Introduction
Tampa’s publishing industry has steadily grown into one of Florida’s most dynamic creative sectors.
With a mix of academic presses, independent publishers, and hybrid services, the city offers opportunities for authors at every stage of their writing journey. Tampa’s cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit give its publishers a distinct edge, blending local flavor with national ambitions.
Whether you’re working on your first novel, a children’s book, or a nonfiction project, Tampa provides a professional yet approachable publishing environment.
30 Tampa Book Publishing Companies in 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A full-service publishing company offering ghostwriting, editing, and book design.
- What They Publish: A Wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs.
- Why Choose Them: Perfect for writers who want step-by-step guidance, from shaping ideas into polished manuscripts to publishing and distribution. Their end-to-end support allows authors to focus on creativity while the company manages production and reach.
2. Seaside Publishing
(Location: Tampa, FL)
An imprint of the University of Tampa Press, specializing in regional works.
- What They Publish: Nonfiction centered on Florida’s culture, art, and natural environment.
- Why Choose Them: Authors seeking to highlight Florida’s unique identity will find Seaside a strong fit. Their professional editing, university affiliation, and regional focus ensure books resonate with local readers while maintaining academic credibility.
3. University of Tampa Press
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A respected academic press affiliated with the University of Tampa.
- What They Publish: Scholarly works, poetry, and select fiction titles.
- Why Choose Them: Ideal for authors with research-driven manuscripts or literary works seeking academic recognition. The press is well-regarded for quality editing, peer review, and contributing to the broader cultural conversation in Florida and beyond.
4. Peppertree Publishing
(Location: Sarasota/Tampa area, FL)
A hybrid publisher offering flexibility for authors.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and children’s books.
- Why Choose Them: Known for blending traditional and self-publishing models, Peppertree provides authors with professional production while allowing them to retain control. Their supportive approach makes them a good fit for new writers who want guidance without losing creative freedom.
5. First Edition Design Publishing
(Location: Sarasota/Tampa area, FL)
A global publishing services company with strong digital expertise.
- What They Publish: All genres, with emphasis on ebooks and print-on-demand.
- Why Choose Them: Authors seeking wide digital distribution will benefit from their reach across platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo. Their blend of design, formatting, and international accessibility ensures books are available to readers everywhere.
6. BookLocker
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
A long-standing independent publisher offering author-friendly services.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and niche works.
- Why Choose Them: BookLocker is praised for transparent pricing and supportive relationships with authors. They provide both print and ebook publishing, with a strong reputation for ethical practices. Writers who want reliability and honesty in their publishing partner will find them appealing.
7. Breeze Hill Publishing
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A boutique publisher dedicated to nurturing creative voices.
- What They Publish: Fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.
- Why Choose Them: Their small-scale approach ensures personalized attention, allowing authors to feel like true collaborators. Breeze Hill is a good fit for writers who value close editorial relationships and hands-on support throughout the publishing process.
8. Dorrance Publishing – Florida Division
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A well-established national publisher with a Tampa presence.
- What They Publish: Wide range of genres including memoirs, fiction, and nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: With decades of experience, Dorrance offers comprehensive services from manuscript review to distribution. Authors who want established credibility and full-service publishing under a recognized name will find value in their approach.
9. Southern Yellow Pine Publishing
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
An independent Florida-based publisher with strong regional ties.
- What They Publish: Historical works, mysteries, and nonfiction related to the South.
- Why Choose Them: Their catalog reflects Florida and southern culture, making them an excellent choice for authors writing regionally inspired works. They balance creative storytelling with professional production, giving local authors meaningful visibility.
10. Atlantic Publishing Group
(Location: Ocala/Tampa area, FL)
A Florida-based company with decades of publishing experience.
- What They Publish: Educational titles, business guides, self-help, and nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Atlantic Publishing has a strong reputation in producing accessible, informative books. Authors who write practical guides or instructional nonfiction will benefit from their editorial expertise and established market reach.
11. Parkhurst Brothers Publishing – Tampa Branch
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A respected independent publisher with a Tampa presence, known for its dedication to literary and nonfiction works.
- What They Publish: Memoirs, biographies, and socially relevant nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Their catalog emphasizes stories that inspire, inform, and connect. Authors who want to tackle meaningful topics with a supportive editorial team will find Parkhurst Brothers a thoughtful and professional partner.
12. St. Petersburg Press
(Location: St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay, FL)
A regional press celebrating Florida’s culture and community voices.
- What They Publish: Memoirs, fiction, poetry, and local nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: They spotlight Tampa Bay’s authors and stories, making them ideal for writers who want their work tied closely to the region. Their dedication to local storytelling ensures meaningful connections with nearby readers and communities.
13. Oceanview Publishing
(Location: Longboat Key/Tampa Bay, FL)
One of the leading independent publishers of mystery, thriller, and suspense fiction.
- What They Publish: High-quality commercial thrillers, mysteries, and crime novels.
- Why Choose Them: Authors writing gripping page-turners will find strong editorial guidance, book marketing, and wide distribution. Oceanview is well-known nationally, giving Tampa-based authors an impressive platform for their suspense-driven stories.
14. Franklin Publishing House
(Location: Tampa, FL)
An independent publisher offering professional support across multiple genres.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature.
- Why Choose Them: Their flexible publishing services make them appealing to authors seeking both creative freedom and polished presentation. Franklin’s approach balances accessibility for new writers with the standards of professional publishing.
15. Mill City Press
(Florida-based operations in Tampa)
A hybrid publishing service with strong Florida operations.
- What They Publish: Broad genres, from business and nonfiction to novels and memoirs.
- Why Choose Them: Their model offers authors creative control alongside professional production. Writers seeking a mix of independence and expert support will find Mill City Press an attractive option in Tampa’s publishing landscape.
16. Taylor and Seale Publishing
(Location: Daytona/Tampa partnerships, FL)
An independent Florida-based publisher known for children’s and educational titles.
- What They Publish: Children’s books, educational nonfiction, and select adult works.
- Why Choose Them: Authors creating books that inspire young readers will appreciate their expertise. Their emphasis on learning and creativity ensures works are both entertaining and impactful for their audiences.
17. Bright Sky Press – Tampa Collaborations
(Location: Houston/Tampa partnerships)
A creative press with projects extending into Tampa through collaborations.
- What They Publish: Art books, cultural works, and regional nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Writers with visually rich or culturally significant projects will find Bright Sky a strong partner. Their design-forward approach makes books stand out as both literary and artistic achievements.
18. Crown Point Publishing
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A local publisher committed to helping emerging authors build their careers.
- What They Publish: Fiction, memoirs, poetry, and inspirational nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Crown Point values close author relationships and community ties. Their approachable editorial process makes them especially welcoming to first-time writers seeking professional yet supportive publishing.
19. Cider House Media
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
A media and publishing company integrating digital strategies with traditional publishing.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and content for both print and digital platforms.
- Why Choose Them: Authors who want multimedia exposure will benefit from their ability to blend storytelling with modern marketing. They help writers reach wider audiences through multiple channels.
20. Skywater Press
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A boutique press offering personalized publishing services.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and select poetry collections.
- Why Choose Them: Known for their hands-on approach, Skywater ensures authors receive attentive editorial care. Writers who value collaboration and high-quality presentation will appreciate their detailed process.
21. Artisan Bookworks
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A small independent press with an emphasis on craftsmanship and design.
- What They Publish: Illustrated works, memoirs, and literary fiction.
- Why Choose Them: Artisan Bookworks takes pride in producing books that feel like art objects. Authors who want their projects to have a unique and visually appealing touch will find them an ideal partner.
22. Bluewater Publishing
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
A regional publisher with strong ties to Florida’s coastal communities.
- What They Publish: Fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction tied to coastal life.
- Why Choose Them: Writers with stories inspired by Florida’s seascapes and culture will thrive here. Their books resonate with both local audiences and visitors drawn to Florida’s shoreline identity.
23. Silver Leaf Books
(Location: Tampa, FL)
An independent publisher specializing in speculative fiction.
- What They Publish: Fantasy, science fiction, and adventure novels.
- Why Choose Them: Silver Leaf provides a platform for imaginative authors, particularly those writing in genres often overlooked by traditional presses. Their focus on storytelling and world-building appeals to speculative fiction fans.
24. Tampa Bay Books
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A local publisher dedicated to highlighting Tampa Bay authors.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and community-centered works.
- Why Choose Them: Their mission is to uplift local voices, making them an excellent fit for authors who want strong connections to their community. Their catalog reflects the diversity of Tampa Bay.
25. Sunrise River Press – Regional Partnerships
(Location: Tampa/Florida partnerships)
A nonfiction publisher with partnerships across Florida.
- What They Publish: Health, wellness, and lifestyle nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Authors writing practical, reader-focused guides will appreciate their strong editorial support. Sunrise River ensures clarity and accessibility for general audiences.
26. Gulf Coast Publishing
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
A regional publisher serving Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- What They Publish: Regional nonfiction, cultural histories, and fiction.
- Why Choose Them: Writers whose work reflects Florida’s Gulf heritage will thrive with Gulf Coast Publishing. Their strong regional identity adds authenticity to the books they produce.
27. Banyan Tree Books
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A small press inspired by themes of growth, heritage, and storytelling.
- What They Publish: Fiction, memoirs, and inspirational nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Their catalog reflects personal growth and cultural depth. Authors writing reflective or inspirational works will find their vision aligns with Banyan Tree’s values.
28. Compass Rose Press
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A boutique publisher with a nautical-inspired identity.
- What They Publish: Fiction, poetry, and travel-inspired nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Their catalog highlights exploration and discovery, making them ideal for authors with adventurous or journey-focused stories. Compass Rose values creativity and unique voices.
29. Coastal Ink Publishing
(Location: Tampa Bay, FL)
A regional publisher that emphasizes contemporary voices with a Florida flair.
- What They Publish: Modern fiction, poetry, and lifestyle nonfiction.
- Why Choose Them: Authors with fresh perspectives and contemporary themes will find Coastal Ink welcoming. Their modern approach appeals to younger and diverse readers.
30. Horizon House Publishing
(Location: Tampa, FL)
A professional publishing house dedicated to broad, accessible titles.
- What They Publish: Fiction, nonfiction, and inspirational works.
- Why Choose Them: Horizon House offers authors the blend of professional editing and wide distribution. Writers who want mainstream reach paired with supportive services will find them a strong choice in Tampa’s publishing network.
Understanding Publishing Costs in Tampa
For many authors, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a publisher in Tampa is cost. The good news is that Tampa’s publishing landscape offers options for nearly every budget, depending on the publishing path you pursue.
- Traditional publishers generally cover most expenses—editing, design, printing, and distribution—while paying authors royalties. However, these opportunities are competitive, and securing a contract may take time.
- For hybrid or independent presses, costs are more direct. Authors may invest anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500 depending on the scope of services, such as developmental editing, custom cover design, and marketing campaigns. Some boutique publishers in Tampa offer flexible packages, allowing writers to select only the services they need, which helps control expenses.
- Self-publishing also thrives in Tampa, with companies specializing in print-on-demand and ebook formatting. Here, costs can be as low as a few hundred dollars, but marketing and distribution often fall on the author.
Ultimately, the best strategy is to balance your goals with your budget. If you value wide distribution and prestige, traditional publishers may be worth pursuing. If creative control matters more, hybrid and independent presses offer strong value. Tampa’s variety ensures that no matter your budget, there’s a publishing path that aligns with your vision.
Conclusion
Tampa’s publishing scene is as diverse and energetic as the city itself. From university presses and regional imprints to independent and hybrid publishers, authors here have the chance to find partners who align with their vision and goals.
For new writers, Tampa offers approachable entry points, while seasoned authors can tap into presses with national reputations. Ultimately, the city’s publishing community thrives on collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of place.
Choosing the right publisher in Tampa isn’t just about printing a book—it’s about finding a partner who helps bring your story to life and ensures it reaches the readers who need it most.
