance, particularly in the genres of drama, poetry, and fiction. They also have a strong reputation in the country for bringing to market innovative and experimental works. Submission Guidelines.

18. Turnstone Press

Started in 1976 and based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Turnstone Press built a reputation for bringing quality literary works in various genres, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and young adult literature to the readers. They are also known for putting into print experimental and innovative manuscripts, particularly those that reflect the unique experiences of residents of Western Canada. Submission Guidelines.

19. Mansfield Press

The Toronto-based Mansfield Press is one of the many Canadian publishers that strongly supports emerging writers as much as established ones. Founded in 1999, the company has since been printing and distributing experimental literature and poetry collections. Their publications often explore themes related to social justice, identity, and community. Submission Guidelines.

20. Douglas & McIntyre

Douglas & McIntyre publishes non-fiction books on a whole slew of topics, including art, culture, natural history, Canadian political issues, and environmental protection. Founded in 1971 in Vancouver, British Columbia, this multi-awarded company also specializes in regional titles, particularly those that highlight the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest. Submission Guidelines.

21. Broadview Press

Broadview Press is an academic publisher based in Peterborough, Ontario that provides affordable and accessible educational materials to students and teachers alike. They specialize in producing high-quality editions of classic literature, as well as critical anthologies and textbooks for use in university-level courses. They also publish books on history, philosophy, cultural studies, and related topics. Submission Guidelines.

22. At Bay Press

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and founded in 2014, At Bay Press made a name in producing innovative, experimental works that challenge traditional literary forms and push the boundaries of what is possible in writing. They are particularly interested in accepting works that engage with questions of identity, community, and social equality, and they prioritize voices that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in mainstream publishing. Submission Guidelines.

23. Boulder Books

This independent publisher from Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s has been publishing books that celebrate the culture, history, and natural beauty of their region, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as works by local authors since 2002. They are big on releasing beautifully designed non-fiction titles on topics like history, politics, and the environment, as well as memoirs, fiction, and poetry. Submission Guidelines.

24. Red Deer Press

Founded in 1972 and based in Calgary, Alberta, Red Deer Press has steadily built its reputation as one of the leading Canadian children’s book publishers. Deeply committed to promoting literacy, they publish a wide range of high-quality and engaging books for young minds. It includes picture books, middle-grade novels, young adult fiction, and non-fiction titles. Submission Guidelines.

25. Kids Can Press

Founded in 1973, Kids Can Press has since published over 700 titles that are distributed worldwide. This Toronto-based publisher aims to inspire and educate children by publishing books that cover science, history, social issues, and the natural environment. They also have a strong focus on promoting literacy and a love for reading. Submission Guidelines.

26. Between the Lines Books

Founded in 1977, Between the Lines Books, has made Toronto, Ontario its home base. They are committed to putting into print books that challenge the status quo and contribute to social and political change. They publish literary works on topics related to social justice, including feminism, anti-racism, environmentalism, and LGBTQ+ rights. Submission Guidelines.

27. Flanker Press

Flanker Press is an independent publisher based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. They’ve been producing books that celebrate the culture, politics, regional history, and natural beauty of the region since 1994. They produce a panoply of high-quality and well-researched books in various categories, such as fiction, short story collections, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books. Submission Guidelines.

28. Ronsdale Press

Ronsdale Press publishes a mixture of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, with a particular focus on fiction and works in translation. They are based in Vancouver, British Columbia and since they started in 1988, they’ve built an impressive track record in printing high-quality books that reflect the diversity and complexity of Canadian culture and history. Submission Guidelines.

29. Signature Editions

Established in 1986 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Signature Editions has since steadily churned out books written by both established and new authors. They print and market literary fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, drama, and many other book genres. The company also sponsors events that foster a sense of community among writers and readers. Submission Guidelines.

30. Second Story Press

Second Story Press is famed for its Holocaust Remembrance Series, which includes books for children and young adults that explore the history and impact of the Holocaust. Founded in 1988 in Toronto, Ontario, the company went on to publish a huge amount of books, including picture books, middle-grade novels, young adult fiction, and non-fiction titles. Submission Guidelines.

Conclusion

The Canadian publishing industry encompasses a broad range of genres, including poetry, self-help, and board books. From the Middle East to aboriginal rights, you can find fantastic books released on a variety of topics every year. If you’re inspired by this list, make sure to check the homepages of each of these companies. And if you want to make your mark on the literary world, check the submission guidelines and share your manuscript today! Next up, you may want to explore a guide to Canadian self-publishing companies.