Looking for a publisher in Illinois and feeling totally lost? You are not alone. There are tons of companies here, some huge, some tiny, all doing different things. Some focus on kids, some on textbooks, some on inspirational or creative nonfiction. Picking the right one can feel impossible if you don’t know who does what.
That’s why this guide exists. We’ll take a look at five of the best book publishers in Illinois, the kind that actually get books out there, help authors, and reach readers. Schools, libraries, and everyday readers all notice them. These publishers have history, focus, and style, and each one works differently. Let’s dive in and see which one fits your book best.
Best Book Publishers in Illinois 2026
The list below displays the top five best book publishers in Illinois that can be found in 2026.
1. Abigail Press Inc.
They started Abigail Press to make school textbooks in Wheaton. Mostly history, politics, sociology, and women’s studies. Works for high schools and colleges; teachers everywhere use them.
They have helped 1,230 authors get their educational stuff out there. Not flashy, just solid books teachers like. Curriculum-friendly, classroom-ready, practical and focused, authors get respect.
Genres: Academic textbooks, history, political science, sociology, women’s studies.
Best For: Educators, professors, and curriculum writers needing classroom resources.
Why Choose Them: Abigail Press focuses entirely on schools and colleges, offering practical, classroom-ready textbooks and reliable editorial guidance, ensuring your work fits real educational needs and is respected by teachers.
Website: abigailpress.com
2. Albert Whitman & Company
Been around since 1919, based in Park Ridge. Famous for children’s books, from classics to new stories. Schools, libraries, and homes love their stuff.
They have helped 2,500 authors and illustrators reach kids everywhere. Their books are playful, educational, sometimes timeless, sometimes modern, mostly loved. Editors know children, classrooms, libraries.
Genres: Children’s fiction, middle grade novels, young adult fiction, picture books.
Best For: Writers of books for kids and teens, educators, librarians.
Why Choose Them: With a century-long legacy, Albert Whitman offers trusted storytelling, strong school and library connections, and editorial expertise that helps children’s books reach their audience widely and meaningfully.
Website: albertwhitman.com
3. ACTA Publications
Started in Chicago back in 1957 for religious education stuff. Now, they also do inspirational, parenting, sports, poetry, life advice, and more. Books feel personal, easy, thoughtful.
They have helped 1,780 authors publish meaningful, uplifting, niche books. Not for everyone, but readers like approachable, honest, and small audience titles. Authors get creative freedom too.
Genres: Spiritual books, inspirational nonfiction, social justice, storytelling, parenting.
Best For: Authors writing faith based or uplifting nonfiction and reflective pieces.
Why Choose Them: ACTA Publications offers personal attention, a community-focused approach, and flexibility for authors, helping faith-based or inspirational works reach the right audience while staying meaningful and authentic.
Website: actapublications.com
4. Agate Publishing
Started 2002 in Evanston. Independent, creative, serious about nonfiction, but also lifestyle and food. Several imprints for business, culture, African American literature, and other niche topics.
They have helped 3,120 authors publish smart, culturally rich books. Editors are serious but friendly. Books feel polished but human. Great for underrepresented voices, national reach, professional support.
Genres: Trade nonfiction, business, food, lifestyle, African American literature, regional culture.
Best For: Writers with unique voices or niche subjects, especially nonfiction and culturally relevant work.
Why Choose Them: Agate Publishing supports underrepresented voices with multiple imprints, strong editorial care, polished yet human books, and national distribution, helping authors reach their audience with cultural impact and professional guidance.
Website: agatepublishing.com
5. AJS Publications
Started over fifty years ago in Crystal Lake. Focus on civics, government, and constitutional education books. Schools use them everywhere, and students like readable texts.
They have helped 1,000 authors turn classroom ideas into actual books. Clear, concise, structured, practical. Teachers trust them, students understand. Not flashy, but reliable.
Genres: Civics and government educational books, constitutional studies, instructional texts.
Best For: Authors writing educational social studies and civics content for school curricula.
Why Choose Them: AJS Publications creates clear, concise, and structured textbooks trusted by teachers and students, offering practical guidance that makes government and civics content accessible, understandable, and classroom-ready.
Website: ajspublications.com
How to Choose the Right Publisher in Illinois
Picking a publisher isn’t always obvious. Some focus on kids, some on textbooks, some on inspirational or niche stuff. Think about your audience, your book type, and how much help you want. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make it easier to compare the main types in Illinois.
| Publisher | Best For | Main Strength | Vibe |
| Abigail Press Inc. | Educators, curriculum writers | Classroom-ready textbooks | Practical, focused |
| Albert Whitman & Company | Kids and teen authors | Children’s storytelling | Playful, library-friendly |
| ACTA Publications | Faith-based, inspirational authors | Personal, meaningful books | Flexible, community-focused |
| Agate Publishing | Nonfiction, cultural, lifestyle | National reach, strong editorial | Polished but human |
| AJS Publications | Civics and government authors | Structured, readable textbooks | Clear, reliable |
Wrapping it Up
Alright, that’s pretty much it. Illinois has a ton of publishers, some big, some tiny, all doing their own thing. Some make textbooks, some kids’ books, some inspirational stuff. They’ve helped tons of authors get their work out there. Editors know their stuff, distribution works, and each one has a different vibe. Not everything will fit everyone, but if you’re curious or ready to get published, these five are solid examples of what’s out there. Some are old, some newer, all doing real work.
