Are you looking for the best urban book publishing companies?
If you have a manuscript that’s almost ready to get published, you can work with the companies listed below to bring it to life.
Publishing houses offer a variety of services, including editing, book cover design service, and distribution, allowing you to earn money through royalties.
They also produce books in many formats, including ebooks, audiobooks, as well as traditional soft and hard covers.
If your writing is crystal clear, and your idea is original, click through to the submissions pages and get started.
Here are the best urban book publishing companies:
1. Akashic Books
Akashic Books is an independent publishing company founded in 1997 and based in Brooklyn, New York. The company focuses on publishing urban fiction and nonfiction, with a special emphasis on works that reflect the diversity of the communities in which they are set. Akashic Books is known for its highly regarded “Noir” series, which features crime stories set in different cities around the globe. The company has published works by authors such as Nelson George, Amiri Baraka, and Gary Phillips, and has won many awards for its books, including the Edgar Award and the Firecracker Award.
- Contact email: submissions@akashicbooks.com
- Mailing address: Akashic Books, 232 Third Street, #A115, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
- Phone number: (718) 643-9193
- Submission guidelines
2. Urban Books Media
Urban Books is a publishing company that specializes in African American literature, including urban fiction, street lit, and romance novels. Founded in 2002, it has published works by a diverse range of authors, from well-established writers to emerging talents. The company has a reputation for publishing stories that reflect the experiences of African Americans in cosmopolitan communities and for giving a voice to authors who might not otherwise be heard in the mainstream publishing industry. The company is known for their expressive book covers, ebooks, and has won multiple awards.
- Contact email: submissions@urbanbooks.info
- Mailing address: Urban Books, LLC, P.O. Box 3065, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
3. Kensington Publishing Corporation
It’s an independent publisher based in New York City. Founded in 1974, Kensington publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including popular genres such as women’s fiction, romance, mystery, crime, self-help, and westerns, also as ebooks. The company has several imprints, including Dafina Books, which focuses on African American fiction, and Lyrical Press, which specializes in digital-first publishing. Kensington has published works by bestselling authors such as Fern Michaels, Lisa Jackson, and John Gilstrap, and has won multiple awards for its books. The company is known for its dedication to supporting its authors’ business, and helping them reach a broad audience.
- Contact email: info@kensingtonbooks.com
- Mailing address: Kensington Publishing Corp., 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Phone number: (212) 407-1500
- Submission guidelines
4. Dafina Books (Kensington)
Dafina Books is an imprint of Kensington Publishing that focuses on African American fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2000, Dafina Books has published works by many bestselling authors, including Mary B. Morrison and Victoria Christopher Murray. The company is known for its commitment to diversity and for publishing stories that reflect the experiences of African Americans.
- Contact email: info@kensingtonbooks.com
- Mailing address: Kensington Publishing Corp. (Dafina Books), 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Phone number: (212) 407-1500
- Submission guidelines
5. Urban Renaissance (Kensington)
Urban Renaissance is an imprint of the Urban Books publishing, that focuses on urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2006, Urban Renaissance has published works by many bestselling authors, including Kiki Swinson and Wahida Clark. The company is known for its dedication to publishing stories that reflect the realities of life in urban communities and for giving a voice to emerging authors.
- Contact email: info@kensingtonbooks.com
- Mailing address: Kensington Publishing Corp. (Urban Renaissance), 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Phone number: (212) 407-1500
- Submission guidelines
6. Lyrical Press (Kensington)
Lyrical Press is an imprint of Kensington Publishing that focuses on digital-first publishing. Founded in 2007, Lyrical Press publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including romance, mystery, and fantasy. The company is known for its commitment to helping emerging authors get their work published and for its focus on innovative and fresh storytelling.
- Contact email: info@kensingtonbooks.com
- Mailing address: Kensington Publishing Corp. (Urban Renaissance), 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Phone number: (212) 407-1500
- Submission guidelines
7. The Cartel Publications
The Cartel Publications is an independent publisher that specializes in urban fiction, street lit, and nonfiction. Founded in 2008, Cartel Publications has published works by many well-known authors, including T. Styles and Nisa Santiago. The company is known for publishing gritty, realistic stories that deal with tough social issues. They are committed to promoting diversity and giving a voice to underrepresented writers. They also offer a wholesale price if you order a minimum of 10 books.
- Contact email: info@thecartelpublications.com
- Mailing address: The Cartel Publications, P.O. Box 486, Owings Mill, MD 21117, USA
- Phone number: (240) 724-7225
- Submission guidelines
8. St. Martin’s Press
St. Martin’s Press is an urban book publishing linchpin in New York City. Founded in 1952, St. Martin’s Press publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including bestselling authors in genres such as mystery, thriller, romance, women’s fiction and historical fiction. The company has a dedicated African American publishing program, which includes urban fiction and nonfiction, and has published works by authors such as Nikki Turner, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and K’wan. St. Martin’s Press has won many awards for its books, including the Pulitzer Prize, and is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the publishing industry. If you have a ready manuscript, submit it online.
- Contact email: publicity@stmartins.com
- Mailing address: St. Martin’s Press; Publicity Department, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
9. Felony Books
Felony Books is a small book publisher that specializes in urban fiction and true crime stories, often related to murder. Founded in 2019, Felony Books is known for publishing books that are gritty, raw, realistic and often related to the realities of the crime life. The company has published works by both established and emerging authors.
- Contact email: felonybooks@gmail.com
- Mailing address: Felony Books, P.O. Box 484066, Kansas City, MO 64148
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
10. Kimani Press
Kimani Press is an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises, a major publisher of romance novels. Kimani Press focuses on publishing romance novels that feature African American and multicultural characters. The company has published works by many bestselling authors, including Brenda Jackson and Beverly Jenkins.
- Contact email: submissions@harlequin.com
- Mailing address: Harlequin Enterprises LLC, 22 Adelaide Street West, 41st Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4E3
- Phone number: (917) 501-6780
- Submission guidelines
11. Atria Books (Simon & Schuster)
Atria Books is an imprint of Simon & Schuster, one of the largest publishing companies in the world. Atria Books publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including bestselling authors such as Jennifer Weiner, Elizabeth Strout, and Zadie Smith. The company has a reputation for publishing works that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Contact email: use a contact form
- Mailing address: Atria Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas Rm 13-052a, New York, New York, 10020, USA
- Phone number: (212) 698-7566
- Submission guidelines
12. Strebor Books (Simon & Schuster)
Strebor Books is an imprint of Simon & Schuster that focuses on African American fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2006 by bestselling author Zane, the company is known for publishing books with titles that are edgy, sexy, and thought-provoking. Strebor Books has published works by many well-known authors, including Victoria Christopher Murray and Kimberla Lawson Roby.
- Contact email: use a contact form
- Mailing address: Atria Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas Rm 13-052a, New York, New York, 10020, USA
- Phone number: (212) 698-7566
- Submission guidelines
13. Third World Press Foundation
Third World Press Foundation is an independent publisher that specializes in books by and about African Americans and other people of color. Founded in 1967, the Third World Press Foundation has published works by many prominent writers, including Amiri Baraka, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Sonia Sanchez. The company is known for its commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
- Contact email: twpbooks@thirdworldpressfoundation.org
- Mailing address: Third World Press Foundation, P.O. Box 19730, Chicago, IL 60619
- Phone number: (773) 651-0700
- Submission guidelines
14. Good2Go Publishing
Good2Go Publishing is a small independent publisher that focuses on urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2011, Good2Go Publishing has published works by many emerging authors. The company is known for its dedication to helping new writers get their work published and for its focus on stories that reflect the realities of urban life.
- Contact email: G2G@good2gopublishing.com
- Mailing address: Good2Go Publishing, 402 Foster Ave Apt Db, Brooklyn, New York, 11230, USA
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
15. Street Knowledge Publishing
Street Knowledge Publishing is an independent publisher that specializes in urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2006, the company is known for its focus on stories that reflect the realities of life in urban communities. Street Knowledge Publishing has published works by many emerging authors and is committed to helping new writers get their work published.
- Contact email: info@streetknowledgepublishing.com
- Mailing address: Street Knowledge Publishing, PO Box 123, Wilmington, Delaware, 19802, United States
- Phone number: (678) 974-9644
- Submission guidelines
16. Art Official Media
Art Official Media is a small publisher that focuses on urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2013, Art Official Media is known for publishing books that are edgy and unconventional. The company has a strong social media presence and is dedicated to helping its authors connect with readers.
- Contact email: qblackwell@ArtOfficialMedia.com
- Mailing address: Art Official Media, Book Department, P.O. Box 39323, Baltimore, MD 21212
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
17. Triple Crown Publications
Triple Crown Publications is a small publisher of urban fiction. Founded in 2001, Triple Crown Publications has published works by many bestselling authors, including Vickie Stringer and K’wan. The company is known for its commitment to publishing gritty, raw, and realistic stories that reflect the realities of life in metropolitan communities.
- Contact email: production@triplecrownpublications.com
- Mailing address: Vickie Stringer, Triple Crown Publications, 3124 Geneview Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
- Phone number: 614-478-9402
- Submission guidelines (not available)
18. Cole Hart Signature
Cole Hart is a small independent publisher that specializes in urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2018, Cole Hart is known for publishing books that reflect the experiences of African Americans and other people of color. The company is committed to promoting diversity and giving a voice to underrepresented writers.
- Contact email: fill out the contact form
- Mailing address: not readily available
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
19. Odyssey Books
Odyssey Books is an independent publisher based in Australia that focuses on publishing literary fiction, memoirs, and historical fiction. The company is known for publishing high-quality books that are well-crafted and thought-provoking. Odyssey Books has won multiple awards for its books and is committed to helping emerging authors get their work published.
- Contact email: info@odysseybooks.com.au
- Mailing address: (not full) Carwoola, New South Wales, 2620, Australia
- Phone number: 64 21 225 3035
- Submission guidelines
20. Wahida Clark Presents Publishing
Wahida Clark Presents Publishing is an independent publisher that specializes in urban fiction and street lit. Founded by bestselling author Wahida Clark, the company is known for publishing gritty, raw, and realistic stories that reflect the realities of life in street communities. Wahida Clark Presents Publishing has published titles by many emerging authors and is committed to helping new writers get their work published.
- Contact email: support@wclarkpublishing.com
- Mailing address: (not full) East Orange, New Jersey, United States
- Phone number: +1 866 910 6920
- Submission guidelines
21. Black Classic Press
Black Classic Press is an independent publisher that specializes in African American literature, history, and culture. Founded in 1978, the company has published works by many prominent writers, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Amiri Baraka. Black Classic Press is committed to promoting diversity and giving a voice to underrepresented writers.
- Contact email: email@blackclassicbooks.com
- Mailing address: Black Classic Press, Inc., P.O. Box 13414, Baltimore (MD), 21203-3414, USA
- Phone number: (410) 242-6954
- Submission guidelines
22. Melodrama Publishing
Melodrama Publishing is an independent publisher that focuses on urban fiction and romance novels. Founded in 2010, the company is known for publishing books that customers say are entertaining and engaging. Melodrama Publishing has published works by many emerging authors and is committed to helping new writers get their work published.
- Contact email: info@melodramabooks.com
- Mailing address: (not full) PO Box 522, Bellport, NY 11713
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
23. Augustus Publishing, Inc.
Augustus Publishing, Inc. is an independent publisher that specializes in urban fiction and nonfiction. Founded in 2012, the company is known for publishing books that are gritty, raw, and realistic. Augustus Publishing, Inc. is committed to helping emerging authors get their work published and has a strong presence on social media.
- Contact email: info@augustuspublishing.com
- Mailing address: Augustus Publishing, 33 Indian Road Suite 3K New York, NY 10034
- Phone number: not readily available
- Submission guidelines
24. Urbantoons Inc.
Urbantoons was founded by Ibrahim Bilal. The company is dedicated to creating and promoting diverse, multicultural stories that resonate with children from urban backgrounds. Urbantoons focuses on publishing books that instill self-love, self-acceptance, and self-confidence in young readers by featuring relatable characters and empowering narratives. By offering a wide range of inclusive stories, Urbantoons aims to inspire, educate, and entertain children while fostering a love of reading and a better understanding of the world around them.
- Contact email: info@urbantoons.org
- Mailing address: Urbantoons Inc. 1528 Edgewood Ave Roslyn PA 19001, USA
- Phone number: +12676038218
- Submission guidelines
Conclusion
In conclusion, the urban literature genre is rich and diverse, with many talented authors and publishers producing thought-provoking and engaging works of fiction and nonfiction.
The companies listed here are among the best in the industry, each with a dedicated team that will take your submission into consideration.
Whether you’re an established author or an emerging writer, these publishers offer a wealth of opportunities to get your work published and reach a broad audience. Just write a great submission application, show some professionalism, and you can publish your book.
From Akashic Books to Augustus Publishing, Inc., there is no shortage of quality urban book publishing companies to choose from. We hope that this list has provided you with a useful starting point to assist you in your search for the right publisher for your work.
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