Southern Publishing Hub

Top Book Publishing
Companies in Georgia, USA

Your complete guide to Georgia's publishing scene. Compare traditional publishers, hybrid services, and self-publishing companies.

Top Publishers Listed Updated January 2025 Unbiased Reviews
Georgia Publishing Industry Overview

Georgia's Thriving Literary Landscape

Georgia's publishing landscape reflects the state's position as the cultural and economic capital of the modern South. Atlanta's major publishers serve regional and national markets, while Athens and Savannah nurture literary communities and university presses.

From Southern fiction to faith-based publishing, from business books to African American literature, Georgia publishers embrace both traditional Southern values and contemporary innovation. The state's growing film industry also creates opportunities for entertainment-related publishing.

Publishers Listed

Comprehensive directory of Georgia's top publishing companies

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Books Published Annually

Combined output from Georgia publishers each year

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Genres Covered

From fiction to academic, covering all publishing needs

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Publishing Services

Editing, design, marketing, distribution, and more

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Complete Directory

Book Publishers in Georgia

Browse our comprehensive list of Georgia publishing companies.

1

University of Georgia Press

Leading academic publisher with strengths in Southern studies and history.

Academic
Southern Studies
Environmental History

2

Peachtree Publishing Company

Atlanta independent publisher of children's books.

Children's
Picture Books
Young Adult

3

Turner Publishing Company

Nashville publisher with Atlanta operations, focusing on nonfiction.

Nonfiction
Business
Sports

4

Mercer University Press

Macon academic publisher of Southern and religious studies.

Academic
Religious Studies
Southern History

5

Cherokee Publishing Company

Atlanta publisher of regional books.

Regional
Southern Fiction
History

6

Longstreet Press

Atlanta publisher of Southern-themed books.

Southern Culture
Humor
Sports

7

NewSouth Books

Montgomery publisher with Georgia reach.

Southern History
Biography
Literary Fiction

8

Nia Publishing

Atlanta African American publisher.

African American
Cultural
Fiction

9

Deeds Publishing

Atlanta traditional publisher accepting submissions.

Fiction
Nonfiction
Memoir

10

Georgia Historical Society

Savannah publisher of Georgia history.

History
Regional

11

Kennesaw State University Press

Academic publisher focused on regional scholarship.

Academic
Regional Studies

12

Pinyon Publishing

Montrose publisher with Southern authors.

Poetry
Fiction

13

Bellwether Media

Minneapolis children's publisher with Atlanta operations.

Children's
Educational

14

Emory University Press

Atlanta academic publisher.

Academic
Medicine
Ethics

15

Whitston Publishing Company

Albany academic publisher.

Academic
Reference

16

Zoo Atlanta

Publisher of wildlife and conservation books.

Wildlife
Conservation
Children's

17

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Savannah academic publisher.

Academic
Regional

18

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville literary publisher.

Literary
Flannery O'Connor Studies

19

Hill Street Press

Athens literary publisher.

Southern Fiction
Literary

20

Ivy House Publishing Group

Raleigh publisher with Georgia reach.

Fiction
Nonfiction

21

JKS Communications

Atlanta Christian publisher.

Christian
Inspirational

22

Looking Glass Books

Portland publisher with Southern authors.

Fiction
Memoir

23

Lumina Press

Self-publishing services.

Self-Publishing

24

Mindstir Media

Portsmouth publisher with Atlanta authors.

Hybrid
Fiction
Nonfiction

25

Mocha Ochre Press

African American publisher.

African American
Literary

26

Oglethorpe University Press

Atlanta academic publisher.

Academic
Liberal Arts

27

Southern Fried Press

Independent Southern publisher.

Southern Fiction
Humor

28

Terminus Books

Atlanta small press.

Literary Fiction
Poetry

29

University System of Georgia

Academic publisher serving the system.

Academic
Regional

30

Watershed Press

Environmental and regional publisher.

Environmental
Regional

Browse Publishers by State

Publishing Options

Understanding Your Publishing Options

Choose the publishing model that best fits your goals and budget

Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house for consideration. If accepted, the publisher covers all costs and provides an advance against royalties.

Pros:
  • No upfront costs
  • Professional editing and design
  • Established distribution networks
  • Credibility and prestige
Cons:
  • Highly competitive (low acceptance rates)
  • Lengthy process (12-24 months)
  • Limited creative control
  • Lower royalty rates (5-15%)

Best for: Authors seeking prestige, established authors, genre fiction

Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing combines elements of traditional and self-publishing. Authors share costs with the publisher while maintaining creative control and receiving professional services.

Pros:
  • Professional quality standards
  • Faster turnaround (3-6 months)
  • Creative control and ownership
  • Royalty Free Setup
Cons:
  • Upfront investment required
  • Requires research to find reputable publishers
  • Quality varies by publisher

Best for: Authors wanting professional quality, first-time authors, niche markets

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing gives authors complete control over every aspect of the publishing process. Authors handle all aspects from editing to marketing, or hire freelancers for specific services.

Pros:
  • Complete creative control
  • Highest royalty rates (60-70%)
  • Fastest time to market (1-3 months)
  • Full ownership and rights
Cons:
  • Requires significant time investment
  • Need to manage multiple vendors
  • Quality depends on author's choices
  • Limited marketing support

Best for: Authors with budget and time, established authors, entrepreneurs

Making the Right Choice

How to Choose the Right Publishing Company

Key factors to consider when selecting a publisher for your book

1. Define Your Goals

Before choosing a publisher, clarify what you want to achieve with your book. Are you looking for prestige and credibility? Do you want to maximize profits? Are you publishing for personal fulfillment or business purposes? Your goals will determine the best publishing path for you.

Questions to Ask:
  • What is my primary motivation for publishing?
  • How important is creative control to me?
  • What is my budget for publishing?
  • How quickly do I want to publish?
2. Research Publisher Reputation

Not all publishers are created equal. Research each publisher's reputation, read author reviews, and check for any red flags. Look for publishers with a track record of quality work and satisfied authors.

Red Flags to Watch For:
  • No clear pricing structure
  • Pressure to sign quickly
  • No author testimonials or reviews
  • Unprofessional website or communication
3. Understand the Contract

Always read and understand the publishing contract before signing. Pay attention to rights ownership, royalty rates, termination clauses, and any hidden fees. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek legal advice if needed.

Key Contract Terms:
  • Author retains copyright ownership
  • Clear royalty structure and payment schedule
  • Right to terminate contract with notice
  • No hidden fees or additional charges
4. Compare Services and Pricing

Compare what each publisher offers and at what price. Look beyond the base price to understand what's included in the package. Consider the value of services like editing, design, marketing, and distribution support.

What to Look For:
  • Transparent, itemized pricing
  • Professional editing services
  • Quality cover design and formatting
  • Marketing and distribution support
5. Evaluate Author Support

A good publisher should provide ongoing support throughout the publishing process and beyond. Look for publishers who offer guidance, answer questions promptly, and provide resources to help you succeed.

Support Services:
  • Dedicated project manager
  • Regular progress updates
  • Marketing guidance and resources
  • Post-publication support
6. Request Samples and References

Ask for sample books published by the company and contact references from previous authors. Seeing the quality of their work and hearing from other authors can give you valuable insights into what to expect.

What to Request:
  • Sample books or portfolio
  • Contact information for 2-3 authors
  • Published books in your genre
  • Marketing materials and case studies
Common Questions

Georgia Book Publishing FAQs

Georgia combines Southern literary tradition, growing film industry connections, strong African American publishing presence, and position as the modern South's business capital.

Yes, Atlanta's position as a major business hub makes it strong for business books, entrepreneurship, and professional development publishing.

Yes, Peachtree Publishing Company is a major independent children's publisher, and the state has growing demand for diverse children's literature.

Georgia maintains strong Southern literary traditions while embracing contemporary voices, with university presses and independents supporting Southern fiction and nonfiction.

Yes, Georgia has several Christian and faith-based publishers, reflecting the state's strong religious culture.

Yes, Atlanta has literary agents, particularly for commercial fiction, Southern literature, and business books.

Georgia Writers Association, Decatur Book Festival, Savannah Book Festival, and numerous writing workshops throughout the state.

Georgia, particularly Atlanta, offers moderate costs—higher than smaller markets but significantly lower than New York or California.