Introduction
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but its literary spirit is anything but small. Writers here find a blend of history, creativity, and supportive local communities that make publishing a rewarding journey.
From Providence to coastal towns, publishers across the state champion diverse voices and unique stories. Whether you’re an emerging author or an established writer seeking regional or national reach, Rhode Island offers publishers ready to guide your work into readers’ hands.
Let’s step into these 25 top publishing companies in Rhode Island.
25 Leading Book Publishers in Rhode Island for 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC
(Location: Providence, RI)
Ghostwriting LLC is a full-service publishing company known for guiding authors from idea to finished book. Their team assists with everything from writing and editing to design and distribution, ensuring high-quality results.
- Services: Ghostwriting, editing, design, publishing
- Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs
- Strength: Transforming raw ideas into market-ready books
- Appeal: Best for writers seeking comprehensive support and reach
2. Stillwater River Publications
(Location: Pawtucket, RI)
Stillwater River Publications thrives in Rhode Island’s literary community, offering opportunities for new and seasoned writers. Their work highlights local voices and fosters collaboration through anthologies and individual projects.
- Focus: Poetry, memoirs, local history
- Strength: Blending community voices in anthologies
- Support: Editorial and distribution assistance
- Appeal: Ideal for authors who want a personalized, supportive process
3. The History Press – Rhode Island Division
(Location: Charleston, SC with RI focus)
The History Press celebrates Rhode Island’s past by publishing books about towns, events, and historic figures. Their local division gives authors the chance to preserve stories for new generations.
- Focus: Regional nonfiction and history
- Strength: Local storytelling with national reach
- Distribution: Strong network across bookstores and libraries
- Appeal: Perfect for writers of community-based history
4. Paper Nautilus Press
(Location: Providence, RI)
Paper Nautilus Press is known for publishing high-quality literary journals and chapbooks. Their contests and small runs offer a platform for unique, experimental voices in poetry and short prose.
- Focus: Poetry and short prose
- Strength: Curated chapbooks and literary journals
- Style: Artistic, selective publishing
- Appeal: Great for poets seeking credibility and recognition
5. Bare Bones Publishing
(Location: Warwick, RI)
Bare Bones Publishing focuses on straightforward, practical publishing. With services that prioritize design and editing, they help authors publish strong, professional books without unnecessary complications.
- Focus: Fiction and nonfiction
- Services: Editing, formatting, publishing guidance
- Strength: Affordable and author-friendly approach
- Appeal: Best for independent authors who want creative control
6. Nomad Press
(Location: Providence, RI)
Nomad Press stands out for producing educational books that spark curiosity among younger readers. Their catalog makes learning engaging, blending clarity with creativity.
- Focus: Children’s nonfiction and educational titles
- Strength: Combining imagination with factual content
- Audience: Teachers, parents, and students
- Appeal: Perfect for authors writing educational material for young audiences
7. Akashic Books (Regional Partnerships in Rhode Island)
(Location: Brooklyn, NY with RI collaborations)
Akashic Books is renowned for bold, unconventional titles. Through Rhode Island partnerships, they highlight local authors while giving them national exposure.
- Focus: Urban stories, anthologies, noir
- Strength: Risk-taking, mission-driven publishing
- Reach: Local collaborations with wider distribution
- Appeal: Ideal for authors with daring or unconventional works
8. Hygge House Books
(Location: Newport, RI)
Hygge House Books specializes in uplifting, lifestyle-centered titles that bring comfort and joy to readers. They focus on themes of balance, wellness, and inspiration.
- Focus: Lifestyle, wellness, cookbooks, memoirs
- Strength: Publishing books that uplift and inspire
- Style: Thoughtful design, cozy themes
- Appeal: Great for authors writing self-care and lifestyle books
9. Saltmarsh Publications
(Location: Narragansett, RI)
Saltmarsh Publications embraces Rhode Island’s coastal culture, producing books that capture maritime life and New England traditions.
- Focus: Coastal living, history, and photography
- Strength: Creating visually appealing and regional titles
- Style: Blending literature with keepsake-quality design
- Appeal: Ideal for authors inspired by the ocean or local culture
10. Ocean State Press
(Location: Providence, RI)
Ocean State Press offers authors a balance of tradition and modern marketing. Their wide-ranging catalog includes fiction, children’s titles, and nonfiction.
- Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books
- Strength: Professional publishing with flexible support
- Distribution: Blends local focus with wider reach
- Appeal: Suitable for authors seeking both quality and accessibility
11. Blackstone River Press
(Location: Woonsocket, RI)
Blackstone River Press is a small independent publisher with deep roots in northern Rhode Island. They focus on local storytelling and often highlight works inspired by the Blackstone Valley’s heritage and culture.
- Focus: Local fiction, memoirs, regional history
- Strength: Strong sense of place in their titles
- Community: Works closely with Rhode Island authors
- Appeal: Ideal for writers who want to spotlight community and heritage
12. Meadowbrook Press
(Location: Cranston, RI)
Meadowbrook Press balances creativity with accessibility, producing books that appeal to a wide audience. Their catalog often includes novels, self-help titles, and inspirational nonfiction.
- Focus: Fiction, self-help, inspirational works
- Strength: Clear, reader-friendly publishing style
- Services: Editorial and marketing guidance
- Appeal: Great for authors who want broad, mainstream reach
13. TidePool Press
(Location: Providence, RI)
TidePool Press draws inspiration from Rhode Island’s coastal identity. They publish a mix of fiction and nonfiction, often with themes tied to nature, community, and regional character.
- Focus: Fiction, nonfiction with coastal themes
- Strength: Books that reflect local culture and environment
- Style: Thoughtful, regionally inspired publishing
- Appeal: Best for authors whose work celebrates New England’s spirit
14. Narragansett Bay Publishing
(Location: Narragansett, RI)
Narragansett Bay Publishing creates books that celebrate Rhode Island’s maritime culture. Their catalog includes both fiction and nonfiction tied to the bay’s history and lifestyle.
- Focus: Maritime fiction, nonfiction, and photography
- Strength: Strong coastal and nautical identity
- Style: Visually rich and historically grounded titles
- Appeal: Authors who love the sea will find a natural home here
15. WaterFire Editions
(Location: Providence, RI)
Linked to Providence’s famous WaterFire art festival, WaterFire Editions produces books celebrating art, culture, and creativity. They often collaborate with local artists and storytellers.
- Focus: Art, cultural works, creative nonfiction
- Strength: Partnerships with Rhode Island artists
- Style: High-quality design and presentation
- Appeal: Perfect for authors connected to art and community storytelling
16. Quahog Press
(Location: Bristol, RI)
Quahog Press is a quirky, independent publisher with a love for Rhode Island’s unique charm. They publish eclectic titles spanning humor, history, and local culture.
- Focus: Humor, history, community life
- Strength: Capturing the playful spirit of Rhode Island
- Style: Regional themes with lighthearted storytelling
- Appeal: Great for writers with witty, locally inspired work
17. New England Academic Publishing
(Location: Providence, RI)
New England Academic Publishing focuses on scholarly works and academic contributions across disciplines. They provide a professional platform for researchers and educators.
- Focus: Scholarly texts and academic nonfiction
- Strength: Rigorous editing and peer-review standards
- Audience: Academics, educators, and students
- Appeal: Suitable for authors producing research-driven content
18. Providence Book Company
(Location: Providence, RI)
Providence Book Company publishes a variety of titles, offering services that combine professional editing with modern design. They’re known for versatility and author-centered publishing.
- Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs
- Strength: Flexible publishing approach for diverse voices
- Services: Editing, formatting, and marketing support
- Appeal: Best for authors seeking accessible yet professional services
19. Granite Press of Rhode Island
(Location: Pawtucket, RI)
Granite Press reflects strength and durability in its publishing approach. Their catalog often includes nonfiction, biographies, and memoirs with a regional or historical touch.
- Focus: Nonfiction, biographies, memoirs
- Strength: Quality production with long-lasting appeal
- Style: Clean design and practical presentation
- Appeal: Authors aiming for serious nonfiction will benefit here
20. Riverbend Publishing
(Location: Providence, RI)
Riverbend Publishing values storytelling that captures life’s transitions and meaningful experiences. They publish fiction and nonfiction with heartfelt and thought-provoking themes.
- Focus: Fiction and creative nonfiction
- Strength: Emphasis on emotional and human-centered stories
- Style: Thoughtful editing and design
- Appeal: Ideal for authors with reflective or narrative-driven works
21. Seaside Stories Press
(Location: Newport, RI)
Seaside Stories Press highlights Rhode Island’s seaside culture through engaging storytelling. Their catalog spans children’s books, fiction, and illustrated works.
- Focus: Coastal-inspired children’s and adult fiction
- Strength: Creative design and illustrations
- Style: Bright, engaging, family-friendly storytelling
- Appeal: Authors aiming for light, imaginative books will thrive here
22. Anchor & Sail Publishing
(Location: Providence, RI)
Anchor & Sail Publishing produces works with themes of resilience, exploration, and heritage. They value authors with strong, distinctive voices.
- Focus: Fiction and nonfiction rooted in exploration
- Strength: Combining regional identity with broad appeal
- Style: Thoughtful, narrative-driven approach
- Appeal: Great for authors exploring heritage, identity, and journeys
23. Atlantic Northeast Publishing
(Location: Providence, RI)
Atlantic Northeast Publishing publishes diverse genres with a focus on elevating new voices across New England. They provide marketing and distribution support alongside editing.
- Focus: Wide range of fiction and nonfiction
- Strength: Strong marketing and distribution reach
- Style: Modern publishing approach for varied genres
- Appeal: Ideal for authors seeking a regional yet broad audience
24. Kingston House Books
(Location: Kingston, RI)
Kingston House Books emphasizes quality publishing for literary and commercial works alike. They are committed to author partnerships and long-term success.
- Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, literary works
- Strength: Professional editing and design services
- Style: Balanced mix of commercial and literary focus
- Appeal: Authors looking for polished, professional publishing support
25. Silver Shell Press
(Location: Newport, RI)
Silver Shell Press specializes in children’s books and family-centered literature. Their bright, engaging titles capture imagination while reflecting Rhode Island’s charm.
- Focus: Children’s books and family literature
- Strength: Creative illustrations and approachable style
- Style: Whimsical and engaging design for young readers
- Appeal: Perfect for authors writing imaginative, family-oriented stories
Tips for Choosing the Right Publisher in Rhode Island
Finding the right publisher is one of the most important steps in an author’s journey. Rhode Island may be small, but its publishing scene offers diverse options, from academic presses and literary journals to full-service companies. Choosing the best fit requires careful thought and research.
- First, consider your genre and target audience. Some Rhode Island publishers specialize in poetry or memoirs, while others focus on history, lifestyle, or children’s books. Matching your manuscript to their strengths increases your chances of acceptance.
- Second, look at the publisher’s reputation and track record. Established presses often provide strong distribution networks and professional editing. Smaller, community-focused publishers may offer a more personal, hands-on approach, which can be equally valuable depending on your goals.
- Third, always review submission guidelines. Each publisher has its own process, from open calls and contests to agented submissions. Following instructions carefully shows professionalism and respect.
- Finally, evaluate the level of support offered. Some publishers provide marketing, design, and distribution, while others expect authors to take on more responsibility. Understanding this upfront will help you decide whether you need comprehensive assistance or simply a platform for publication.
By balancing creativity with practicality, authors in Rhode Island can find a publisher that not only aligns with their work but also helps bring it to the widest possible audience.
Conclusion
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its publishing opportunities are wide and varied. Writers here can find a welcoming blend of community-driven publishers, literary innovators, and professional houses with national reach.
Whether you write poetry, nonfiction, children’s stories, or memoirs, Rhode Island’s publishers are ready to help transform your ideas into lasting works.
With the right partnership, your book can find not only readers but also a meaningful place in Rhode Island’s vibrant literary landscape.
