Introduction
Los Angeles has long been celebrated as the creative heartbeat of the West Coast. While it’s most famous for its film and television industry, the city is equally alive with a thriving literary culture that continues to grow stronger every year.
From innovative indie presses that champion experimental voices to major publishers with global reach, Los Angeles offers writers a dynamic range of opportunities.
What makes the L.A. publishing landscape unique is its connection to multiple creative industries. Publishers in this city understand how to bridge those worlds, giving authors additional pathways for their work.
Whether you’re a poet seeking a supportive literary community, a memoirist with a Hollywood story to tell, or a novelist ready for a national platform, Los Angeles has a publisher to match your vision.
Top 35 Book Publishing Companies in Los Angeles
1. Ghostwriting LLC
Overview: Ghostwriting LLC is a Los Angeles–based full-service author studio that turns ideas into market-ready books. They work discreetly with executives, creatives, and influencers to craft polished memoirs, business titles, and trade nonfiction, blending strong storytelling with commercial awareness to maximize a book’s reach.
Services Offered: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, manuscript polishing, book design, and publishing guidance.
Highlights:
- End-to-end support from concept to finished manuscript.
- Experienced in memoirs, business books, and celebrity projects.
- Helps position books for cross-media opportunities.
2. Red Hen Press
Overview: Red Hen Press, founded in 1994, is one of the largest independent literary publishers in Los Angeles. Known for its dedication to literary excellence, the press publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that highlight diverse voices. Their strong community involvement includes workshops, readings, and events. Red Hen Press is deeply committed to nurturing both established authors and emerging talent while expanding the reach of important literary works across the U.S.
Services Offered: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction publishing, events.
Highlights:
- One of L.A.’s largest independents.
- Strong community and literary outreach.
- Promotes diverse and emerging voices.
3. Rare Bird Books
Overview: Rare Bird Books, founded in 2010, is a dynamic independent publisher based in Los Angeles. They offer a catalog of fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs, with a reputation for edgy and innovative titles. Rare Bird embraces unconventional voices and stories that push boundaries, often spotlighting underrepresented perspectives. Their bold approach has gained national recognition, and they also provide author services and media promotion to ensure each title gets noticed.
Services Offered: Fiction, nonfiction publishing, promotion.
Highlights:
- Publishes edgy and unconventional works.
- Known for bold marketing strategies.
- Advocates for diverse, unique voices.
4. Black Sparrow Press
Overview: Black Sparrow Press, originally founded in 1966, has a long-standing history of publishing groundbreaking literary works. Famous for publishing Charles Bukowski and other avant-garde authors, the press was relaunched in Los Angeles and continues to champion experimental and alternative literature. They focus on poetry, fiction, and memoirs that challenge mainstream publishing norms. Black Sparrow remains a respected name for readers and writers seeking literature that pushes creative boundaries.
Services Offered: Literary publishing, editing, and design.
Highlights:
- Iconic press with a rich legacy.
- Known for publishing Charles Bukowski.
- Specializes in avant-garde and experimental works.
5. Tia Chucha Press
Overview: Tia Chucha Press, connected to the cultural center founded by author Luis J. Rodriguez, is committed to publishing socially engaged and culturally rooted poetry. The press amplifies marginalized voices, particularly Latinx and immigrant writers. Their work not only enriches literary culture but also serves as a tool for activism and social change. Rooted in the values of equity and creativity, Tia Chucha continues to be a cornerstone of Los Angeles’s diverse literary scene.
Services Offered: Poetry publishing, community engagement.
Highlights:
- Focused on Latinx and immigrant voices.
- Promotes socially engaged literature.
- Linked to a cultural community center.
6. Kaya Press
Overview: Based at the University of Southern California, Kaya Press specializes in publishing experimental and innovative works by Asian and Pacific Islander writers. They bring forward voices often overlooked in mainstream publishing and showcase a mix of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Kaya Press emphasizes cross-cultural dialogue and groundbreaking design, ensuring their books are not only thought-provoking but also visually distinctive. Their mission makes them one of L.A.’s most important niche presses.
Services Offered: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction publishing, editing.
Highlights:
- Focused on Asian/Pacific Islander voices.
- Publishes experimental and cross-genre works.
- Known for striking book design.
7. Univocal Publishing
Overview: Univocal Publishing takes a selective approach to the titles it produces, focusing on quality over quantity. This boutique publisher in Los Angeles is dedicated to bringing out distinctive voices in fiction, memoir, and nonfiction. With a close, collaborative process, Univocal offers authors the attention of a smaller press while ensuring professional production standards. Their catalog reflects a mix of fresh perspectives and compelling stories designed to resonate with today’s readers.
Services Offered: Fiction, memoir, nonfiction publishing.
Highlights:
- Boutique press with selective titles.
- Collaborative approach to publishing.
- Mix of fiction and nonfiction voices.
8. Prospect Park Books
Overview: Prospect Park Books is a well-regarded Los Angeles-based independent publisher that produces regional nonfiction, cookbooks, humor, and fiction. Their titles are often quirky, clever, and rooted in California culture, blending creativity with broad appeal. Prospect Park works with talented writers and designers to create books that are visually engaging and fun to read. They have a strong reputation for capturing the Southern California lifestyle in entertaining and accessible ways.
Services Offered: Nonfiction, cookbooks, humor, and fiction publishing.
Highlights:
- Specializes in regional nonfiction and humor.
- Known for stylish and clever books.
- Reflects Southern California culture.
9. Small Press Distribution (L.A. Branch)
Overview: While headquartered in Berkeley, Small Press Distribution (SPD) also operates within Los Angeles to connect independent presses and authors with readers. SPD plays a vital role in helping small publishers distribute their works nationally. They carry an eclectic catalog of poetry, fiction, and experimental titles. For Los Angeles authors, SPD offers an essential bridge between small-scale presses and a broader readership, making it an indispensable player in the indie publishing landscape.
Services Offered: Distribution, promotion, and catalog support.
Highlights:
- Vital distributor for indie presses.
- Expands the reach of small publishers.
- Supports experimental and diverse voices.
10. Heyday Books (L.A. Office)
Overview: Heyday Books, headquartered in Berkeley but with an office in Los Angeles, publishes works that celebrate California’s culture, history, and environment. Their L.A. presence strengthens connections with Southern California writers and readers. Heyday produces award-winning nonfiction, natural history, and cultural titles. They are known for their mission-driven approach, focusing on preserving California’s stories and natural heritage while fostering a deep appreciation for the state’s unique identity.
Services Offered: Nonfiction publishing, cultural books, and regional works.
Highlights:
- Focuses on California culture and history.
- Mission-driven, award-winning publisher.
- Strong regional presence.
11. University of California Press (L.A. Division)
Overview: The University of California Press, one of the nation’s leading academic publishers, maintains a presence in Los Angeles to support West Coast scholarship and literary works. They publish academic, cultural, and scientific titles that serve both scholarly communities and general audiences. Their catalog ranges from sociology and history to arts and literature. The L.A. division reinforces its commitment to regional and global voices, ensuring that rigorous scholarship meets engaging storytelling.
Services Offered: Academic and nonfiction publishing.
Highlights:
- Prestigious academic press.
- Wide range of scholarly fields.
- Regional and global scope.
12. Akashic Books (West Coast Presence)
Overview: Akashic Books, known for its Noir Series, has a West Coast presence in Los Angeles. They publish edgy fiction, memoirs, and politically engaged nonfiction that challenge conventions and spotlight marginalized voices. Their L.A. office helps them connect with diverse writers and stories rooted in the city’s rich cultural backdrop. Akashic is respected for taking risks on unconventional projects that larger publishers might avoid, building a reputation for authentic, groundbreaking work.
Services Offered: Fiction, nonfiction, and memoir publishing.
Highlights:
- Publisher of the acclaimed Noir Series.
- Known for bold, political titles.
- Focuses on marginalized voices.
13. Writ Large Press
Overview: Writ Large Press is a Los Angeles-based publisher committed to amplifying underrepresented voices. They specialize in poetry, essays, and experimental works that address social justice, community, and identity. Their projects often involve collaboration with artists and grassroots groups, making publishing a collective and transformative process. Writ Large aims to disrupt traditional publishing by reimagining how literature can serve communities, with storytelling that empowers change and connection.
Services Offered: Poetry, essays, experimental works.
Highlights:
- Emphasizes underrepresented voices.
- Strong social justice mission.
- Community-driven publishing model.
14. Sunbelt Publications (L.A. Reach)
Overview: Though headquartered in San Diego, Sunbelt Publications has significant reach in Los Angeles, distributing and publishing works tied to the natural history, culture, and regional identity of Southern California. They focus on nonfiction titles that highlight local landscapes, Native heritage, and environmental themes. Their catalog includes both academic and general-interest books, making them a resource for readers passionate about California’s past and present. Their strong regional distribution ensures widespread availability.
Services Offered: Nonfiction publishing, design, distribution.
Highlights:
- Strong regional nonfiction catalog.
- Focused on natural and cultural history.
- Extensive distribution in Southern California.
15. Hollywood Book Publishing
Overview: Hollywood Book Publishing specializes in memoirs, biographies, and entertainment-driven stories that reflect Los Angeles’s close ties to the film and television industry. They support authors looking to transform personal experiences into compelling narratives, while also offering opportunities for adaptation to the screen. With a team familiar with both publishing and Hollywood production, they provide authors with unique access to cross-industry resources, making them especially appealing for creatives in Los Angeles.
Services Offered: Nonfiction, memoir publishing, adaptation support.
Highlights:
- Bridges book publishing and film/TV.
- Strong focus on memoirs and biographies.
- Tailored to entertainment-centered stories.
16. Civil Coping Mechanisms (CCM)
Overview: Civil Coping Mechanisms is an L.A. experimental press known for publishing daring fiction and nonfiction that challenge form and content. CCM champions writers who push boundaries—often blending hybrid genres, visual elements, and theory—creating books that read like events as much as literature.
Services Offered: Editorial development, small-run publishing, promotion, and event coordination.
Highlights:
- Famous for bold, avant-garde titles.
- Strong indie literary community presence.
- Produces books that provoke conversation and critique.
17. Skyhorse Publishing (L.A. Division)
Overview: Skyhorse’s Los Angeles arm links mainstream commercial publishing with West Coast pop culture. They publish bestselling nonfiction, celebrity memoirs, lifestyle titles, and timely cultural commentary, leveraging broad distribution and strong publicity networks to reach wide audiences.
Services Offered: Nonfiction and commercial publishing, editorial, marketing, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Strong commercial reach and publicity.
- Publishes celebrity and pop-culture titles.
- Good fit for media-savvy authors.
18. Hollywood Books International
Overview: Hollywood Books International specializes in stories about the entertainment industry—memoirs, insider accounts, and adaptation-focused projects. With deep Hollywood contacts, they help authors navigate both publishing and screen adaptation pathways. Their team understands what makes a book attractive to producers and publishers alike.
Services Offered: Memoir and entertainment publishing, editorial, and adaptation consulting.
Highlights:
- Bridges print and screen opportunities.
- Industry-savvy editorial guidance.
- Ideal for entertainment-focused authors.
19. Silver Birch Press
Overview: Silver Birch Press focuses on poetry, memoir, and curated anthologies that center community voices. Small and author-friendly, they prioritize thoughtful editing and beautiful packaging, often collaborating with local arts organizations to amplify writers’ visibility through readings and events.
Services Offered: Poetry and nonfiction publishing, editing, and anthology curation.
Highlights:
- Strong community and event programming.
- Known for well-edited memoirs and anthologies.
- Nurtures emerging literary talent.
20. Zzyzx Writer’s Press
Overview: Zzyzx Writer’s Press publishes unconventional fiction, experimental memoir, and hybrid forms that reflect a West Coast sensibility. Named for the quirky Mojave landmark, the press embraces originality, risk-taking, and books that reward curious readers with unusual structures and voices.
Services Offered: Independent fiction and memoir publishing, proofreading, design, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Specializes in offbeat, inventive manuscripts.
- Strong West Coast creative aesthetic.
- Welcomes daring debut authors.
21. Otis Books | Seismicity Editions
Overview: Affiliated with Otis College of Art and Design, Seismicity Editions publishes experimental fiction, poetry, and translation projects with a strong visual and conceptual focus. The press foregrounds design and multidisciplinary collaboration, producing books that function as both art objects and literary works.
Services Offered: Literary publishing, translations, editorial, and production design.
Highlights:
- Integrates art and literature.
- High-concept, visually driven titles.
- Strong academic and studio ties.
22. Green Writers Press (L.A. Branch)
Overview: Green Writers Press’s L.A. presence emphasizes eco-literature, sustainability guides, and community-focused environmental nonfiction. They look for books that inspire action and stewardship, supporting authors who write about climate, green living, and environmental justice from practical and narrative angles.
Services Offered: Nonfiction publishing, editorial, and eco-friendly production guidance.
Highlights:
- Focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Publishes action-oriented nonfiction.
- Connects writers to environmental networks.
23. Los Angeles Review Press
Overview: Born from the Los Angeles Review literary journal, this press publishes poetry, fiction, and essays that explore Southern California’s cultural textures. They champion craft-driven work and provide a launchpad for writers engaged with the city’s literary scene.
Services Offered: Poetry and prose publishing, editorial development, and event support.
Highlights:
- Deeply connected to L.A.’s literary community.
- Publishes rigorously edited, craft-focused books.
- Hosts readings and launch events locally.
24. Beyond Baroque Books
Overview: Part of the iconic Venice literary arts center, Beyond Baroque Books publishes poetry, experimental prose, and anthologies tied to its long history of spoken-word and avant-garde programming. The press amplifies voices connected to the center’s radical, community-driven roots.
Services Offered: Poetry and anthology publishing, editorial, and cultural programming.
Highlights:
- Rooted in Venice’s spoken-word culture.
- Publishes experimental and community voices.
- Hosts influential readings and workshops.
25. Mulholland Books (Hachette Imprint)
Overview: Mulholland Books is Hachette’s dedicated imprint for mystery, thriller, and suspense. With a Los Angeles presence, they cultivate bestselling genre fiction and work closely with agents and authors to shepherd commercial thrillers to national audiences and screen interest.
Services Offered: Fiction publishing, editorial, marketing, wide distribution.
Highlights:
- Backed by a major house’s resources.
- Strong track record in thrillers.
- Excellent agent and adaptation networks.
26. Seven Stories Press (West Coast Office)
Overview: Seven Stories Press’s West Coast footprint connects progressive, politically engaged nonfiction and fiction with L.A.’s activist intellectual community. They publish investigative works, human rights narratives, and fiction that intersects with social critique, offering dependable editorial and promotional support.
Services Offered: Nonfiction and fiction publishing, editorial, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Known for politically engaged titles.
- Strong activist and academic networks.
- Emphasizes human rights and progressive topics.
27. Knopf Doubleday (L.A. Office)
Overview: As part of Penguin Random House, Knopf Doubleday’s Los Angeles office brings big-house editorial muscle to West Coast projects. They handle high-caliber literary and commercial authors, with strong editorial standards and Hollywood connections that can open doors for adaptation and publicity.
Services Offered: Major-house publishing, editorial, marketing, film/TV liaison.
Highlights:
- Major imprint with blockbuster reach.
- Handles acclaimed literary and commercial authors.
- Significant entertainment industry ties.
28. Sunbelt Publications
Overview: Sunbelt Publications focuses on regional nonfiction about natural history, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation in Southern California and beyond. Their meticulous, research-based titles are popular with local readers, hikers, and cultural institutions seeking authoritative regional guides.
Services Offered: Nonfiction publishing, research editing, and regional distribution.
Highlights:
- Known for natural history and regional guides.
- Strong ties to local museums and parks.
- Appeals to outdoor and culture-oriented readers.
29. TSEHAI Publishers
Overview: TSEHAI, based at Loyola Marymount University, specializes in academic and cultural works—particularly African and diaspora studies—offering a critical platform for voices often missing from mainstream presses. Their catalog blends rigorous scholarship with accessible narratives.
Services Offered: Academic and cultural publishing, editorial support, and university distribution.
Highlights:
- Focus on African and diaspora scholarship.
- University-affiliated credibility.
- Amplifies underrepresented global perspectives.
30. Angel City Press Kids
Overview: An imprint of Angel City Press, Angel City Press Kids produces children’s picture books and educational titles focused on Los Angeles history, neighborhood stories, and cultural heritage. Their books aim to foster local pride and curiosity in young readers while maintaining strong design values.
Services Offered: Children’s publishing, illustration coordination, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Focus on L.A.-centric children’s stories.
- High-quality illustration and design.
- Great for educators and families.
31. Figueroa Press (USC)
Overview: Figueroa Press, housed at USC, publishes scholarly and creative works that intersect with education, social justice, and cultural studies. They provide an academic publishing home for faculty and community scholars, emphasizing rigorous peer review and thoughtful editorial processes.
Services Offered: Academic publishing, peer review, editorial, distribution.
Highlights:
- University-based academic press.
- Emphasis on education and social justice.
- Bridges scholarship and public discourse.
32. Boulevard Books Los Angeles
Overview: Boulevard Books is a community-focused press publishing family-friendly nonfiction, memoir, and children’s titles. They aim for approachable storytelling with broad appeal, offering supportive editorial processes ideal for first-time authors looking to reach local and regional readers.
Services Offered: Children’s and nonfiction publishing, editing, and design.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly, accessible titles.
- Supportive to debut authors.
- Strong local distribution channels.
33. UCLA Press
Overview: UCLA Press is a leading university press with an expansive catalog covering cultural studies, history, and regional scholarship. Their editorial rigor and academic reach make them a go-to publisher for scholars and authors whose work bridges academia and general readership.
Services Offered: Academic and cultural publishing, peer review, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Prestigious university press.
- Strong interdisciplinary scholarship.
- International academic distribution.
34. California Coldblood Books
Overview: An imprint of Rare Bird Books based in L.A., California Coldblood Books focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction with a distinct West Coast sensibility. They spotlight fresh genre voices and imaginative world-building that resonate with both genre fans and crossover readers.
Services Offered: Sci-fi/fantasy publishing, editorial, design, distribution.
Highlights:
- Imprint tailored for speculative fiction.
- Supports emerging genre authors.
- Strong indie marketing strategies.
35. Hollywood Book Publishing
Overview: Hollywood Book Publishing produces memoirs, biographies, and entertainment-driven projects aimed at readers and industry professionals. With hands-on editorial care and entertainment industry insight, the press helps authors craft narratives suited for both print audiences and potential screen adaptation.
Services Offered: Memoirs and entertainment nonfiction, editorial, adaptation consulting, and distribution.
Highlights:
- Deep Hollywood connections.
- Expertise in adaptation-ready narratives.
- Strong fit for entertainment professionals.
Know The Publishing Cost in Los Angeles
Publishing a book in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on whether you work with an indie press, hybrid publisher, or self-publishing service. Authors should be prepared for both creative and financial investments. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Traditional publishing: Little to no upfront cost, but it’s highly competitive. Authors may still cover marketing and travel expenses.
- Hybrid publishing: Costs can range between $3,000–$10,000, covering editing, design, and distribution. You keep higher royalties but pay upfront.
- Self-publishing: Depending on the quality of editing, cover design, and promotion, expenses may run between $1,500–$5,000. Premium marketing packages can add significantly more.
- Special considerations in L.A.: With strong ties to Hollywood, adaptation consulting and screenplay tie-ins may add unique costs. Authors seeking cross-media opportunities should budget accordingly.
The key is balancing your goals with your budget. Many L.A. publishers are transparent about fees, so ask for a breakdown of services before signing any agreement.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is not just America’s entertainment hub—it’s also a thriving literary city filled with diverse, forward-thinking publishers. From boutique poetry presses to major imprints with Hollywood connections, the range of options is impressive.
Whether you’re an emerging poet, a memoirist, or a genre-fiction author, there’s a publisher here ready to amplify your voice.
Understanding costs, choosing the right publishing path, and aligning with a press that shares your vision will make your journey smoother. In Los Angeles, the possibilities for your book extend far beyond the page—often into screens, stages, and conversations that reach across the world.
