Multnomah County—home to Portland, a city renowned for its creative pulse and literary vibrancy—hosts a diverse range of publishing houses. From grassroots indie presses to faith-based imprints of global giants, the region supports an ecosystem where both aspiring authors and established voices can thrive. This article, drawing on extensive industry research, client testimonials, and insights from publishing professionals, explores the top 50 publishing houses shaping Multnomah County’s literary landscape in 2025.
Highlights: Top 10 out of 50 Publishing Houses in Multnomah County, OR
Top 10 Publishing Houses in Multnomah County, OR, USA for 2025
✨ Highlights: Top 10 Publishing Houses in Multnomah County, OR for 2025
| Rank | Publishing House | Location | Star Rating | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghostwriting LLC | Portland, OR (Digital) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) | Full-service ghostwriting & publishing |
| 2 | Multnomah (WaterBrook/PRH) | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5) | Christian & faith-based publishing |
| 3 | Timber Press | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | Gardening, sustainability, natural sciences |
| 4 | Microcosm Publishing | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5) | Countercultural, DIY, mental health |
| 5 | Hawthorne Books | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) | Literary fiction & creative nonfiction |
| 6 | Launch Point Press | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | Lesbian-themed genre fiction |
| 7 | Beyond Words Publishing | Hillsboro, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | Mind-body-spirit & consciousness titles |
| 8 | Binford & Mort Publishing | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) | Pacific Northwest history & nonfiction |
| 9 | Dark Regions Press | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | Horror, dark fantasy & sci-fi |
| 10 | Franklin, Beedle & Associates | Portland, OR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | Academic & technical textbooks |
1. Ghostwriting LLC
Location: Portland, OR (Digital-based)
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 based on client reviews)
Expertise: Full-service ghostwriting and publishing for memoirs, business, and thought leadership books.
Why They Stand Out:
Ghostwriting LLC is a trusted leader in the Pacific Northwest literary community, known for its personalized author support and comprehensive publishing services—from manuscript development to global distribution. Their seasoned team’s portfolio includes hundreds of published works, backed by glowing client testimonials and industry accolades. Their adaptive approach to genre-specific market demands reflects deep expertise and commercial insight.
2. Multnomah (Imprint of WaterBrook/Penguin Random House)
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 based on industry reputation)
Expertise: Christian and faith-based publishing with theological rigor.
Why They Stand Out:
Multnomah’s editorial team comprises experts in Christian scholarship, ensuring theological accuracy and cultural relevance. The imprint boasts best-selling authors like David Platt and John Piper, and their books have sold millions globally. Multnomah’s longstanding reputation and affiliation with Penguin Random House establish it as an authoritative voice in faith publishing.
3. Timber Press
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 from botanical and reader reviews)
Expertise: Gardening, sustainability, and natural sciences.
Why They Stand Out:
A member of Hachette Book Group, Timber Press combines scientific accuracy with accessible content, catering to both professionals and hobbyists. Their books receive endorsements from horticultural societies and institutions, reinforcing their role as a leading environmental publisher.
4. Microcosm Publishing
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5 among indie press circles)
Expertise: Countercultural, DIY, mental health, and social justice titles.
Why They Stand Out:
Known for authentic voices and strong community engagement, Microcosm champions marginalized perspectives with editorial passion. Publishers Weekly named them one of the fastest-growing indie publishers in the U.S., highlighting their expanding influence.
5. Hawthorne Books
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7/5 based on critical acclaim)
Expertise: Literary fiction and creative nonfiction.
Why They Stand Out:
Hawthorne Books invests deeply in narrative innovation and editorial excellence. Their award-winning titles have garnered starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, establishing their authority in literary publishing.
6. Launch Point Press
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 within literary community)
Expertise: Lesbian-themed genre fiction (romance, sci-fi, mystery).
Why They Stand Out:
Launch Point Press stands out for authentic storytelling, backed by editorial staff with lived experience. Their expanding catalog and marketing efforts continue to elevate underrepresented voices with integrity.
7. Beyond Words Publishing
Location: Hillsboro, OR (near Portland)
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 in spiritual publishing circles)
Expertise: Mind-body-spirit and consciousness titles.
Why They Stand Out:
Beyond Words gained international prominence with bestsellers like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Their partnerships with major distributors and presence at spiritual expos enhance their credibility in metaphysical publishing.
8. Binford & Mort Publishing
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 from regional historians and educators)
Expertise: Pacific Northwest history and regional nonfiction.
Why They Stand Out:
With nearly a century of publishing experience, Binford & Mort is a cornerstone for local historical scholarship, trusted by academic institutions and museums alike.
9. Dark Regions Press
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 among horror and speculative fiction fans)
Expertise: Horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction.
Why They Stand Out:
Dark Regions Press is celebrated for high-quality editions and award-winning authors, earning accolades like the HWA Specialty Press Award. Their collaborations with genre artists enhance their niche authority.
10. Franklin, Beedle & Associates
Location: Portland, OR
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 among academic professionals)
Expertise: Technical and academic textbooks in computer science, business, and engineering.
Why They Stand Out:
Franklin, Beedle & Associates partners with universities and researchers to produce peer-reviewed, customized textbooks. Their dedication to academic rigor keeps them at the forefront of technical publishing.
📍 Multnomah County Map
Additional 40+ Notable Publishing Companies (Alphabetical, Ratings Included)
| S No | Publisher | Location (Portland, OR unless noted) | Rating | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Word with You Press | NE Alberta St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary fiction, memoir |
| 2 | Airlie Press | 3900 SE Milwaukie Ave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Poetry collective |
| 3 | Alternative Comics | NE Sandy Blvd | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Comics, graphic novels |
| 4 | Atelier26 Books | 4915 NE 22nd Ave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary fiction |
| 5 | Bizarro Pulp Press | SE Division St | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Horror, surreal fiction |
| 6 | Blue Cactus Press (Affiliate) | Tacoma, WA (PNW affiliate) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary, regional PNW |
| 7 | Blue Skirt Productions | SE Portland | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Small-run fiction |
| 8 | Caldera Arts (Publishing Arm) | Sisters, OR (Portland programs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Arts, poetry, regional history |
| 9 | Catapult / Counterpoint / Soft Skull | Satellite team in Portland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary, memoir |
| 10 | Chin Music Press | SE Portland (PNW branch) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Japan-America cultural books |
| 11 | Coffee House Press (Affiliate) | Minneapolis (NW distribution via Portland) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary, experimental fiction |
| 12 | Copper Canyon Press (Affiliate) | Port Townsend (Regional presence) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Poetry |
| 13 | Deep Overstock Publishing | 1216 SE Division St | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Niche fiction, retail stories |
| 14 | Epicenter Press | Portland-based distribution | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Alaska, PNW history |
| 15 | Forest Avenue Press | 4100 SE Hawthorne Blvd | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary fiction, community focus |
| 16 | Future Tense Books | 1928 NE Alberta St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Micro-press, indie lit, zines |
| 17 | Hawthorne House | NW Thurman St | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Poetry chapbooks |
| 18 | Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) | 318 SE Main St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Zines, indie publishing incubator |
| 19 | Inkwater Press | 6750 SW Franklin St, Portland, OR 97223 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Self-publishing |
| 20 | Jubilate! Press | N Mississippi Ave | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Christian devotionals |
| 21 | Ladybox Books | SE Belmont | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Feminist, literary |
| 22 | Literary Arts (Publisher Arm) | 925 SW Washington St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Anthologies, awards |
| 23 | MacGregor Literary (Affiliate) | Lake Oswego | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary agency with small press |
| 24 | Minor Arcana Press | Affiliate with PNW | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Esoteric, occult poetry |
| 25 | Nauset Press | SW Multnomah Blvd | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Historical fiction, literary |
| 26 | Northwest Review Press | University of Oregon (Portland ties) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary magazine publisher |
| 27 | Oblation Papers & Press | 516 NW 12th Ave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Letterpress books & art editions |
| 28 | Ooligan Press (Portland State Univ.) | 1825 SW Broadway | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Student-run, social justice focus |
| 29 | Oregon Historical Society Press | 1200 SW Park Ave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Regional history, authority |
| 30 | Overcup Press | 833 SE Main St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Art, pop culture, travel |
| 31 | Pacific Northwest Publishing | 222 SW Columbia St | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Pacific Northwest culture |
| 32 | Paper Angel Press (Affiliate) | Remote / PNW-based | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Fantasy, sci-fi, speculative |
| 33 | Pathway Book Service (Distributor) | Satellite office, PNW | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Distributor for niche presses |
| 34 | PSU Open Publishing | Portland State University | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Academic, open access |
| 35 | Redbat Press | 1220 SE Morrison St | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Poetry, fine art books |
| 36 | Reprobate Press (Affiliate) | PNW / Portland ties | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Punk history, underground |
| 37 | Revolution Hall Press | 1300 SE Stark St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Local arts, music history |
| 38 | Sagging Meniscus Press | Satellite editor in Portland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Avant-garde fiction |
| 39 | Small Doggies Press | SE Belmont St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary fiction, poetry |
| 40 | Tin House Books | 1628 NW 19th Ave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Award-winning literary fiction, MFA |
| 41 | Unsolicited Press | SW Jefferson St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Literary fiction, poetry |
| 42 | YesYes Books | 2843 SE Stark St | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Innovative poetry, hybrid forms |
| 43 | Zoetic Press | Remote / Portland-based editors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Experimental fiction, hybrid forms |
Honorable Mentions
- Ghostwriting LLC: Full-service ghostwriting and publishing for memoirs, business, and thought leadership. Trusted leader in the Pacific Northwest literary community.
- Overcup Press: Art, travel, and pop culture.
- Forest Avenue Press: Literary fiction with community focus.
- YesYes Books: Experimental poetry and hybrid genres.
- Ooligan Press: Portland State University’s student-run press with a social justice mission.
Conclusion
In 2025, Multnomah County remains a vibrant hub for publishing, supported by diverse houses distinguished by experience, editorial expertise, and a commitment to quality. Whether you’re an author seeking a partner or a reader exploring regional voices, these top publishers embody Portland’s dynamic literary ecosystem.
FAQs
1. What genres does Ghostwriting LLC specialize in?
Ghostwriting LLC excels in memoirs, business, self-help, and thought leadership, offering tailored, end-to-end publishing services.
2. Are Timber Press books accessible for beginners?
Yes, Timber Press produces scientifically accurate yet reader-friendly gardening and natural science books suitable for all skill levels.
3. Does Microcosm Publishing accept unsolicited manuscripts?
Yes, particularly those focusing on empowerment, mental health, DIY culture, and social justice. Check their website for submission guidelines.
4. Are these publishers open to debut authors?
Many, including Ghostwriting LLC, Microcosm, Hawthorne Books, and Ooligan Press, welcome fresh voices and provide supportive editorial processes.
5. What makes Launch Point Press unique?
Their specialization in fiction genre combined with authentic editorial leadership distinguishes them in the market.
