A Guide to Small and Mid-Sized Indie Publishers for Romance Authors
Introduction
For romance authors seeking publication, the path to getting their book into readers' hands can take many routes. While traditional publishing through one of the Big 5 houses (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette) remains a coveted option, many authors find success with smaller, independent publishers. These indie publishers often provide a more personalized experience, greater creative freedom, and the chance to work closely with a passionate editorial team. However, they also come with their own set of trade-offs.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most notable small and mid-sized independent publishers that specialize in romance, highlighting their imprints, notable authors, and what makes them stand out. We'll also discuss the benefits and downsides of choosing an indie publisher over a Big 5 house, helping you determine whether this path is the right fit for your writing career.
The Benefits of Choosing a Small or Mid-Sized Publisher
Personalized Attention: Indie publishers often work with fewer authors at a time, meaning you’ll receive more individualized attention from editors, marketers, and publicists.
Creative Control: Smaller presses are typically more flexible when it comes to story structure, cover design, and marketing strategy, giving authors a greater say in their book’s presentation.
Niche Specialization: Many indie publishers focus exclusively on romance or specific subgenres, meaning they have an established readership eager for your type of story.
More Accessible Submissions: Many small presses accept unagented submissions, making them an attractive option for new authors who haven’t yet secured literary representation.
Passionate Communities: Indie publishers cultivate close-knit relationships with their authors, readers, and booksellers, offering more direct support and networking opportunities.
The Downsides of Choosing a Small or Mid-Sized Publisher
Lower Advances: Unlike the Big 5, most indie publishers offer modest or no advances, meaning your earnings will primarily come from royalties.
Limited Distribution: Smaller presses may not have the reach to get your book into major retail chains like Barnes & Noble or Target, relying more on digital sales and independent bookstores.
Smaller Marketing Budgets: While indie publishers are dedicated to promoting their books, they typically lack the large-scale marketing resources of a major publishing house, meaning authors often need to take an active role in promotion.
Fewer Resources: Some indie publishers have smaller editorial teams, meaning your book might not go through as extensive a developmental process as it would with a Big 5 publisher.
Longer Production Timelines: With smaller teams and more limited budgets, production timelines can sometimes be longer than with traditional publishers.
Notable Small and Mid-Sized Indie Publishers for Romance
Below is a curated list of independent publishers that specialize in romance, ranging from contemporary and historical romance to LGBTQ+ love stories and subgenres like paranormal and fantasy romance.
1. Entangled Publishing
Established as a boutique romance publisher, Entangled Publishing offers a wide range of romance genres, including contemporary, historical, paranormal, and young adult. Their catalog features over 1,300 titles.
Genres: Contemporary, historical, paranormal, and young adult romance
Notable Imprints: Bliss (sweet romance), Amara (romantic suspense), Scorched (steamy romance)
Notable Authors: Rebecca Yarros, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Rachel Harris
Website: entangledpublishing.com
2. Carina Press
As the digital-first imprint of Harlequin, Carina Press focuses on a broad spectrum of romance subgenres, such as contemporary, paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy. They are known for publishing diverse stories featuring characters from various backgrounds and identities.
Genres: Contemporary, LGBTQ+, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy romance
Parent Company: Harlequin (but operates as an independent imprint)
Notable Authors: Adriana Herrera, Cole McCade, J.A. Rock
Website: harlequin.com
3. Bold Strokes Books
Headquartered in Cambridge, New York, Bold Strokes Books is a midsized independent publisher specializing in LGBTQ+ fiction, including romance. Their collection encompasses various genres, offering a platform for diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.
Genres: LGBTQ+ romance across multiple subgenres
Notable Authors: Radclyffe, Jae, Carsen Taite
Website: boldstrokesbooks.com
4. Bella Books
Based in Tallahassee, Florida, Bella Books is a prominent publisher of lesbian fiction, focusing on romance, mystery, and speculative fiction. With a catalog exceeding 300 titles, they have published works by authors such as Katherine V. Forrest and Karin Kallmaker.
Genres: Lesbian romance, mystery, speculative fiction
Notable Authors: Katherine V. Forrest, Karin Kallmaker
Website: bellabooks.com
5. Ylva Publishing
Ylva Publishing is dedicated to lesbian fiction and fiction about women-loving-women. While primarily focused on romance, they also publish historical fiction, crime, action, mystery, young adult, and erotica.
Genres: Lesbian and women-loving-women fiction
Notable Authors: Harper Bliss, Lee Winter
Website: ylvapublishing.com
6. Sourcebooks Casablanca
An imprint of Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca specializes in romance fiction. They are open to unagented submissions and seek strong writers with fresh perspectives within the genre.
Genres: Contemporary and historical romance
Notable Authors: Julie Ann Walker, Maria Vale
Website: sourcebooks.com
7. Tule Publishing
Tule Publishing seeks original, fresh romances and offers multiple romance imprints. They focus on providing engaging love stories across various subgenres.
Genres: Contemporary romance, western romance, women’s fiction
Website: tulepublishing.com
8. Soul Mate Publishing
Soul Mate Publishing considers many genres of romance, including clean and inspirational love stories. This small indie-run publishing house specializes in swoon-worthy sweet and clean YA and adult romances.
Genres: Sweet, clean, and inspirational romance
Website: soulmatepublishing.com
9. Kensington Publishing
Kensington is a large independent publisher with an electronic-only imprint, Lyrical Press, which publishes mainstream novels across various genres, including romance.
Genres: Various romance subgenres via its imprint, Lyrical Press
Notable Authors: Mary Jo Putney, Alyssa Cole
Website: kensingtonbooks.com
Conclusion
For many romance authors, publishing with a small or mid-sized indie press offers a fantastic alternative to traditional Big 5 publishing. While these publishers may not have the massive budgets or wide-reaching distribution networks of the larger houses, they make up for it with a passion for romance, author-focused relationships, and an opportunity to build a dedicated readership. Choosing an indie publisher can provide more creative control, a supportive publishing experience, and a direct connection to your audience.
If you’re considering working with an indie romance publisher, research their submission guidelines, author contracts, and the type of books they typically publish to ensure they align with your goals.
What do you think? Have you worked with an indie publisher, or are you considering it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more writing tips, publishing insights, and book recommendations!
