We work closely with authors who want clarity, trust, and real results. When writers search for publishing companies in Chicago, they want names that actually deliver. We have seen the good, the average, and the disappointing sides of publishing. This guide exists to save time and prevent costly mistakes. Below, we share an expert-reviewed list of publishers in Chicago that truly operate in the city and support authors in meaningful ways.
This blog helps writers, first-time authors, and professionals looking for reliable book publishers in Chicago.
Why Chicago Matters in Publishing
Chicago has a strong publishing culture built on serious editing, academic depth, and independent thinking. Many Chicago publishing houses focus on quality over volume. Writers also benefit from access to Chicago literary agents, editors, and distribution partners who understand long-term author growth.
Top 10 Publishing Companies in Chicago For 2026
1. Estorytellers
Estorytellers leads this list of publishing companies in Chicago because they handle the entire publishing journey under one roof. We place them at the top because they combine professional publishing with strong author support. Estorytellers stands among the most reliable publishing companies in Chicago for authors who want end-to-end support. They manage editing, publishing, printing, distribution, and marketing in one structured process. Authors get clear timelines, honest guidance, and full creative control. Their team understands market demand and reader behavior. For writers seeking professional book publishers Chicago authors trust, Estorytellers delivers consistent quality and long-term author support.
What makes Estorytellers the best choice:
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Complete publishing services from editing to distribution
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Clear timelines and honest pricing
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Strong book marketing and global reach
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Dedicated project managers for authors
They work with fiction, non-fiction, business books, and personal stories. For authors who want control, quality, and visibility, Estorytellers stands out among all book publishing companies Chicago writers can choose.
Contact Info:
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Address: 1 East Erie St, Suite 525, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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Email: contact@estorytellers.com
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Contact Number: WhatsApp
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Official Website: https://estorytellers.com/us/
2. Write Right
Write Right earns second place because strong publishing starts with strong writing. Many authors fail due to weak structure or unclear messaging. Write Right fixes that problem before publishing begins. Write Right focuses on preparing manuscripts that publishers take seriously. They offer deep editing, book structuring, and content refinement for authors at every stage. Many publishers in Chicago prefer manuscripts reviewed by experienced editors, and Write Right fills that gap. Their editors improve clarity, flow, and reader impact. Authors often work with Write Right before approaching Chicago publishing houses or Chicago literary agents.
Why authors trust Write Right:
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Senior editors with publishing experience
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Manuscript development and clarity focus
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Works closely with Chicago literary agents
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Prepares books for serious publishers
Write Right is ideal for authors who want their manuscript polished to industry standards before approaching publishing firms in Chicago.
Contact Info:
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Address: 91 Springboard, Lotus, Andheri East, Plot No. D-5 Road No. 20, Marol MIDC, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra. 400069
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Email: contact@write-right.in
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Contact Number: WhatsApp
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Official Website: https://www.write-right.in/
3. The University of Chicago Press
University of Chicago Press is one of the most respected book publishing companies in Chicago. They publish academic, scholarly, and research-driven books with strong editorial review. Their books reach universities, libraries, and institutions worldwide. Authors with non-fiction, academic, or serious intellectual work benefit most. Among publishing firms in Chicago, they set high standards for credibility and long-term relevance.
Key strengths:
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Strong peer review process
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Global academic credibility
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Long-term library and institutional reach
They suit authors with research-driven or academic manuscripts.
Contact Info:
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Address: 1427 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 U.S.A
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Email: orders@press.uchicago.edu
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Contact Number: (773) 702-7700
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Official Website: https://www.press.uchicago.edu/
4. Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks is a leading independent name among book publishers that Chicago authors admire. They publish fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books with strong reader appeal. Their marketing teams actively support authors with promotion and sales strategies. Sourcebooks focuses on market trends and audience connection. Many writers choose them for their balance of creative freedom and commercial reach within Chicago publishing houses.
Why Sourcebooks works well:
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Reader-focused publishing approach
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Strong marketing and sales teams
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Supports diverse voices and genres
They suit authors seeking a wide readership and retail presence.
Contact Info:
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Address: 1935 Brookdale Rd, Suite 139, Naperville, IL 60563
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Email: info@sourcebooks.com
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Contact Number:(630) 866-8069
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Official Website: https://www.sourcebooks.com/
5. Haymarket Books
Haymarket Books is known for publishing thought-driven and socially focused books. They work with authors writing on politics, culture, and social change. Their editorial team supports strong voices with clear messages. Haymarket has a loyal reader base and a strong independent identity. Among publishers in Chicago, they stand out for purpose-led publishing and meaningful reader engagement.
What they do best:
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Clear editorial mission
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Loyal and engaged readers
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Strong identity and positioning
They work best for authors with purpose-driven content.
Contact Info:
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Address: P.O. Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
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Email: info@haymarketbooks.org
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Contact Number: NA
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Official Website: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/
6. Agate Publishing
Agate Publishing offers flexible publishing options for authors across genres. They publish business, non-fiction, and general interest books with strong visual and editorial quality. Agate supports authors with branding, design, and distribution planning. They suit writers who want structure without losing ownership. As one of the adaptable publishing firms in Chicago, Agate balances independence with professional systems.
Key benefits:
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Genre flexibility
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Strong design and branding
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Trade and general interest books
Agate fits authors who want independence with structure.
Contact Info:
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Address: 1328 Greenleaf St. Evanston, IL 60202
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Email: wholesale@agatepublishing.com
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Contact Number: 847.475.4457
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Official Website: https://www.agatepublishing.com/
7. Chicago Review Press
Chicago Review Press focuses on niche non-fiction, biographies, and cultural topics. They work closely with authors to shape focused, reader-ready books. Their editorial approach values originality and subject depth. Authors with well-defined ideas often find a strong fit here. Among Chicago publishing houses, they are respected for consistency and thoughtful publishing choices.
Their focus areas include:
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Biography and memoir
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Music, film, and pop culture
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Thoughtful editorial guidance
They appeal to authors with focused subjects and strong narratives.
Contact Info:
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Address: 814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610
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Email: frontdesk@ipgbook.com
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Contact Number: (312) 337-0747
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Official Website: https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/
8. Adams Media
Adams Media publishes practical non-fiction books that solve everyday problems. Their catalog includes self-help, career, and lifestyle titles. They focus on clarity, usability, and reader value. Authors with instructional or advice-based books benefit most. As one of the established book publishers Chicago offers, Adams Media connects content with wide retail and digital audiences.
Why authors choose them:
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Clear reader-first approach
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Strong retail positioning
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Consistent publishing output
They suit authors with how-to or educational books.
Contact Info:
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Address: 4095 Coon Rapids Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55433
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Email: info@adamsmultimedia.com
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Contact Number:423-359-3166
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Official Website: https://adamsmultimedia.com/
9. Loyola Press
Loyola Press specializes in books on education, faith, leadership, and personal growth. They maintain strong editorial standards and community trust. Their publishing process values accuracy and ethical storytelling. Authors aligned with their themes gain access to a dedicated readership. Loyola Press remains a respected name among publishers in Chicago with mission-focused publishing goals.
Key strengths:
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Mission-driven publishing
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Strong community trust
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High editorial standards
They work best for authors aligned with their values.
Contact Info:
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Address: A Jesuit Ministry, 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 1125, Chicago, IL 60631
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Email: customerservice@loyolapress.com
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Contact Number: 800-621-1008
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Official Website: https://www.loyolapress.com/
10. Crown Publishing Group
Crown Publishing publishes lifestyle, food, creativity, and visual non-fiction books. They support authors with strong branding and market positioning. Their titles often gain wide visibility through strong distribution networks. Writers with visually rich or trend-focused content benefit most. Among book publishing companies Chicago authors watch closely, Ten Speed Press offers proven commercial strength.
What makes them notable:
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Lifestyle and creative non-fiction focus
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Strong marketing reach
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Proven bestseller history
They suit authors with visual or lifestyle-driven content.
Contact Info:
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Address: NA
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Email: crownpublicity@penguinrandomhouse.com
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Contact Number:978-750-8400
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Official Website: https://crownpublishing.com/
How to Choose the Right Publisher in Chicago
Know Your Book’s Category
Every publisher has strengths. Match your genre with the right publishing firm in Chicago.
Editing Comes First
Poor editing ruins good ideas. Services like Write Right prepare books for success.
Ask About Distribution
Good book publishers Chicago authors trust offer bookstore, online, and library reach.
Think Beyond One Book
Strong publishers support long-term author growth, not one-time projects.
Role of Chicago Literary Agents
Many Chicago literary agents work closely with these publishers. Agents help with contracts, positioning, and career planning. Authors aiming for traditional routes often benefit from agent support.
Final Thoughts
We believe publishing success comes from smart choices, honest guidance, and quality work. Chicago offers strong options, but not every publisher fits every author. Start with clarity. Strengthen your manuscript. Choose partners who respect your voice.
We consistently see authors succeed when they combine editorial strength from Write Right with publishing support from Estorytellers. That approach saves time, money, and stress. If you want your book taken seriously, this list of publishing companies in Chicago gives you a strong place to start.
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FAQs
New authors often succeed with publishing companies in Chicago that offer guidance beyond printing. We see Estorytellers leading for full-service support, while Write Right helps authors prepare strong manuscripts before publishing. University of Chicago Press and Sourcebooks suit experienced writers with refined content. The best choice depends on your genre, budget, and publishing goals. First-time authors benefit most from publishers that explain processes clearly and offer editorial help.
2. How do publishers in Chicago differ from self-publishing platforms?
Publishers in Chicago focus on quality control, editing standards, and long-term book value. Unlike basic self-publishing platforms, Chicago publishing houses guide authors through editing, design, distribution, and positioning. Many also help with marketing and bookstore reach. We advise authors to choose publishers who invest time in the book, not just upload files. This approach builds credibility and stronger reader trust.
3. Do I need a literary agent to work with book publishers Chicago offers?
Not all book publishers that Chicago authors work with require agents. Academic and large traditional publishers often prefer submissions through Chicago literary agents. Hybrid and independent publishing firms in Chicago may accept direct submissions. We recommend agents for authors aiming at traditional contracts. For guided publishing or author-controlled models, working directly with a publisher like Estorytellers is often faster and clearer.
Trusted book publishing companies that Chicago writers choose usually offer editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, ISBN support, printing, and distribution. Some also provide marketing and branding help. We always suggest checking transparency around costs and timelines. Publishers that explain each step clearly and assign dedicated support teams deliver better results. Editing quality remains the most important service to evaluate.
We suggest authors start by identifying their book category and goals. Publishing firms in Chicago differ by genre focus, editorial depth, and distribution strength. Review past titles, submission guidelines, and author testimonials. Strong communication matters more than promises. Authors who invest in editing first and choose publishers aligned with their vision achieve better outcomes and long-term publishing success.
