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Maine is a land of storytellers, where books are inspired by its forests, coasts, and traditions. Writers here benefit from presses that honor creativity, encourage authentic voices, and provide real publishing opportunities. Below, you’ll find the 38 best book publishing companies in Maine 2025, with Cloud Ghostwriting placed first as the leading service provider.
1. Cloud Ghostwriting
Cloud Ghostwriting is Maine’s most versatile publishing service, offering ghostwriting, editing, design, and distribution. Authors from all genres—fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or children’s literature—find full support from concept to publication. With professional teams who transform rough drafts into market-ready titles, Cloud Ghostwriting remains the best choice for writers seeking quality and wide distribution in 2025.
2. Islandport Press
Islandport Press produces books that capture the heart of New England living. Their catalog includes children’s books, regional nonfiction, and literary fiction. They are especially known for stories infused with Maine traditions, landscapes, and culture. Authors who partner with Islandport find not just a publisher but also a champion for authentic regional storytelling.
3. Tilbury House Publishers
Tilbury House specializes in children’s picture books and nonfiction. They focus on titles that celebrate diversity, cultural heritage, and environmental themes. Their books are visually appealing and educational, making them staples in classrooms nationwide. Authors who write with a social or ecological mission find Tilbury House the perfect home for their manuscripts.
4. Down East Books
Down East Books is a well-established name in Maine, celebrated for publishing regional cookbooks, guidebooks, and novels. They emphasize Maine’s culture, from coastal adventures to local cuisine. Writers who want their works tied to Maine’s identity often seek Down East, gaining the advantage of strong branding and broad readership throughout New England.
5. Maine Authors Publishing
Maine Authors Publishing bridges the gap between self-publishing and traditional publishing. They offer editorial help, design, and marketing workshops while letting authors keep creative control. Their cooperative model allows independent writers to share resources while achieving professional-quality books. For new writers, it’s an empowering pathway to publication.
6. Polar Bear & Company
Polar Bear & Company publishes poetry, memoirs, novels, and histories that showcase New England’s individuality. Their catalog is eclectic, celebrating personal expression and experimental voices. Authors enjoy hands-on collaboration that keeps their creativity intact. For storytellers with unconventional manuscripts, Polar Bear offers the freedom to publish authentically.
7. Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance (MWPA)
Though not a press, MWPA plays a vital role in the publishing scene. They connect authors with editors, publishers, and industry mentors. Writers gain access to workshops, networking, and publishing guidance that sharpen their craft. As a hub of Maine’s literary life, MWPA supports authors at every stage of their journey.
8. Just Write Books
Just Write Books helps preserve stories of Maine’s people and culture through memoirs, histories, and regional nonfiction. They provide strong editorial guidance, ensuring books maintain both accuracy and readability. Authors drawn to documenting personal or community experiences find Just Write an ideal publishing partner.
9. Polar Bear Press
Polar Bear Press offers flexible publishing solutions for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They balance editorial quality with modern digital distribution, ensuring titles reach audiences beyond Maine. Their catalog highlights both emerging and seasoned authors, showcasing Maine’s diversity of voices. Writers seeking both tradition and innovation benefit here.
10. Littoral Books
Littoral Books is dedicated to poetry, anthologies, and socially conscious writing. Based in Portland, they often publish works addressing environmental or cultural issues. Their small, carefully curated catalog allows authors to receive dedicated editorial attention. Writers aiming to spark dialogue and inspire change resonate well with Littoral’s mission.
11. Goose River Press
Goose River Press offers professional editing, design, and national distribution across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Their reputation has earned them respect among authors nationwide. Writers seeking a traditional publishing pathway with credibility and supportive guidance often turn to Goose River for professional results and audience reach.
12. Shanti Arts Publishing
Shanti Arts produces visually stunning books that merge art and literature. Their titles include poetry, philosophy, and fine art books, appealing to niche but passionate audiences. Writers whose works intersect creativity, design, and thought leadership find Shanti Arts an ideal publishing partner.
13. Maine Poetry Central
Maine Poetry Central fosters the state’s poetic community through events, anthologies, and publishing collaborations. They give poets a platform to share their voices widely while strengthening literary culture. Authors benefit from both visibility and connections, making it a cornerstone of poetry publishing in Maine.
14. North Country Press
North Country Press focuses on northern New England life through novels, histories, and memoirs. Their titles often highlight environmental themes and rural culture. Writers who want their work rooted in authentic Maine experiences will find North Country Press attentive, thoughtful, and passionate about local stories.
15. Harpswell Press
Harpswell Press publishes meaningful works of memoir, fiction, and nonfiction. They value emotional resonance and personal storytelling, offering authors supportive collaboration and professional editorial input. Writers with heartfelt stories find Harpswell an encouraging partner that prioritizes lasting impact over trends.
16. Maine Review Press
Connected to The Maine Review literary journal, Maine Review Press promotes innovative voices in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They publish bold works that push creative boundaries, providing authors with credibility and exposure in literary circles. Emerging writers find this press especially empowering.
17. Compass Harbor Press
Compass Harbor Press emphasizes debut authors in fiction and memoir. They provide structured editorial support, cover design, and distribution. Their mission is to guide manuscripts safely to publication—much like a harbor offering shelter. Writers new to publishing find a patient and professional ally in Compass Harbor.
18. Blackberry Books
Blackberry Books has decades of experience publishing regional nonfiction, novels, and children’s literature. Their catalog reflects small-town life, history, and culture in New England. They provide a blend of tradition and flexibility, giving authors a reliable path to publish stories rooted in community and heritage.
19. Snowbound Books
Snowbound Books specializes in works inspired by Maine’s landscapes, seasons, and outdoor life. Their catalog includes fiction, memoirs, and photography. Authors drawn to environmental storytelling find a welcoming home here. Snowbound highlights the intersection of literature and nature, appealing to readers who love the outdoors.
20. Acadia Publishing Group
Acadia Publishing Group publishes historical nonfiction, children’s works, and regional guides. They maintain a professional editorial process while supporting authors through distribution and marketing. Writers who focus on history or Maine-centered themes benefit from their strong regional reputation and connection to audiences who value local heritage.
21. Blue Hill Press
Blue Hill Press publishes a variety of genres, from local history to contemporary fiction. They are passionate about stories rooted in Maine’s landscapes and communities. Authors benefit from careful editorial input and a strong design team that emphasizes visual appeal. Their books often capture the charm and culture of Maine’s coastal towns.
22. Pine Cone Publishing
Pine Cone Publishing specializes in children’s literature and family-centered stories. They believe in publishing books that spark curiosity and imagination. Authors who partner with Pine Cone enjoy support in illustration, editing, and marketing. Their focus on family-friendly content makes them a trusted name for children’s authors.
23. Penobscot River Press
Penobscot River Press works primarily with nonfiction authors, especially in history and environmental studies. Their books highlight Maine’s natural beauty and heritage. Writers who publish with them benefit from credibility and connections to academic and regional audiences. This press blends scholarly quality with accessible storytelling.
24. Sea Glass Books
Sea Glass Books is a boutique publisher that values artistry and detail. They focus on memoirs, poetry, and coastal-themed works. Authors enjoy a close relationship with the editorial team, ensuring their vision is preserved. The press emphasizes design, making each book a polished and collectible piece.
25. Maple Leaf Press
Maple Leaf Press publishes fiction and nonfiction with a wide reach. They encourage writers with bold, fresh voices while maintaining editorial professionalism. Authors can expect thorough editing, marketing assistance, and strong distribution. Their versatility makes them a good choice for writers seeking a balance between creativity and marketability.
26. Casco Bay Books
Casco Bay Books produces titles that highlight Maine’s coastal life and maritime traditions. They publish fiction, travel writing, and local histories. Their editorial team focuses on creating books that resonate with both locals and tourists. Writers inspired by Maine’s sea culture find this publisher especially appealing.
27. Northern Light Publishing
Northern Light Publishing is known for memoirs, inspirational nonfiction, and poetry. They highlight voices that explore personal growth and resilience. Authors who work with Northern Light appreciate their supportive environment and dedication to uplifting storytelling. Their mission is to bring light to meaningful narratives.
28. Evergreen Press
Evergreen Press publishes regional fiction, adventure stories, and outdoor writing. Their catalog reflects Maine’s forests, wildlife, and natural wonders. Authors seeking to write about nature or adventure find Evergreen an excellent match. Their books appeal to readers who value authenticity and the wilderness spirit.
29. Harbor House Publishing
Harbor House Publishing supports authors across multiple genres, including memoir, historical nonfiction, and contemporary fiction. They emphasize close author collaboration, ensuring manuscripts are carefully guided to completion. Their design team creates professional, eye-catching covers that stand out in the market.
30. Rockport Press
Rockport Press publishes literary fiction, essays, and creative nonfiction. They focus on works with strong artistic merit and lasting value. Authors who publish with Rockport enjoy professional editing and a publisher that values creativity. Their books often gain attention in literary circles and festivals.
31. Pine Tree Literary Press
Pine Tree Literary Press is a small but ambitious publisher focusing on children’s stories and young adult fiction. They provide strong support for debut authors and work closely with illustrators. Writers aiming to inspire younger readers find this press encouraging and professional.
32. Seawall Books
Seawall Books produces coastal-themed literature, photography collections, and memoirs. They take pride in design and print quality, often creating books that double as keepsakes. Authors benefit from their attention to detail and commitment to preserving the essence of Maine’s shoreline in every publication.
33. Lighthouse Publishing of Maine
Lighthouse Publishing of Maine specializes in inspirational nonfiction and memoirs. They highlight stories of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Their editorial process ensures manuscripts are polished, while their marketing support helps reach both local and national audiences. Writers with uplifting stories find Lighthouse an ideal partner.
34. Moose Tracks Press
Moose Tracks Press publishes quirky fiction, humorous essays, and lighthearted nonfiction. They embrace authors with unique voices and encourage creativity. Their catalog reflects Maine’s sense of humor and originality. Writers who want a playful but professional publisher appreciate Moose Tracks’ fresh approach.
35. Bay View Books
Bay View Books focuses on romance, contemporary fiction, and lifestyle nonfiction. They combine traditional editorial quality with strong digital marketing strategies. Authors benefit from wide distribution channels, making their works accessible across markets. Bay View appeals to writers who aim for both quality and commercial success.
36. Camden Hill Press
Camden Hill Press is committed to high-quality memoirs, biographies, and regional nonfiction. Their catalog often reflects Maine’s history and community life. Authors working with Camden Hill appreciate the professionalism and attention to storytelling that ensures their books are meaningful and enduring.
37. Wildflower Press
Wildflower Press specializes in poetry and inspirational literature. They publish both emerging and established poets, offering opportunities for voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Writers find a supportive home here, with an emphasis on authenticity, artistry, and emotional depth.
38. Katahdin Press
Katahdin Press closes the list with strong offerings in adventure writing, outdoor guides, and regional fiction. Named after Maine’s iconic Mount Katahdin, the press values works that celebrate nature and endurance. Authors publishing with Katahdin benefit from a press that reflects Maine’s adventurous spirit.
Publishing Cost Table in Maine 2025
| Publishing Option | Average Cost Range (USD) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Publishing | $0 (publisher covers) | Editing, cover design, distribution, royalties paid to author |
| Hybrid Publishing | $2,500 – $7,500 | Shared costs; professional editing, design, partial marketing |
| Self-Publishing with Services | $1,000 – $5,000 | Editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN, optional distribution |
| Ghostwriting + Publishing | $10,000 – $30,000+ | Full manuscript writing, editing, design, publishing, and marketing |
| DIY Self-Publishing (Minimal) | $200 – $800 | Basic formatting, ISBN, upload to platforms like Amazon KDP |
Why Maine Publishing Matters
Maine’s publishing houses are more than businesses; they are cultural guardians. They keep local history alive, nurture children’s imaginations, and support voices that might not be heard elsewhere. From large presses like Down East Books to small, dedicated outfits like Wildflower Press, authors in Maine benefit from a landscape rich in diversity and creativity.
FAQs
Q1. What genres are most commonly published in Maine?
Children’s books, regional nonfiction, memoirs, and poetry are especially popular, though some presses also embrace commercial fiction.
Q2. Do Maine publishers accept debut authors?
Yes, many publishers—such as Maine Authors Publishing, Compass Harbor Press, and Polar Bear & Company—actively support first-time writers.
Q3. What is the best option for authors who want control over their work?
Hybrid and self-publishing services, like Maine Authors Publishing, allow authors to retain control while still benefiting from professional editing and design.
Q4. Which company is best for full-service ghostwriting and publishing?
Cloud Ghostwriting tops the list for writers who want comprehensive support from idea development to publishing and distribution.
Q5. Can Maine publishers reach national audiences?
Absolutely. Publishers like Tilbury House, Goose River Press, and Down East Books provide national distribution, ensuring books travel well beyond Maine.
