18 Best Book Publishing Companies in Pennsylvania (Contact)

Pennsylvania is home to four university presses, a handful of bold literary small presses, and several long-running trade and Christian publishers, so there is a real chance one of them fits your book.

Starting on the literary journey requires aligning with the perfect publishing house, be it for aspiring authors seeking a breakthrough or seasoned writers seeking new horizons. Below, you’ll find 18 Pennsylvania publishers, what each one publishes, and where its submission guidelines live. Several only read manuscripts during set windows, so note the dates before you plan your submission. You may also be interested in complementing this read with my curated collection of 2,000+ publishing entities.

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 Pennsylvania:

1. University of Pennsylvania Press

The University of Pennsylvania Press is a renowned academic publisher affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1890, the press is dedicated to disseminating scholarly and intellectually rigorous works across a wide range of disciplines. The press publishes books that cover various fields, including history, literature, cultural studies, social sciences, and more. They prioritize publishing works that contribute to the advancement of knowledge, providing valuable insights and perspectives to scholars, researchers, and students. Book proposals are welcome in the fields it publishes. Proposal guidelines.

2. Carnegie Mellon University Press

Carnegie Mellon University Press is the Pittsburgh university’s literary publisher, now run by the University Libraries. It publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literary translation, and plays, and it awards annual translation and new play prizes. New authors can send poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction only through Submittable during the yearly open period, which ran August 15 to September 15 in 2026; manuscripts sent at other times are not read. Guidelines for prospective authors.

3. Temple University Press

Temple University Press is a distinguished academic publisher associated with Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Established in 1969, the press is committed to advancing scholarship, promoting social justice, and disseminating knowledge across various disciplines. The press publishes books that encompass a wide range of subjects, including history, sociology, urban studies, cultural studies, gender studies, and more. They prioritize works that address pressing social issues, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute to public discourse. Its editors acquire by field, from urban studies to Asian American and disability studies. Submission guidelines.

4. Schiffer Publishing

Schiffer Publishing is an independent publishing company that specializes in producing high-quality books on a diverse range of subjects. Founded in 1974 and based in Atglen, PA, Schiffer began by reissuing Margaret Schiffer’s research on Chester County inventories and grew into one of the largest illustrated nonfiction catalogs in the country. Schiffer Publishing covers an array of topics, including fine art, architecture, history books, military history, transportation, antiques, crafts, collectibles, divination decks, lifestyle, and more, plus maritime titles from its Cornell Maritime Press imprint. The publisher focuses on producing books that are visually appealing and informative, often featuring vibrant illustrations, detailed photographs, and comprehensive text. Submit a book proposal.

5. Penn State University Press

Penn State University Press is a renowned academic book publication company affiliated with Penn State University, a leading public research institution. Founded in 1956, the press has established a strong reputation for producing scholarly works across a wide range of disciplines. Penn State University Press specializes in producing high-quality books in the humanities and social sciences. It actively contributes to the academic community by disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering intellectual dialogue. The press publishes both monographs and edited collections, featuring the work of established scholars as well as emerging voices in academia. Proposal guidelines.

6. Quirk Books

Quirk Books is an independent publishing company known for its unique and offbeat approach to literature. Founded in 2002 and based in Philadelphia, PA, Quirk Books has gained a reputation for publishing innovative and unconventional titles. Quirk Books specializes in producing short fiction and nonfiction books that offer a fresh and quirky twist. It embraces a wide range of books, including humor, horror, graphic novels, pop culture, science fiction, young adult, fantasy, children, and historical fiction. The publisher often combines elements from different books to create entertaining and distinctive reading experiences. Submission guidelines.

7. Camino Books

Camino Books is an independent publishing company based in Philadelphia, PA. Founded in 1987, Camino Books focuses on producing books that celebrate the rich history, culture, regional interest, and stories of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Camino Books specializes in a variety of book categories, including regional history, memoirs, biographies, travel narratives, and cookbooks. Its catalog is still in print, but Camino Books is not accepting new book proposals right now, so treat it as a publisher to watch rather than one to pitch. Submissions page.

8. Autumn House Press

Autumn House Press is an independent nonprofit publishing house dedicated to producing and promoting the works of talented and emerging authors. Founded in 1998 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Autumn House Press focuses on issuing literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Autumn House Press seeks to discover and cultivate exceptional literary voices, providing a platform for writers who demonstrate a high level of skill, creativity, and artistic vision. The press is committed to supporting underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity within the literary landscape. If you’re interested in submitting, look at some books already published by the company to help ensure your manuscript would be a good fit for its catalog. Submission guidelines.

9. Sunbury Press

Sunbury Press is an independent publishing company that specializes in a diverse range of literary works. Founded in 2004 and based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Sunbury Press is committed to publishing high-quality books that captivate people and offer unique perspectives. Sunbury Press publishes books and eBooks across various categories, including historical fiction, nonfiction, mystery, horror, science fiction, fantasy, police procedurals, self-help, memoirs, and literature for children. It describes itself as a traditional royalty-paying publisher that charges authors no fees and requires no book purchases, and it publishes many first-time authors who are willing to help market their books. Contact page for submissions.

10. Split Lip Press

Split Lip Press is an independent publishing house known for its dedication to promoting contemporary literature, particularly in the category of poetry collections, novellas, fiction, novels, short stories, and creative non-fiction. Publishing since 2014, Split Lip Press reads full manuscripts through Submittable in genre windows: short story and flash fiction from January to March, multigenre and prose chapbooks from April to June, novels and novellas from July to September, and essay, memoir, and hybrid nonfiction from October 1 to December 1. Reading periods carry a fee, with fee waivers funded from past rounds. Split Lip Press publishes a diverse range of literary titles that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore unique perspectives. It does not open manuscripts sent by email, including agented ones. Submission guidelines.

11. Kallisti Publishing

Kallisti Publishing is a traditional publisher with an emphasis on personal development and inspirational books. It publishes through three imprints, including IW$ Press, home of Tyler G. Hicks’s classic wealth-building library. Its online submission form asks what your book is about, who it is for, and how you plan to reach readers, and the team then decides which imprint, if any, fits. Submission guidelines.

12. Black Lawrence Press

Black Lawrence Press is an independent publishing company that focuses on publishing literary works, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Established in 2004 and based in the United States, Black Lawrence Press seeks to promote emerging and established writers by providing a platform for their work. The press is committed to publishing diverse voices and showcasing unique perspectives. They actively seek manuscripts that challenge traditional boundaries and explore innovative literary forms. Manuscripts come in only through Submittable, via annual contests (the Big Moose Prize for novels, the Hudson Prize for collections, and chapbook competitions) and open reading periods, including one each November. Submission guidelines.

13. White Mane Publishing Co

White Mane Publishing Co., Inc. is an independent publishing company based in the United States. Established in 1973, White Mane Publishing specializes in publishing books focused on American history, particularly the Civil War era, and the American Revolution, and historical children’s books in the middle-grade and young adult category with its imprint, Burd Street Press. The publisher is dedicated to preserving and sharing historical knowledge through its publications. The book publishers work with authors who are experts in their fields to produce well-researched and authoritative books that educate and entertain readers interested in American history. Resources for authors and proposals.

14. Judson Press

Judson Press is a well-known publishing company that specializes in Christian literature. Established in 1824, the book publishers are affiliated with the American Baptist Home Mission Society which serves Jesus Christ in the USA and has a long history of providing resources for Christian education, spiritual growth, and ministry. The press publishes a wide range of titles that cater to a diverse readership, including pastors, church leaders, scholars, and individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their catalog encompasses various categories, such as theology, biblical studies, devotionals, church leadership, Christian living, and social justice. It reviews proposals in two cycles a year: send yours by January 31 for March or by July 31 for September. Its separate Inspirit Judson Press imprint is an author-funded service, so know which one you are applying to. Submission guidelines.

15. Whitaker House

Whitaker House is a prominent Christian publishing company known for its commitment to providing inspirational and faith-based literature. Established in 1970 and based in New Kensington, PA, Whitaker House has a rich history of publishing books that promote spiritual growth and Christian principles. The publishers specialize in publishing a wide variety of Christian books, including biblical studies, devotionals, inspirational works, biographies, theological books, and books on Christian living. The press seeks to publish titles that offer practical guidance, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to readers seeking spiritual enrichment. All submissions must come through a literary agent, and Whitaker House does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Author FAQ.

16. BatCat Press

BatCat Press is a small press run by high school students at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Pennsylvania. Since 2009 its student staff has published more than 20 handbound books of poetry and prose, picked from annual free reading periods open to writers of any age. Its submission portal is closed for now, and the press expects to open a new call in the second half of 2026. Submission guidelines.

17. Thirty West Publishing House

Thirty West Publishing House is an independent publishing company that focuses on promoting emerging voices in contemporary literature. Founded in 2016, Thirty West Publishing House is committed to providing a platform for new and emerging writers to share their work with a wider audience. They publish books in a diverse range of literary works, including poetry chapbooks, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction. Submissions are free, and it encourages debut and historically marginalized writers. Its last general call, for the 2027 and 2028 catalog, ran May 23 to July 5, 2026, so watch for the next one. Submission guidelines.

18. Paul Dry Books

Paul Dry Books is an independent publishing company known for its commitment to publishing literary works of exceptional quality. Founded in 2000, Paul Dry Books seeks to bring outstanding, often overlooked, and out-of-print titles to readers. The book publishers focus on publishing a wide range of categories, they publish fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, essays, and poetry. They have a discerning eye for works that offer unique perspectives, engage readers intellectually, and exhibit literary craftsmanship. About the press.

Names you may be looking for

Duquesne University Press

Duquesne University Press in Pittsburgh is no longer publishing new books; it now works on online scholarship, starting with the Duquesne Journal of Phenomenology.

Hyacinth Girl Press

Hyacinth Girl Press, the Pittsburgh micro-press known for handmade poetry chapbooks, no longer has a working website, so check its current status before you send work.

Conclusion

These book publishing establishments in PA, USA, represent a diverse range of publishers that cater to various genres and author needs. From university presses to independent publishers, each company offers unique opportunities for authors to showcase their literary talent and reach a wider audience. Aspiring writers and settled authors alike can explore the websites of these publishers, review their manuscript submission guidelines, and learn more about their specific areas of focus. Remember to conduct thorough research, tailor your manuscript submissions, and choose the publishing company that aligns best with your vision and goals. Pennsylvania’s publishing landscape continues to thrive, providing a platform for literary excellence and creative expression. Whether you’re interested in academic publishing, fiction, non-fiction, or specialized genres, these publishing establishments are dedicated to bringing your stories to life. So check each press’s current window, follow its guidelines to the letter, and send your manuscript where it truly fits. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the best book publishing houses in New York.