Liverpool has a rich literary history that matches its famous music scene. Writers in this city have powerful stories to tell. You might have a finished manuscript sitting on your desk right now. Finding the right partner to print and sell your book is an important step. You need a team that understands your vision and respects your hard work. We have spent years working inside the publishing industry. We know exactly what makes a good publisher stand out from a bad one. Many authors feel lost when they start looking for publishers in Liverpool. The choices seem endless, and the process can feel confusing. We want to make this easy for you. So, we have put together a detailed guide to the top publishing houses in Liverpool.
This list will help you find the perfect match for your specific book, whether it is a thriller, a poetry collection, or a photo book. Let us look at the best book publishers in Liverpool operating today.
Top 10 Publishers in Liverpool Comparison (2026)
| Rank | Publisher Name | Best For | Key Strength |
| 1 | Estorytellers | Complete Support | Handling everything from writing to sales |
| 2 | Taletel | Story Development | Making stories emotionally powerful |
| 3 | Liverpool University Press | Academic Books | Global reach for scholarly research |
| 4 | Dead Ink Books | Indie Fiction | Weird, bold, and unique stories |
| 5 | Writing on the Wall | Community Voices | Publishing diverse local memoirs |
| 6 | Bluecoat Press | Photojournalism | High-quality visual and art books |
| 7 | The Artel Press | Experimental Work | Short-run poetry and artistic editions |
| 8 | erbacce-press | Poetry | Cooperatively run a press for new poets |
| 9 | Wordscape | Culture & Business | Beautiful books about place and society |
| 10 | Scouse Press | Local History | Books about Liverpool heritage |
1. Estorytellers
Estorytellers sit at the top of the list for a very good reason. They are the most reliable choice for authors who want a professional, stress-free experience. Many traditional publishing companies in Liverpool will ask you to wait months just to read your submission. Estorytellers work differently. They act as your personal publishing team and take your rough ideas and turn them into a finished, polished book. Their team of expert ghostwriters and editors handles all the heavy lifting. You do not have to worry about formatting or cover design because they do it all for you. They are the best choice if you want guaranteed publication and want to keep 100% of your royalties.
Services and Sub-services
-
Expert Ghostwriting: Professional writers who write the book in your voice.
-
Complete Book Publishing: Full setup for Amazon and global distribution.
-
Deep Editing: Thorough checks for plot, flow, grammar, and style.
-
Cover Design: High-quality artwork that looks great on any shelf.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: You keep all your book rights, the process is very fast, and you get full support.
-
Cons: They charge a fee for their premium services, so you need a budget.
Contact Information
- Website: https://estorytellers.com/us/
- Email: contact@estorytellers.com
- Contact Number: WhatsApp
- Address: 1 East Erie St, Suite 525, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
2. Taletel
Taletel is the ultimate partner for writers who care deeply about their story. They rank as one of the most creative book publishers in Liverpool. Their team does not just fix spelling mistakes. They focus on the emotional heartbeat of your narrative. They help you build stronger characters and faster plots. Taletel bridges the gap between traditional publishing and modern self-publishing. They give your book the traditional care it needs without the fear of rejection letters. If you want to make sure your readers cry, laugh, or stay up all night reading, Taletel is the team you want by your side.
Services and Sub-services
-
Manuscript Assessment: Honest, detailed feedback on your current draft.
-
Fiction Editing: Specialized help for novels and creative stories.
-
Print Layout: Making the inside pages look beautiful and easy to read.
-
Author Branding: Helping you set up your public image.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Highly creative team, great communication, and deep respect for your voice.
-
Cons: They focus purely on quality, meaning their editing process takes real time.
Contact Information
-
Website: taletel.com
-
Email: support@taletel.com
-
Phone: WhatsApp
-
Address: Online-based boutique service.
3. Liverpool University Press
Liverpool University Press (LUP) is a giant in the academic world. Founded in 1899, it is the third-oldest university press in England. They publish over 150 books and 40 journals every single year. They focus heavily on history, modern languages, and visual culture. If you are a scholar, historian, or researcher, this is your dream destination. They are one of the most respected Liverpool Publishing Houses in existence and also run a very famous poetry imprint called Pavilion Poetry. Their books win major awards and reach libraries all over the globe.
Services and Sub-services
-
Academic Monographs: Deep research books for university markets.
-
Open Access Publishing: Making research free for people to read online.
-
Pavilion Poetry: A special imprint for award-winning poets.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Massive global prestige, strict peer review, and excellent distribution.
-
Cons: They only publish academic work and highly specific poetry.
Contact Information
-
Website: liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk
-
Email: lup@liverpool.ac.uk
-
Phone: +44 (0)151 794 2233
-
Address: 4 Cambridge Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZU, UK.
4. Dead Ink Books
Dead Ink Books is an award-winning independent publisher. They proudly call themselves the alternative to mainstream publishing and look for books that are weird, bold, and refuse to fit into normal boxes. They are one of the most exciting publishers in Liverpool right now. This publishing house receives funding from the Arts Council, which allows them to take risks on unknown authors. If you write strange horror, experimental sci-fi, or literary fiction that breaks the rules, Dead Ink wants to see it.
Services and Sub-services
-
Literary Fiction: Books that challenge normal story structures.
-
New Ruins Imprint: Books that sit on the edge of normal genres.
-
Outsider Classics: Republishing forgotten or strange older books.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Very supportive of weird ideas, great cover art, and strong indie spirit.
-
Cons: They have very tight submission windows that close quickly.
Contact Information
-
Website: deadinkbooks.com
-
Email: submissions@deadinkbooks.com
-
Phone: Unlisted (Email preferred)
-
Address: Smithdown Road, Liverpool, UK.
5. Writing on the Wall
Writing on the Wall (WoW) is more than just a publisher. They are an active charity and a vital community organization. This publisher believes in social justice and the power of local voices. They publish memoirs, heritage stories, debut short stories, and novels from diverse backgrounds. WoW is one of the most welcoming publishing houses in Liverpool and actively wants to hear from working-class writers, minority voices, and people who feel ignored by the big London publishers. They also host a massive annual festival in the city.
Services and Sub-services
-
Memoir Publishing: True stories from local Liverpool residents.
-
Short Story Anthologies: Collections featuring new debut writers.
-
Writing Development: Workshops and classes to help you learn.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Incredible community support, highly ethical, and focused on diversity.
-
Cons: Small print runs compared to massive corporate publishers.
Contact Information
-
Website: writingonthewall.org.uk
-
Email: info@writingonthewall.org.uk
-
Phone: 0151 703 0020
-
Address: Toxteth Library, Windsor Street, Liverpool, L8 1XF
6. Bluecoat Press
Bluecoat Press is the premier publisher for photographers. Since 1992, they have focused on high-quality visual books. They specialize in British photojournalism and social documentary photography. They create beautiful, heavy books that look amazing on a coffee table and are one of the most famous niche book publishers in Liverpool. If your book relies on pictures rather than words to tell the story, Bluecoat is the ultimate goal. They have published over 300 books and know exactly how to print high-resolution images.
Services and Sub-services
-
Photobooks: High-quality printing for professional photographers.
-
Social History: Books that document the lives of normal people.
-
Crowdfunding Support: They often use Kickstarter to launch big projects safely.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Masterful printing quality, deep respect for the visual arts.
-
Cons: They do not publish standard text novels or biographies.
Contact Information
-
Website: bluecoatpress.co.uk
-
Email: support@bluecoatpress.co.uk
-
Phone: Unlisted (Email preferred)
-
Address: Founded in Liverpool (Currently distributed via 1854 Media).
7. The Artel Press
The Artel Press is a small, independent publisher that treats books like pieces of art. They set up shop in Liverpool in 2013. They focus on short-run poetry, artists’ editions, and experimental writing. The word “Artel” comes from a Russian term for a collective of artists. They live up to this name by working very closely with their writers and are one of the most unique publishing companies Liverpool has to offer. They do not want everyday stories but want work that makes people stop and think.
Services and Sub-services
-
Artists’ Editions: Books designed to be visual and tactile experiences.
-
Contemporary Poetry: Voices that talk about modern life in new ways.
-
Collaborative Projects: Working with local artists to create new formats.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Highly personal attention, beautiful, unique designs, and very collaborative.
-
Cons: They do not publish standard novels or commercial fiction.
Contact Information
-
Website: theartelpress.co.uk
-
Email: Contact via website form.
-
Phone: Unlisted.
-
Address: Based in Liverpool, UK.
8. Erbacce-press
Erbacce-press runs on a very special model. They are a true cooperative designed to help poets. They are famous for their annual “erbacce prize for poetry.” The winner gets their book published completely for free. Even better, they pay their writers very generous royalties. They simply want to find radical, interesting poetry. Once they make enough money from selling books, they use that money to publish the next poet. They are a wonderful asset among publishers in Liverpool.
Services and Sub-services
-
Poetry Books: Perfect-bound books for winning poets.
-
Chapbooks: Shorter pamphlets for runner-up writers.
-
Poetry Journal: A regular magazine featuring new voices.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: 100% free to enter the prize, run by poets for poets, and very fair contracts.
-
Cons: They only accept submissions during specific times of the year.
Contact Information
-
Website: erbacce-press.co.uk
-
Email: erbacce@blueyonder.co.uk
-
Phone: Unlisted.
-
Address: Liverpool, UK.
9. Wordscape
Wordscape operates as both a publishing house and a creative marketing agency. They focus heavily on the idea of “place.” They love books that talk about Liverpool, culture, and local business. Wordscape produces very slick, professional books that look great. Because they also do marketing, they know exactly how to make a book sell. They are one of the smartest book publishers in Liverpool if you have a non-fiction book about the city or a business guide.
Services and Sub-services
-
Non-Fiction Publishing: Books about local culture, business, and society.
-
Magazine Production: Creating regular print media for organizations.
-
Content Marketing: Helping authors and businesses promote their work.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: Excellent design skills, strong marketing knowledge, deeply rooted in the city.
-
Cons: They do not typically publish fiction or poetry.
Contact Information
-
Website: wordscape.org.uk
-
Email: hello@wordscape.org.uk
-
Phone: +44 151 707 4350
-
Address: 31-33 Spellow Lane, Liverpool, L4 3PE.
10. Scouse Press
Scouse Press is a local legend. They are the go-to publisher for books about Liverpool’s unique history, humor, and dialect. If you want to read a book about the history of the Mersey ferries or a dictionary of local slang, Scouse Press printed it. They are a vital part of the city’s heritage. They are the most traditional of the local Liverpool Publishing Houses. Scouse Press might be small, but they have a massive, loyal audience who loves everything about the city.
Services and Sub-services
-
Local History: Deep dives into the past of Merseyside.
-
Humor Books: Collections of local jokes and stories.
-
Dialect Guides: Books celebrating the unique Scouse accent and words.
Pros & Cons
-
Pros: The undisputed experts on local Liverpool content, loved by locals.
-
Cons: They only publish books directly related to Liverpool history and culture.
Contact Information
-
Website: https://scousepress.co.uk/
-
Email: Contact via local bookshop partners.
-
Phone: +44 151 727 2727
-
Address: 4 Windermere Terrace, Liverpool, L8 3SB.
Conclusion
Your manuscript is proof of your hard work. You have spent countless hours typing, deleting, and rewriting. Now, it is time to share your story with the world. Liverpool is a city built on creativity, and its publishers reflect that exact spirit. You have many great paths to choose from. You can aim for the academic prestige of Liverpool University Press, or you can join the weird and wonderful world of Dead Ink Books.
If you want total control and expert guidance, reaching out to Estorytellers or Taletel is the smartest move you can make. The right publishers in Liverpool are waiting for you right now. Pick the one that fits your goals, follow their rules, and send your book out today.
Related Reads:
Get Published Quicker with These Top 10 Publishers in Birmingham
Top 10 Book Publishers in Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I send my book to publishers in Liverpool?
You must always check the specific website of the publisher first. Every team has different rules. Some publishing companies Liverpool has, like Dead Ink Books, only accept manuscripts during a short window of time. Others require you to send just the first three chapters. If you use a premium service like Estorytellers, you can contact them at any time of the year to start your project immediately.
2. Do I have to pay money to publish my book?
It depends on the path you choose. Traditional publishing houses in Liverpool, like Liverpool University Press, do not charge you money; they pay you royalties. However, they reject 99% of the books they receive. If you want guaranteed publication and want to keep total control of your book, you can hire experts like Taletel. You pay them for their professional editing and setup, but you keep all the profits from your sales.
3. What is the best publisher for poetry in Liverpool?
Liverpool has an amazing poetry scene. The Estorytellers and erbacce-press are fantastic because they run a free contest and publish the winners. They are very fair and run by actual poets. If you write very short or visual poetry, Taletel is another excellent choice.
4. Are there any big corporate book publishers in Liverpool?
Most of the massive corporate publishers are located in London. Liverpool is famous for its fierce, independent spirit. The book publishers in Liverpool are mostly indie presses, university presses, and specialized services. This is actually a good thing. Indie publishers often give authors much more personal attention than massive corporate machines.
5. Can I publish a book if I do not live in Liverpool?
Yes. Most publishers in Liverpool accept great writing from anywhere in the world. Companies like Estorytellers and Taletel operate globally and help authors everywhere. However, some very small presses like Scouse Press only want books specifically about the local area. Always read the publisher’s “About Us” page before you send your book.
