11 Best Publishing Companies in Wisconsin (How to Submit)

Wisconsin, known for its natural beauty and vibrant literary community, is home to a university press, a historical society press, a busy Lutheran publisher, and a handful of small presses worth knowing.

For those talented authors dreaming of making their mark in the literary world while proudly calling Wisconsin home, the question arises: which publishers provide the ideal platform to propel your book into the hands of eager book lovers? Below are 11 Wisconsin publishers and book companies, with what each one does and how it handles submissions. Some charge authors for their services, and two are not manuscript publishers at all, so read each entry before you pitch. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a first-time author, this list will help you find the right door. You may also appreciate the insights from my handpicked list of 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 publishing companies in Wisconsin:

1. University of Wisconsin Press

Nestled within the esteemed University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin Press stands tall as a revered academic publishing powerhouse. With its unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence, this renowned book publisher breathes life into groundbreaking ideas and transformative research, solidifying its position as a beacon of intelligence and innovation. Founded in 1936 on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, the Press has built a diverse and noteworthy catalog. It spans a wide range of subjects from humanities and natural sciences to literature, arts, regional studies, and more. The University of Wisconsin Press champions knowledge advancement and academic discourse. It does so by providing high-quality books and journals in both print and digital formats. To pitch a book, send a brief email query or go straight to a proposal; the Press does not want a full manuscript unless an editor invites it. Fiction is read in two windows, July 1 to September 1 and January 15 to March 15, and poets can enter the Brittingham and Felix Pollak Prizes. Submission guidelines.

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

2. Wisconsin Historical Society Press

The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is the publishing arm of the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, WI. The organization is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of Wisconsin and its incredible people. The establishment believes that every story, every voice, and every moment from the past deserves to be remembered and cherished. It was established in 1855, and it publishes books and other materials that portray Wisconsin’s culture, art, history, music, and heritage. Distinguished as a trailblazer in the realm of regional and local history, this prominent book publisher boasts an unwavering commitment to crafting top-tier publications that captivate and enlighten its audience, ushering them into a profound understanding of Wisconsin’s rich past. They meticulously curate an expansive repertoire of meticulously researched and authoritative works, spanning an array of captivating topics such as Native American history, early exploration and settlement, industrialization, politics, social movements, and beyond. Its proposal guidelines are not on the main Press page, so contact the Press before you send anything.

3. Retro Ranger Publishing

Retro Ranger Publishing is a company that focuses on producing and promoting children’s books, and art, film, & photography books, and ebooks, with an emphasis on fun and education. The company was founded by a group of friends who used to run the University of Wisconsin’s college newspaper some thirty years ago. After practically losing touch with each other for decades, their common love for books and publishing brought them back together. They seek to publish works that transport book lovers to imaginative worlds, filled with adventure, wonder, and a touch of retro charm. It includes children’s and young adult fiction and non-fiction titles. Their website lists activity books, storybooks, and action books, plus games for young readers. It does not post a submission policy, so ask through the site before sending a manuscript.

4. Little Creek Press

Little Creek Press is an independent hybrid publishing company located in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. It is a division of the graphic design firm called Kristin Mitchell Design, Inc. As a hybrid publisher, the press affords authors the creative freedom you can get with self-publishing while enjoying the support and benefits you can get from traditional publishers. The services they provide to authors, particularly those who are writing memoirs, children’s books, and fiction, and non-fiction titles, include manuscript evaluation, correcting, graphic design, formatting, printing, and distribution. The press accepts submissions year-round from Wisconsin authors, especially fiction and nonfiction about the state’s nature, food, people, art, and music. It charges a fee just to submit, which traditional publishers never do, and its books come out through paid publishing services rather than with an advance. Submission guidelines.

5. Porchlight Book Company

Porchlight Book Company is a book service company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a focus on providing customized book recommendations and fulfillment services, Porchlight partners with businesses, organizations, and individuals to meet their specific reading needs. Porchlight Book offers personalized book curation services tailored to client’s preferences and interests. Their team of experts carefully selects titles based on individual requirements, whether it’s for corporate gifts, employee development, book clubs, or special events. It is a bookseller, not a publisher, but authors can enter books published in the U.S. this year in its free Porchlight Business Book Awards.

6. Orange Hat Publishing

Orange Hat Publishing is an independent publishing house in Wauwatosa, WI, with the Orange Hat and Ten16 imprints. They specialize in producing, promoting, and distributing high-quality children’s books that entertain, educate, and inspire young readers. They are always on the lookout for stories that foster imagination, curiosity, and a love of reading in children. Orange Hat Publishing works closely with authors and illustrators to develop captivating and visually appealing books. They offer a range of services including editing, design, illustration, printing, and distribution to ensure that each book meets professional standards. They believe in the power of literature to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different cultures and experiences. Its editors review new submissions every January, April, July, and October and aim to give every author feedback; start from the Submit Your Work button on its homepage.

7. Sand Beach Press

Sand Beach Press publishes children’s books, memoirs, fiction, and non-fiction titles that celebrate Wisconsin’s history, culture, and natural wonders. These publishers are committed to supporting authors in Door County, WI, and igniting a spark within individuals, motivating them to forge a profound connection with their unique heritage. With an enchanting catalog that spans an array of captivating themes that include conservation, natural history, and outdoor photography, their carefully curated collection serves as a gateway to an immersive realm of knowledge and inspiration. The press has helped poets, memoirists, historians, and photographers finish their books, but it no longer accepts queries for its publishing services, so for now it is a place to buy Door County books, not to pitch one.

8. HenschelHAUS Publishing

HenschelHAUS Publishing is an independent publishing company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 2002 by Kira Henschel, they specialize in publishing books that cover a wide range of genres, including memoirs, self-help, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature. HenschelHAUS Publishing aims to provide a platform for authors to share their unique voices and stories. These book publishers work closely with authors to help them navigate the publishing process, offering services such as proofreading, design, printing, and distribution. Most of that help is paid: manuscript review, editing, book coaching, and full-service custom publishing are quoted per project. It also publishes Kathleen Ernst’s Chloe Ellefson mystery series. Author services.

9. Printstar Publishing LLC

Printstar Publishing LLC is a custom self-publishing company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a focus on high-quality print materials, these book publishers offer a range of services tailored to authors, businesses, and organizations seeking to create customized publications. The press takes pride in its comprehensive publishing solutions, including editorial, printing, binding, design, layout, and distribution. Their team works closely with clients, taking the time to understand their unique requirements and goals, whether they are publishing memoirs, novels, poetry, or non-fiction titles. Authors pay Printstar to produce their books, so it reviews work only from prospective clients and does not offer royalty deals. Printstar FAQ.

10. Tessera Publishing

Tessera Publishing is a Milwaukee company that makes fill-in memory books, baby books, and prompted kids’ journals, the kind of keepsake that makes meaningful gifts for various occasions. Families customize the covers and add or rearrange pages to tell their own story. It is not a manuscript publisher, so treat it as a local source of keepsake books.

11. Northwestern Publishing House

Northwestern Publishing House is a Christian book publisher from Waukesha, WI, and the many aspects of their mission are truly embedded in the community. With over 125 years of publishing history, they are well-rooted and highly trusted in the region. The company now employs a modern approach to publishing and producing apps and e-book editions along with hardcovers and paperbacks. Their catalog encompasses a wide range of religious materials and books on Christian living, including prayer books, hymnals, Bibles, and theological studies. It welcomes Bible-based ministry and spiritual-growth manuscripts and music by mail or email, but not secular works, single poems, or work sent to other publishers at the same time; expect about two months for a reply. Submission guidelines.

Names you may be looking for

Kalmbach Media

Kalmbach Media’s website no longer responds, and its hobby magazine brands were sold to new owners in 2024, so check who publishes the title you have in mind before you send work.

Conclusion

In America’s Dairyland, the clearest open doors are the University of Wisconsin Press, Northwestern Publishing House for Christian books, Orange Hat Publishing, and Little Creek Press for Wisconsin authors who are ready to pay for a polished book. HenschelHAUS and Printstar are service companies you hire, Sand Beach Press has stopped taking queries, and Porchlight and Tessera are useful neighbors rather than publishers. Read each press’s own guidelines, check how your manuscript fits its list, and send only what it asks for. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the top publishing houses in Wyoming.