Crafting Literary Excellence Since 1985

Literary Press has been at the forefront of publishing exceptional literature for nearly four decades. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and are committed to bringing diverse voices and compelling narratives to readers worldwide.

500+
Books Published
50K+
Happy Readers
25+
Literary Awards
15+
Countries Reached

Our Story

Literary Press was founded in 1985 by Margaret Chen, a former librarian with a passion for discovering and nurturing exceptional literary talent. What started as a small independent publisher in a converted warehouse has grown into one of the most respected names in contemporary literature.

Our journey began with a simple belief: that great stories have the power to change lives, challenge perspectives, and connect people across cultures and generations. This philosophy continues to guide every decision we make, from the manuscripts we choose to publish to the way we support our authors throughout their careers.

Today, Literary Press is home to both emerging voices and established authors, spanning genres from literary fiction to groundbreaking non-fiction. We take pride in our collaborative approach, working closely with authors to ensure their vision reaches readers in its most powerful form.

Literary Press founding story

Our Values

These core principles guide everything we do at Literary Press, from manuscript selection to reader engagement.

Passion for Literature

We believe in the transformative power of great storytelling and are committed to publishing works that inspire, challenge, and illuminate the human experience.

Editorial Excellence

Our rigorous editorial process ensures that every book we publish meets the highest standards of literary quality and craftsmanship.

Author Partnership

We work closely with our authors as true partners, supporting their creative vision while helping them reach their full potential.

Innovation & Tradition

We honor the rich traditions of publishing while embracing new technologies and approaches to connect stories with readers.

Meet Our Team

The passionate professionals behind Literary Press, dedicated to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide.

Margaret Chen

Margaret Chen

Founder & CEO

Margaret founded Literary Press with a vision to discover and nurture exceptional literary talent. With over 35 years in publishing, she continues to guide the company's editorial direction.

Literary Fiction
Editorial Strategy
Author Development
David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez

Editorial Director

David oversees our editorial team and acquisition process. His keen eye for emerging talent has helped launch the careers of numerous award-winning authors.

Manuscript Acquisition
Editorial Management
Genre Fiction
Sarah Kim

Sarah Kim

Marketing Director

Sarah leads our marketing and publicity efforts, connecting our books with readers through innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships.

Digital Marketing
Publicity
Reader Engagement
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Production Manager

Michael ensures our books meet the highest production standards, overseeing everything from design to printing and distribution.

Book Design
Production
Quality Control

Our Journey

Key milestones in Literary Press's evolution from a small independent publisher to a respected voice in contemporary literature.

Literary Press Founded

Founding
1985

Margaret Chen establishes Literary Press in a converted warehouse, publishing our first three titles.

First Major Award

Recognition
1992

Our author wins the National Book Award, establishing Literary Press as a serious literary publisher.

International Expansion

Growth
1998

We begin distributing internationally, bringing our authors to readers in Europe and Asia.

Digital Innovation

Technology
2005

Launch of our digital publishing program and online reader community platform.

Diversity Initiative

Impact
2012

Launch of our diversity and inclusion program to amplify underrepresented voices in literature.

Pandemic Adaptation

Resilience
2020

Successfully transition to virtual events and expand our digital offerings during global challenges.

500th Publication

Milestone
2024

Celebrate publishing our 500th book while maintaining our commitment to literary excellence.

Awards & Recognition

We're honored to be recognized for our commitment to literary excellence and our contributions to the publishing industry.

Publisher Awards
Independent Publisher of the Year 2023
Excellence in Literary Publishing 2022
Small Press Publisher Award 2021
Innovation in Publishing 2020
Author Awards
25+ National Book Award Winners
15+ Pulitzer Prize Nominees
40+ Literary Prize Recipients
100+ Bestselling Authors
Industry Recognition
Top 50 Independent Publishers
Best Workplace in Publishing
Diversity & Inclusion Leader
Environmental Responsibility Award