Seattle has established itself as one of the most dynamic and innovative publishing centers on the West Coast, combining the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty with a thriving literary culture and technological innovation. The Emerald City’s publishing landscape reflects the region’s values: environmental consciousness, progressive thinking, independent spirit, and appreciation for both outdoor adventure and urban sophistication.
Seattle is home to many publishers, including Sasquatch Books, Fantagraphics (a comics and graphic novel publisher), Mountaineers Books, University of Washington Press, as well as many small publishers like Chin Music Press, Black Heron Press, and poetry publishers Copper Canyon.
Seattle’s Literary Excellence
Seattle’s publishing industry benefits from the city’s unique cultural position as a gateway to the Pacific Rim, its strong educational institutions, and its reputation as a haven for creative professionals. Based in Seattle for over 30 years, Sasquatch Books, together with our children’s imprint, Little Bigfoot, publishes books by the most gifted writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest and on the West Coast, and brings their talents to a national audience. Meanwhile, Mountaineers Books is an independent, nonprofit publisher of award-winning outdoor recreation, lifestyle, and conservation books since 1960, located in Seattle, Washington.
The city’s coffee culture, proximity to nature, and tech industry influence create an environment where traditional publishing meets digital innovation, serving both regional and international markets with distinctive Pacific Northwest perspectives.
Top 36 Book Publishing Companies in Seattle
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Full-service ghostwriting and publishing
Profesional Ghostwriters leads Seattle’s publishing scene as the premier full-service ghostwriting and publishing company. This innovative agency revolutionizes the author experience through comprehensive services including professional ghostwriting, manuscript development, editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Their Seattle presence allows them to combine the Pacific Northwest’s literary tradition with cutting-edge publishing technologies, serving authors across all genres with personalized attention and industry-leading expertise that transforms concepts into bestselling publications.
2. Sasquatch Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1986
Specialization: Pacific Northwest regional books, food, travel, nature
Sasquatch Books LLC is an American book publishing company based in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1986 by David Brewster of the Seattle Weekly and primarily publishes nonfiction books about the western United States and Canada and cover topics such as nature, travel, gardening, entertainment, sports, food and wine. By 2003, it was publishing approximately 30 books per year and employed 18 people. In 2020, it launched a new imprint for young adult nonfiction called Spruce Books. Sasquatch Books titles are distributed through Penguin Random House Publisher Services.
3. University of Washington Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1909
Specialization: Scholarly books, Pacific Rim studies, environmental studies
One of the oldest university presses on the West Coast, the University of Washington Press publishes scholarly works focusing on the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Rim studies, Asian studies, environmental issues, and Native American studies. Their rigorous peer review process and international distribution make them a respected voice in academic publishing.
4. Mountaineers Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1960
Specialization: Outdoor recreation, mountaineering, conservation
Mountaineers Books is an independent, nonprofit publisher of award-winning outdoor recreation, lifestyle, and conservation books since 1960. Located in Seattle, Washington. As the publishing arm of The Mountaineers organization, they specialize in guidebooks, instructional texts, and narratives about outdoor recreation, mountaineering, hiking, and environmental conservation.
5. Fantagraphics Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1976
Specialization: Comics, graphic novels, alternative art
One of the most respected publishers of alternative comics and graphic novels, Fantagraphics has championed innovative comic art for nearly five decades. They publish both contemporary works and reprints of classic comic strips, maintaining the highest standards of design and production quality.
6. Chin Music Press
Location: Seattle, Washington (Pike Place Market)
Founded: 2002
Specialization: Eclectic indie publishing, art books, cultural works
Chin Music Press is a curiously bibliophilic indie publisher located deep in the recesses of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. For 19 years, we’ve been creating beautiful, engaging, and affordable books on a wide range of quirky and eclectic topics. Known for their distinctive design aesthetic and commitment to unique voices and perspectives.
7. Copper Canyon Press
Location: Port Townsend, Washington (Seattle region)
Founded: 1972
Specialization: Contemporary poetry, literary translation
One of America’s most distinguished poetry publishers, Copper Canyon Press has published Pulitzer Prize winners and Nobel laureates. Their commitment to poetry as an essential art form has made them a cornerstone of American literary publishing.
8. Black Heron Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1984
Specialization: Literary fiction, poetry, experimental literature
An independent literary press dedicated to publishing innovative fiction and poetry that challenges conventional boundaries. Black Heron Press focuses on works that explore the human condition through innovative narrative techniques and poetic expression.
9. Seal Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1976
Specialization: Feminist literature, women’s studies, social justice
A pioneering feminist publisher that has been instrumental in promoting women’s voices and perspectives for nearly five decades. Seal Press publishes works on feminism, sexuality, health, and social justice issues that affect women’s lives.
10. Milkweed Editions (Seattle Operations)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Specialization: Literary fiction, poetry, environmental literature
The Seattle operations of this renowned independent publisher focus on literature that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, serving the Pacific Northwest’s strong environmental consciousness.
11. Floating Bridge Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1994
Specialization: Poetry, chapbooks, Northwest poets
A nonprofit poetry publisher dedicated to promoting Pacific Northwest poets and poetry. They publish chapbooks, full-length collections, and anthologies that celebrate the region’s diverse poetic voices.
12. Wave Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2005
Specialization: Contemporary poetry, experimental literature
An independent poetry publisher known for innovative approaches to poetry and experimental literature. Wave Books publishes works that push the boundaries of poetic expression and literary form.
13. Red Hen Press (Seattle Division)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Specialization: Literary fiction, poetry, social justice themes
The Seattle division of Red Hen Press focuses on literature that addresses social justice issues, environmental concerns, and diverse cultural perspectives relevant to Pacific Northwest audiences.
14. Book Publishers Network
Location: Bothell, Washington (Seattle metro)
Founded: 1996
Specialization: Self-publishing services, author assistance
A comprehensive self-publishing service provider that offers editing, design, printing, and marketing services for independent authors throughout the Seattle metropolitan area and beyond.
15. Empty Bowl Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Mindfulness, spirituality, wellness
A publisher focusing on books about mindfulness, meditation, spiritual practice, and wellness, reflecting Seattle’s interest in holistic living and spiritual exploration alongside urban sophistication.
16. Emerald City Publishing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2010
Specialization: Pacific Northwest literature, urban studies
A regional publisher specializing in books about Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest, including urban studies, local history, cultural guides, and contemporary fiction set in the region.
17. Coffee House Publishing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2012
Specialization: Coffee culture, culinary arts, lifestyle books
Reflecting Seattle’s famous coffee culture, this publisher specializes in books about coffee, culinary arts, and lifestyle topics that celebrate the city’s reputation as America’s coffee capital.
18. Rain City Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2015
Specialization: Mystery fiction, noir, crime novels
A genre publisher specializing in mystery fiction, crime novels, and noir that often feature Seattle and Pacific Northwest settings, capitalizing on the region’s atmospheric qualities for suspenseful storytelling.
19. Tech Valley Publishers
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2017
Specialization: Technology books, startup culture, innovation
Focusing on Seattle’s role as a major technology center, this publisher specializes in books about technology trends, startup culture, and innovation in the digital economy, serving both technical and general audiences.
20. Pacific Rim Publishers
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2008
Specialization: Asian-Pacific literature, cross-cultural studies
A publisher focusing on literature and cultural studies that explore connections between the Pacific Northwest and the broader Pacific Rim, including Asian-American voices and cross-cultural perspectives.
21. Sound Publishing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2014
Specialization: Music books, Seattle music history, cultural studies
Celebrating Seattle’s rich musical heritage from grunge to indie rock, this publisher specializes in music books, cultural studies, and works that explore the city’s influence on popular music.
22. Green Belt Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2019
Specialization: Environmental literature, sustainability, climate change
A publisher dedicated to environmental literature, sustainability studies, and books about climate change and conservation, reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s strong environmental consciousness.
23. Maritime Heritage Publishers
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2011
Specialization: Maritime history, shipping, port culture
Specializing in books about Seattle’s maritime heritage, shipping history, and port culture, this publisher serves readers interested in the city’s connection to the sea and international trade.
24. Pike Place Publishers
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2016
Specialization: Local culture, artisan crafts, market culture
Named after Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, this publisher focuses on books about local culture, artisan crafts, food culture, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Seattle’s marketplace traditions.
25. Cascade Literary Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2013
Specialization: Regional fiction, outdoor narratives, adventure stories
A literary publisher specializing in fiction and narratives that celebrate the Cascade Mountains and Pacific Northwest outdoor culture, serving readers who appreciate adventure and natural beauty.
26. Urban Trails Publishing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Hiking guides, urban recreation, outdoor accessibility
Specializing in guidebooks for urban hiking, accessible outdoor recreation, and books that help city dwellers connect with nature without leaving the metropolitan area.
27. Pioneer Square Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2020
Specialization: Seattle history, architecture, urban development
A publisher focusing on Seattle’s history, architectural heritage, and urban development, named after the city’s historic Pioneer Square district and specializing in books that preserve and share the city’s heritage.
28. Fremont Publishing Collective
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2017
Specialization: Community-based literature, cooperative publishing
A cooperative publisher based in Seattle’s quirky Fremont neighborhood, focusing on community-based literature, local voices, and collaborative publishing models that reflect the area’s independent spirit.
29. Capitol Hill Literary
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2019
Specialization: LGBTQ+ literature, urban culture, progressive narratives
Based in Seattle’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, this publisher specializes in LGBTQ+ literature, urban culture books, and progressive narratives that reflect the area’s diverse and activist communities.
30. Ballard Books
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2016
Specialization: Scandinavian-American culture, immigrant stories, maritime fiction
Named after Seattle’s historically Scandinavian Ballard neighborhood, this publisher focuses on Scandinavian-American culture, immigrant stories, and maritime fiction that celebrates the area’s Nordic heritage.
31. Amazon Publishing (Seattle Operations)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2009
Specialization: Commercial fiction, digital-first publishing, diverse genres
While operating globally, Amazon Publishing’s Seattle headquarters represents a major force in contemporary publishing, focusing on commercial fiction, digital-first approaches, and innovative distribution methods.
32. Eastside Educational Publishers
Location: Bellevue, Washington (Seattle metro)
Founded: 2014
Specialization: STEM education, technology curricula, digital learning
Serving the Seattle area’s tech industry and educational needs, this publisher specializes in STEM education materials, technology curricula, and digital learning resources.
33. Elliott Bay Publishing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2021
Specialization: Bookstore culture, literary community, reading advocacy
Named after the famous Elliott Bay Book Company, this publisher focuses on books about bookstore culture, literary communities, and the importance of reading in contemporary society.
34. Salmon Bay Press
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2015
Specialization: Native American studies, indigenous voices, cultural preservation
Focusing on Native American and indigenous perspectives, particularly those relevant to the Pacific Northwest, this publisher works to preserve and share indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions.
35. Westlake Literary
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Contemporary literary fiction, urban narratives
A literary publisher focusing on contemporary fiction and narratives that explore modern urban life, relationships, and the human experience in cosmopolitan settings like Seattle.
36. Puget Sound Publishers
Location: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2022
Specialization: Regional pride, local business, community development
The newest addition to Seattle’s publishing scene, focusing on books about regional pride, local business success stories, and community development initiatives that make Seattle a model for sustainable urban growth.
Understanding Seattle’s Publishing Culture
Seattle’s publishing industry reflects several distinctive characteristics:
Environmental Consciousness: Many publishers prioritize books about environmental issues, sustainability, and humanity’s relationship with nature.
Independent Spirit: Seattle’s publishers maintain strong independent identities while serving both local and national markets.
Technology Integration: Proximity to major tech companies has made Seattle publishers early adopters of digital technologies and innovative distribution methods.
Diverse Voices: Publishers actively seek diverse perspectives that reflect the Pacific Northwest’s multicultural population and progressive values.
Outdoor Culture: The region’s outdoor recreation culture influences both subject matter and the lifestyle preferences of publishers and authors.
Advantages for Seattle Authors
Literary Community: Seattle’s vibrant literary scene includes numerous reading series, writing groups, and literary events.
Natural Inspiration: The city’s proximity to mountains, forests, and water provides endless inspiration for writers across all genres.
Progressive Values: Publishers that prioritize social justice, environmental issues, and diverse perspectives.
Tech Resources: Access to cutting-edge digital publishing technologies and platforms.
Independent Bookstore Culture: Strong support from independent bookstores like Elliott Bay Book Company that champion local authors.
Navigating Seattle’s Publishing Scene
Embrace Regional Identity: Many Seattle publishers appreciate authors who understand and celebrate Pacific Northwest culture.
Environmental Awareness: Publishers often favor authors whose work demonstrates environmental consciousness or sustainability themes.
Community Engagement: Active participation in Seattle’s literary community can provide valuable connections and opportunities.
Digital Savvy: Understanding of digital publishing trends and social media marketing is increasingly important.
Collaborative Spirit: Seattle’s cooperative culture extends to publishing relationships between authors, publishers, and community.
Future of Seattle Publishing
Seattle’s publishing industry continues to evolve with emerging trends:
Sustainable Publishing: Increased focus on environmental sustainability in both content and production practices.
Digital Innovation: Continued adoption of new technologies, including AI tools and multimedia content integration.
Diversity Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives in Pacific Northwest literature.
Community Publishing: Growing emphasis on community-based publishing models that serve local audiences while reaching broader markets.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: Expanding focus on Pacific Rim connections and international literary exchange.
Conclusion
Seattle’s publishing landscape offers exceptional opportunities for authors who value independence, environmental consciousness, and literary innovation. From The Legacy Ghostwriters’ comprehensive services to iconic regional publishers like Sasquatch Books and cutting-edge poetry presses like Copper Canyon, the Emerald City provides diverse pathways to publication success.
The combination of natural beauty, technological innovation, progressive values, and strong literary tradition makes Seattle an ideal environment for publishers and authors who want to create meaningful, impactful literature. Whether you’re developing environmental narratives, outdoor adventure guides, literary fiction, technology books, or poetry collections, Seattle’s publishing community offers the expertise, values, and resources necessary to bring exceptional work to readers both locally and globally.
Success in Seattle’s publishing market requires understanding the region’s unique culture and values while maintaining high standards of literary quality and environmental responsibility. By embracing the Pacific Northwest’s spirit of independence, innovation, and environmental stewardship, authors can find publishers who not only understand their vision but can help them reach audiences who share their commitment to literature that makes a positive difference in the world.