This guide lists the best, active book publishing companies in Los Angeles. It covers what each house publishes, whether they accept unagented work, and where to find submission details. Use it to build a smart, LA-focused submission list.
Top picks at a glance
- Red Hen Press – award-winning nonprofit literary press in Pasadena. Open windows via Submittable. Submission guidelines
- Angel City Press at LAPL – Los Angeles history and culture. Proposal route. How to submit
- Unnamed Press – LA-based indie for bold fiction and nonfiction. Accepts email queries. Submissions FAQ
- Kaya Press – Asian diasporic literature at USC. Open submission process. Guidelines
- Michael Wiese Productions – leading film and screenwriting craft books, Studio City. Proposal by email. Contact & requirements
Major trade & entertainment publishers in LA
Los Angeles hosts several strong trade and entertainment-focused publishers. Many do not read unsolicited work, but they are important for film, TV, art, and licensed properties.
| Publisher | Focus | Unagented? | LA base | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Publishing Worldwide | Children’s and branded trade books | No – agented only | Glendale/Burbank | Submissions policy |
| TASCHEN America | High-end art, photography, pop culture | Commissioned projects | Hollywood | US office contact |
| Skybound (Books & Comics) | Genre fiction, comics, media tie-ins | No unsolicited | West Pico Blvd. | Policy & contact |
| Rare Bird | Indie trade list across genres | No unsolicited | Highland Park | Contact & policy |
| Silman-James Press | Film, TV, performing arts craft | Query first | West Hollywood | Contact |
| Michael Wiese Productions | Screenwriting and filmmaking guides | Proposal by email | Studio City | Submission info |
Independent and literary presses
These LA-area independents publish literary fiction, nonfiction, translation, and books rooted in local culture. Policies can change, so check each link before you submit.
| Press | Strengths | Unagented? | LA base | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hen Press | Poetry, literary fiction, creative nonfiction | Yes – via windows | Pasadena | Guidelines |
| Unnamed Press | Bold global fiction and nonfiction | Yes – email queries | Northeast LA | Submissions FAQ |
| Angel City Press at LAPL | Los Angeles history, art, culture | Yes – proposals | City of Los Angeles | Proposal instructions |
| Kaya Press | Asian diasporic literature across genres | Yes – open process | USC campus | Submit |
| X Artists’ Books | Artist-led books and collaborations | No unsolicited | Los Angeles | About & policy |
| Angel City Press – catalog | LA-focused illustrated nonfiction | Curated list | Los Angeles | New ACP site |
Children’s and graphic novel publishers in LA
LA is a hub for visual storytelling. Comics and kids publishers often work by commission or through agents, though some run talent calls for artists.
- BOOM! Studios – major comics publisher. No unsolicited story pitches; portfolio options for artists may appear. Contact & policy
- TOKYOPOP – manga and pop culture books with LA headquarters. Submissions vary; check current FAQ. FAQ
- Humanoids – graphic novels with US office on Sunset. Not currently open for unsolicited submissions. Submissions page
- Skybound – comics and imprint partnerships. No unsolicited material. Policy
- Disney Publishing – Disney-Hyperion and licensed properties. Agented submissions only. Submissions policy
Academic and art publishers in LA
Art and academic lists often start with a short proposal. Target the right editor or program.
| Publisher | Strengths | Proposal route | Key link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getty Publications / GRI | Art history, conservation, museum studies | Complete proposal form and email | How to propose a book |
| SAGE Publishing (US) | Social sciences, methods, education | Submit a book proposal to US acquisitions | US editors & proposal info |
| UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press | Chicano and Latinx scholarship | Email submissions per guidelines | Submission details |
| Tia Chucha Press | Poetry with social justice focus | Mail-in manuscript process | Guidelines |
Tip: LA also hosts retail galleries and museum stores that publish catalogs and limited editions. Project plans for those are often curated. Review each institution’s instructions before pitching.
How to choose the right LA publisher
- Match your category – shortlist presses that publish books like yours. Read recent catalogs and series pages.
- Submission doorway – some accept unagented work during windows. Others require an agent. Check the linked guidelines first.
- Distribution & timeline – larger trade houses offer scale. Indies can be nimble. Compare with self-publishing if speed and control matter.
- Platform readiness – plan your web hub early. See our author website tips.
- Sales channels – learn how books reach stores and libraries in our distribution guide.
Submission and agent tips
Follow the posted rules and format your pitch cleanly. If agented, target imprints that fit your audience. If unagented, focus on open windows and presses that name your category.
- Use the publisher’s form or address. Examples: Red Hen windows, Kaya open process, Angel City proposals.
- Send only what is requested. Keep a 1-page query, tight synopsis, and sample chapters if allowed.
- Track responses in a simple spreadsheet. Do not submit to multiple editors in the same house unless guidelines allow.
- Learn the trade path in our traditional publishing overview.
Service spotlight: WriteLight Group can review your manuscript and build a custom LA submission list, including query edits and timeline planning. See our services.
FAQs
Are these Los Angeles publishers active today?
Yes. Each listed company maintains current operations in the LA area with updated websites and contacts. Always confirm policies on the linked pages before you submit.
Which LA presses accept unagented work?
Red Hen Press and Kaya Press accept unagented submissions during specific windows or via posted processes. Unnamed Press accepts email queries. Others are closed or agent-only.
Do comics publishers in LA take pitches?
Most do not accept unsolicited story pitches. Artist portfolio reviews are more common. Check BOOM!, Humanoids, TOKYOPOP, and Skybound pages for current options.
How do I pitch an art or academic book in LA?
Lead with a concise proposal. For example, Getty provides a proposal form and instructions. SAGE outlines how to contact US acquisitions with a book prospectus.
Last updated: 2025-10-10
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