Publishing a book is an exciting but often overwhelming journey, especially for authors navigating the competitive landscape of Chicago’s literary scene. Whether you’re a first-time writer, an entrepreneur, or an experienced author, choosing the right publishing company can make all the difference in bringing your manuscript to life.
Chicago is home to a diverse range of publishing solutions—from traditional houses with national reach to hybrid and self-publishing platforms offering flexible support. In this guide, we explore the top 30 book publishing companies and platforms in Chicago in 2025, highlighting their services, strengths, and why authors choose them to successfully publish and promote their work.
Top 30 Book Publishing Companies and Platforms in Chicago 2025
Navigating Chicago’s publishing world in 2025 requires more than knowing names—it’s about understanding what each platform offers and how it aligns with your goals as an author. The city has a mix of traditional houses, hybrid publishers, and self-publishing services, reflecting larger trends in the publishing industry:
- Hybrid and self-publishing growth: Many authors now seek platforms that provide professional support while letting them retain rights and creative control. Platforms like Vox Ghostwriting or Tribeca Publishing exemplify this trend.
- Local community and networking: Chicago-based publishers often host author events, workshops, and book fairs, giving writers a chance to build audiences before going global.
- Niche specialization: Publishers like Ten Speed Press (culinary/lifestyle) or Convergent Books (self-help/spirituality) show that focusing on a niche can make your book more discoverable.
- Digital-first opportunities: Platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark show the importance of eBooks and print-on-demand, letting Chicago authors reach international readers with minimal overhead.
Below is a curated list of 30 top book publishing companies and platforms in Chicago, each with insights on their strengths, the type of authors they best serve, and what makes them stand out in the 2025 publishing landscape. This is designed to help authors make informed decisions about where to publish their work.
1. Vox Ghostwriting
Overview: Vox Ghostwriting is the top choice for authors seeking professional ghostwriting and full-service publishing support. They specialize in memoirs, business books, thought leadership works, and high-impact nonfiction. Their Chicago team provides personalized guidance from the manuscript stage all the way through marketing and distribution.
Key Services: Comprehensive ghostwriting, editing, manuscript development, book design, marketing strategies, and access to both traditional and digital distribution networks.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives who want a polished, market-ready book without writing it themselves. Vox Ghostwriting also offers Chicago-specific marketing strategies to help authors reach both local and global audiences.
2. Chicago Review Press
Overview: Chicago Review Press is an independent publisher known for publishing a diverse array of nonfiction, fiction, and academic books. They focus on quality editorial support, author relationships, and professional book production.
Key Services: Editing, design, national distribution, author workshops, and participation in literary events.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors who want to publish serious nonfiction or culturally significant works while maintaining creative control. They are especially welcoming to emerging authors in the Chicago area.
3. Tribeca Publishing Group (Chicago Branch)
Overview: Tribeca Publishing Group offers hybrid publishing, blending the professionalism of traditional publishing with the flexibility of self-publishing. Their Chicago branch provides personalized guidance for authors at every stage.
Key Services: Editorial services, book design, marketing support, publicity campaigns, and Chicago-based author events.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors who want professional guidance without relinquishing full rights to their work. Their hybrid approach allows authors to retain control while accessing full publishing resources.
4. Sourcebooks
Overview: Sourcebooks is one of Chicago’s largest independent publishers, offering a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. They have a strong reputation for discovering and nurturing new talent.
Key Services: Editing, marketing, distribution, author development programs, and Chicago-specific networking events.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors seeking the credibility of an established publisher while maintaining access to local marketing and networking opportunities. Sourcebooks also offers guidance in reaching national and global markets.
5. Hachette Book Group (Chicago Office)
Overview: Hachette is a global publishing powerhouse with a Chicago presence. They publish bestsellers across a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and lifestyle.
Key Services: Comprehensive editorial support, marketing campaigns, nationwide and international distribution, book tours, and local Chicago author events.
Why Choose Them: Suitable for authors seeking traditional large-scale publishing with established distribution channels and strong marketing support.
6. Abrams Books (Chicago Distribution)
Overview: Abrams Books specializes in art, photography, and children’s literature. Their Chicago distribution ensures accessibility for local authors and collectors.
Key Services: Book design, editorial review, Chicago-specific marketing campaigns, and niche audience targeting.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors producing visually-driven content or high-quality children’s books that require premium production values.
7. Agate Publishing
Overview: Agate Publishing is a Chicago-based independent publisher with a focus on fiction and nonfiction, including niche and diverse markets.
Key Services: Custom editorial services, marketing campaigns, author mentorship, and participation in local literary events.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for emerging authors or writers in specialized genres who want personalized attention and support.
8. Ten Speed Press (Chicago Distribution)
Overview: Ten Speed Press focuses on culinary, lifestyle, and general nonfiction. Their Chicago distribution makes niche books accessible to local and national markets.
Key Services: Editorial support, marketing campaigns, author promotion, and Chicago event participation.
Why Choose Them: Best suited for lifestyle writers, food authors, and hobbyist nonfiction authors looking for niche audiences.
9. Convergent Books (Chicago)
Overview: Convergent Books specializes in spirituality, personal growth, and inspirational nonfiction.
Key Services: Editing, marketing campaigns, author coaching, and participation in local Chicago literary events.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors producing self-help, motivational, or inspirational works seeking professional support and local exposure.
10. Dundurn Press (Chicago Distribution)
Overview: Dundurn Press focuses on literary, historical, and cultural works with curated Chicago distribution.
Key Services: Editorial support, marketing strategies, literary event participation, and niche audience targeting.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors of history or literary fiction seeking a specialized publisher with professional distribution.
11. Skyhorse Publishing (Chicago Office)
Overview: Skyhorse Publishing is an independent publisher that focuses on nonfiction, pop culture, sports, and current affairs. Their Chicago office provides local authors with access to national and global distribution channels.
Key Services: Full editorial review, marketing campaigns, book design, publicity strategies, and local author networking events.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors targeting contemporary nonfiction or niche pop culture audiences, especially those seeking high visibility in Chicago’s literary and media circles.
12. IngramSpark (Chicago Print Hub)
Overview: IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and self-publishing platform offering global distribution, printing, and digital services. Their Chicago hub provides logistical support for local authors.
Key Services: eBook and print book production, global distribution, customizable design, and integration with major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for indie authors seeking worldwide reach without large upfront costs or inventory management.
13. Lulu
Overview: Lulu is a DIY self-publishing platform that empowers authors to publish print and digital books easily.
Key Services: Print-on-demand, eBook distribution, marketing tools, global sales channels, and Chicago author support.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors who want control over every aspect of the publishing process, from formatting to pricing.
14. BookBaby
Overview: BookBaby is an end-to-end self-publishing platform providing comprehensive publishing services.
Key Services: Editing, book design, printing, eBook distribution, marketing support, and access to global retailers.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for authors who want professional-quality books without relying on traditional publishers.
15. Balboa Press
Overview: Balboa Press specializes in personal development, self-help, and nonfiction titles. Their Chicago team offers structured guidance for authors entering these genres.
Key Services: Manuscript editing, book formatting, design, publishing, and marketing consultation.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors creating motivational or personal growth content seeking professional publishing support.
16. iUniverse
Overview: iUniverse is a hybrid publishing platform offering flexible packages for authors seeking professional support.
Key Services: Editorial services, book design, marketing campaigns, Chicago workshops, and distribution.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for first-time authors or those who want guidance without giving up rights to their work.
17. Xlibris
Overview: Xlibris is a hybrid self-publishing platform providing full publishing support to Chicago authors.
Key Services: Editing, book design, marketing support, distribution, and local author events.
Why Choose Them: Excellent for authors seeking professional guidance with flexible publishing options, particularly in nonfiction and memoir.
18. AuthorHouse
Overview: AuthorHouse provides full-service self-publishing, including design, editing, and distribution for Chicago authors.
Key Services: Customizable publishing packages, book marketing, author events, and Chicago-specific support.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors looking for a structured and guided self-publishing experience.
19. Blurb
Overview: Blurb is a print-on-demand platform ideal for photo books, art books, and visually-intensive publications.
Key Services: High-quality printing, design software, distribution channels, and Chicago-based support for authors and artists.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors or artists producing visually striking books who need control over design and production.
20. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Overview: KDP is the leading platform for eBooks and print-on-demand books, offering instant global publishing.
Key Services: eBook and print publishing, royalty management, global distribution, and analytics tools.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors seeking worldwide reach, quick publication, and maximum flexibility.
21. Barnes & Noble Press
Overview: Barnes & Noble Press is a self-publishing platform supporting both print and eBook formats, with access to one of the largest bookstore chains.
Key Services: Editing, formatting, marketing support, and distribution to retail stores.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors who want both digital and physical sales channels.
22. Draft2Digital
Overview: Draft2Digital is a digital distribution platform helping authors reach multiple eBook retailers efficiently.
Key Services: eBook formatting, global distribution, automated royalty payments, and Chicago-based author support.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for indie authors seeking wide digital reach without manually managing multiple platforms.
23. Smashwords
Overview: Smashwords specializes in eBook publishing and global distribution for indie authors.
Key Services: Multi-format eBook conversion, retailer distribution, and marketing resources.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors focused on digital-first publishing and global eBook sales.
24. Reedsy
Overview: Reedsy is a marketplace connecting authors with vetted editors, designers, and marketing professionals.
Key Services: Project management, editing, design, marketing, and Chicago author networking opportunities.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors seeking professional support without signing a traditional publishing contract.
25. BookLocker
Overview: BookLocker provides self-publishing and print-on-demand services with flexible packages for Chicago authors.
Key Services: Editing, formatting, printing, distribution, and marketing guidance.
Why Choose Them: Great for authors seeking low-cost, flexible self-publishing solutions.
26. PublishDrive
Overview: PublishDrive is an eBook distribution platform offering access to hundreds of retailers worldwide.
Key Services: Global distribution, analytics, marketing, and royalty management for Chicago authors.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors aiming to expand digital reach and track global performance.
27. Outskirts Press
Overview: Outskirts Press is a full-service self-publishing platform providing editing, book design, printing, and marketing support.
Key Services: Customizable publishing packages, Chicago author support, distribution, and marketing campaigns.
Why Choose Them: Best for authors looking for guided, end-to-end publishing solutions with professional oversight.
28. Partridge Publishing
Overview: Partridge Publishing offers hybrid publishing with global distribution, editorial support, and marketing services.
Key Services: Flexible publishing packages, author coaching, distribution, and Chicago-based promotional support.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors seeking a balance between traditional and self-publishing.
29. Infinity Publishing
Overview: Infinity Publishing is a print-on-demand and self-publishing platform offering affordable packages and Chicago support.
Key Services: Editing, book formatting, printing, marketing resources, and distribution.
Why Choose Them: Perfect for authors seeking flexible publishing options with low upfront costs.
30. Greenleaf Book Group
Overview: Greenleaf Book Group is a hybrid publisher focused on author-driven projects, offering full-service publishing, marketing, and distribution.
Key Services: Editing, book design, marketing strategies, distribution, and Chicago-based author coaching.
Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors who want professional support while maintaining creative control.
