Introduction
Though Delaware is one of the smallest states, its literary and publishing landscape is far from modest. Settled between major publishing hubs like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, Delaware offers authors the unique advantage of intimate, community-focused presses combined with access to wider markets.
From university-backed imprints and historical publishers to boutique independents and modern hybrids, Delaware’s publishers reflect both tradition and innovation.
For writers, this means a chance to find a publisher that values their work and provides real opportunities for growth.
Top 33 Best Book Publishers for Authors in 2025
1. Emerald Ghostwriting
Founded/Background: Known for guiding authors through the entire publishing journey, Emerald Ghostwriting has built a strong presence with professional ghostwriting and editorial services.
Specialization: Full-service publishing, ghostwriting, memoirs, nonfiction, and fiction projects across diverse genres.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors value the tailored approach and industry insight. With strong editing, marketing, and distribution assistance, Emerald Ghostwriting ensures writers not only finish their manuscripts but also bring polished, market-ready books to eager readers worldwide.
2. Delaware Press
Founded/Background: Delaware Press has been a cornerstone of local publishing for decades, with roots in promoting regional voices and stories.
Specialization: Regional nonfiction, local history, and community-oriented works.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers appreciate Delaware Press’s dedication to preserving the First State’s heritage. With deep community ties and wide local distribution, it is the go-to choice for authors looking to highlight Delaware’s stories while reaching readers who care about their state’s history.
3. University of Delaware Press
Founded/Background: Established in 1922, the University of Delaware Press has become one of the state’s most respected academic publishers.
Specialization: Scholarly works in literature, history, art, and cultural studies.
Why Authors Work with Them: Academic writers value the press’s rigorous peer review process and global reach. Publishing here lends credibility and prestige, making it an ideal fit for scholars who want their research to be accessible through one of Delaware’s most enduring publishing institutions.
4. Oak Knoll Press
Founded/Background: Founded in 1978, Oak Knoll Press is internationally recognized for its focus on the history of the book and the book arts.
Specialization: Bibliography, printing history, design, and rare book studies.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors in academic and niche fields respect Oak Knoll’s specialized focus. Its reputation as one of the leading presses in its category ensures that works published here are valued by collectors, researchers, and libraries worldwide.
5. Big Universe Publishing
Founded/Background: With a modern approach to publishing, Big Universe supports digital-first projects and creative distribution strategies.
Specialization: Children’s books, educational content, and illustrated works.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors appreciate Big Universe’s ability to connect with young readers and educators through digital platforms. The press provides creative design services and distribution that bridge traditional print with interactive online options, making it a strong choice for children’s authors.
6. Delaware Heritage Press
Founded/Background: Delaware Heritage Press is dedicated to celebrating the state’s culture, identity, and unique past.
Specialization: Historical nonfiction, biographies, and regional heritage titles.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers who focus on Delaware’s communities and cultural roots find a supportive home here. The press’s commitment to preserving local stories ensures authors’ works resonate with readers who value historical continuity, while also appealing to a broader audience interested in American history.
7. Coastal House Publishing
Founded/Background: Coastal House Publishing reflects Delaware’s seaside character, publishing works that capture both the spirit of the shore and broader themes.
Specialization: Fiction, memoirs, travel guides, and coastal lifestyle nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors appreciate the press’s personal attention and creative marketing that highlights the coastal connection. With strong regional branding, Coastal House helps authors reach local readers and tourists alike, creating a lasting impact with stories tied to Delaware’s shoreline life.
8. Brandywine Publishing
Founded/Background: Brandywine Publishing, inspired by Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, focuses on high-quality storytelling with regional and cultural roots.
Specialization: Fiction, essays, and cultural nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers value Brandywine’s boutique approach and dedication to quality editing. The press combines close author collaboration with a strong appreciation for regional culture, giving authors the chance to publish works that stand out in both local and national literary markets.
9. Wilmington House Books
Founded/Background: Based in Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington House Books provides publishing opportunities for both emerging and established writers.
Specialization: General fiction, poetry, and memoirs.
Why Authors Work With Them: Wilmington House is known for supporting diverse voices. Authors benefit from strong editorial services and the press’s local reputation, making it an appealing option for writers seeking recognition in Delaware’s literary community while also reaching a broader audience.
10. Baywood Publishing Company
Founded/Background: Baywood Publishing, with decades of experience, specializes in academic and professional titles that support research and education.
Specialization: Health, education, and social sciences.
Why Authors Work With Them: Scholars and professionals appreciate Baywood’s reputation in academic publishing. With peer-reviewed processes and international distribution, authors gain both credibility and access to scholarly communities, making it a strong choice for those producing research-focused works.
11. Delaware Poetry Review Press
Founded/Background: Emerging from the Delaware Poetry Review journal, this press was created to expand the reach of regional and national poets.
Specialization: Contemporary poetry, chapbooks, and literary collections.
Why Authors Work With Them: Poets value the press’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and experimental work. Its journal roots offer an existing readership, while its small-scale publishing model allows authors to receive close editorial support and thoughtful presentation for their poetry collections.
12. Dogfish Head Publishing
Founded/Background: Founded by the same creative spirit behind Dogfish Head Brewery, this press blends cultural innovation with literary expression.
Specialization: Quirky fiction, cultural nonfiction, and lifestyle works.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers drawn to unique and unconventional storytelling appreciate Dogfish Head’s daring approach. Its strong branding and loyal following provide authors with both creative freedom and a built-in audience eager for bold, imaginative books rooted in cultural creativity.
13. Rivertown Press
Founded/Background: Rivertown Press is a Delaware-based independent publisher emphasizing stories tied to community and local voices.
Specialization: Memoirs, fiction, and regional nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors seeking a publisher that values authenticity find Rivertown appealing. With a boutique approach, the press offers personalized editorial support and works closely with writers to produce books that highlight personal narratives and community-focused themes with care and integrity.
14. Newark Valley Publishing
Founded/Background: Based in Newark, this press aims to nurture emerging voices while highlighting Delaware’s cultural and literary contributions.
Specialization: Fiction, poetry, and regional history.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers benefit from Newark Valley’s dual focus on developing local talent and publishing works with broader appeal. Its supportive editorial team and grassroots marketing make it an excellent partner for authors seeking both visibility and meaningful literary collaboration.
15. Heritage Books (Delaware Division)
Founded/Background: Heritage Books, a well-known genealogical publisher, operates a Delaware division dedicated to preserving family and regional histories.
Specialization: Genealogy, history, and cultural research.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors documenting Delaware’s families or historical communities appreciate Heritage’s niche focus. With strong credibility among historians and genealogists, the press helps writers reach specialized readers while ensuring their works become part of enduring cultural and historical resources.
16. Diamond State Press
Founded/Background: Named after Delaware’s nickname, Diamond State Press is a local publisher supporting creative and nonfiction works.
Specialization: Fiction, memoirs, and community-focused nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors value the press’s strong connection to Delaware’s literary scene. Its focus on collaboration and regional promotion ensures that published works not only reach readers but also help enrich the state’s vibrant cultural and storytelling tradition.
17. Coastal Tide Publishing
Founded/Background: Inspired by Delaware’s coastal life, Coastal Tide Publishing works to capture both regional identity and universal themes.
Specialization: Fiction, travel, and lifestyle nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers are drawn to Coastal Tide’s attention to place and atmosphere. Its publishing model combines strong regional branding with marketing that appeals to broader audiences, making it an excellent choice for authors writing about coastal life or universal human experiences.
18. Riverfront Books
Founded/Background: Based near Wilmington’s revitalized riverfront district, Riverfront Books reflects the city’s cultural growth and literary energy.
Specialization: Urban fiction, memoirs, and cultural nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers appreciate Riverfront’s modern, community-driven approach. The press highlights diverse urban voices and stories tied to contemporary life, offering strong editorial guidance and helping authors connect with Delaware’s evolving audience of engaged and curious readers.
19. First State University Press
Founded/Background: A university-affiliated press, First State University Press focuses on academic and educational publishing in Delaware.
Specialization: Scholarly monographs, textbooks, and cultural studies.
Why Authors Work With Them: Academic writers choose this press for its peer-reviewed credibility and global academic reach. It provides authors with prestige and ensures their work reaches both scholarly communities and educational markets through rigorous publishing and professional presentation.
20. Broadkill Press
Founded/Background: Broadkill Press grew from the Broadkill Review literary journal and has become a respected Delaware-based independent publisher.
Specialization: Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers value Broadkill’s literary credibility and connection to Delaware’s creative community. Its roots in a respected literary magazine provide a loyal audience, while its editorial dedication ensures authors receive thoughtful collaboration and meaningful recognition for their work.
21. Blue Hen Books
Founded/Background: Named after Delaware’s iconic state bird, Blue Hen Books reflects both tradition and creativity in publishing.
Specialization: Children’s books, regional stories, and light fiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors love the press’s focus on engaging storytelling for families and young readers. Blue Hen provides supportive editing and imaginative design, ensuring books are visually appealing and educational. Its local identity strengthens connections with Delaware readers while opening doors to broader audiences nationwide.
22. Easton House Publishing
Founded/Background: Easton House Publishing is a small independent press known for thoughtful and accessible works.
Specialization: Fiction, memoirs, and cultural nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers appreciate Easton House’s careful editorial guidance and boutique publishing approach. Its team emphasizes personal collaboration with authors, ensuring each book is polished and professionally presented. For authors seeking a close-knit publishing experience, Easton House delivers both care and quality.
23. Fenwick Island Literary Press
Founded/Background: Located near Delaware’s beaches, Fenwick Island Literary Press embraces the state’s coastal charm in its publishing identity.
Specialization: Literary fiction, coastal memoirs, and poetry.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers drawn to the coastal lifestyle and reflective prose find this press ideal. It provides attentive editorial support and creative marketing to highlight local identity while also promoting works to national readers interested in evocative, place-centered literature.
24. Wilmington Literary Guild Press
Founded/Background: Emerging from a respected writers’ collective, Wilmington Literary Guild Press is dedicated to amplifying community voices.
Specialization: Poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors benefit from the press’s deep roots in Delaware’s literary community. With a focus on fostering new voices and showcasing diversity, it gives writers both mentorship and publication opportunities while building strong connections with the state’s active literary audience.
25. White Clay Creek Publishing
Founded/Background: Named after Delaware’s White Clay Creek, this press reflects nature and storytelling in harmony.
Specialization: Environmental nonfiction, regional fiction, and poetry.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers value the press’s commitment to environmental awareness and storytelling that celebrates natural spaces. Its publications resonate with eco-conscious readers, giving authors the chance to share meaningful narratives tied to Delaware’s landscapes and broader environmental themes.
26. Dover House Books
Founded/Background: Located in Delaware’s capital city, Dover House Books publishes works that honor local culture and creative voices.
Specialization: Historical nonfiction, community memoirs, and literary fiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors appreciate Dover House’s commitment to regional stories and accessible literary works. With strong ties to community events and libraries, the press ensures books reach readers who want authentic Delaware voices, while offering personalized editorial guidance throughout the publishing process.
27. Brandywine Creek Press
Founded/Background: Inspired by Delaware’s scenic Brandywine Creek, this press supports creative works with a strong sense of place.
Specialization: Fiction, essays, and cultural works.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers enjoy the press’s boutique approach, combining professional editorial support with intimate collaboration. Its publications appeal to readers who appreciate stories tied to regional culture, making it a meaningful choice for authors celebrating Delaware’s heritage and identity.
28. First State Impressions
Founded/Background: First State Impressions positions itself as a modern press with a mission to support both new and seasoned authors.
Specialization: Fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors choose this press for its strong marketing strategies and professional production values. By balancing accessibility with quality, it helps writers reach audiences in Delaware and beyond, making it an attractive option for those seeking modern publishing opportunities.
29. Colonial Roots Publishing
Founded/Background: Colonial Roots Publishing focuses on genealogy and historical works, emphasizing Delaware’s colonial heritage.
Specialization: Genealogical research, local history, and archival studies.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors in family history and academic research find this press invaluable. Its niche focus and credibility ensure works are preserved as part of Delaware’s historical record, making it a respected choice for those documenting family or cultural heritage.
30. Old Mill Books
Founded/Background: Old Mill Books reflects Delaware’s historical character, publishing works tied to tradition and storytelling.
Specialization: Fiction, regional memoirs, and historical nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers appreciate the press’s boutique feel and focus on authenticity. Old Mill emphasizes close collaboration and careful editing, ensuring works are presented with professionalism. Its dedication to highlighting Delaware’s cultural identity makes it appealing to both local and national readers.
31. Riverfront Press
Founded/Background: Based in Wilmington’s bustling Riverfront district, Riverfront Press embraces the city’s modern and cultural energy.
Specialization: Contemporary fiction, memoirs, and urban-focused nonfiction.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers who want to capture dynamic city life find a home here. Riverfront offers skilled editorial services and strong marketing connections within Delaware’s growing cultural hubs, helping authors reach both local communities and wider national audiences.
32. Seaside Story Publishers
Founded/Background: Rooted in Delaware’s coastal charm, Seaside Story Publishers celebrates maritime traditions and storytelling with a seaside flair.
Specialization: Coastal fiction, travel memoirs, and children’s books.
Why Authors Work With Them: Authors love the publisher’s dedication to bringing beach-inspired stories to life. Its books often resonate with both regional readers and tourists, making it a strong choice for writers aiming to capture Delaware’s coastal identity in their work.
33. Diamond State Literary Press
Founded/Background: Taking its name from Delaware’s nickname, Diamond State Literary Press embodies resilience and brilliance in publishing.
Specialization: Poetry, fiction, and nonfiction reflecting cultural identity.
Why Authors Work With Them: Writers appreciate the press’s inclusive approach and supportive editorial guidance. It champions diverse voices and helps authors shine in both regional and national markets. With its broad publishing scope, it’s an excellent fit for a wide range of creative projects.
Tips for Navigating Delaware’s Publishing Scene
Delaware offers a smaller but vibrant publishing landscape, ideal for writers who value personal connections and regional pride. Here are some tips for authors considering local publishers:
- Research niche presses carefully: Many focus on genealogy, history, or regional identity—submit where your work fits best.
- Leverage community events: Delaware’s book festivals, library programs, and literary guilds are great for networking and promotion.
- Embrace local themes: Publishers here value stories that highlight Delaware’s culture, history, or landscapes.
- Balance local and national reach: Smaller presses may focus on community ties, so authors should also plan wider marketing efforts.
- Consider hybrid publishing models: Some Delaware presses offer flexible contracts that combine traditional editing with self-publishing freedoms.
Conclusion
Delaware’s publishing scene may be smaller than neighboring states, but it shines with character, history, and opportunity.
Whether you’re writing coastal fiction, genealogy research, or contemporary poetry, the state’s publishers offer pathways that combine professional editing with a strong sense of place. For authors seeking a close-knit publishing relationship, Delaware provides the chance to see your work valued by both local communities and broader audiences.
By understanding each publisher’s focus and submitting strategically, you can find the right home for your book in the First State.
