Are you a Hawaiian author in need of a publisher for your book manuscript?
If so, continue reading to learn about 5 top book publishing companies in Hawaii.
1. Savant Books and Publications
To the Honolulu-based Savant Books, the most important thing about running a publishing is finding new authors that will encourage new readers to reach for serious literature. In the 21st Century, our attention span is becoming shorter and shorter, which makes the number of audiences that will go to a bookstore and purchase physical books shrink significantly. Therefore, the fiction and non-fiction titles published by Savant are always striving to be transformative and unique. Savant publishes mostly historical novels, memoirs, academic theses and other educational resources, but also non-literary works! “Audiences” was a word used correctly earlier, as apart from books and e-books, Savant also produces audio and audio-video art.
Savant is seeking exceptional authors to publish, and both solicited and non-solicited manuscripts are accepted. Information specific to the media you wish to submit can be found here.
2. University of Hawaii Press
Having existed since 1947, the mission of University of Hawaii Press remains unchanged: to promote the Hawaiian culture and nature, as well as educate through studies focused on the Pacific, Asia and Hawaii. Based on the beautiful, centrally located island of O’ahu, UHP publishes books, journals and other resources related to the aforementioned subject areas, and the titles they released are valued and respected globally. The annual publishing volume is huge – around 70 books and 40 journal issues released per year proves this is no longer a small, regional press that it was 70 years ago, but one with a solid, regular production process. To make UHP educational resources available worldwide, the publishers are not only growing the online journal database, but also releasing e-books and granting access to digitalised archives.
An extensive guide for prospective authors that wish to publish with UHP can be found here. Specifications regarding publishing in journals can be found on separate webpages dedicated to each of UHP journals.
3. Island Heritage Publishing
This publishing is different to the others, as it’s a part of a larger cultural scheme on Hawaii called Madden Corporation. It’s a large, Honolulu-based parent company to lots of other divisions, which manufactures and sells a variety of high-quality Hawaiian products, such as resort apparel, souvenirs, décor, bath and body products, as well as books of course! Since 1984, Island Heritage has expanded and now release colourful children’s books, as well as adult fiction and non-fiction. The books are bought both by islanders themselves, but also visitors, as they have the potential to be used as gifts or souvenirs for Hawaii lovers around the globe. There’s a variety of bookmarks and even book character plush toys to add, which offers children a more immersive reading experience.
If you’re interested in submitting a manuscript or an illustration portfolio for either children’s fiction or adult books, take a look at the Book or Art Submission Guidelines.
4. Bess Press
Bess Press has been known among the locals since 1979, when it was founded in the capital. Throughout the years, they’ve released more than 300 titles that concentrate on Hawaii, Oceania and the Pacific. Although that is the biggest subject area, Bess Press values the needs of the Hawaiian community and publishes popular literature as well. The catalogue’s main categories include children’s books, Pidgin language, guides, food and gardening. As a local publisher devoted to the community, they also develop learning resources for schools and educational facilities. Bess Press have recently opened da Shop bookstore – a peaceful community space in Honolulu dedicated to readers of all ages.
Bess Press are always on the lookout for creative people – writers, photographers and artists. The only regulation is that the theme of whatever it is that you’re creating has to be associated with the region, or generally Hawaii. Further submission procedures are listed here.
5. Beach House Publishing
This publisher has a relatively short history, as the Kane’ohe-based Beach House was only established in 2003. However, their range of children’s books is impressively wide: from toddler board books, through picture story books, all the way to colouring and activity books, there’s something for kids of every age. What’s particularly interesting, is the educational aspect of the books, which aim to teach Hawaiian children about all the wonders of unique nature and culture that can be found on the island they inhabit. For those growing up in Hawaii, the beautifully illustrated books are surely a great companion to their life adventure. Naturally, not only local children can benefit from Beach House’s colourful publications, as some books are published in bilingual editions (English with Hawaiian), with plans to produce more of them in the future.
Beach House accepts manuscripts sent traditionally or via e-mail. Previous market research is required. According to the publishers, the best time for sending submissions is Autumn/Fall, so what are you waiting for? Click here for details.
Do you know any of any other book publishers in Hawaii? Please tell us more in the comments box below!
Zofia Filipowicz is a freelance journalist living in Poland. She has graduated from De Montfort University in Britain, with a first class degree in Journalism and English Literature. Since then, she’s worked with different print and digital publications. Currently open for commission.