Looking for a publishing company in 2026? It will help to know what kind of publishing company you need.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the major categories and discuss why these companies are important for writers and readers alike. This article will help you understand the different types of publishing companies and how they operate.
For more information about the publishing industry, you can also explore our related articles.
When it comes to the world of book publishing, there are many different types of companies that exist.
1. Traditional publishing companies
Traditional publishers handle every aspect of the publishing process—editing, design, printing, marketing, and distribution—at no cost to the author. These companies acquire manuscripts based on market potential, often through literary agents, and typically pay authors an advance against royalties.
- Traditional publishers usually retain rights and have final say on cover, edits, and title.
- Submission typically requires a literary agent.
A major segment of this industry is trade publishing, which focuses on books intended for general retail sale. Traditional publishers release titles in various formats, including print and e-books, and distribute them to bookstores, libraries, and online platforms. Most also specialize in specific genres or audiences, so it’s important to target publishers aligned with your work.
Some examples of traditional publishing companies include:
- Zondervan
- Harper Collins
- Penguin Random House
- John Wiley
2. Self-publishing services companies
Self-publishing service companies support authors in publishing their work independently. These companies typically offer professional services such as editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, all while allowing authors to retain rights and control.
This is different from publishing platforms like KDP or IngramSpark, which provide the technical tools for distribution and print-on-demand, but not hands-on service unless the author brings their own team.
Examples of self-publishing service companies include:
3. Vanity presses or subsidy publishers
A vanity press (also called a “subsidy publisher”) is a publishing company that asks authors to pay for publication, rather than acquiring a manuscript and bearing the cost themselves. Unlike traditional publishing and legitimate self‑publishing services, where the author retains full control and pays for services, vanity presses profit primarily from author fees rather than book sales or market success.
These firms often:
- Accept virtually any manuscript in exchange for payment
- Charge large up‑front or ongoing fees for “publishing services”
- Provide minimal editing, design, marketing, or bookstore distribution
- Require authors to buy large numbers of their own books or assume heavy costs
As one of my clients (let’s call her “Maria”) discovered:
After signing with the publisher, I was told I needed to purchase 1,000 copies at cost plus pay for catalog listings. Six months later, I have boxes of books in my garage, sales near zero, and no meaningful marketing support. I felt like I had achieved publication, yet the dream of readership felt further away than ever.
Because the author carries nearly all the risk and cost, the vanity‑press model places the burden squarely on the writer rather than the publisher.
If you’re evaluating a publisher and it offers no meaningful gatekeeping, expects big fees, dangles “we’ll publish almost anything,” or shifts the burden of buying books and promoting them entirely to you, be very cautious.
Some examples of vanity presses include Xulon Press and AuthorHouse. Read some reviews about Authorhouse and reviews about Xulon Press.
4. Hybrid publishers
Hybrid publishers occupy the space between traditional publishing and self‑publishing. In a genuine hybrid model, the author and publisher share risk and cost — the author typically pays for some production—but the publisher maintains editorial standards, manages design and distribution, and selects manuscripts based on market potential and quality.
Key characteristics:
- The publisher accepts submissions and curates a list (unlike a vanity press that publishes any author who pays).
- The author retains more control than in traditional deals, often keeps rights, and receives a higher royalty share.
- The author contributes to costs or co‑invests, which may mean a higher upfront cost than self‑publishing, but also a potentially better infrastructure and production quality.
- Because they publish fewer titles, hybrid houses can offer more attention per book, but the author should still be realistic about marketing and platform building.
This model appeals to authors who want professional quality and distribution support, but also want greater creative control and ownership than traditional publishing allows.
When evaluating a hybrid publisher, ask: What are the submission criteria? What rights will I retain? What is my investment? What is the royalty structure? What marketing/distribution support is included?
Some examples of hybrid publishers include:
(Note: These are a sampling; always check current terms, services, and reputation.)
IBPA’s Hybrid Publisher Criteria requires that hybrid publishers behave just like traditional publishers in all respects, except when it comes to business model. Hybrid publishers use an author-subsidized business model, as opposed to financing all costs themselves, and in exchange return a higher-than-industry-standard share of sales proceeds to the author. In other words, a hybrid publisher makes income from a combination of publishing services and book sales.
5. Small presses
Small presses (sometimes called independent publishers) are traditional or hybrid publishers that produce a smaller number of books per year, often within a niche or genre such as poetry, literary fiction, or Christian nonfiction.
These publishers are usually mission driven and author focused. Many are run by a small team of passionate people who value editorial quality and personal relationships with authors. Because of their size, small presses can offer a more collaborative publishing experience than large houses, but they may also have more limited budgets for advances, marketing, or wide distribution.
Some small presses are fully traditional (they don’t charge authors), while others operate as hybrid models. It’s important for authors to read contracts carefully and understand any cost-sharing arrangements.
Some examples of small presses include:
“Joe” was a bit hesitant when he got the call from the small press. He had heard so many horror stories about self-publishing that he was sure it would be a waste of time. But he checked the Better Business Bureau and Writer Beware, and the reviews assured him that they were different. And they were right.
Joe said, “When I signed with a small press, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the care and craft were incredible. The editors made my writing tighter and stronger. The cover artist nailed the design. Best of all, they really knew how to market to my audience. While I didn’t get a big advance, the long-term value has been huge. I’m building a solid readership and planning my next release.”
6. University presses
University presses are scholarly publishing houses affiliated with academic institutions. Their mission is to advance knowledge and disseminate research, often in niche or specialized fields. They typically publish peer-reviewed academic books, journals, and monographs, many of which are used in higher education or by experts in the field.
University presses often work closely with faculty authors, researchers, and editors, focusing on content that contributes to academic conversations rather than commercial bestsellers. While some do publish general-interest books, their catalogs are usually tailored to academic disciplines such as history, literature, science, theology, and law.
Unlike traditional trade publishers, university presses rarely pay advances, and their marketing is primarily academic and institutional.
Some examples of university publishers include the University of Chicago Press, the University of Michigan Press, and Cambridge University Press.
University Presses:
7. POD (print-on-demand) publishers
POD publishers specialize in printing books in small batches—as few as one copy at a time—only when an order is placed. This model eliminates the need for large print runs and inventory, making it a cost-effective option for self-publishing authors.
Most self-published books today use POD technology, especially when publishing through platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark. While POD is convenient and scalable, it may limit certain custom options or print quality compared to offset printing. Many self-publishing platforms (like KDP and IngramSpark) combine POD with e-book distribution, giving authors a broad reach without large upfront costs.
Some examples of POD publishers include:
- Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Best for Amazon e-book and paperback distribution.
- IngramSpark – Best for wide print distribution to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.
- Lulu – Good for specialty formats (hardcovers, workbooks), non-Amazon sales.
- Blurb – Strong for photo books and image-heavy projects.
- BookVault (UK-based but prints in the US too) – Gaining traction for high-quality POD and indie-friendly terms (especially outside the US).
Photo book layout with Blurb
What We Didn’t Cover (on Purpose)
This article focuses on book publishers that serve authors who want to bring their individual manuscripts to life, especially in nonfiction, memoir, and niche genres. But publishing as a whole is a much bigger world than that.
We left out some major publishing segments that operate quite differently:
- Academic and educational publishers: These focus on textbooks, curriculum materials, and scholarly research. You’ll find them in classrooms and universities, not on your average bookstore shelf.
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Magazine, newspaper, and journal publishers: These publish periodicals and are often in the business of advertising, subscriptions, and content monetization—not individual author books.
If you’re an author trying to figure out how to publish your book, these categories don’t really apply to you. That’s why we kept the focus narrow and practical. But for the full picture of publishing, they’re worth knowing about.
Inside Publishing House Operations
Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or going indie, every book goes through the same core stages: editing, design, production, and marketing. Understanding how these pieces work together helps you choose the right publishing path and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Manuscript Submission
- Traditional publishers acquire manuscripts through literary agents. Only a small percentage make it through the slush pile.
- Self-publishers and hybrid authors submit directly, often choosing their team and timeline.
2. Editorial Process
Professional editing includes:
- Developmental editing (structure, clarity, pacing)
- Copyediting (grammar, consistency)
- Proofreading (final polish)
Strong editing is what separates a marketable book from a forgettable one.
3. Design & Layout
Covers sell books, especially online. Interior typesetting ensures readability in both print and e-book formats.
Trad publishers and professional indie teams prioritize market trends and genre expectations in their designs.
4. Production & Distribution
- Traditional presses manage large print runs and warehouse distribution.
- Self-publishing platforms (KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu) use print-on-demand, which lowers up-front costs.
E-books and audiobooks expand global reach and can be produced affordably.
5. Marketing & Sales
- Trad publishers offer media connections, bookstore access, and in-house publicists, but expect authors to actively market too.
- Indie authors often invest in launch strategies, Amazon ads, email lists, and social media.
Hybrid publishers may offer support but usually charge extra for marketing help.
6. Academic Publishing
University presses focus on peer-reviewed research and scholarship. Their production cycle is rigorous and slow, but highly respected in academic circles.
Bottom Line:
Today’s publishing landscape is more flexible than ever, but more complex too. Know the roles, know your goals, and build the team that fits your vision.
We partner with authors at every stage of the journey, from raw manuscript to beautifully published book.
Here are a few recent standouts from our studio:
Featured and focused work
Each project reflects a unique voice and our tailored approach to publishing with excellence.
- Little Hawaii – Corinne Avery
- Be, Go, Make Disciples – Tom Wymore
- The Gatekeeper – Bradford Kuhn
- Puerto Rico to the White House – Jacob Lozada
- From Abuse to God’s Blessings – Jim Kissock
- Praying in Pregnancy – Marie Lynch
What Kind of Publisher Is Inksnatcher?
Inksnatcher is not a publisher or imprint; we’re a publishing services agency. We work alongside self-publishing authors to provide everything needed to produce a high-quality, professional book: editing, design, typesetting, publishing setup, and launch support.
Our role is to lighten the load and streamline the process so authors can stay focused on their message and not the mechanics of publishing. We don’t own your rights or royalties. You stay in control every step of the way.
Take a look at our services and publishing packages for more info!
In Summary
The publishing landscape offers many paths, but not all are created equal. From traditional publishers to self-publishing platforms and hybrid models, each option comes with its own pros, cons, and expectations.
What matters most is choosing a publishing route that aligns with your goals, timeline, and budget. Do your research. Read the fine print. And remember—plenty of companies will take your money. Fewer will treat your book like it matters.
At Inksnatcher, we’re here to make sure it does.
