If you’re looking for a list of book publishing companies in San Francisco, you can stop your search.
Below we’ve featured 7 top book publishers in San Francisco especially for you.
1. Chronicle Books
Founded in 1967 by Phelps Dewey, Chronicle Books has created a purpose out of gathering the results of man’s passion for writing. Their work relies on managing the publishing process, while also taking into consideration the suggestions and opinions of the authors.
As they are available to a wide audience, the topic range of the writings they choose to publish is also varied. Their interest lies in innovative books for both adults and children – design, architecture, cooking, crafts, photography, humor, travel, games, and literature are just a part of the themes available for adults. Similarly, children can choose from subjects such as arts or games, with picture books, board books and many others being provided as well.
If you want to submit your work to Chronicle Books, you can check their Submission Guidelines here. However, before starting to read, keep in mind that there are a few rules which may differ from the rules of other publishers – for instance, they only accept children’s books submissions on paper, allowing you to send your manuscript by email only if there are extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting a hard copy.
2. Aunt Lute Books
Convinced that mainstream publishing and the feminist movement do not offer lesbians and women of color the opportunity to be heard, Barb Wieser and Joan Pinkvoss established Aunt Lute Books in 1982. As a nonprofit multicultural press, its main goal is to publish the work of both transgender and cisgender women, with a particular interest in the truths of being a woman and the female perspective.
So far, the books published by Aunt Lute comprise underrated stories of women, along with dramatic work, poetry, historical documents, and memoirs. Hoping that their involvement will determine both personal and social change, they choose to distribute literature which reveals the complexity of life as a female. Book categories include LGBTQ, anthologies, African and African American, Asian and Asian American, Chicana, Latina, and Latin American, Jewish, Theater, Social and Cultural Criticism, Fiction, and a few others.
At the moment, they don’t accept poetry that isn’t submitted as a part of a larger body or an edited anthology. Also, therapy and self-help books are usually rejected, as they do not fit the interests of the publisher. However, if you write fictional/non-fictional books that reflect cultural variety and your experiences as a woman, this press is an appropriate choice.
You can find their Submission Guidelines here, as long as you’re looking for an opportunity to make your voice heard.
3. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
City Lights was founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin. Although it began as one of the few independent bookstores in the U.S.A., Ferlinghetti launched City Lights Publications in 1955, with a collection of his poems, called “Pictures of the Gone World”.
With a desire to overcome conservatism and censorship, the poet has transformed City Lights into a leader in terms of progressive thinking, as his aims involved gathering international writings and making them available for the public. Currently, it is known worldwide for its expert book selection and its passion towards intellectual exploration.
The published works treat subjects like cooking, fiction, gender studies, arts, history, mythology and anthropology, theater, social sciences, memoirs, and many others. Naturally, poetry has not disappeared from their bookshelves either.
Do note that City Lights isn’t accepting unsolicited manuscripts. You can keep an eye on this page for any updates on its submissions policy.
4. McSweeney’s Publishing
Dave Eggers founded McSweeney’s Publishing in 1998, and originally published the literary journal “Timothy McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern” exclusively. However, the publishing company’s activity became more diversified in time – at the moment, they have a daily humor website, as well as a permanently growing selection of books available.
Divided into fiction, non-fiction, art and comics, humor, poetry, children’s books, and a few other categories, their books are meant to exceed the barriers of the conventional and help people find something enjoyable to read.
Their Submission Guidelines can be found on their humor website, in case you want to send your manuscript. For more details, you can find contact information here.
5. Stone Pier Press
With a focus on food and environment, Stone Pier Press publishes books that offer their readers tips and solutions for a healthier, more climate-friendly diet. As they try to spread a positive influence regarding these topics, their aim is to help people find better, eco-conscious ways of growing, eating, and disposing of food.
In order to support their goals and reach their objectives, they also started the “Environmental News & Marketing Fellowship Program”. This activity will provide its participants with the information they need to become advocates for change.
Partnered with Chelsea Green Publishing, Stone Pier Press tries to motivate writers to take part in this movement by participating in their competition to win the 2019 Food & Environment Prize, for which they’re accepting submissions until September 7th. You can find more details regarding Submission here. Also, if you’re not sure about their motives, there is a short explanation available on their website as well.
6. Tachyon Publications
Are you looking for a publisher that is specialized in fiction? Luckily, Tachyon Publications is one of your best options in San Francisco. Founded in 1996 by Jacob Weisman, this independent press has published the work of many award-winning authors, such as Tim Powers, Michael Moorcock, or Brandon Sanderson.
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror are the three main topics that this publisher is interested in.
If you want to submit your work, keep in mind that they do not accept any manuscripts directly from writers. This means that, if you represent yourself or you don’t have an agent, your book proposal will not be admitted. To make sure that you meet all the requirements, read the complete Submission Guidelines here.
7. Manic D Press
Founded in 1984 by Jennifer Joseph, Manic D Press is the haven of people who have unique writings styles and enjoy approaching unconventional subjects. The award-winning literary press’s books are distributed by Ingram, along with other major wholesalers. Besides the U.S. distributions, you can purchase Manic D Press publications from Europe and Canada as well.
Their topics include poetry, fiction, art, humor, children’s books, and alternative travel books, so it would be quite difficult to find something that doesn’t fit their interests.
If this sounds like the appropriate publisher for your work, you should know that one of their first rules states that you have to read at least one book they have published before contacting them. As their Submission Guidelines are available, you should make sure that you meet their requirements before sending your manuscript.
Are there any other book publishing companies in San Francisco that should be on this list? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
I am a content writer from Romania. My projects involve non-fiction writing, academic writing, product reviews, as well as technical writing. Although I have a personal preference for articles regarding social issues and human rights, I can provide content on any other topic.