Do you need a list of book publishing houses in Seattle?
Below we’ve featured 6 book publishers in Seattle and have given an overview of their publishing activities.
1. University of Washington Press
When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, the University of Washington Press is considered to be the oldest and largest publisher of general interest and scholarly books. Founded in 1915, the press aims to publish work for students, scholars, and intellectually curious readers from all around the world, thus supporting the University’s research.
Although they also publish non-fiction about the region and beyond, often collaborating with Indigenous communities, museums, and cultural organizations, the following academic areas are essential for the press: Asian American Studies, Asian Studies, Environmental History, US History, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Art History / Visual Culture, and Critical Ethnic Studies. Some other topics of interest, such as Native American and Indigenous Studies, have also been added to the list.
If you’re thinking about collaborating with the University of Washington Press, you can send them your complete manuscript following the Submission Guidelines on the website.
2. Sasquatch Books
Founded in 1986 by David Brewster, Sasquatch Books is a publishing company which, along with their children’s imprint, Little Bigfoot, has managed to become one of the leading independent presses in the country. In 2017, the company was acquired by Penguin Random House, through which their titles are now distributed.
Their main purpose is that of finding talented writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest, and of publishing their work. On their website, you can find two particular themes emphasized, respectively the DIY lifestyles and the adventurous spirit of the region. However, their book categories are a bit more varied: gardening, food and wine, house and home, children’s books, and travel are just some of the topics they have already published.
If your work fits the non-fiction genre or it consists of children’s books, they may be interested in working with you, as long as you’re appropriate for their West Coast regional publishing program – in any case, you can find their Submission Guidelines here.
3. Mountaineers Books
The volunteers of The Mountaineers established Mountaineers Books in 1960, which is a non-profit, independent publisher that has gathered plenty of experience in the field. Their first publication was the instructional text “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills”, a book which has determined their growth ever since.
They specialize in lifestyle, outdoor recreations, and conservation books, with over 700 titles available. Their Pacific Northwest programs have helped people become aware of the value of wilderness – in order to achieve this goal, but also to promote their genres of choice, they also distribute the books of other like-minded non-profits, such as the Colorado Mountain Club.
Furthermore, they also have their own imprints, respectively Braided River, which uses stories and photography to show the importance of specific wildlife areas in North America, and Skipstone, which focuses on backyard activism and sustainable practices, but without losing their sense of humor.
Their book category range varies widely, consisting of adventure, avalanche, biking, gardening, foraging, navigation, history, water sports, weather, dogs, cookbooks, and countless others – you can find all of them here.
However, they don’t publish children’s books, fiction, general tourist/travel guides, or guides regarding organized spectator sports, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
Are you interested in working with them? If so, their Submission Guidelines are available here.
4. Fantagraphics Books
Gary Groth and Michael Catron set new standards in the history of comics once they founded Fantagraphics Books in 1976. Their first publication was “The Comics Journal”, in which the company criticized the mediocrity praised within the genre’s industry at that time.
Later on, they gained an international reputation for their high editorial standards, as their main goal is that of publishing the best comics in the world. Their titles fit the standards of alternative comics, graphic novels, magazines, and other such works that you can find here.
As long as you feel like your creations do not involve any clichés which are often encountered when it comes to fantasy, science-fiction, horror, superheroes, and other genres or typologies in the comic industry, you could submit your manuscript using the information available on their website.
5. Amazon Publishing
Launched in 2009, this is Amazon’s book publishing unit, and it is composed of sixteen imprints. These are: Lake Union Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, Montlake Romance, Little A, Amazon Crossing, Amazon Crossing Kids, 47North, Skyscape, Two Lions, Amazon Original Stories, Topple Books, Amazon Publishing, Jet City Comics, and three others of which you can find out more here.
When it comes to their numbers, there are 42 countries represented by Amazon Publishing’s authors, with a total of 465 award nominations for their works.
They’re mainly interested in trade fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, and their purpose is that of connecting the authors with an international audience. The books are available in print, digital, as well as in audio formats. Since their team is large enough to be able to professionally handle all of their manuscripts of choice, you can be sure of the quality of the services you will receive once your collaboration begins – from editorial services to product innovation, they can provide anything that is necessary for you to be successful.
They do not accept unsolicited original manuscripts at the moment – however, some of their services are still available, and any you can check for any updates here.
6. Wave Books
Established in 2005, Wave Books is a Seattle-based independent poetry press, which is committed to publishing poetry in translation, contemporary poetry, and writings by poets. Making a purpose out of becoming an innovative figure within the poetry domain, the works they choose are powerful and able to challenge the values of the readers.
In terms of available categories, you can find poetry, fiction, translations, literary criticism, and others on their website.
Unfortunately, they do not accept submissions at the moment – regardless, you can check for any updates here, or on any of their social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter).
Are there any other book publishing houses in Seattle 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.