Are you an author based in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton or another city in Wisconsin?
Are you searching for book publishers for your manuscript?
Continue reading to learn about 4 top book publishing companies in Wisconsin.
1. A-R Editions
They’ve been one of Wisconsin’s leading specialist publishers since 1962, when the idea for a publishing focused on all things music was first born. Since, the Middleton-based A-R Editions have published high quality titles with unique artist’s sheet music, musicology research, the history of music and many more. Promoting originality, they have always strived to publish non-commercial music, of composers who deserved to be discovered, but never were. Their expertise was and still is admired worldwide, by scholars and general public. A-R partnered up with universities and music associations, including the publishers’ alma mater Yale University. Although the founders are no longer running the company, the same values apply: excellence, care and commitment. The knowledge of the subject area allows A-R not only to release their own publications, but also assist in the production and distribution of other presses’ works. They publish both traditionally and in a digital format.
The submission guidelines for prospective authors are split into respective series. If you would like to offer a proposal, take a look at the For Editors and Authors section to find your best fit.
2. University of Wisconsin Press
Located in Madison since 1936, the University of Wisconsin Press is a publisher and distributer of carefully selected books and journals. Boasting a long and fruitful history of publishing, the UWP have released over 3,000 titles that span a wide range of general interest publications, scholarly volumes, literary criticism, and naturally also regional studies of the state of Wisconsin and the surrounding areas. More than 1,400 books are currently in print, with new titles always coming out within the subject areas. Their publishing catalogue also includes awarded book series of poetry, history and culture. The UWP’s academic journals, which remain the most important element, are available both in print and online databases. The publishing is also very active within the literary community, organising talks with authors and various events.
In order to be considered for a UWP writer, submit a brief outlining your unique project and send it to the press. There’s also an opportunity to submit your works for the annual Brittingham and Pollak Poetry Prize competitions. Guidelines regarding submissions can be found under Information for Authors.
3. Willow Creek Press
This Minocqua-based publisher surely brings joy to animal lovers and pet owners, as furry friends are at the top of their publishing agenda. Willow Creek was set up as a press and an online shop, producing and selling books about house pets, ranch animals, wildlife and nature. The catalogue also features topics such as outdoor activities, gardening and some cookbooks too. Most of the books are decked with creative photography and written in a light-hearted style – take, for example the 101 Uses For a Pug, which would make for a fun Christmas gift to give to a pug owner. Speaking of presents, Willow Creek offer a wide range of printed goods beside books. Their calendars are sold worldwide, but there are also puzzles, greeting cards and high quality animal photography prints to choose from. With such a wide range of products that is still expanding, it is no wonder that Willow Creek are the regional leader in their field.
If your expertise lies in the aforementioned subject areas, make sure to check out the Submissions section on Willow Creek’s website. Information and guidelines for both writers and photographers can be found there.
4. Northwestern Publishing House
Northwestern Publishing House is an all-round Christian publisher from Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, and the many aspects of their mission are truly embedded in the community. The nearly 140 years of publishing history prove the NPH is a well-rooted and therefore trusted company in the region. The scope of publishing generally includes all kinds of religious materials and books on Christian living, such as prayer books, hymnals and Bibles, but also theology studies. Looking at the overwhelming choice of categories in the catalogue, one can definitely see the long-time experience and knowledge shine through. The publisher, although deeply traditional, is devoted to spreading God’s word in all forms, as long as it reaches people. The NPH can currently boast a modern approach to publishing, producing apps and e-book editions, as well as being active on all social media platforms.
The NPH are willing to accept new Bible-based manuscripts that reflect similar beliefs and provide a great devotional resource to those interested. If that sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, take a look at the Manuscript and Artwork Submission Guidelines.
Do you know of any other book publishing companies in Wisconsin? Please tell us about them 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.