Garden State Publishing Innovation

Top Book Publishing
Companies in New Jersey, USA

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

Top Publishers Listed Updated January 2025 Unbiased Reviews
New Jersey Publishing Industry Overview

New Jersey's Thriving Literary Landscape

New Jersey's publishing landscape combines world-class academic presses with innovative independent and professional publishers. Princeton and Hoboken host global leaders in scholarly and professional publishing, while the state supports diverse indie voices.

From Princeton University Press's prestigious academic titles to Wiley's professional resources, and independent presses focusing on regional history and literature, New Jersey offers strong opportunities across scholarly, educational, and trade publishing.

Publishers Listed

Comprehensive directory of New Jersey's top publishing companies

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Books Published Annually

Combined output from New Jersey 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 New Jersey

Browse our comprehensive list of New Jersey publishing companies.

1

Princeton University Press

World-renowned academic publisher in Princeton.

Academic
Humanities
Science
Social Sciences

2

John Wiley & Sons

Hoboken global leader in professional and academic publishing.

Professional
Scientific
Educational
Business

3

Rutgers University Press

New Brunswick academic press with regional focus.

Academic
Regional
Humanities
Social Sciences

4

Enslow Publishing

Berkeley Heights educational publisher for children and young adults.

Educational
Children's
Young Adult
Nonfiction

5

Barricade Books

Fort Lee publisher of controversial nonfiction.

Nonfiction
Controversial
True Crime

6

Career Press

Wayne publisher of business and career books.

Business
Self-Improvement
Career

7

Plexus Publishing

Medford regional and biology publisher.

Regional
Biology
History

8

Down The Shore Publishing

Independent publisher of Jersey Shore books.

Regional
Jersey Shore
Coastal

9

Markus Wiener Publishers

Princeton publisher of world history and culture.

History
World Cultures
Academic

10

Karnac Books

Fort Lee psychoanalysis and psychology publisher.

Psychoanalysis
Psychology

11

Bloof Books

Central NJ poetry collective press.

Poetry
Chapbooks

12

Gann Law Books

Newark legal publisher.

Legal
Law Books

13

Rivergate Books

Rutgers imprint for New Jersey regional titles.

Regional
New Jersey History

14

BookBaby

Pennsauken self-publishing services.

Self-Publishing
Distribution

15

Hampton Press

Cresskill communication and education publisher.

Communication
Education

16

Just Us Books

Newark Black-interest children's books.

Children's
African American

17

Darwin Press

Princeton biology and Middle East studies.

Biology
Middle East
Science

18

New Jersey Historical Society Press

Newark publisher of state history.

History
Regional

19

Red Wheelbarrow Press

Princeton poetry and literary fiction.

Poetry
Literary Fiction

20

Black Rose Writing

Independent hybrid publisher.

Hybrid
Fiction
Nonfiction

21

Tughra Books

Islamic and cultural publisher.

Islamic
Cultural

22

Salvo Press

Princeton mystery and thriller publisher.

Mystery
Thriller

23

Humanities Press

Philosophy and cultural studies.

Philosophy
Cultural Studies

24

Sadlier

Educational and religious materials.

Educational
Religious

25

Babelcube

Teaneck translation and distribution platform.

Translation
Digital

26

IndieReader

Montclair indie book services.

Indie
Reviews

27

Prudent Publishing

Ridgefield Park greeting cards and publications.

Custom Publishing

28

Nathan Levy Books

Monroe Township educational creativity books.

Educational
Creativity

29

University Publishing Solutions

East Brunswick academic resources.

Academic
Educational

30

Newman Springs Publishing

Full-service self-publishing.

Self-Publishing
Hybrid

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

New Jersey Book Publishing FAQs

Home to Princeton University Press, Rutgers University Press, and Wiley—one of the world's leading academic and professional publishers.

Excellent, with publishers like Enslow, Career Press, and Sadlier specializing in children's, young adult, and professional education.

Yes, through Rivergate Books, Down The Shore, and New Jersey Historical Society Press.

Thriving with options like BookBaby, Black Rose Writing, and Newman Springs offering author services.

Major academic presses offer standard advances; indie and hybrid models vary but often focus on royalties.

Yes, including agencies like BookEnds Literary Agency supporting diverse genres.

Strong university programs at Princeton and Rutgers, plus community literary centers.

Highly, with robust services and proximity to major distribution networks.