A verified, Virginia-only guide to the state's book publishers — from university presses in Charlottesville to independent and hybrid houses in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia.
All verified Virginia publishers in one PDF — plus the red flags, questions to ask, and decision framework every author should know before signing with any publisher.
Looking for publishing companies in Virginia? The Commonwealth is home to a focused but high-quality cluster of book publishers. The University of Virginia Press anchors academic publishing in Charlottesville, while Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia host respected independent and hybrid presses such as Brandylane, Koehler Books, Mascot Books, and Stillhouse Press.
Virginia publishers are particularly strong in American history, regional and Appalachian writing, literary fiction, and academic and policy work — a reflection of the state's universities, colonial heritage, and proximity to Washington, D.C. Every publisher in the directory below is currently active and headquartered in Virginia, with its city, focus, and submission status listed so you can find the right fit.
Active, Virginia-based book publishers — independently checked
From Charlottesville and Richmond to Fairfax and Blacksburg
Academic, history, literary fiction, regional, children's and more
Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing options compared
Every publisher below is active and headquartered in Virginia. City, focus, and submission status are listed for each.
Charlottesville, VA · Founded 1963 · Traditional / Academic
The Commonwealth's flagship scholarly publisher, producing peer-reviewed and trade books in American history, literature, architecture, and African American studies. Submissions are by formal proposal.
Herndon, VA · Founded 2003 · Hybrid
A full-service, multi-genre hybrid publisher and distributor with 2,500+ titles. Strong in children's books, cookbooks, fiction, and nonfiction, with editorial, design, and distribution support. Open to submissions.
Richmond, VA · Founded 1985 · Independent / Hybrid
A respected small independent press publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children's books, with a hybrid track and the Belle Isle Books imprint. Known for being accessible to new authors and actively inviting submissions.
Virginia Beach, VA · Traditional & Hybrid
A full-service publisher offering both traditional and hybrid contracts across most genres, from fiction and memoir to business and military nonfiction. Provides editorial, design, and marketing support. Open to submissions.
Fairfax, VA · Independent / Nonprofit
An independent, nonprofit craft press developed with George Mason University's creative writing program. Publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with a focus on unconventional, boundary-pushing voices.
Charlottesville, VA · Independent / Custom
A long-running Charlottesville independent and custom publisher producing fiction and nonfiction, association titles, and high-quality commissioned books.
Alexandria, VA · Founded 2008 · Independent
An Alexandria independent press specializing in science fiction, fantasy, horror, fringe culture, and tabletop/hobby gaming titles for a global audience.
Blacksburg, VA · Independent / Regional
A Blacksburg regional press focused on Virginia history, memoir, and local-interest nonfiction, with a long catalog of Commonwealth-themed titles.
Richmond, VA · Independent
A Richmond independent publisher of fiction and nonfiction with a regional and literary focus, working selectively with a small list of authors.
Emory, VA · Independent / Regional
A small Southwest Virginia press dedicated to Appalachian voices, publishing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that preserve the region's cultural heritage.
Richmond, VA · Independent / Regional
One of Virginia's oldest publishing houses, specializing in Virginia history, biography, and regional nonfiction with a strong backlist of Commonwealth titles.
Richmond, VA · Institutional Press
The state library's publishing program, producing authoritative books and reference works on Virginia history, archives, and culture — a key resource for historians and regional authors.
Get the full Virginia Publisher Directory + How-to-Choose Guide as a free PDF.