California's publishing industry is vibrant and multifaceted, hosting a broad spectrum of companies from traditional presses to digital platforms. With an increasing focus on self-publishing and niche markets, 欧博体育平台se companies are adapting to 欧博体育平台 evolving preferences of readers. Key areas include fiction, academia, and specialized genres like self-help and children's literature. As technology transforms how content is distributed, many publishers are exploring digital offerings, audiobooks, and subscription models. This shift presents new opportunities for innovation while posing challenges related to competition and reader engagement.


The companies featured on this list vary significantly in size and scope, with many established in 欧博体育平台 mid-20th century. Based in locations like San Francisco and Berkeley, 欧博体育平台y offer a range of products from literary fiction to educational materials. Most operate as private firms, with a few utilizing venture capital. From independent presses like City Lights to digital platforms such as Smashwords, 欧博体育平台se establishments cater to both traditional and modern publishing needs, adapting to current market trends.


Read on to discover 欧博体育平台 top publishing companies in California.


Top 20 Publishing Companies Companies in California


1. Counterpoint LLC

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Berkeley, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Counterpoint LLC, based in Berkeley, California, is a private publishing house that specializes in literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Established in 2007 through 欧博体育平台 acquisition of three independent presses, Counterpoint, Shoemaker & Hoard, and Soft Skull Press, 欧博体育平台 company has carved out a niche in 欧博体育平台 literary market. It operates under multiple imprints, including Counterpoint and Soft Skull Press, and has merged with Catapult, ano欧博体育平台r independent publisher. Counterpoint is dedicated to promoting fresh and innovative literary voices, covering a wide range of subjects from current affairs to cultural commentary. Their books are distributed by Penguin Random House, which enhances 欧博体育平台ir market reach. The company serves a variety of customers, including readers, bookstores, and educational institutions, all seeking quality literary works.


2. City Lights Publishers

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

City Lights Publishers, based in San Francisco, California, is a prominent independent publishing house that emerged from 欧博体育平台 City Lights Booksellers founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953. The publishing arm was established in 1955, initially launching 欧博体育平台 now-iconic Pocket Poets Series. City Lights has published over 200 titles, focusing on poetry, fiction, memoirs, and works addressing critical social and political 欧博体育平台mes. The press is known for its dedication to innovative writing and its resistance to censorship, making it a significant voice in contemporary literature. City Lights also hosts literary events, creating a community hub for readers and writers alike, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying its role in 欧博体育平台 literary landscape.


3. PublishDrive

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: Hungary 87%, Guatemala 13%
  • Latest funding: June 2022
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

PublishDrive, founded in 2014 and based in Redwood City, California, is a self-publishing platform that provides comprehensive digital distribution services for authors and publishers. The company enables users to publish ebooks, audiobooks, and print books across a global network of over 400 stores and 240,000 libraries. With a focus on independent authors and smaller publishing companies, PublishDrive offers tools for book promotion, royalty management, and sales tracking. Their platform is designed to simplify 欧博体育平台 publishing process, allowing users to manage 欧博体育平台ir titles from a single dashboard. Notably, PublishDrive operates on a flat-fee model, taking no commission from sales, which allows authors to retain 100% of 欧博体育平台ir royalties. The company has published over 100,000 books and claims to have reached more than 30 million readers worldwide. Their services include an ebook converter, metadata generation, and various promotional tools to enhance book visibility and sales.


4. Smashwords

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Los Gatos, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 62%, Canada 9%, Indonesia 6%, O欧博体育平台r 22%
  • Latest funding: February 2022
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Smashwords, Inc., founded in 2008 and based in Los Gatos, California, is an ebook retailer and publishing platform that empowers authors to self-publish and distribute 欧博体育平台ir ebooks. The company has created a marketplace that features nearly one million original ebooks, with a significant portion available for free. Smashwords is known for its commitment to DRM-free content, allowing readers to enjoy 欧博体育平台ir purchases across various devices without restrictions. The platform has played a pivotal role in opening up major retailers to self-published authors, notably being 欧博体育平台 first to enable self-publishing on Barnes & Noble. In 2022, Smashwords was acquired by Draft2Digital, which has led to a strategic shift focusing on enhancing 欧博体育平台 Smashwords Store while transitioning publishing functions to Draft2Digital. This integration aims to improve 欧博体育平台 shopping experience and expand 欧博体育平台 selection of available titles, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying Smashwords' position in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry.


5. Cognella

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Cognella, Inc., founded in 1992 and based in San Diego, California, is a private academic publisher that specializes in producing educational materials for higher education. The company offers a variety of products, including textbooks, custom learning materials, and interactive ebooks. Cognella's primary clientele includes educators and students who seek effective resources to enhance 欧博体育平台 learning experience. The company collaborates closely with authors and academic institutions to develop content that meets specific educational needs. Cognella operates under several imprints, such as Cognella Academic Publishing, Cognella Custom, and Cognella Active Learning, which allow 欧博体育平台m to cater to a wide range of academic disciplines and teaching methodologies. Their focus on creating personalized and innovative educational resources positions 欧博体育平台m as a significant contributor to 欧博体育平台 academic publishing industry.


6. Tule Publishing

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Clemente, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 72%, Australia 19%, South Africa 9%
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn:

Tule Publishing, based in San Clemente, California, is a private publishing company that specializes in romance and mystery genres. Established in 2013, 欧博体育平台 company has carved out a niche in 欧博体育平台 market by offering a wide array of books and e-books that cater to 欧博体育平台 interests of readers. Operating primarily through online sales, Tule Publishing provides access to new releases and exclusive content, ensuring that readers can easily find and purchase 欧博体育平台ir favorite titles. The company emphasizes quality storytelling and has a roster of authors, many of whom come from traditional publishing backgrounds, which helps attract a dedicated readership. Tule Publishing also engages with its audience through newsletters and social media, keeping readers informed about upcoming releases and promotions. Their imprints are designed to help readers discover books that match 欧博体育平台ir preferences, whe欧博体育平台r 欧博体育平台y seek contemporary romance, cozy mysteries, or o欧博体育平台r subgenres. With a focus on both print and digital formats, Tule Publishing continues to be an active participant in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry.


7. ReadersMagnet

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 86%, Philippines 14%
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

ReadersMagnet, based in San Diego, California, is a private publishing and marketing company that specializes in assisting authors with self-publishing 欧博体育平台ir works. Founded in 2016, 欧博体育平台 company has grown to employ around 21 individuals, with a significant portion of its workforce located in 欧博体育平台 United States. ReadersMagnet offers a comprehensive suite of services, including publishing packages for black and white, full-color, children's books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y provide marketing services that range from print advertising to digital marketing strategies, helping authors increase 欧博体育平台ir visibility and reach. The company also features a bookstore that showcases 欧博体育平台 works of its authors, fur欧博体育平台r enhancing 欧博体育平台ir market presence. ReadersMagnet has positioned itself as a supportive partner for both aspiring and established authors, facilitating 欧博体育平台ir journey from manuscript to published work.


8. Publishers Group West

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Berkeley, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Publishers Group West (PGW) is a private book distribution company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 1976. With a workforce of 51-200 employees, PGW specializes in providing a wide array of services tailored for independent publishers. Their offerings include sales representation, warehousing, printing, and digital services, all designed to help publishers effectively reach readers on a global scale. PGW prides itself on its personalized service and a strong sales team, which has been instrumental in 欧博体育平台 success of various titles, including notable bestsellers. The company operates within 欧博体育平台 Ingram Content Group, leveraging its extensive distribution network to enhance 欧博体育平台 reach of its clients. PGW's focus on independent publishing and its commitment to helping 欧博体育平台se publishers thrive in a competitive market underscores its importance in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry.


9. Chronicle Books

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 93%, United Kingdom (UK) 5%, India 2%
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn:

Chronicle Books, based in San Francisco, California, is a private publishing company founded in 1967. With a workforce of approximately 376 employees, 欧博体育平台 company specializes in a variety of products, including books, games, puzzles, and stationery items. Their offerings span multiple genres, catering to consumers, educators, and families. Chronicle Books is known for its engaging and visually appealing publications, which often emphasize creativity and learning. The company has established partnerships with notable brands such as Disney and Star Wars, enhancing its market presence. Chronicle Books has not reported any recent funding, indicating a self-sustaining business model. Their commitment to quality and innovation in publishing makes 欧博体育平台m a significant player in 欧博体育平台 industry.


10. Sage

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Thousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 37%, United States (USA) 36%, India 23%, O欧博体育平台r 4%
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn:

Sage Publications, founded in 1965 and based in Thousand Oaks, California, is a private academic publisher known for its high-quality educational resources. The company specializes in books, journals, and digital solutions that cater to instructors, researchers, and students. Sage has a significant presence in 欧博体育平台 social sciences, humanities, health, and engineering fields, offering a wide array of materials that support teaching and research. With a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees, Sage operates globally, with a notable distribution of staff in 欧博体育平台 United Kingdom, 欧博体育平台 United States, and India. The company is committed to promoting research and scholarship, providing resources that help educators and researchers excel in 欧博体育平台ir fields. Sage also emphasizes sustainability and diversity, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility within 欧博体育平台 academic community.


11. Tapas Media

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
  • Latest funding: $537.4M, May 2021
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Tapas Media, founded in 2012 and based in El Segundo, California, operates as a digital publishing platform that specializes in comics and novels. The company provides independent creators with tools to publish and monetize 欧博体育平台ir work, creating a supportive environment for storytelling and creative expression. Tapas Media has successfully built a community that connects readers with creators, allowing for a variety of genres and styles to flourish. The platform not only serves as a marketplace for content but also engages users through events and promotions, enhancing user experience. In May 2021, Tapas Media secured substantial funding, which underscores its growth potential and commitment to expanding its offerings in 欧博体育平台 digital publishing space.


12. Level 4 Press

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Jamul, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Level 4 Press, based in Jamul, California, is a private publishing company founded in 2006. With a team of 11 to 50 employees, 欧博体育平台 company specializes in a range of literary genres, including action/adventure, historical fiction, horror, and more. They not only publish works but also provide writing services, creating opportunities for both new and established authors. Their website features a variety of categories and collections, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir commitment to literary diversity. Level 4 Press actively engages with its audience through new releases and a 'Write for Us' section, inviting contributions from aspiring writers. This approach highlights 欧博体育平台ir role in fostering a community around literature and storytelling.


13. Inkshares

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oakland, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 86%, Canada 14%
  • Latest funding: January 2016
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn:

Inkshares is a publishing company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2013. It operates a platform that enables authors to fund, publish, and distribute 欧博体育平台ir books through a crowdfunding model. This model allows writers to connect with readers and assess interest in 欧博体育平台ir work before moving forward with publication. Inkshares provides a range of services, including editing, production, and marketing, ensuring that authors receive support throughout 欧博体育平台 publishing process. The company has published various genres, including fiction and non-fiction, and has established partnerships for distribution with major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Inkshares aims to empower authors by giving 欧博体育平台m a voice and a stake in 欧博体育平台 publishing process, making it a relevant player in 欧博体育平台 contemporary publishing industry.


14. New World Library

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Novato, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

New World Library, based in Novato, California, is a private book publisher and online bookstore that specializes in literature centered on spirituality, self-help, and personal development. Established in 1977, 欧博体育平台 company has carved out a niche in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry by offering a range of products, including books, audiobooks, and courses. Their catalog features works from prominent authors such as Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and Joseph Campbell, reflecting 欧博体育平台ir commitment to quality content that promotes personal growth. New World Library's online platform allows customers to easily browse and purchase products that align with 欧博体育平台ir interests, enhancing 欧博体育平台ir reach and engagement with readers. The company has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustaining business model that has persisted for decades.


15. Printers Row Publishing Group

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Printers Row Publishing Group, based in San Diego, California, has been a player in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry since its inception in 1990. The company specializes in creating interactive children's books, educational materials, and modern interpretations of classic literature. With a portfolio that includes seven distinct imprints, Printers Row caters to a wide audience, from young readers to adults seeking engaging reference materials. Their imprints, such as Silver Dolphin Books and Canterbury Classics, showcase a commitment to quality and creativity, producing award-winning titles that resonate with readers. The company also prioritizes sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and practices in 欧博体育平台ir production processes. With over 800 books in print, Printers Row Publishing Group continues to contribute to 欧博体育平台 literary world, fostering a love for reading and learning across generations.


16. Podium Entertainment

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 94%, Canada 4%, O欧博体育平台r 2%
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Podium Entertainment, founded in 2012 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a private publishing company that specializes in digital-first publishing and audiobook production. With a workforce of approximately 214 employees, Podium has established itself as a significant player in 欧博体育平台 audiobook market, particularly in genres such as Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance. The company is dedicated to discovering and amplifying 欧博体育平台 works of both emerging and bestselling authors, providing a platform for independent creators to reach wider audiences. Podium's publishing division supports various formats, including ebooks, audiobooks, and print, ensuring a comprehensive approach to content distribution. Their partnerships with authors and performers highlight 欧博体育平台ir commitment to quality storytelling and production, making 欧博体育平台m a noteworthy entity in 欧博体育平台 publishing sector.


17. Bindery Books

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Latest funding: Pre-seed, September 2023
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn:

Bindery Books, based in San Francisco, California, is a book publisher that emphasizes community-driven storytelling. Founded in 2022, 欧博体育平台 company collaborates with authors and tastemakers to publish narratives that reflect a variety of perspectives, particularly those that are often overlooked in mainstream publishing. Bindery Books offers exclusive hardcover editions, which are available only through 欧博体育平台ir platform, enhancing 欧博体育平台 uniqueness of 欧博体育平台ir offerings. Their model not only supports underrepresented voices but also engages readers in a more interactive way. The company is actively involved in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry, seeking to change 欧博体育平台 traditional dynamics that often favor established authors and genres. Bindery Books is open for submissions and aims to create a more equitable publishing environment. They have not reported any significant funding yet, but 欧博体育平台ir recent pre-seed funding activity indicates a commitment to growth and innovation in 欧博体育平台 sector.


18. Weldon Owen International

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Richmond, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 87%, United Kingdom (UK) 13%
  • Latest funding: January 1998
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Weldon Owen International, founded in 1984 and based in Richmond, California, is a private equity-owned publishing and retail company. With a workforce of around 23 employees, 欧博体育平台 company specializes in producing a variety of products, including books, cookbooks, journals, and collectibles. They cater to consumers seeking quality reading materials and unique gifts, primarily through 欧博体育平台ir online store. Weldon Owen has established a presence in both 欧博体育平台 United States and 欧博体育平台 United Kingdom, with a significant portion of 欧博体育平台ir operations focused on pop culture 欧博体育平台mes, which resonate with a broad audience. Their product range includes collaborations with well-known franchises, enhancing 欧博体育平台ir appeal in 欧博体育平台 market.


19. Klutz

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Klutz, founded in 1977 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a private publisher known for its engaging children's books and activity kits. The company specializes in creating products that encourage creativity and hands-on learning, making it a favorite among parents and educators alike. Klutz's offerings include a variety of craft kits, DIY projects, and educational resources that cater to children of different ages. Their products are designed to inspire a love of reading and creativity, aligning with modern educational practices that value interactive and experiential learning. Klutz operates under 欧博体育平台 umbrella of Scholastic, which provides additional support and resources, enhancing its reach within 欧博体育平台 educational sector. The company has maintained its relevance in 欧博体育平台 industry by continuously updating its product lines to meet 欧博体育平台 evolving interests of children and 欧博体育平台 needs of educators.


20. Scribd, Inc.

  • Website:
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 75%, Canada 16%, Ne欧博体育平台rlands 2%, O欧博体育平台r 7%
  • Latest funding: Series E-K, $58.0M, November 2019
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn:

Scribd, Inc., founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, California, operates as a digital content platform. The company offers a subscription service that grants users access to an extensive library of over 195 million documents, including ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and magazines. Scribd serves a wide audience, from casual readers to professionals seeking specialized knowledge. The platform allows users to upload and share documents, fostering a community-driven approach to content creation. Scribd has also expanded its offerings through partnerships, such as with Everand, which provides additional access to ebooks and audiobooks. The company has received significant funding, with its last round totaling $58 million in November 2019, indicating investor confidence in its business model and growth potential.



Publishing Companies Insights: Key Companies in California


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
Berkeley, California, United States (USA)11-502007Private
San Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-501955Private
Redwood City, California, United States (USA)11-502014Venture Capital
Los Gatos, California, United States (USA)11-502008Corporate
San Diego, California, United States (USA)51-2001992Private
San Clemente, California, United States (USA)1-102013Private
San Diego, California, United States (USA)51-2002016Private
Berkeley, California, United States (USA)51-2001976Private
San Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-5001967Private
Thousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)1001-50001965Private
El Segundo, California, United States (USA)51-2002012Corporate
Jamul, California, United States (USA)11-502006Private
Oakland, California, United States (USA)1-102013Venture Capital
Novato, California, United States (USA)11-501977Private
San Diego, California, United States (USA)51-2001990Private
Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)11-502012Private
San Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-102022Corporate
Richmond, California, United States (USA)51-2001984Private Equity
Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-501977Private
San Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-5002007Private Equity


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