In the dynamic landscape of California, the publishing industry holds significance as it extends beyond just printing literature. This industry encompasses diverse companies that not only produce traditional books, but also venture into comic books, graphic novels, and more. These publishers offer a wide array of services, including editing, marketing, and design, aimed at enhancing readers' experiences. With the digital age on the rise, these entities adapt their offerings accordingly, heralding an era of e-books and audio books. As the industry absorbs technological advancements, the future of publishing in California looks promising, pointing towards further innovations.


Top 20 publishing companies in California

1. IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing is a company that offers a range of comic books and graphic novels for various genres. They provide engaging stories and visually stunning artwork to entertain readers.


2. The Book Masters

The Book Masters is a book publishing company that offers a wide range of services such as book editing, marketing, copyrights protection, author website, professional audio book, book video trailer, book cover design, and custom book illustration.


3. BOOM! Studios

  • Website: boom-studios.com
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Founded: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series C
  • LinkedIn

BOOM! Studios is an entertainment company based in Los Angeles, CA that specializes in publishing comics and graphic novels. They offer a wide range of titles, including popular series like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Magic. With a dedicated team of talented creators, BOOM! Studios brings exciting stories to life for fans of all ages.


4. New Harbinger Publications

New Harbinger Publications is a leading publisher of evidence-based self-help books and workbooks in the field of mental health and well-being. They offer a wide range of resources for professionals and individuals alike, including therapy resources, educational materials, and tools for personal growth.


5. American Academic Journals- JAAR American Journals Publishing Center

American Journals is a publishing center that focuses on various fields of expertise such as business administration, applied engineering, English education, chemistry, economics, linguistics, finance, and more.


6. Top Cow Productions

  • Website: topcow.com
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Founded: 1992
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Top Cow is a comic book publisher that offers a wide range of titles, including Witchblade, The Darkness, Cyber Force, and more. They are known for their diverse and exciting universe of characters.


7. Level 4 Press, INC.

Level 4 Press is a publishing company that offers a wide range of novels and collections across various genres such as historical fiction, mystery/crime, science fiction/fantasy, and more.


8. The McEvoy Group

  • Website: mcevoygroup.com
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
  • Founded: 2000
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Nion McEvoy formed The McEvoy Group LLC in 2000 with the acquisition of Chronicle Books, one of America’s most recognized and respected independent trade book publishers. Chronicle boasts a formidable list of gift, children’s, and adult books most notably in the categories of food, music, design, lifestyle, and pop culture titles. Today, The McEvoy Group consists of Chronicle Books, becker&mayer!, Galison/Mudpuppy, McEvoy Media (7x7 Magazine, 7x7.com, California Home+Design, and californiahomedesign.com), and Princeton Architectural Press. Company History: In 2003, The McEvoy Group made its first foray into magazine publishing in partnership with Hartle Media Ventures , publishers of San Francisco’s 7x7 Magazine followed by the recent acquisition of California Home & Design (later reorganized into McEvoy Media). In 2005, The McEvoy Group acquired book publisher/packer becker&mayer!. SPIN Magazine was acquired by the company in 2006. SPIN was later sold to BUZZMedia in 2012. Princeton Architectural Press was added to the organization in 2011, and Galison/Mudpuppy joined the company in 2012.


9. Stanford University Press

  • Website: sup.org
  • Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States
  • Founded: 1892
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Stanford University Press is a renowned publishing house that offers a wide range of books in various fields, including security studies, literature, cultural studies, and more. They are known for publishing high-quality academic and scholarly works.


10. Plural Publishing, Inc.

Plural Publishing is an academic publishing company that offers textbooks, books, book series, online products, and DVDs in various subjects such as communication sciences and disorders, special education, and singing/voice. They also provide assessments and tests for professionals in these fields.


11. ORO Editions

Oro Editions is a publisher of exceptionally designed, award-winning books in the fields of architecture, landscape, visual art, and photography. They offer a wide range of titles, including monographs, research publications, and books on sustainability and interior design.


12. James Publishing

James Publishing is a legal publishing company offering a wide range of legal resources and books for lawyers and legal professionals.


13. AfterShock Comics

AfterShock Comics is a media company that specializes in publishing and distributing comic books. Offering a wide range of titles, they cater to fans of various genres, including superheroes, fantasy, and horror. With a talented team of creators and a diverse catalog, AfterShock Comics aims to entertain and engage comic enthusiasts worldwide.


14. TSEHAI Publishers

Tsehai Publishers is a book publishing company that focuses on literature and academic works related to African studies, history and politics.


15. Scapegoat Publishing

Scapegoat Publishing is a company that publishes books in various genres like art, music, literature, and erotica.


16. Janaway Publishing, INC.

Janaway Publishing is a company that specializes in publishing and distributing a wide range of books, journals, and scholarly works in various fields.


17. Strand Hill Books

  • Website: strandhillbooks.com
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Headcount: 11-50

Strand Hill Books is a small publisher offering books in the categories of mystery, literary fiction, and art. They have a range of novellas, memoirs, and rock n' roll retrospectives. Their titles include should Have Been There, Home, Letters from God, and Sunfish & Starfish: Tropical Drag Queen Detectives.


18. Shoreline Publishing

Shoreline Publishing Group is a book publishing company that specializes in editorial work for books and magazines. They have produced over 400 books for various publishers and offer services in book production, packaging, and creation. With their expertise and talent, they can bring your book or magazine project to life.


19. Foglifter Press

Foglifter Journal is a literary magazine and publisher of e-books that provides a platform for diverse writing and queer points of view.


20. Editcetera

Editcetera is a professional agency providing freelance services such as editing, proofreading, and publishing since 1971. They offer custom training, workshops, and online training to businesses, publishers, authors, and scholars.


Want to find more publishing companies?


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...and a lot more!