The Main Types of Nonfiction Publishers

Whether you’re choosing between an academic or trade publisher, this post breaks down the main types of nonfiction publishers—both small and large—to help you determine which option is best for you.

There’s no shortage of options out there for nonfiction authors seeking to publish their book. Whether you’re looking for an academic or trade publisher, understanding the various types of nonfiction publishers and their particular pros and cons empowers you to make informed decisions for your book’s future. And traditional publishers are only the beginning: there are also many nontraditional options you can consider depending on your publishing goals.

What are the Main Types of Nonfiction Publishers?

Traditional Options

Traditional publishers are selective. They offer authors professional support around editing, design, marketing, and sales, while also handling the cost of production and distribution. They also provide access to extensive distribution networks of libraries, bookstores, and retailers. Although authors working with traditional publishers may give up some creative control, the rights to their book, and the opportunity for large royalties, in exchange they often receive an advance payment and may enjoy wider distribution and prestige.

Corporate Trade Publishers

In North America, the most prominent trade publishers are the “Big Five”: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster, all of which are owned by larger corporate entities. They are made up of imprints, many of which were once smaller, independently-owned presses that have been absorbed into the larger company. Like some small presses, many imprints specialize in certain genres or target particular audiences—for example, one might be known for serious nonfiction, while another might publish solely genre fiction. By paying attention to the imprints that publish titles in your book’s genre, you can get a sense of which imprint might be a good fit for your project.

The Big Five and other large trade publishers are very discerning and generally do not accept unsolicited submissions. To publish with them authors usually need to secure representation from a literary agent—a lengthy and highly selective process in and of itself—who will then advocate for a book on the author’s behalf. A reputable agent will know which editors and imprints frequently acquire in your book’s genre or subject, allowing them to focus their attention on likely prospects.

University and Academic Presses

University presses have traditionally been seen as the gold standard for academic publishing, employing rigorous peer review processes to control for quality of scholarship. If you are writing for an academic audience and seeking to establish yourself as a scholar, this may be the best option for you. However, university presses receive varying levels of financial support from their home institutions, and many have restructured or downsized in recent years. They usually sell most of their stock to libraries, and as a result they frequently set high prices that everyday readers are unwilling to pay. 

Along with university presses, which are generally nonprofits, for-profit academic presses are also an option. Although these companies function similarly to university presses, they tend to prioritize projects with commercial potential, potentially sidelining boundary-pushing research and ideas. Like university presses they have been criticized for inaccessible pricing, limiting the general public’s access to research. 

At academic and university presses, submissions are evaluated by an acquisitions editor, who reviews book proposals and sample chapters from authors. Academic authors can usually submit directly, without needing to go through an agent. The press also manages the peer review process. Peer review and the academic publishing process in general is notoriously slow: it can take several years until you finally see your book on shelves. 

Before you choose to publish with an academic or university press, learn more about the downsides of academic publishing and common issues authors experience in our recent Column post.

Small, Independent, and Boutique Presses

Independent presses vary widely in their size, mission, and approach. They generally follow a traditional publishing model, with larger independent presses often operating similarly to corporate trade publishers. Boutique publishers may specialize in a specific area and take pride in publishing books of high quality. Many smaller presses also offer authors more personalized attention and creative collaboration than one might find at a corporate trade publisher. 

Flatpage is an independently-owned traditional publisher specializing in politics, current affairs, arts, and culture. Learn more about our publishing program and submission process here and in the FAQ section below.

Small presses like Flatpage may accept submissions directly or through an agent; you can often find submission guidelines on the press’s website. They typically accept book proposals and may also request sample chapters or the entire manuscript.

Nontraditional Options

Nontraditional options vary widely in their costs, overall quality, and publishing processes. Self-publishing is the best-known of these, but there are also other approaches, including a range of hybrid presses experimenting with the traditional model. These options can be attractive to authors who want to keep more of their rights and per-book royalties, although they can be expensive and limiting in terms of marketing and distribution. 

Self-Publishing

Various forms of self-publishing have long existed, but the rise of ebooks and print-on-demand technology has transformed nontraditional publishing, empowering self-publishing authors to print high-quality books, tap into global distribution networks, and reach wider audiences. Self-publishing services such as IngramSpark and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing have made self-publishing easier and more affordable than ever.

While self-publishing is typically quick and allows for complete creative and financial control, the process can be overwhelming and competition is fierce in the marketplace. The author must also find, organize, and pay for all editorial and production costs themselves. Without the support of a traditional publisher for marketing, publicity, and distribution, it can ultimately be difficult for most authors to gain traction with readers.

Hybrid Presses

Hybrid publishers seek to bridge the gap between traditional models and self-publishing, although individual companies vary in their approaches. In most cases authors will pay up front for some production costs and publishing services in exchange for higher royalties and more creative control.

Hybrid publishing generally offers more support than self-publishing and more flexibility than traditional publishing. However, quality can be inconsistent, services expensive, and support surrounding marketing and distribution limited.

Which Type of Publisher Is Best for You?

Every type of publisher has its strengths and weaknesses. For nonfiction authors, corporate trade publishers and top academic or university presses may bring additional resources and prestige. However, long lists of titles, profit-driven business models, and bureaucratic processes may limit personalized attention, delay timelines, and result in neglect for midlist or debut authors. Small, independent publishers may be able to better support certain types of authors and projects. At the same time, if creative control, speed, and ownership are important to you, self-publishing and hybrid presses can also be attractive alternatives.

Before you choose, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What type of audience am I hoping to reach?
2. What level of control do I want over my project?
3. How much am I willing to pay (and for what)?
4. How important to me is the prestige of my publisher?
5. Would my book benefit from personalized attention and more editorial support?
6. Am I open to nontraditional options, like hybrid presses or self-publishing?
7. How long am I willing to wait until my book is in readers’ hands?
8. Do I want to see my book on the shelves of a bookstore?

There are no right or wrong answers, but your personal preferences and priorities may help clarify what outcomes are most important for your book. Consider your answers along with the chart below to help determine which type of nonfiction publisher is the best fit for you.

Every publisher is different, but depending on its type, you can gain a general sense of what you can expect as an author.

Here’s a rundown of the various types of nonfiction publishers: