Introduction
Though Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S., its publishing culture is anything but small. Known for its thriving arts scene and literary traditions, Rhode Island is home to a diverse range of publishers—from independent poetry presses to experimental collectives and university-backed imprints.
Many of these publishers foster close-knit relationships with authors, giving writers an opportunity to work in collaborative, community-centered environments. This makes Rhode Island an appealing hub for emerging voices, seasoned storytellers, and academics alike.
Below, we explore 28 of the state’s most notable publishing options, beginning with Emerald Ghostwriting.
Top 28 Best Book Publishers in Rhode Island
1. Emerald Ghostwriting
Emerald Ghostwriting is a premier ghostwriting and publishing service that helps authors transform their ideas into polished, market-ready books. With a strong reputation for professionalism, they manage everything from manuscript development to editing, cover design, and distribution. Writers benefit from having a single, reliable partner who ensures their stories shine across genres.
Key Strengths:
- End-to-end publishing and marketing solutions
- Experienced ghostwriters for fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs
- Reliable global distribution partnerships
Best Fit For Authors: Perfect for writers seeking a professional team to manage the entire publishing journey—from first draft to bookstore shelves—without compromising creative vision.
2. Burning Deck Press
A fixture of Rhode Island’s literary scene since the 1960s, Burning Deck Press has been synonymous with experimental writing. Though small in scale, its impact on avant-garde poetry and prose is immense. The press values unconventional voices, publishing works that challenge traditional literary forms while offering readers fresh artistic perspectives.
Key Strengths:
- Pioneer in experimental poetry and prose
- Longstanding reputation in independent publishing
- Support for innovative, boundary-pushing writers
Best Fit For Authors: Ideal for poets and prose writers who thrive on experimentation and want their work placed alongside some of the most innovative voices in literature.
3. No Chair Press
No Chair Press embodies Rhode Island’s independent creative spirit. This boutique publisher champions quirky, unconventional, and arts-driven works that might not find a home in mainstream publishing. With a strong belief in giving space to daring literary voices, they produce small-run books that leave a memorable artistic impact on their audiences.
Key Strengths:
- Publishes unconventional, creative projects
- Values artistic freedom and originality
- Community-driven, indie-focused ethos
Best Fit For Authors: Best for writers with bold, unique, or experimental manuscripts who want their work treated as art rather than mass-market product.
4. Loom Press
With a mission rooted in preserving New England’s stories, Loom Press consistently publishes books that reflect the social, cultural, and historical fabric of the region. Though based in Massachusetts, its close ties to Rhode Island’s literary community have made it an important voice in documenting shared regional identities.
Key Strengths:
Regional focus on New England culture and history
High-quality nonfiction and memoir publishing
Commitment to local authors and voices
Best Fit For Authors: Historians, memoirists, and nonfiction writers whose work focuses on New England’s heritage and cultural narratives will find a perfect home here.
5. Lost Horse Press
A respected nonprofit publisher, Lost Horse Press has extended its influence across the Northeast, including Rhode Island. Known for publishing contemporary poetry and literary works, the press emphasizes authenticity and diversity of voices. Their nonprofit model ensures the focus remains on promoting meaningful literature rather than purely commercial aims.
Key Strengths:
Champion of contemporary poetry collections
Nonprofit ethos prioritizing authors over profit
Dedication to diverse and emerging literary voices
Best Fit For Authors: Poets and literary writers seeking a mission-driven press that values integrity and craft over mass-market trends will thrive with Lost Horse Press.
6. Pen & Anvil Press
Pen & Anvil Press blends academic seriousness with creative experimentation, offering a home for literary projects that challenge conventions. With a presence in Providence’s creative scene, the press supports both emerging authors and established voices who want to push their craft in new directions. Their catalog spans poetry, essays, and short fiction.
Key Strengths:
- Dedicated to experimental and literary works
- Strong support for early-career writers
- Encourages unconventional and boundary-testing forms
Best Fit For Authors: Poets, essayists, and fiction writers who want to experiment with form and be part of a supportive literary community should consider this press.
7. Naked Ocean Press
Reflecting Rhode Island’s coastal heritage, Naked Ocean Press specializes in creative works inspired by the sea, art, and nature. They value personal storytelling, lyrical writing, and works that bring environmental and coastal themes to life. Their publications combine strong literary voices with a commitment to artistic presentation.
Key Strengths:
- Focus on coastal and environmental themes
- Emphasis on poetry, memoir, and creative nonfiction
- Beautifully designed, artistically crafted books
Best Fit For Authors: Writers whose work captures the essence of ocean life, nature, or Rhode Island’s coastal identity will resonate strongly with Naked Ocean Press.
8. Write Bloody Publishing
Write Bloody Publishing is nationally recognized for its dynamic poetry collections and support for performance poets. With a Providence base, it serves as a bridge between the spoken word community and the traditional publishing world. Their catalog highlights bold, accessible, and passionate poetry that resonates on the page and the stage.
Key Strengths:
- Acclaimed for high-quality poetry books
- Strong support for performance and spoken word poets
- Wide indie distribution channels across the U.S.
Best Fit For Authors: Poets with powerful, performance-ready voices who also want to see their work reach national audiences will thrive at Write Bloody.
9. Frequency Writers (Publishing Wing)
More than a publisher, Frequency Writers is a nonprofit writing organization that nurtures creativity through workshops, events, and publishing support. Their publishing arm focuses on highlighting community-driven voices from Rhode Island, ensuring diverse local authors get a chance to share their work with readers.
Key Strengths:
- Offers workshops alongside publishing opportunities
- Focus on grassroots, community storytelling
- Strong support network for local writers
Best Fit For Authors: Beginners, community writers, and underrepresented voices in Rhode Island will benefit most from Frequency Writers’ combination of education and publishing support.
10. Providence Athenaeum Press
Rooted in the historic Providence Athenaeum, this small press embraces Rhode Island’s literary and cultural legacy. Publishing limited but carefully chosen works, they focus on essays, cultural studies, and regional history that connect with the state’s rich traditions. Their books reflect the Athenaeum’s intellectual heritage.
Key Strengths:
- Deep ties to Rhode Island’s cultural identity
- Curated, thoughtful publications
- Historic reputation for intellectual engagement
Best Fit For Authors: Writers of history, essays, or cultural studies who want their work tied to Rhode Island’s heritage will find Providence Athenaeum Press a strong choice.
11. New England Review Press
With strong ties to the broader New England literary community, New England Review Press publishes works that reflect the region’s intellectual and artistic energy. Their catalog includes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, often highlighting underrepresented voices. Rhode Island authors benefit from the press’s focus on regional identity combined with national reach.
Key Strengths:
- Wide variety of genres, including fiction and poetry
- Regional focus with New England literary roots
- Strong editorial support for emerging writers
Best Fit For Authors: Writers seeking regional authenticity and national recognition in both poetry and prose will find this press an ideal publishing partner.
12. Copacetic Press
Copacetic Press is a small but innovative press that bridges the gap between literature, art, and culture. Known for unique, visually engaging works, the press focuses on titles that combine storytelling with aesthetic creativity. They represent Rhode Island’s dedication to both literary craft and artistic presentation.
Key Strengths:
- Blends literature with visual arts
- Supports experimental and artistic projects
- Strong identity in indie publishing communities
Best Fit For Authors: Best for writers or artists looking to publish hybrid, visually distinctive works that go beyond traditional book formats.
13. Red Heifer Press
Red Heifer Press emphasizes works that are bold, contemporary, and socially relevant. With an indie spirit, the press offers authors a chance to explore new ideas without the restrictions of mainstream publishing. They are known for poetry, short fiction, and socially conscious literature.
Key Strengths:
- Focus on contemporary literary voices
- Independent and socially engaged ethos
- Encourages experimental and activist themes
Best Fit For Authors: Writers interested in socially relevant or experimental literature who want their work to make an impact in contemporary discourse.
14. Blackstone River Press
Named after Rhode Island’s historic Blackstone River, this press publishes works that connect with regional heritage and culture. Their catalog leans toward nonfiction, history, and local interest titles, giving Rhode Island authors a platform to preserve cultural memory while engaging readers beyond the state.
Key Strengths:
- Regional history and nonfiction publishing
- Strong Rhode Island cultural focus
- Community-driven literary presence
Best Fit For Authors: Best for historians, nonfiction writers, or memoirists interested in celebrating Rhode Island’s cultural and historical identity.
15. Ocean State Publishing
Ocean State Publishing reflects Rhode Island’s identity as the Ocean State. They focus on literary works and nonfiction that explore themes of place, culture, and personal storytelling. Their small-scale, author-centered model ensures each project receives dedicated attention from editors and designers.
Key Strengths:
- Coastal and cultural themes
- Literary fiction and nonfiction focus
- Personalized editorial approach
Best Fit For Authors: Writers who want to explore personal or place-based storytelling tied to Rhode Island’s culture will find a strong home here.
16. Brown University Press
An academic publishing arm associated with Brown University, this press emphasizes scholarly works that push intellectual boundaries. While more academic than commercial, it plays an important role in Rhode Island’s literary landscape by supporting important research in the humanities, sciences, and cultural studies.
Key Strengths:
- Prestigious university affiliation
- Strong scholarly and academic focus
- Commitment to intellectual innovation
Best Fit For Authors: Scholars, researchers, and academics whose work requires rigorous peer-reviewed publishing with a prestigious institutional backing.
17. Big Table Publishing (RI Collaborations)
Big Table Publishing, though broader in reach, has strong collaborations with Rhode Island authors and communities. They emphasize literary works, memoirs, and poetry, and their collaborative spirit ensures that writers have a supportive publishing journey from manuscript to book launch.
Key Strengths:
- Focus on memoirs, fiction, and poetry
- Strong author-publisher collaboration
- History of supporting regional writers
Best Fit For Authors: Writers looking for an approachable, independent publisher that values close collaboration and welcomes diverse literary voices.
18. Stillwater River Publications
Based in Rhode Island, Stillwater River Publications offers a platform for local and regional writers. They specialize in poetry anthologies, memoirs, and nonfiction, reflecting the state’s grassroots literary community. Their commitment to emerging voices makes them a vital outlet for first-time authors.
Key Strengths:
- Strong focus on community-driven projects
- Publishes anthologies and individual works
- Dedicated to supporting emerging writers
Best Fit For Authors: Ideal for first-time authors or poets who want to join anthologies or publish their work within a supportive, local literary network.
19. WordTech Editions (Regional Presence)
WordTech Editions is a respected independent poetry publisher with connections to Rhode Island through regional authors. Their catalog includes a wide range of contemporary poets, with an emphasis on strong voices that reflect modern literary trends while maintaining accessibility.
Key Strengths:
- Focused on high-quality poetry collections
- Strong editorial tradition in contemporary poetry
- Wide distribution for independent press
Best Fit For Authors: Poets seeking both credibility and visibility for their collections in a well-regarded independent publishing house.
20. BlazeVOX Books (RI Authors)
BlazeVOX Books, though based outside Rhode Island, has worked closely with authors in the state. Known for their cutting-edge publishing style, they welcome innovative projects across poetry, fiction, and hybrid forms. Their flexibility and openness make them appealing to experimental Rhode Island writers.
Key Strengths:
- Strong focus on innovative and hybrid works
- Welcomes both emerging and established voices
- Independent spirit with wide reach
Best Fit For Authors: Writers of experimental poetry, hybrid fiction, or cross-genre projects seeking a publisher unafraid of boundary-pushing creativity.
21. Homebound Publications
Homebound Publications is an independent press with a strong presence in New England, including Rhode Island. They emphasize works that explore place, mindfulness, and ecological awareness. Their catalog includes poetry, essays, memoirs, and fiction with a spiritual or environmental focus, giving writers an opportunity to engage with thoughtful, purpose-driven publishing.
Key Strengths:
- Emphasis on environmental and mindful literature
- Wide range of genres with a literary focus
- Author-friendly, mission-driven publishing approach
Best Fit For Authors: Writers interested in spirituality, nature, or mindful living who want their work to inspire readers will feel at home with this press.
22. Poetry Loft Press
Poetry Loft Press is dedicated to elevating poetry in Rhode Island and beyond. They provide opportunities for emerging and established poets to publish collections that highlight lyrical creativity and powerful imagery. Their focus is on fostering a literary culture that values poetry as an essential art form.
Key Strengths:
- Exclusive focus on poetry collections
- Strong support for emerging poets
- Commitment to lyrical and innovative voices
Best Fit For Authors: Poets seeking a nurturing publisher that prioritizes both craft and community will find Poetry Loft Press an ideal publishing partner.
23. Antrim House (RI-Focused Authors)
Antrim House, though based in nearby Connecticut, regularly publishes authors from Rhode Island. They specialize in poetry, memoir, and literary nonfiction. Known for high-quality book design and editorial care, they give authors a professional yet personal publishing experience that ensures their voices reach both local and wider audiences.
Key Strengths:
- High-quality editorial and design support
- Publishes poetry, memoir, and nonfiction
- Close relationships with regional authors
Best Fit For Authors: Writers seeking a polished, professional experience while still maintaining a personal relationship with their publisher will benefit from Antrim House.
24. Origami Poems Project
Origami Poems Project is a unique micro-publishing initiative based in Rhode Island. They create small, foldable “pocket-sized” poetry booklets that are shared freely within communities. This innovative publishing model focuses on accessibility and spreading poetry as widely as possible, reflecting Rhode Island’s grassroots creativity.
Key Strengths:
- Innovative “micro-publishing” model
- Community-oriented and freely shared booklets
- Strong focus on poetry accessibility
Best Fit For Authors: Poets who want their work circulated in creative, grassroots formats and shared directly with communities will find this project rewarding.
25. Heartleaf Press
Heartleaf Press is a boutique publisher emphasizing literary fiction, memoir, and poetry. Their approach is highly author-centered, ensuring manuscripts receive careful attention during editing, design, and promotion. Though small, their reputation for curating heartfelt and authentic works makes them a trusted name in Rhode Island’s literary ecosystem.
Key Strengths:
- Publishes literary fiction, poetry, and memoirs
- Personalized editorial and design process
- Focus on authentic, heartfelt storytelling
Best Fit For Authors: Writers who value close editorial collaboration and want their deeply personal or literary works nurtured into beautiful books should consider Heartleaf Press.
26. Crosswinds Poetry Journal (Publishing Chapbooks)
Crosswinds Poetry Journal is a respected Rhode Island literary journal that also supports chapbook publishing. They offer poets the chance to be featured in journals as well as longer formats, giving writers exposure within both local and national poetry circles.
Key Strengths:
- Publishes both journals and chapbooks
- Strong reputation among contemporary poets
- Supports a range of poetic voices
Best Fit For Authors: Poets who want to publish shorter works, chapbooks, or journal pieces while reaching new audiences will find Crosswinds an excellent opportunity.
27. Friendly Street Editions
Friendly Street Editions focuses on collaborative publishing projects, poetry anthologies, and community-centered works. Though relatively small, their dedication to amplifying diverse voices makes them an important outlet for Rhode Island writers seeking to participate in collective literary efforts.
Key Strengths:
- Publishes anthologies and collaborative projects
- Emphasis on community-driven voices
- Inclusive approach to diverse authors
Best Fit For Authors: Writers who enjoy being part of collective publishing efforts and anthologies that highlight diverse perspectives will feel supported here.
28. Rhode Island Writers’ Cooperative
More than just a publisher, the Rhode Island Writers’ Cooperative is a community hub for local authors. They offer support in publishing, editing, and marketing, while fostering collaboration among writers. Their cooperative model ensures authors have both creative freedom and community backing.
Key Strengths:
- Cooperative publishing model
- Offers marketing and editorial support
- Strong local writer networks
Best Fit For Authors: Ideal for writers who want to be part of a collaborative community while still having their work published and promoted within Rhode Island.
Exploring Rhode Island’s Publishing Scene
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but its publishing landscape is remarkably diverse and deeply community-driven.
From independent presses to grassroots projects, local authors have access to a wide range of opportunities. What makes Rhode Island unique is the balance between literary professionalism and an intimate, collaborative spirit that supports writers at every stage.
Here are some highlights that make Rhode Island’s publishing scene stand out:
- Community-Oriented Publishing: Many presses emphasize collaboration, mentorship, and local engagement, ensuring writers feel supported throughout the process.
- Diversity of Genres: From poetry chapbooks to literary fiction, memoirs, and micro-publishing projects, Rhode Island offers avenues for almost every type of writer.
- Grassroots Creativity: Projects like Origami Poems and writer cooperatives showcase the state’s innovative spirit, where publishing is as much about sharing as it is about selling.
- Access to Literary Networks: Small presses and journals often double as community hubs, creating lasting connections between writers and readers.
In short, Rhode Island’s publishing scene may not have the size of New York or Boston, but it compensates with intimacy, creativity, and inclusivity. Writers here aren’t just producing books—they’re building lasting literary communities.
Conclusion
Rhode Island proves that great publishing opportunities can thrive even in the smallest of places. With its mix of independent presses, poetry collectives, and cooperative models, authors in the Ocean State have access to both professional publishing resources and grassroots platforms.
Whether you’re looking to publish poetry, memoirs, or literary fiction, Rhode Island offers publishers who prioritize authenticity and community impact.
For writers ready to share their stories, this state provides more than just publishing—it provides a place where your voice can be nurtured, celebrated, and amplified.
