Introduction
North Carolina’s literary tradition is as rich and diverse as its landscapes, from the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plains. The state is home to publishing houses that support both local and national voices, making it a hub for authors of all genres.
Whether you’re seeking opportunities in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, academic texts, or regional works, North Carolina offers a wide spectrum of publishers. Many highlight Southern culture and history, while others provide platforms for cutting-edge scholarship and creative writing.
This guide introduces 30 notable publishers across the state, spotlighting their focus areas and what makes them valuable partners for authors.
Top 25 Best Book Publishers in North Carolina
1. Emerald Ghostwriting
Location: Statewide (Remote Services)
Focus: Ghostwriting, editing, and full-service publishing support.
Why Authors Choose Them: Emerald Ghostwriting offers comprehensive services for authors who want expert guidance throughout the publishing process. Writers benefit from professional ghostwriting, editorial assistance, and publishing strategies tailored to individual goals. Its flexible, author-centered approach makes it a trusted partner for writers pursuing both creative and professional projects.
2. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill
Focus: Fiction and nonfiction, often from debut authors.
Why Authors Choose Them: Algonquin Books is known for discovering emerging voices and transforming them into award-winning, bestselling authors. Writers value the press’s editorial excellence, national distribution, and strong marketing campaigns. It’s a top choice for authors who want their stories to resonate with both literary audiences and mainstream readers.
3. University of North Carolina Press
Location: Chapel Hill
Focus: Scholarly and trade nonfiction, cultural studies, and history.
Why Authors Choose Them: As one of the oldest academic presses in the U.S., UNC Press is highly respected for publishing works of cultural and intellectual importance. Authors choose this press for its editorial rigor, academic prestige, and ability to bring scholarly research to a wider, engaged audience.
4. Duke University Press
Location: Durham
Focus: Scholarly publishing, cultural theory, social sciences, and humanities.
Why Authors Choose Them: Duke University Press is an international leader in academic publishing. Writers benefit from its global reputation, editorial depth, and wide distribution networks. Authors seeking to contribute to critical conversations in the humanities and social sciences find a powerful platform with lasting impact here.
5. Blair Publisher
Location: Durham
Focus: Southern culture, memoirs, and fiction.
Why Authors Choose Them: Blair Publisher amplifies diverse voices while celebrating Southern heritage. Authors are drawn to its commitment to equity and inclusion, paired with attentive editorial support. The press helps writers bring authentic, regional, and cultural narratives into the literary spotlight both locally and nationally.
6. Press 53
Location: Winston-Salem
Focus: Short stories and poetry.
Why Authors Choose Them: Press 53 champions literary forms often overlooked by larger publishers. Authors value the press’s dedication to short fiction and poetry, its supportive editorial guidance, and its ability to cultivate a loyal readership. It’s an ideal press for writers seeking a respected home for their literary works.
7. McFarland & Company
Location: Jefferson
Focus: Academic, reference, sports, and popular culture.
Why Authors Choose Them: McFarland & Company is renowned for publishing specialized works with both scholarly and general appeal. Authors benefit from professional editorial services, strong academic credibility, and global distribution. This press is perfect for writers aiming to publish research-driven or niche-interest titles with lasting significance.
8. John F. Blair, Publisher
Location: Winston-Salem
Focus: Regional nonfiction, travel, and history.
Why Authors Choose Them: With decades of experience, John F. Blair, Publisher has established itself as a go-to press for regional works. Authors value its focus on Southern culture, strong editorial team, and wide distribution. It’s an ideal choice for writers passionate about capturing North Carolina’s history and heritage.
9. Bright Mountain Books
Location: Asheville
Focus: Appalachian history, folklore, and cultural nonfiction.
Why Authors Choose Them: Bright Mountain Books specializes in preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian region. Authors appreciate its careful editorial support and its mission to amplify regional voices. Writers focused on cultural preservation and history find a welcoming and trusted publishing partner here.
10. Redhawk Publications
Location: Hickory
Focus: Academic, regional, and cultural works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Backed by Catawba Valley Community College, Redhawk Publications supports both educational and creative works. Authors value its commitment to cultural preservation, rigorous editorial process, and strong community ties. It’s a respected press for those aiming to publish works with educational or regional significance.
11. Mountain Voices Publishing
Location: Asheville
Focus: Memoirs, regional nonfiction, and personal narratives.
Why Authors Choose Them: Mountain Voices Publishing offers authors the chance to share deeply personal or local stories. Writers benefit from supportive editorial collaboration and design expertise. It’s an excellent choice for authors who want to highlight Appalachian culture, personal journeys, or stories rooted in North Carolina traditions.
12. Carolina Academic Press
Location: Durham
Focus: Law and academic publishing.
Why Authors Choose Them: Carolina Academic Press is highly regarded in the academic and legal publishing world. Authors appreciate its trusted reputation, professional editorial standards, and strong distribution to law schools and academic institutions. It’s a top press for scholars and legal experts aiming for credibility and reach.
13. Old North State Publishing
Location: Greensboro
Focus: Regional culture, history, and fiction.
Why Authors Choose Them: Old North State Publishing is known for celebrating North Carolina’s rich traditions and cultural identity. Authors benefit from personalized editorial support and community-focused distribution. The press helps writers connect with readers who value authentic Southern storytelling and historical narratives.
14. Novello Festival Press
Location: Charlotte
Focus: Fiction, memoirs, and anthologies.
Why Authors Choose Them: Novello Festival Press provides a platform for emerging writers and diverse voices. Authors are drawn to its emphasis on community storytelling, literary innovation, and anthologies. Writers seeking creative freedom and opportunities to reach engaged readers in Charlotte and beyond find strong support here.
15. Warren Publishing
Location: Charlotte
Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
Why Authors Choose Them: Warren Publishing offers professional editorial, design, and marketing services. Authors appreciate its flexible publishing models, supportive team, and focus on producing books of high quality. It’s a solid choice for writers seeking a polished, professional product and effective promotional opportunities.
16. Down Home Press
Location: Pittsboro
Focus: Southern lifestyle, cookbooks, and cultural nonfiction.
Why Authors Choose Them: Down Home Press celebrates the richness of Southern traditions, particularly food and regional culture. Authors benefit from its niche specialization, loyal readership, and professional publishing process. Writers looking to share authentic Southern experiences find an ideal platform here.
17. Grateful Steps Publishing
Location: Asheville
Focus: Memoirs, regional nonfiction, and community-centered works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Grateful Steps Publishing emphasizes helping authors tell personal and cultural stories. Writers value its supportive environment, careful editing, and dedication to preserving meaningful narratives. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a personal and community-oriented publishing experience.
18. Main Street Rag Publishing
Location: Charlotte
Focus: Poetry, fiction, and anthologies.
Why Authors Choose Them: Main Street Rag is a respected independent press that highlights contemporary voices. Authors appreciate its hands-on editorial approach, publication of diverse genres, and loyal community of readers. The press is especially valuable for poets and short fiction writers seeking strong recognition.
19. Coastal Carolina Press
Location: Wilmington
Focus: Regional nonfiction, history, and cultural works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Coastal Carolina Press is dedicated to publishing books that capture the history and lifestyle of the Carolinas. Authors value its strong editorial team and local distribution channels. It’s an excellent fit for writers aiming to document or celebrate the coastal South.
20. Southeastern Community College Press
Location: Whiteville
Focus: Academic and educational works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Southeastern Community College Press supports authors with a focus on scholarship, education, and regional culture. Writers benefit from its academic credibility and professional support. It’s particularly appealing for educators and scholars seeking to publish impactful academic or cultural studies.
21. Lorimer Press
Location: Davidson
Focus: Nonfiction, memoirs, and regional works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Lorimer Press provides a supportive environment for authors interested in storytelling rooted in North Carolina. Writers appreciate its close editorial collaboration and strong design quality. The press connects authors with communities eager for authentic and personal narratives.
22. John Blair Publishing
Location: Winston-Salem
Focus: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Why Authors Choose Them: John Blair Publishing emphasizes high-quality works that reflect Southern identity. Authors value its strong editorial team, established reputation, and supportive environment. It’s a trusted press for writers seeking to share meaningful and impactful works across genres.
23. Parkway Publishers
Location: Boone
Focus: Regional nonfiction, history, and cultural works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Parkway Publishers is dedicated to preserving Appalachian culture and history. Authors benefit from professional editing, thoughtful design, and community-focused distribution. Writers looking to highlight the region’s traditions find a respected publishing partner in this press.
24. Pisgah Press
Location: Asheville
Focus: History, memoirs, and regional works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Pisgah Press offers authors a platform to preserve and share personal and historical narratives. Writers value its commitment to professional quality, community focus, and authentic storytelling. It’s an excellent choice for authors documenting Appalachian and Southern experiences.
25. Overmountain Press
Location: Johnson City, TN (with North Carolina ties)
Focus: Appalachian history, folklore, and cultural works.
Why Authors Choose Them: Overmountain Press publishes books that reflect the cultural richness of the Appalachian region. Authors are drawn to its long-standing reputation, strong editorial process, and mission of cultural preservation. Writers focused on Southern and Appalachian heritage find an enduring home with this press.
Publishing Tips for Authors in North Carolina
Working with publishers in North Carolina offers exciting opportunities, but preparation can make all the difference. Whether you’re pursuing regional storytelling or academic publishing, the following tips can guide you:
- Research the publisher’s focus – Each press specializes in particular genres. Aligning your manuscript with their interests increases your chance of success.
- Craft a strong proposal – For nonfiction and academic works, a detailed proposal with a clear outline, target audience, and market appeal is essential.
- Edit before submission – Publishers expect polished manuscripts. Having your work professionally edited demonstrates your commitment and saves time during review.
- Leverage local culture – Many North Carolina publishers emphasize regional identity, so highlighting Southern or Appalachian themes can strengthen your submission.
- Build relationships – Attend book fairs, workshops, and literary events across the state. Networking with editors, agents, and other authors often opens unexpected doors.
- Be open to hybrid options – Several presses in North Carolina offer hybrid publishing models. These can provide more control while still giving you professional support.
By following these tips, authors can position themselves more effectively within North Carolina’s vibrant publishing landscape, ensuring their work resonates with both publishers and readers.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s publishing industry blends tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of place. From large academic presses like UNC Press to niche houses dedicated to regional history, poetry, or cultural storytelling, the state offers writers a wide range of opportunities.
Authors benefit not only from the professional editorial support of these publishers but also from their deep connections to local communities and readerships.
By choosing the right publisher, writers can ensure their work finds its audience while contributing to North Carolina’s enduring literary legacy.
