7 Best Pittsburgh Book Publishing Companies (PA)

In the bustling city of Pittsburgh, PA, the pursuit of knowledge and education finds a unique ally in the form of various book publishers.

Providing a platform for both online and offline publication, these establishments cover a wide mix, from poetry and literary fiction to Reformed Christian titles, organic gardening, regional history, and a paid publishing-services company. Let’s explore the companies that influence Steel City’s local literary scene. Once you’ve grasped the essence of this guide, there’s a treasure trove of publishing companies for you to discover.

Submission policies change without notice, so confirm on the publisher’s own page before you send anything, and never pay a reading fee. Last verified: October 3, 2026.

Here are the top Pittsburgh book publishing companies:

1. University of Pittsburgh Press

Established in 1936, the University of Pittsburgh Press boasts a distinguished history of publishing academic writings and cultural works. The press has expertise in an array of academic fields, with standout contributions in Latin American studies, Russian and East European studies, Central Asian studies, and environmental studies, to name a few. Furthermore, it fosters an intimate connection with its geographical roots, publishing works that celebrate the history, art, and architecture of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. Book proposals go in with a CV, an outline, and a sample chapter. Notably, the press houses the prestigious Pitt Poetry Series, which reads manuscripts only through Submittable from August 1 to September 30, and gives voice to many of today’s most accomplished poets. It also organizes esteemed awards like the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, establishing itself as an influential player in the literary world. Submission guidelines.

Working on a book of your own? You can publish it yourself with PublishDrive (affiliate link).

2. Dorrance Publishing Co

Dorrance Publishing Co., founded in 1920 by Gordon Dorrance, is renowned as America’s oldest publishing services company. Unlike traditional publishers, Dorrance is a paid service: you submit your work for a consultation, then buy editing, design, promotion, and distribution packages, keeping creative control without an agent. Beyond publishing, Dorrance offers an array of services including writing coaching, ghostwriting, and a suite of book promotion products. Ask for a full price list before you commit. Dorrance publishing services.

3. Crown & Covenant Publications

Crown & Covenant Publications is a Reformed, Christian publishing ministry based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They operate under the oversight of the Board of Education & Publication of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA). Their goal is to be a resource for psalm singing and serious Scripture study, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of Christian doctrine and the Reformed tradition. The publisher offers a variety of products including posters, music, books, pamphlets, history books, and more. Among their bestsellers are titles like “The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” and “The Book of Psalms for Worship.” Crown & Covenant also manages the Grassmarket Press and Geneva College Press, extending their reach into the academic world. About Crown & Covenant.

4. Autumn House Press

Founded in 1998, Autumn House Press is a nationally recognized nonprofit publisher based in Pittsburgh, PA. Renowned for publishing debut collections from celebrated poets and authors, the press is dedicated to endorsing emerging and established authors and offering continued support throughout their careers. The press believes that literature is a deep affirmation of the broad spectrum of human experience, and thus, essential in our current times. They commit to editing works with devotion and care and producing aesthetically pleasing books. Their portfolio includes highly acclaimed publications that have earned awards such as the Whiting Award, Oregon Book Award in Creative Nonfiction, PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection, and GLCA New Writers Award. Autumn House Press publishes eight books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction annually. They accept manuscripts through their annual prizes, publishing partnerships with the Center for African American Poetry and Poetics and West Chester University Poetry Center, and an open-call reading period. The prizes charge a reading fee (the nonfiction prize asks $35, waivable for financial hardship), so weigh that before you enter. Submission guidelines.

5. St. Lynn’s Press

St. Lynn’s Press, founded in 2005, carries the legacy of James Lynn (1892 – 1955), a man admired for his balanced approach to life – in body, mind, and spirit. Taking his nickname, “St. Lynn,” the company reflects his commitment to living in harmony with life and the planet, affirming the balance between earthly responsibilities and higher aspirations. The company is committed to environmentally friendly publishing practices, including using recycled papers and eco-friendly inks and promoting sustainability. The press initially published a diverse range of books. However, they have since focused on themes of organic gardening, sustainable living, and mindful stewardship of our planet, topics that deeply resonate with their values. St. Lynn’s Press invites authors to submit manuscripts through a two-step process, beginning with a query detailing the manuscript’s overview, uniqueness, target audience, and the author’s credentials. Submission guidelines.

6. Black Lawrence Press

Black Lawrence Press is a renowned independent publisher of contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Occasionally, they also publish translations from German. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has become a notable imprint, achieving national distribution via Small Press Distribution to popular retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The press was named after its founding location, nestled between the Black River and the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. The press offers an impressive array of quality books spanning various genres and formats, including anthologies, chapbooks, novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, and e-books. They also run several submissions and contests, like The Rhine Translation Prize, The St. Lawrence Book Award, The Hudson Prize, and The Black River Chapbook Competition, encouraging new and diverse voices in literature. Additionally, Black Lawrence Press provides hybrid consultations with notable authors and editors. Submission guidelines.

7. The Local History Company

The Local History Company, and its sister imprint Towers Maguire Publishing, specialize in publishing works with a regional interest. They are true to their motto “All History Is Local,” emphasizing narratives tied to specific locales while also addressing general, national, and international themes. Their repertoire spans a broad spectrum of subjects, including art history, architecture, civil rights, African-American history, American Revolution, and more, offering both non-fiction and fiction titles. The company is currently concentrated on specific geographical areas such as Oregon, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New England, New York, Florida, and the Appalachian region. However, their For Authors page says they are not considering new titles at present, given their full schedule with ongoing projects. Their commitment to regional interests and local narratives creates a unique space for readers interested in exploring the rich histories of these regions through their diverse publications. Submission guidelines.

Names you may be looking for

Dreamstarters Publishing

Its old web address now leads to an unrelated marketing software product, so there is no current publishing service to contact.

Hyacinth Girl Press

This feminist poetry chapbook micro-press’s website could not be read in October 2026, so check its current status before you send work.

The Expressive Press

Pete Geissler’s small press now features mainly his own books on its website and lists no submission route for other authors.

Final Thoughts

Pittsburgh is a hub of literary excellence, housing a diverse array of book publishing companies that cater to a wide spectrum of genres. For poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, start with Autumn House, Black Lawrence, and the University of Pittsburgh Press. St. Lynn’s Press takes queries on gardening and sustainable living, while Dorrance is a paid service rather than a traditional publisher. Each of these Pittsburgh book publishing companies carries its unique flavor and focus, yet all share a common goal: to empower authors and enrich the literary world with compelling stories and insightful works. Check each press’s current guidelines and reading periods before you send anything. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on book publishers in Seattle.