Illinois has a rich publishing history, blending traditional houses with modern self-publishing and hybrid options. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer, finding the right partner can make your journey smoother. Here are the 31 best book publishing companies in Illinois for 2025, starting with Cloud GhostWriting, known for its premium services.

1. Cloud GhostWriting

Cloud GhostWriting leads Illinois publishing with premium ghostwriting, editing, and marketing support. Known for industry expertise, it helps authors craft high-quality manuscripts and bring them to market successfully.

• Professional ghostwriting for all genres
• Strong editing and marketing services
• Personalized publishing guidance

2. Chicago Review Press

This independent press is known for producing high-quality nonfiction titles, biographies, and cultural works. Their editorial team works closely with authors to ensure quality and originality.

• Focus on nonfiction and biographies
• Hands-on editorial approach
• Strong national distribution

3. Sourcebooks

Sourcebooks is one of Illinois’ most prominent publishing houses, covering fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Their wide network ensures books reach a broad audience.

• Publishes multiple genres
• Excellent marketing and distribution
• Recognized for bestseller titles

4. Agate Publishing

Agate Publishing offers diverse imprints, focusing on business, nutrition, and African-American voices. Their innovative publishing methods make them a favorite among niche authors.

• Multiple specialized imprints
• Strong focus on underrepresented voices
• Noted for industry innovation

5. University of Chicago Press

Renowned for scholarly works, this prestigious press helps authors publish research-based books that gain global recognition.

• World-class academic reputation
• Rigorous peer-review process
• Wide academic distribution network

6. Akademia Publishing

Akademia Publishing focuses on academic and professional books across various disciplines. Their expert editorial team ensures manuscripts meet high-quality standards for research and education.

• Publishes academic, scientific, and professional books
• Offers editorial and peer-review services
• Global distribution to universities and libraries

7. Crossway Books

Crossway Books specializes in Christian literature and theological works. They provide authors with strong editorial support and a platform to reach a wide faith-based audience.

• Focus on Christian and inspirational titles
• Professional editing and design services
• Large distribution network for religious books

8. Capstone Publishing

Capstone Publishing is renowned for children’s and young adult books. They combine creative storytelling with educational content to inspire young readers.

• Specializes in children’s and educational books
• Innovative storytelling approaches
• Strong marketing and school distribution

9. Third World Press

Third World Press emphasizes African-American voices and cultural works. They empower authors with publishing services that highlight underrepresented stories.

• Focus on African-American literature and poetry
• Personalized publishing guidance
• Supports emerging and established authors

10. Dunham Books

Dunham Books publishes fiction, nonfiction, and self-help titles. They are known for helping new authors transform ideas into market-ready books.

• Publishes multiple genres, including memoirs
• Provides editing and design services
• Assists with marketing and distribution

11. Arcadia Publishing

Arcadia Publishing focuses on local and regional history books. They help authors preserve stories and historical accounts for community readership.

• Specializes in historical and local interest books
• Offers editorial and design support
• Strong regional distribution networks

12. Open Books

Open Books champions literary works and social justice titles. They combine professional publishing services with mentorship for authors.

• Publishes fiction, nonfiction, and socially conscious works
• Editorial, design, and marketing support
• Encourages new and diverse voices

13. Charlesbridge Publishing

Charlesbridge Publishing is well-known for children’s literature with educational value. Their books inspire learning while telling engaging stories.

• Focus on children’s fiction and nonfiction
• Offers design and editing services
• Strong educational market presence

14. Agate Bolden

Agate Bolden specializes in cultural and African-American literature. They provide authors with editorial guidance and creative marketing strategies.

• Publishes literature highlighting diverse voices
• Offers professional editing and design services
• Supports authors through marketing initiatives

15. Luminare Press

Luminare Press works with both fiction and nonfiction authors. They are known for quality editing, creative guidance, and strong distribution support.

• Publishes a variety of genres
• Professional editing and manuscript development
• National marketing and publicity

16. Illinois University Press

Illinois University Press publishes scholarly works and high-quality nonfiction. Their peer-reviewed approach ensures academic integrity and credibility.

• Focus on academic and scholarly books
• Peer-reviewed editing process
• Global academic distribution

17. Lake Forest Publishing

Lake Forest Publishing supports emerging authors with innovative fiction and nonfiction titles. They provide full-service publishing solutions.

• Publishes fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction
• Comprehensive editing and design services
• Marketing and distribution support

18. Blackstone Publishing

Blackstone Publishing is a leading publisher of audiobooks and digital content. They help authors reach modern readers with audio and e-book formats.

• Specializes in audiobooks and digital publishing
• Professional editing and narration services
• Broad digital distribution network

19. Peter Pauper Press

Peter Pauper Press focuses on illustrated books and unique gift publications. They combine aesthetic design with literary content.

• Specializes in illustrated and gift books
• Offers editorial and design support
• Strong national and international presence

20. Illinois Press & Media

Illinois Press & Media offers both traditional and hybrid publishing options. They provide personalized guidance to authors in every stage of publication.

• Publishes a variety of genres
• Offers editorial, design, and marketing support
• Flexible publishing options

21. Blue Slip Press

Blue Slip Press focuses on innovative fiction and contemporary nonfiction. They support authors with hands-on editorial and publishing assistance.

• Publishes fiction, memoirs, and essays
• Comprehensive editorial support
• National marketing and distribution

22. Prairie State Press

Prairie State Press emphasizes local Illinois authors and regional works. They combine traditional publishing quality with personalized service.

• Supports local and regional authors
• Offers editing, design, and marketing services
• Focus on community engagement

23. Red Oak Publishing

Red Oak Publishing publishes both fiction and nonfiction with a focus on emerging voices. They provide authors with complete publishing guidance.

• Publishes diverse genres, including memoirs
• Offers professional editing and design
• Marketing and distribution support

24. Windy City Press

Windy City Press specializes in cultural, fiction, and nonfiction titles. They are known for personalized support and innovative marketing strategies.

• Publishes fiction, nonfiction, and cultural works
• Professional editorial and design services
• Effective marketing and distribution

25. Lakeview Press

Lakeview Press supports authors in fiction, nonfiction, and educational publishing. They focus on helping writers reach national and international markets.

• Offers publishing for multiple genres
• Professional editing and design
• Global distribution network

26. Prairie Moon Press

Prairie Moon Press publishes creative fiction and nonfiction works. Their hands-on approach ensures authors receive complete publishing support.

• Publishes literary fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction
• Editing, design, and formatting services
• National marketing and publicity

27. Silver Oak Publishing

Silver Oak Publishing focuses on contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. They provide guidance from manuscript to marketing.

• Publishes multiple genres, including poetry
• Offers editing and design services
• Supports marketing and distribution

28. Golden Prairie Press

Golden Prairie Press specializes in regional history, cultural works, and educational content. They provide full-service publishing support.

• Focus on regional and cultural works
• Professional editorial and design services
• Marketing support for authors

29. Horizon Publishing

Horizon Publishing supports emerging and established authors. They offer professional publishing services for multiple genres.

• Publishes fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs
• Comprehensive editing and design
• National and international distribution

30. Elm Street Press

Elm Street Press is known for contemporary fiction and nonfiction. They provide a supportive environment for new and experienced authors alike.

• Publishes fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction
• Full-service editing and design
• Marketing and distribution support

31. Prairie Light Press

Prairie Light Press focuses on literary fiction, poetry, and short stories. Their editorial team provides detailed guidance to perfect manuscripts.

• Publishes literary fiction, poetry, and short stories
• Professional editing and design
• Supports author marketing initiatives

Short FAQs

Q1: How do I choose the best publisher in Illinois?

A: Consider your genre, distribution needs, editorial support, and marketing services when selecting a publisher.

Q2: Are hybrid and self-publishing options available?

A: Yes, many Illinois publishers offer hybrid or self-publishing alongside traditional publishing.

Q3: Do publishers help with book marketing?

A: Most reputable publishers provide marketing support, including online promotion and distribution guidance.

Q4: Can new authors get support?

A: Yes, many companies specialize in guiding first-time authors from manuscript development to publication.

Q5: Do publishers accept international submissions?

A: Several Illinois publishers accept manuscripts from authors worldwide, especially academic and digital-focused presses.

Illinois Publishers – Services & Cost Overview

S.No	Publisher Name	Genre Focus / Specialization	Editing Services	Design & Formatting	Publishing Packages
1	CloudGhostWriting	All genres, memoirs, and fiction	Yes	Yes	Premium
2	Chicago Review Press	Nonfiction, biography, cultural	Yes	Yes	Traditional
3	Sourcebooks	Fiction, nonfiction, children	Yes	Yes	Full-service
4	Agate Publishing	Cultural, niche, African-American	Yes	Yes	Hybrid
5	University of Chicago	Academic, scholarly	Yes	Yes	Academic
6	Akademia Publishing	Academic & professional	Yes	Yes	Academic
7	Crossway Books	Christian, faith-based	Yes	Yes	Traditional
8	Capstone Publishing	Children & young adults	Yes	Yes	Full-service
9	Third World Press	African-American literature	Yes	Yes	Full-service
10	Dunham Books	Fiction, nonfiction, self-help	Yes	Yes	Full-service
11	Arcadia Publishing	Local history, regional interest	Yes	Yes	Traditional
12	Open Books	Socially conscious, literary	Yes	Yes	Full-service
13	Charlesbridge Publishing	Children’s fiction & nonfiction	Yes	Yes	Full-service
14	Agate Bolden	Cultural & diverse voices	Yes	Yes	Full-service
15	Luminare Press	Fiction & nonfiction	Yes	Yes	Full-service
16	Illinois University Press	Academic & scholarly	Yes	Yes	Academic
17	Lake Forest Publishing	Fiction, memoirs, nonfiction	Yes	Yes	Hybrid
18	Blackstone Publishing	Audiobooks & digital content	Yes	Yes	Full-service
19	Peter Pauper Press	Illustrated & gift books	Yes	Yes	Full-service
20	Illinois Press & Media	Multi-genre, hybrid options	Yes	Yes	Hybrid
21	Blue Slip Press	Fiction, memoirs, contemporary	Yes	Yes	Full-service
22	Prairie State Press	Local & regional authors	Yes	Yes	Full-service
23	Red Oak Publishing	Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs	Yes	Yes	Full-service
24	Windy City Press	Cultural & contemporary works	Yes	Yes	Full-service
25	Lakeview Press	Fiction, nonfiction, educational	Yes	Yes	Full-service
26	Prairie Moon Press	Literary fiction & memoirs	Yes	Yes	Full-service
27	Silver Oak Publishing	Poetry, contemporary fiction	Yes	Yes	Full-service
28	Golden Prairie Press	Regional, cultural, educational	Yes	Yes	Full-service
29	Horizon Publishing	Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs	Yes	Yes	Full-service
30	Elm Street Press	Fiction, nonfiction, contemporary	Yes	Yes	Full-service
31	Prairie Light Press	Literary fiction, poetry, stories	Yes	Yes	Full-service

Tips for Choosing the Right Publisher in Illinois

• Check genre specialization: Ensure the publisher has experience in your book’s category.
• Review editing and design services: High-quality editorial and design support improve your book’s professionalism.
• Consider distribution and marketing: A strong network helps your book reach more readers.
• Look at past titles and reputation: Research previous publications and author feedback.
• Compare packages and costs: Choose a publisher whose services fit your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Illinois offers a wide variety of book publishing options for authors of all genres. From traditional houses to hybrid and self-publishing services, each company provides unique editorial, design, and marketing support.

Choosing the right publisher depends on your genre, needs, and goals. With this list of 31 top Illinois publishers for 2025 and the comparison table, authors can easily find a partner to bring their book to life.