Searching for the best horror publishers is a terrifying process.
I’ve been a fan of gore, fiendishness, and the creeps ever since I was a kid. My mom’s private library showcased many of the Stephen King’s novels featuring book cover art that would give me nightmares. We used to watch horror flicks on VHS since I was five years old and this had a profound positive impact on my psychology (thanks mom!)
Now, are you in possession of a manuscript of a horror novel, short fiction, vampire fiction, or even horror poetry? Or maybe you’re doing research to discover the top horror novels that will scare the daylights out of you?
Peruse this extensive list of horror publishing houses, if you have the nerve and the guts to descend into grotesque hell realms of this depraved literary genre.
32 Horror Book Publishers Worth Checking Out:
1. Tor Books
While Tor Books is best known for its science fiction and fantasy publications, but they also have a strong presence in the realm of horror. Tor Horror, an imprint of Tor Books, has been publishing horror novels and anthologies since the 1980s, featuring authors such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Joe Hill.
The imprint has continued to publish horror works by both established and up-and-coming authors, including Paul Tremblay, Victor LaValle, and Alma Katsu. Tor Horror is known for publishing stories that push the boundaries of the genre, exploring themes such as psychological horror, supernatural terror, and cosmic dread.
Contact email: blogsubmissions@tor.com
Mailing address: 175 5th Ave #14, New York, NY, 10010, 2nd St & 5th Ave
Phone: (212) 388-0100
2. Penguin Random House
While this award-winning publisher is known in a wide variety of genres, they also made a significant impact by releasing some great horror titles.
Through its various imprints, such as Viking, Crown, and Ballantine Books, they publish paperbacks by some of the most popular and influential horror writers, including Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Clive Barker.
Contact email: submissions@penguinrandomhouse.com
Mailing address: 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 782-9000
3. Cemetery Dance Publications
Cemetery Dance Publications is a specialty press that specializes in publishing horror, suspense, and dark fantasy. Founded in 1988, the publisher has established itself as a leader when it comes to horror titles, focusing on publishing limited-edition, high-quality collectibles for collectors and fans.
They published works by many notable horror authors, including Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Ray Bradbury, as well as new and emerging voices in the genre.
Contact email: blugilliand@gmail.com
Mailing address: 132-B Industry Lane, Unit 7, Forest Hill, MD 21050
Phone: 410-588-5901
4. Dark Horse Comics
It’s a comic book, and graphic novel publisher based in Milwaukie, Oregon. Founded in 1986, the company has established a reputation for publishing high-quality comics and graphic novels across various genres, including horror.
Dark Horse Comics has published many notable horror comics, including the popular Hellboy series by Mike Mignola, as well as works by acclaimed Horror Writers Association, others such as Joe R. Lansdale, Steve Niles, and Mike Mignola. Besides horror comics, Dark Horse publishes many other genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and crime.
Contact email: dhartsubmissions@darkhorse.com
Mailing address: 10956 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR, 97222
Phone: 503) 652-8815
5. Dark Regions Press
Dark Regions Press specializes in horror, science fiction, dark erotica, and fantasy. Founded in 1985, the press has established itself as a leading publisher of high-quality limited-edition horror books and collections.
They published many notable horror authors, including Clive Barker, Ramsey Campbell, and Bentley Little. They are known for their commitment to producing visually stunning editions that are highly prized by collectors, often featuring original artwork and handcrafted binding.
Besides limited-edition releases, Dark Regions Press also publishes many trade paperback editions, paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: Dark Regions Press, PO Box 1264, Colusa, CA 95932, USA
Phone: (971) 229-1695
6. Flame Tree Publishing
It’s a publishing imprint that specializes in horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Launched in 2018, the small publishing arm has quickly established itself as a major player in the genre.
They published books by many notable horror authors, including Tim Waggoner, Ramsey Campbell, and Jonathan Janz, as well as debut authors who are making a name for themselves in the genre. Besides horror, they also publish science fiction, fantasy, crime, and mystery novels.
Contact email: submissions@flametreepublishing.com
Mailing address: 6 Melbray Mews, Fulham, London, SW6 3NS, UK
Phone: (UK) 020 7751 9650
7. Valancourt Books
The company is based in Richmond, Virginia, and specializes in publishing rare, neglected, and out-of-print works of horror, Gothic fiction, and supernatural tales. Founded in 2005, the publisher has become known for its commitment to unearthing forgotten horror classics and reviving them for a new generation of readers.
They published works by Shirley Jackson, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, and John Llewellyn Probert, as well as lesser-known and emerging writers. The publisher is dedicated to quality literature and its editions are carefully designed and edited, with many featuring original introductions and scholarly essays. With a focus on resurrecting lost treasures of horror and Gothic literature, they have become a beloved publisher among horror fans, scholars, and collectors.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: P.O. Box 17642, Richmond, VA 23226, USA
Phone: (804) 873-8528
Submission guidelines: not readily available
8. JournalStone Publishing
Founded in 2011, JournalStone specializes in publishing horror, science fiction and anthologies and collections of short stories. The press also publishes collections and anthologies featuring works by multiple authors, with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.
Because of the high focus on quality storytelling and innovative design, they have become a go-to publisher for horror fans and readers of literary fiction.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: 3205 Sassafras Trail, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Phone: not readily available
9. Trepidatio Publishing
Founded in 2018, Trepidatio Publishing specializes in publishing horror and weird fiction. They focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity in the genre and have welcomed works by many female and LGBTQ+ authors, including Priya Sharma, Kristi DeMeester, and S.P. Miskowski.
They focus on literary horror fiction, exploring themes such as social justice, psychological horror, and cosmic terror. Notable horror works published by Trepidatio Publishing include “Sing Your Sadness Deep” by Laura Mauro, “The Rust Maidens” by Gwendolyn Kiste, and “The Fisherman” by John Langan.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: Trepidatio Publishing, P.O. Box 1376, Alameda, CA 94501, USA
Phone: not readily available
10. Apex Publications
Apex Publications has a strong presence in the spooky world and has published many notable horror novels, anthologies, and collections. They’re known for innovative and thought-provoking horror fiction, exploring themes such as social justice, psychological horror, and cosmic dread.
The publisher has won many awards and accolades for its horror releases. Notable horror works published by Apex Publications include “I Am Not Your Final Girl” by Claire C. Holland, “Furnace” by Livia Llewellyn, and “Aickman’s Heirs” edited by Simon Strantzas.
Contact email: jason@apexbookcompany.com
Mailing address: PO Box 24323, Lexington, KY 40524-4323, USA
Phone: not readily available
11. Crystal Lake Publishing
This is an independent publisher that specializes in horror, literary fiction, dark humor, and suspense. They are dedicated to promoting diverse voices in the genre and have published works by both established and emerging horror writers, including Joe R. Lansdale, Mercedes M. Yardley, and Tim Waggoner.
Notable horror works published by Crystal Lake include “Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling in the Horror Genre” edited by Joe Mynhardt and “Shallow Waters: Volume 1” edited by Joe Mynhardt and Emma Audsley.
Contact email: crystallakepub@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1445, Southgate, MI 48195, USA
Phone: not readily available
12. Grey Matter Press
Grey Matter Press is a Chicago-based publishing company that specializes in horror and suspense. Founded in 2013, the publisher has quickly become known for eerie literary fiction.
They have published works by both established and debut horror writers, including Ramsey Campbell, John F.D. Taff, and Mercedes M. Yardley. They focus on innovative and experimental prose, exploring themes such as psychological horror, cosmic horror, and supernatural terror.
Notable horror works published by Grey Matter Press include “Sacrificing Virgins” by John F.D. Taff, “The Eighth” by Stephanie M. Wytovich, and “Peel Back the Skin” edited by Anthony Rivera and Sharon Lawson.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: 12 Some Streeet, Newburgh, New York, 12550, United States
Phone: (847) 424-8600
13. Severed Press
Severed Press is a small independent press that specializes in publishing horror, science fiction, and fantasy novels and collections. Founded in 2008, they became a leading publisher of quality horror and genre fiction.
The press has published works by many notable horror authors, including Tim Curran, Edward Lee, and Brian Lumley, as well as debut authors who are making a name for themselves. Severed Press is known for its focus on creature horror, featuring works with sea monsters, zombies, and other monstrous creatures.
Contact email: submissions@severedpress.com
Mailing address: 9 Audley St, North Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
Phone: not readily available
14. Permuted Press
Permuted Press is a publishing company that specializes in horror, science fiction, and fantasy novels and collections. They published well-known authors, including Tim Curran, David Moody, and Jonathan Maberry.
They focus on apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic horror, exploring themes such as survival, disease, and societal collapse. Notable horror works published by Permuted Press include “Dead City” by Joe McKinney, “Autumn” by David Moody, and “Rot and Ruin” by Jonathan Maberry.
Contact email: contact@permutedpress.com
Mailing address: 1604 Westgate Circle, Suite 100, Brentwood, TN 37027, USA
Phone: 615-261-4646
15. Raw Dog Screaming Press
Raw Dog Screaming Press has gained a reputation for being a leading publisher of horror fiction because of its focus on publishing unique and experimental horror works.
They promote diversity and inclusivity in the genre and have published works by many female and LGBTQ+ horror authors. Raw Dog focuses on unconventional and experimental horror fiction, exploring themes such as body horror, surrealism, and bizarro horror.
Notable horror works published by Raw Dog Screaming Press include “Chick Bassist” by Ross E. Lockhart, “Paper Tigers” by Damien Angelica Walters, and “Greener Pastures” by Michael Wehunt.
Contact email: books@rawdogscreaming.com
Mailing address: 196 E South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551, United States
Phone: (301) 577-3840
16. Bloodshot Books
Bloodshot Books is an independent publisher that specializes in publishing horror novels, anthologies, and collections. They published works by many debut horror authors, including K. Trap Jones, Wesley Southard, and Robert Ford.
Their editions are carefully designed and edited to create an immersive horror experience for the readers. Notable horror works published by Bloodshot Books include “Tribesmen” by Adam Cesare, “The Pale White” by Chad Lutzke and John Boden, and “The Immeasurable Corpse of Nature” by Christopher Slatsky.
Contact email: bloodshothorror@gmail.com
Mailing address: 14 Chase Drive, Sharon, MA, United States, Massachusetts
Phone: not readily available
17. Crossroad Press
Crossroad Press is a horror and dark fiction publisher that specializes in publishing horror novels, anthologies, and collections. They published works by many debut horror authors, including William Meikle, Lisa von Biela, and John F.D. Taff.
Notable horror works published by Crossroad Press include “Darkness Whispers” by Richard Chizmar and “Widow’s Point” by Richard Chizmar and Billy Chizmar.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: 141 Brayden Dr, Hertford, North Carolina, 27944, United States
Phone: (252) 340-3952
18. Grinning Skull Press
Grinning Skull Press specializes in publishing horror, collections, and novellas. They have published works of Jack Ketchum, Brian Hodge, and John Skipp. They’re also promoting inclusivity in the genre by welcoming works penned by female horror writers, including Lisa Morton and Yvonne Navarro.
Notable horror works published by Grinning Skull Press include “Deadcore: 4 Hardcore Horror Novellas” by K. Trap Jones, “The End in All Beginnings” by John F.D. Taff, and “Savage Beasts” edited by Anthony Rivera and Sharon Lawson.
Contact email: support@grinningskullpress.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 67, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: not readily available
19. Hippocampus Press
This horror publisher is known for its dedication to promoting new and emerging voices in the genre, publishing works by debut and notable horror authors such as H. P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, and Robert E. Howard.
They’re famous for scholarly and critical editions of classic horror, with many of its editions featuring introductions, footnotes, and critical essays. Hippocampus Press has won several awards for its horror publications, including the Shirley Jackson Award and the World Fantasy Award.
Notable horror works published by Hippocampus Press include “The King in Yellow and Other Horror Stories” by Robert W. Chambers, “The Fisherman” by John Langan, and the short story collections, including “The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories” by H. P. Lovecraft.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: PO Box 641, New York City, New York, 10156, United States
Phone: not readily available
20. Nightscape Press
This publishing house specializes in publishing horror and dark fiction novels, novellas, and collections. They have published works by writers such as Brian Keene and Jonathan Janz. Nightscape Press is a leading independent publisher committed to publishing high-quality horror fiction that explores the themes of terror, suspense, and the supernatural.
Notable horror works published by Nightscape Press include “The Rust Maidens” by Gwendolyn Kiste, “The Siren and the Specter” by Jonathan Janz, and “Lost Films” edited by Max Booth III.
Contact email: nightscapepressinfo@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1715, Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37121-1715
Phone: not readily available
21. Black Bed Sheet Books
Here’s an indie press that specializes in publishing horror, dark fiction, and speculative fiction novels, novellas, and collections. They published works by many debut horror and sci fi authors, as well as works by established horror writers such as John Russo and Joe R. Lansdale.
The publisher is known for its focus on unique and innovative horror fiction, with a particular emphasis on transgressive horror and the macabre. Notable horror works published by Black Bed Sheet Books include “The Island of Dr. Morose” by Mike Gagnon, “Dead City” by Shane D. Keene, and “Zombie Kong: Anthology” edited by James Roy Daley.
Contact email: bbsadmin@downwarden.com
Mailing address: 7865 Valley Quail Ct. Antelope, CA 95843
Phone: (916) 774-6184
22. By Light Unseen Media
LUM is known in the publishing world for horror and dark fantasy novels, novellas, and collections. They have published works by established horror writers such as Tanith Lee and Nancy A. Collins.
Notable horror works published by the company include “The Last Testament of Thomas Griffith” by J.A. Kopp, “The Monster Within Idea” by R. Thomas Riley and Roy C. Booth, and “The Evil Within” by Tanith Lee.
Contact email: vyrdolak@bylightunseenmedia.com
Mailing address: 325 Lakeview Dr., Winchendon, MA 01475
Phone: 978-297-1730
23. Undertow Publications
This is a traditional publisher that specializes in weird horror and dark fiction, with a focus on the supernatural fiction. Undertow Publications has published works by many notable horror authors, including Simon Strantzas, Michael Wehunt, and Damien Angelica Walters.
Notable horror works published by the company include “Furnace” by Livia Llewellyn, “The End of the End of Everything” by Dale Bailey, and “The Lure of Devouring Light” by Michael Griffin.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: not available
Phone: not readily available
24. Camelot Books
Camelot Books is a book publisher specializing in horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction literature. They have been in business since 1979 and publish books of classic horror and fantasy.
Besides publishing, Camelot Books also sells rare and collectible books, artwork, and other items related to the horror and dark fantasy genres. They are based in Florida and are dedicated to providing readers with the best in horror, also in ebook formats.
Contact email: kim@camelotbooks.com
Mailing address: 6221 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34638
Phone: (813) 932-7162
Submission guidelines: not readily available
25. Worlds Without End
Worlds Without End is primarily focused on science fiction and fantasy, but they have a significant presence in the horror community. They have a database of horror books, including classics and newer releases, and feature reviews and discussions on horror literature.
They also take part in horror-focused reading challenges, such as the annual Halloween Reading Challenge. While not exclusively a horror-focused community, Worlds Without End is a valuable resource for horror fans looking to discover new authors and titles within the genre.
Contact email: jsmith@worldswithoutend.com
Mailing address: not available
Phone: not readily available
26. Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing | Ghoulish Books
It’s an independent publishing house that specializes in horror, dark fiction, and transgressive literature. They have been in business since 2012.
Besides publishing books, the Perpetual Motion Machine also runs a website that features interviews with authors, book reviews, and other content related to horror and dark fiction. They have a strong online presence and actively engage with their readership through social media.
Contact email: contact@perpetualpublishing.com
Mailing address: PO BOX 1104, Cibolo, TX 78108, USA
Phone: (210) 570-7224
27. Arkham House
Arkham House is a small book publisher specializing in horror and weird fiction literature. The company was founded in 1939 by August Derleth and Donald Wandrei and is named after the fictional New England city of Arkham, created by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft.
Arkham House has published works by some of the most famous horror and weird fiction writers of the 20th century, including Lovecraft, Derleth, Wandrei, Robert E. Howard, and Clark Ashton Smith. While they have a limited catalog, Arkham House is considered one of the most important independent publishers ever in the history of horror literature.
Contact email: not available
Mailing address: not available
Phone: not available
28. Dzanc Books
Dzanc Books is a small independent publisher founded in 2006. They focus on publishing literary fiction, with an emphasis on innovative and experimental works. While they are not exclusive about publishing horror or speculative fiction, they have a sizable catalog of titles in these genres.
They also offer writing workshops and mentorship programs to support new and emerging writers. Dzanc Books is committed to publishing unique and thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of literary fiction.
Contact email: michelle@dzancbooks.org
Mailing address: 2580 Craig Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 USA
Phone: not readily available
29. Severn House
Severn House is a UK-based independent publisher that specializes in mysteries and thriller novels, including crime fiction, and historical fiction, mysteries, psychological thrillers, and detective novels.
The company was founded in 1974 and has published works by many acclaimed authors, including Peter Lovesey, Kate Ellis, and Priscilla Masters. They are known for their high-quality publications, which often feature striking cover art and well-designed layouts.
Contact email: info@severnhouse.com
Mailing address: Eardley House, 4 Uxbridge Street, London, W8 7SY
Phone: +44 0207 467 0840
30. Polis Books
This company publishes crime and mystery fiction, as well as science fiction and horror. Polis started in 2013 and has since become known for its commitment to publishing diverse voices and supporting emerging authors.
They have a strong online presence and engage with readers through social media and other channels. They are known for publishing high-quality works of fiction that explore a wide range of themes and subjects, from classic detective true crime novels to edgy and innovative works of speculative fiction.
Contact email: info@polisbooks.com
Mailing address: 1201 Hudson St 211S, Hoboken, New Jersey, 07030, United States
Phone: (646) 306-4865
31. Grindhouse Press
This company is known in the publishing industry by releasing extreme horror, transgressive fiction, and bizarro literature. Founded in 2013, they gained cloud through boundary-pushing works of horror fiction.
They have published works by many acclaimed writers, including John Skipp, Carlton Mellick III, and Bryan Smith. They have a reputation for publishing edgy and unconventional works that explore the darker side of the human experience. While not for the faint of heart, this publisher is a valuable resource for fans of horror and transgressive fiction looking for daring works of literary fiction. They’re also currently accepting submissions.
Contact email: fill out the contact form on the website
Mailing address: not readily available
Phone: not readily available
32. The Evil Cookie Publishing
The publishing house known as The Evil Cookie, run by the horror author and artist K. Trap Jones, focuses on producing fast-paced, gore-filled novels, novellas, and anthologies.
Jones, who has been writing horror stories for a decade, ventured into the publishing world with a commitment to maintaining high-quality works, featuring some of the best writers in the industry. The Evil Cookie Publishing aims to provide readers with intense and thrilling horror stories.
Contact email: theevilcookiesubs@gmail.com
Mailing address: not readily available
Phone: not readily available
Conclusion
The horror genre has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and there are many great publishers out there for horror authors. Whether you’re looking for a traditional publishing house or an independent press, it’s all here for the taking.
It doesn’t matter if you have a work of gothic fiction, a slew of graphic novels, or even something as innocent as an urban fantasy manuscript, these publishers will scrutinize it.
From established publishers like Tor and Penguin Random House to smaller presses like Dark Regions Press and Valancourt Books, there’s no shortage of options for horror authors who want to spread their dark literary works without looking for a literary agent.
With a little research and perseverance, you can find the perfect publisher to help bring your horror story back from the dead.
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