28 Best Book Publishing Companies in Massachusetts (MA)

As the literary landscape in Massachusetts continues to flourish, it’s no surprise that there are many active book publishing companies within the state.

With so many options at hand, it might be overwhelming to find the right publisher who will consider your manuscript. Below, you’ll find 28 of the top publishing houses in Massachusetts, with what each one publishes and how it handles submissions, since several work only through literary agents and a few charge authors for their services. You may also benefit from browsing my extensive resource of 2,000+ publishing houses.

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 best book publishing companies in Massachusetts:

1. Harvard University Press

Harvard University Press is a scholarly publishing house and a division of Harvard University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It was formed in 1913 and has become one of the leading academic publishers in the world. The press publishes books and journals in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with a particular emphasis on history, philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. Some of the press’s most notable authors include Toni Morrison, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Edward Said, and Amartya Sen. The publishers also operate an imprint, called Belknap Press, which focuses on publishing books in history, law, and the social sciences; and the Loeb Classical Library, which publishes classical Greek and Latin texts with facing-page translations. The press takes book proposals by email to the relevant acquisitions editor. Proposal guidelines.

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2. Beacon Press

Beacon Press is an independent publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1854 by the American Unitarian Association and has since become one of the oldest and most respected book producers in the country. The book publishers focus on publishing works that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recently, the publisher has focused on publishing books that address issues related to racism, police brutality, climate change, and LGBTQ rights. Besides publishing books, they also produce a podcast called “The Beacon Podcast” which features interviews with authors and experts on a range of social justice issues. Beacon reads 250-word email queries for general-trade books, but not new poetry, self-help, or purely academic projects, and replies within three weeks only if it wants a full proposal. Submission guidelines.

3. Shambhala Publications

Shambhala Publications is an independent publisher based in Boston, MA. The publisher specializes in books on spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and the arts. The company was established in 1969 by Samuel Bercholz and Michael Fagan and has become a well-respected publisher in Eastern philosophy and spirituality. The company’s catalog includes books that educate readers on meditation, mindfulness, yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, and other spiritual practices, as well as books on psychology, personal growth, and creativity. Shambhala Publications is committed to publishing books that help readers find meaning and purpose in their lives and to promoting spiritual and cultural understanding across different traditions and cultures. Submission guidelines.

4. David R. Godine, Publisher

David R. Godine, Publisher is an independent book publishing house in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. David R. Godine founded the company in 1970, and today it also runs the Black Sparrow Press, Nonpareil Books, and Verba Mundi imprints. David R. Godine, Publisher is known for its commitment to publishing high-quality books in a wide range of genres, including fiction, poetry, history, art, and kid’s books. The company aims to preserve the art of bookmaking and takes great care in the design, typography, and production of its books. Godine does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, portfolios, or proposals, so you need a literary agent or artist’s representative. Submissions policy.

5. MIT Press

MIT Press is a university press connected with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The press was established in 1932 and has become one of the leading publishers in the areas of science, technology, and the arts. MIT Press publishes a wide range of scholarly books, journals, and digital content. The press is well-known for its publications in fields such as computer science, cognitive science, linguistics, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, economics, and philosophy. MIT Press also publishes books on art, architecture, design, and visual culture. Prospective authors start with an inquiry to the appropriate acquisitions editor before sending a full proposal. Proposal guidelines.

6. Little Brown and Company

Little Brown and Company is a publishing house based in Massachusetts. While Little, Brown, and Company was originally established in Boston in 1837 by Charles Little and James Brown, it moved its headquarters to New York City in the early 20th century. However, the company still maintains a strong presence in Boston, which is home to many of its editorial staff and operations. Little Brown and Company has nearly two centuries of history and has published a wide range of books, including literary fiction, non-fiction, kid’s books, and cookbooks. Some of the notable literary agents and authors who have been published by the company include J. D. Salinger, J. K. Rowling, David Sedaris, Malcolm Gladwell, and James Patterson. Like the rest of Hachette Book Group, it does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or queries, so it is agent-only. Hachette FAQ.

7. Candlewick Press

Candlewick Press is a children’s book publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts, USA. The company was formed in 1991 by Terri Burnham and Elizabeth “Betsy” Groban, both of whom had previously worked in the publishing industry. Candlewick Press is known for publishing high-quality children’s books that are both engaging and educational. Its list includes picture books, board books, chapter books, reference books, and young adult novels, as well as non-fiction titles covering a wide range of topics. Some of its most popular and award-winning books include “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo, and “Flotsam” by David Wiesner. Candlewick is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts or art submissions at this time, so it is effectively agent-only. Submissions note.

8. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a global educational company that provides learning materials, technology solutions, and professional development services to students, educators, and institutions. The company was established in 1832 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. HMH offers a wide range of educational products and services, including textbooks, instructional materials, assessments, and digital learning tools. These resources cover a variety of subjects, including English language arts, math, science, social studies, and world languages. The company serves learners of all ages, from pre-K to adult education. HMH sold its trade publishing division, HMH Books & Media, to HarperCollins in 2021 and now concentrates on K-12 curriculum, so it is no longer a route for trade book authors.

9. Charlesbridge

Charlesbridge is an independent publisher based in Watertown, Massachusetts, USA, that specializes in children’s books and young adult literature. Created in 1989, the company has a reputation for producing high-quality, educational materials that inspire curiosity, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a love of reading. Charlesbridge’s catalog includes a diverse range of titles, including picture books, board books, early readers, chapter books, and nonfiction works. Charlesbridge reads unsolicited manuscripts and picture-book dummies only from January to June; anything sent from July to December is not considered, and it does not want alphabet, coloring, activity, or novelty books. Submission guidelines.

10. University of Massachusetts Press

The University of Massachusetts Press is a scholarly publishing house that operates as a department of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Established in 1963, the press publishes books in a wide variety of academic disciplines, including history, literary studies, African-American studies, American studies, environmental studies, and more. The University of Massachusetts Press is committed to advancing knowledge and promoting scholarship by publishing works of the highest quality. The press is known for its rigorous peer review process and its commitment to publishing diverse perspectives and voices. Its catalog includes both new works and reprints of classic texts, and its authors include both established scholars and emerging voices in academia. Authors send a full proposal with a cover letter, table of contents, CV, and sample chapter, and the press also runs the annual Juniper Prizes for poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Guidelines for authors.

11. Wisdom Publications

It is a non-profit publisher of Buddhist books based in Somerville, Massachusetts, United States. Wisdom Publications is unique among American publishers in that it exclusively focuses on publishing works related to Tibetan life and culture. It was created in 1978 by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, two prominent Tibetan Buddhist teachers who aimed to make Buddhist teachings more accessible to Western audiences. Today, they are one of the leading publishers of Buddhist books in the world. They publish a wide range of books on various topics related to Buddhism, including meditation, mindfulness, philosophy, and psychology. They also publish translations of classic Buddhist texts and commentaries by renowned teachers and scholars from various Buddhist traditions. Submission guidelines.

12. Academic Studies Press

Academic Studies Press is an independent academic publisher that specializes in the publication of scholarly books and journals. The press was started in 2007 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. The publishing house publishes books in a wide range of fields, including history, literature, Jewish studies, Slavic studies, reference books, and more. The press has a particular focus on publishing works that explore the intersections between different academic disciplines, as well as works that examine topics of cultural and historical significance. It welcomes proposals in the humanities and social sciences through a proposal form sent to the right acquisitions editor. Prospective authors.

13. Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is a book publisher based in New York City, USA, and has a distribution center in Massachusetts. It was created in 1924 and they are known for publishing a diverse range of books, including fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. Simon & Schuster has published works by many well-known authors, including Stephen King, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Bob Woodward, and Mary Higgins Clark. Simon & Schuster does not review unsolicited manuscripts or artwork and asks authors to submit through a literary agent. Manuscript submissions policy.

14. Star Bright Books

Star Bright Books is an independent publishing house that specializes in producing high-quality, culturally diverse children’s books for readers from birth to age 10. The company was formed in 1994 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They publish books that celebrate the diversity of people and cultures around the world. They have published books and artwork that have won awards and become a favorite with educators, parents, and kids of all ages. Its list includes bilingual and dual-language books in more than 30 languages, and its books cover a range of topics, including family, friendship, community, nature, and social justice. The company believes that every child should be able to see themselves reflected in the books they read and strives to create books that are both entertaining and educational. The website does not currently post a submission policy.

15. Bedford/St. Martin’s

Bedford/St. Martin’s is a Macmillan Learning imprint that specializes in producing educational materials for students and instructors in the humanities. The company was established in 1981 and is in Boston, Massachusetts, US. Bedford/St. Martin’s is known for publishing textbooks, course materials, and other educational resources for a wide range of subjects, including English, history, philosophy, and communication. The company’s textbooks are widely used in high schools and colleges throughout the United States and are known for their high-quality and engaging content. It publishes mainly commissioned textbooks and posts no general submission policy.

16. Small Beer Press

Small Beer Press is an independent publishing company based in Easthampton, Massachusetts. It was created in 2000 by Gavin J. Grant and Kelly Link, who are also editors and writers. Small Beer Press has published many award-winning books, including Kelly Link’s “Get in Trouble,” which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and won the World Fantasy Award. Small Beer Press publishes a wide range of literary works, including science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and poetry. The company is known for its commitment to publishing innovative, challenging, and diverse works that push the boundaries of genre and explore new ideas. Small Beer Press is currently closed to book submissions, though it still looks at artists’ portfolios. Submission guidelines.

17. Harvard Common Press

Harvard Common Press is a well-known and reputable independent publishing house based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is an imprint of The Quarto Publishing Group and was established in 1976 by Bruce Shaw and has since grown to become a major player in the cookbook and lifestyle publishing industry. Harvard Common Press specializes in publishing high-quality cookbooks, current affairs, health and wellness books, and lifestyle guides. They are known for their commitment to producing books that are both informative and visually stunning. Many of their books feature beautiful photography and illustrations and are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its imprint page invites book ideas that follow Quarto’s submission guidelines. Harvard Common Press at Quarto.

18. Tupelo Press

Tupelo Press is an independent, non-profit literary publisher based in Northampton, Massachusetts, United States. The press was created in 1999 by Jeffrey Levine with the mission of publishing works of poetry, literary fiction, and creative nonfiction by both established and emerging writers. Tupelo Press has gained a reputation for its commitment to producing high-quality books, with a focus on innovative and diverse voices. The press publishes a range of genres, including poetry collections, chapbooks, anthologies, and full-length prose works. Manuscripts come in through contests and set reading periods, such as the Summer Open Reading Period from July 1 to August 31, via Subfolio or mail. Submission guidelines.

19. Rheinwerk Publishing Inc.

Rheinwerk Publishing Inc. is a leading technology publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The company specializes in publishing books and e-books on topics such as computer programming, web development, and software engineering. Rheinwerk Publishing Inc. offers a wide range of titles covering various technology-related topics, including programming languages like Python, Java, and Ruby, web development frameworks like Django and React, and software engineering practices such as DevOps and agile methodologies. The company’s publications are written by experienced authors and experts in their fields and are known for their quality and depth of coverage. Through its SAP PRESS list, it actively looks for new authors with SAP expertise. Become an author.

20. National Braille Press

National Braille Press is a non-profit organization that is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It specializes in producing Braille books and other materials for blind and visually impaired readers. The organization was formed in 1927 and has since become a leading publisher of Braille books and other accessible materials. In addition to its publication program, National Braille Press offers Braille transcription and printing services to other authors and businesses. The organization’s experienced transcribers and printers work closely with clients to produce high-quality Braille materials that meet their specific needs. It does not post a manuscript policy, so contact the press directly. Contact page.

21. Page Street Publishing

Page Street Publishing is an independent book publisher based in Salem, Massachusetts, USA. The company was created in 2012 and specializes in publishing books in a variety of genres, including cookbooks, art books, crafts, and children’s books focusing on new talent and artist-led stories. Page Street Publishing has won numerous awards for its books, including several James Beard Awards for its cookbooks. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a respected and influential player in the independent publishing industry. Submission guidelines.

22. The Christian Science Publishing Society

The Christian Science Publishing Society is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It was established in 1898 and is the publisher of The Christian Science Monitor, a respected international news organization. Besides The Christian Science Monitor, the Christian Science Publishing Society also publishes a variety of other publications and books, including the Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, and The Herald of Christian Science. These publications focus on promoting the teachings and principles of Christian Science, a religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century. It posts no book-submission policy; its contributor guidelines cover articles for the Monitor. Contributor guidelines.

23. Lorac Publishing House

Lorac Publishing House is an independent publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It builds individualized publishing plans for authors and supports them with outlining, manuscript editing, ghostwriting, and marketing. Its catalog includes books for teens on colorism and racism, as well as Spanish-language titles. The website posts no submission policy, so ask how the services are priced before you commit. Visit the website.

24. Hogrefe Publishing Corp.

Hogrefe Publishing Corp. is a scientific and academic publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The company was established in 1949 and has since become a leading publisher in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and mental health. Hogrefe Publishing Corp. specializes in publishing books, journals, and assessments that are used by professionals, researchers, and students in these fields. The company’s publications are known for their high quality, rigorous peer review process, and relevance to current and fundamental issues in psychology and mental health. It also offers a range of services to its authors, including editing, translation, and marketing support. Its For Authors pages invite proposals for books, journal articles, and assessment tools. Information for authors.

25. Black Widow Press

Black Widow Press is a small independent publisher that focuses on modern poetry and literature in translation, especially poetry, short stories, and novellas. Its mission is to bring important 20th-century authors back into print at an accessible price, commissioning new translations where the old ones fall short, and to publish poets still working today. Recent titles include Henry Murger’s The Water Drinkers, translated by Zack Rogow. Black Widow Press is not accepting submissions at this time. Submissions page.

26. Paraclete Press

Paraclete Press is a Christian book publisher based in Orleans, Massachusetts, United States. The company was founded in 1983 with an interest in publishing books on Christian spirituality, worship, and prayer. The company is particularly known for its publications on Christian spirituality, which include works by renowned authors such as Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, and Richard Rohr. They also produce a range of other media, including music CDs, DVDs, and e-books. The company’s music recordings include traditional and contemporary Christian music, as well as recordings of Christian chant and hymns. Paraclete is closed to unsolicited submissions and considers only agented proposals or authors already working with one of its editors. Submission guidelines.

27. Pioneer Valley Books

Pioneer Valley Books is a publishing house based in Northampton, Massachusetts, United States. The company was established in 1998 by author and educator Michele Dufresne, who creates quality, engaging, and accessible books for young readers. Pioneer Valley Books specializes in creating books that help children develop reading skills and a love for reading. The company offers a wide range of books, including leveled readers’ notes, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction titles, that meet the needs of readers at different levels of proficiency. Pioneer Valley Books is not accepting manuscripts from outside sources at this time. Manuscript policy.

28. Red Wheel/Weiser Books

Red Wheel Weiser Books is a publishing company based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States. The company was formed in 1956 and has a long history of publishing books on spirituality, personal growth, and alternative health. Red Wheel Weiser publishes a diverse range of books, including works on astrology, meditation, yoga, and shamanism, as well as books on self-help and wellness. The company is committed to publishing manuscripts that promote personal transformation, and good parenting, inspire creativity, and encourage readers to explore new perspectives. It welcomes unagented proposals by email but does not publish fiction or AI-generated manuscripts. Submission guidelines.

Names you may be looking for

Mill City Publishing

The web address once listed for Mill City Publishing now belongs to a discount book outlet, and no Massachusetts publisher by that name could be confirmed.

Author Reputation Press

Author Reputation Press sells paid publishing packages and is named in the Authors Guild’s publishing scam alerts and on Writer Beware’s list of publishing scams, so it no longer appears on this list.

Conclusion

From longstanding houses like Beacon Press and Harvard University Press to small presses like Tupelo Press and Black Widow Press, there’s something for every author on this list. Whether you’re looking for a publisher for your debut novel or a niche nonfiction work, check each publisher’s current stance first: several of the biggest names work only through literary agents, Charlesbridge reads unsolicited work only in its January-to-June window, and a few companies sell paid services rather than offering traditional contracts. By starting with this list of the 28 best book publishing companies in Massachusetts, you will be on the right track to finding a reputable and respected home for your work. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the best book publishers in Mississippi.