There are a lot of independent publishing ventures in the world of fantasy publishing. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult to know which are legitimate, long-lasting businesses and which are going to leave your twenty-dollar book order unfulfilled. It’s exhausting to sort through lists of independent publishers only to discover that they’re dead, defunct, or just not responsive! Keep the frustration to a minimum by checking out these eight established indie publishers for your next your next fantasy read.
Founded as a magazine in 1988, Cemetery Dance is one of the world’s leading publishers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. With big name authors like Dean Koontz making an appearance relatively early on their origin story, it’s no surprise that the publication quickly found success and began putting out high-quality hardcover titles. Today, Cemetery Dance has put out more than 300 incredible hardcover titles and 70 magazine issues.
A publisher of literary fantasy, Small Beer Press has been publishing books since 2000, but their operation originally began as a magazine after one of their founders, Kelly Link, was disappointed with the contents of the literary magazines she was reading. Since then, the press has expanded to include two imprints, one for classic literature and one for all-ages fiction. If you love literary fantasy, then this is the indie publisher you’ve been looking for.
While Wraithmarked Creative is the youngest publisher on this list, (less than six years old at the time of writing), the caliber of its books and the scale of its ambition have put the company on the map. In addition to their catalogue of books, Wraithmarked runs special edition campaigns for authors like V. E. Schwab and Travis Baldtree, creating the perfect blend of the new and the familiar for fantasy readers.
With a reputation for innovation in the books they publish and their business model, Tachyon sets the standard for other indie fantasy publishers. The publication is particularly proud of their ability to blend established and new voices in their catalogue, in addition to their impressive list of anthologies. For a small operation, Tachyon has pushed itself to international acclaim, selling their unique titles to eager readers around the world.
With a whopping 800 titles to its name, PS Publishing is one of the most prolific indie publishers on this list. The company has won six British Fantasy Awards for the Best Small Press, along with the World Fantasy Award and the International Horror Guild Award. Like the other indie publications on this list, PS Publishing has been in operation since 1999, making it an experienced, reputable resource for fantasy titles.
The oldest publisher on this list, Baen Books has built a reputation for itself as a publication that pushes boundaries. Founded in 1983, this indie publisher has the distinct honor of being one of the earliest adaptors of digital fan forums, electronic publishing, and internet-focused promotional efforts. The resulting company doesn’t just publish books set in the future; it actively and consistently puts itself ahead of other small press operations by working towards the future. It’s perhaps because of this feat that Baen Books can boast that they’ve published 2,000 books in 24 different countries!
Featuring well-known fantasy authors such as N. K. Jemisin, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Tamsyn Muir, among many others, Subterranean Press is as well-reputed as an indie publisher can get. The press puts out limited-edition titles, illustrated guides, and signed exclusives with a quality that comes from twenty years of experience. But if you’re looking for something lighter, be sure to check out their incredible ebook offerings!
A self-identified ‘genrefluid’ publisher, Angry Robot Books seeks out stories that aren’t content with the usual boundaries of genre fiction. Notable authors like Jeanette Ng and Stacey McEwan are only a taste of what this publisher offers. With titles in all formats at (magically) low prices, Angry Robot maintains an approachable yet astoundingly diverse catalogue of literature that is sure to make any fantasy reader’s heart sing.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments or reach out! As an independent operation, Inglenook is always happy to shout out a fellow fantasy publisher.
Claire van Doren holds degrees in English literature and journalism as well as a certificate in LGBTQ+ studies from Arizona State University. She is a volunteer reader for Uncharted magazine, a publisher of genre fiction. Her writing has been published by Inner Worlds, Zocalo Public Square, and ASU News.
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