How to Find the Publisher of a Book: Your Comprehensive Guide to Uncovering Publishing Details in the USA

If you’re wondering how to find the publisher of a book, you’re not alone. Whether you’re an aspiring author looking to study publishing trends or a curious reader wanting to know who published your favorite novel, this guide is for you. In the USA, there are several ways to uncover a book’s publisher, and it’s easier than you might think. From checking the copyright page to exploring online databases, we’ll break down every step. In this detailed guide, we also explore how you can find publisher details for books listed on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, BookBaby, IngramSpark, B&N Press, and more. The publisher’s information can tell you a lot about the book’s credibility, its production quality, and even where to submit your manuscript if you’re an author yourself.

Let’s dive into the full process of how to find the publisher of a book and equip you with the tools to do it yourself!

Understanding the Role of a Book Publisher

What Does a Publisher Do?

To understand how to find the publisher of a book, it’s important first to understand what a publisher actually does. A book publisher is responsible for the production, distribution, and promotion of a book. They often handle editing, design, marketing, and even pricing. Publishers can be massive corporations like Penguin Random House or smaller independent presses like Chronicle Books or indie services such as Blurb or PublishDrive.

For self-published authors, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Draft2Digital act as both the printer and the publisher. In these cases, the platform’s name might appear as the publisher or sometimes just the author themselves if they chose not to list the publishing imprint separately.

Understanding this is vital because it determines how you’ll find the publishing information. With traditional publishing, the publisher is usually easy to locate. With self-publishing, it might require more digging.

Why Knowing the Publisher Matters for Authors and Readers

For authors, knowing who published a book helps benchmark quality, genre specialization, and marketing strategy. Let’s say you’re planning to publish a young adult novel—you might want to research which publishers are currently dominating that space. For readers, the publisher can act as a stamp of trust or quality. If a book is published by HarperCollins, it might carry more perceived credibility than one by an unknown vanity press.

Moreover, authors looking to pitch their manuscripts can analyze books similar to theirs, find the publishers behind them, and consider submitting to those same publishers. Knowing this information gives you leverage and context in the publishing world.

Where to Look First: The Book Itself

Check the Copyright Page

The first place to look when trying to find the publisher of a book is the copyright page—usually located just after the title page. This page typically includes:

• The publisher’s name
• Their address or location
• The book’s edition and printing year
• ISBN number

For example, in a traditionally published book by Simon & Schuster, the copyright page will likely state something like:
Published by Simon & Schuster, New York, NY.

In self-published books using services like Amazon KDP, the copyright page might state:
Published independently by [Author Name] or even Amazon Digital Services LLC.

Knowing how to interpret this page is crucial. If you see names like Blurb, AuthorHouse, or IngramSpark, you know it’s most likely self-published or distributed through a self-publishing aggregator.

Examine the Spine and Back Cover

If the copyright page is unclear, look at the spine and back cover. Publishers often include their logo or name there. While this is more common in physical books, even some eBooks retain these design elements in their digital cover files.

For instance:

• Penguin Books will show their penguin logo.
• Harlequin titles will often have the imprint on the spine and bottom back cover.
• Self-published titles from Amazon KDP may simply have the book title and author name without any publisher mark.

It’s not a foolproof method, but the design clues can guide you, especially in differentiating between major publishing houses and print-on-demand services.

Online Tools and Databases

Using ISBN to Trace the Publisher

One of the most powerful ways to find the publisher of a book is by using the ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Every published book gets an ISBN, and this number is tied directly to the publisher in the ISBN database.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Locate the ISBN (usually on the back cover or copyright page).
2. Visit websites like ISBN Search (isbnsearch.org) or the Bowker Books In Print database.
3. Enter the ISBN and get details including the publisher’s name.

This method is especially helpful when dealing with self-published works. If the author used their own ISBN, the publisher might be listed as their name. If they used a free ISBN from a platform like Amazon, the publisher might be Amazon Digital Services or similar.

WorldCat and Library of Congress Tools

Another helpful tool is WorldCat (worldcat.org), which is a global catalog of library collections. Just enter the book’s title, and it will show you metadata including the publisher, publication date, and location.

The Library of Congress Online Catalog (catalog.loc.gov) is also a great resource. Especially for books published in the USA, the LoC holds complete bibliographic records.

These databases provide authoritative, reliable information and are especially useful if the book you’re researching is older or has gone out of print.

Search with Google Books and Amazon

Don’t underestimate Google Books. Search the title and preview the pages—often, the metadata displayed includes the publisher’s name, year, and ISBN.

Similarly, Amazon listings for physical books often mention the publisher under the “Product Details” section. This is particularly useful for titles published via KDP, where the imprint might vary depending on how the author set it up.

Checking Publisher Information on Marketplaces

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

If you’re searching how to find the publisher of a book listed on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you’re in for a slightly different process than with traditionally published books. KDP is a self-publishing platform used by thousands of independent authors and small publishers, and the information is not always laid out the same way as with traditional titles.

Books published via KDP often list the author as the publisher, especially when the free KDP ISBN is used. Here’s how to dig up the details:

• Check the “Product Details” section on the Amazon listing. If the publisher field shows “Independently published,” the book was likely uploaded directly through KDP.
• Sometimes the author registers their own publishing imprint. If they used a custom ISBN purchased from Bowker, the listed publisher might appear as their own brand name or business name.
• When the book uses the KDP-assigned ISBN, you can enter it into Bowker’s ISBN database or ISBNsearch.org. It will usually return “Amazon Digital Services LLC” or a similar variation.

Authors, especially those looking to publish on KDP, should understand how ISBN ownership affects publisher attribution. Using your own ISBN allows you to brand yourself with a publishing imprint. Relying on Amazon’s free ISBN gives Amazon more visibility as the publisher, which may or may not be what you want from a branding standpoint.

BookBaby, B&N Press, and Others

Beyond Amazon KDP, other self-publishing marketplaces have slightly different ways of showing publisher information:

• BookBaby: Authors using BookBaby can list themselves as the publisher or choose to be published under BookBaby’s imprint. In either case, the ISBN data will reflect this.
• Barnes & Noble Press (B&N Press): Like KDP, authors can either use a free ISBN or their own. The publisher’s field may display “Independently published,” or the name associated with the ISBN.
• IngramSpark: Offers ISBNs but encourages authors to use their own. If IngramSpark provides the ISBN, it might list IngramSpark as the publisher. Books distributed through Ingram are often better integrated into major library and bookstore systems.
• Blurb: Typically used for photo books and art-heavy projects, Blurb allows publishers to appear under the author’s name or under Blurb’s imprint depending on the settings selected.
• PublishDrive, Draft2Digital, StreetLib, Kobo Writing Life: These platforms are more aggregators than publishers. The publisher info often remains with the author unless they assign it to the aggregator by ISBN ownership.

When searching for the publisher of a book on these platforms, use the same tactics: check the copyright page, use ISBN tools, and review the product listing on each vendor’s site. For authors aiming to build a recognizable publishing brand, using a personal or registered imprint is a smart move.

Contacting the Publisher Directly

How to Reach Out to a Publisher

Once you’ve found out how to find the publisher of a book, your next step may be contacting them—especially if you’re an author looking to pitch a manuscript or a reader seeking more info about a particular title.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Publisher’s Website: Most publishers have a “Contact Us” or “Submissions” page.
2. Find the Right Department: Look for editorial, rights, or media inquiries depending on your purpose.
3. Craft a Clear Message: Introduce yourself, state your purpose clearly (e.g., inquiry, submission, review request), and include relevant details like the book title and author.
4. Include Your Contact Info: Make it easy for them to respond by including your email, phone number, and a professional signature.

Note: Publishers receive a ton of emails, so keep your message short and to the point.

If you’re reaching out about publishing your own book, include a brief pitch and possibly a link to your manuscript or portfolio. For rights inquiries or academic permissions, be sure to reference the exact edition and provide the ISBN if possible.

What Information You Might Need

When contacting a publisher, having accurate information at hand will make the process smoother:

• Title of the Book
• Full Author Name
• ISBN Number
• Publishing Year
• Edition (if applicable)

You might also need to specify why you’re reaching out—whether it’s to ask about reprints, bulk purchases, translations, reviews, rights, or simply to give feedback.

Keep in mind that some books—especially older or self-published ones—might not have active contact points anymore. In that case, the author themselves might be the best point of contact.

Understanding Self-Publishing Imprints

What Is an Imprint and How Is It Different from a Publisher?

When trying to learn how to find the publisher of a book, you might come across terms like “publishing imprint.” An imprint is essentially a trade name under which a book is published. While it’s not the same as a full publishing company, an imprint serves as a brand or label associated with a group of titles.

For example, Penguin Random House operates several imprints such as Viking, Knopf, and Del Rey. Each imprint often targets a specific genre or demographic. Similarly, self-published authors can create their own imprint name and associate it with their ISBN, making the book appear more professional and credible.

This distinction becomes important when you’re checking the copyright page. A book might say “Published by Moonlight Publishing” — an imprint — while the actual business entity behind it could be the author themselves. Imprints give flexibility and marketability without requiring the legal setup of a full publishing house.

For self-publishers in the USA, it’s highly recommended to register your own imprint when purchasing ISBNs through Bowker. That way, you can control how your publisher name appears in book databases.

How to Identify Self-Published Books via Imprints

There are several clues that a book is self-published under an imprint:

• The publisher name is not easily searchable.
• ISBN lookup shows the registrant is an individual, not a company.
• The publisher’s website leads to an author’s personal website.
• The book is available only through specific marketplaces like Amazon.

While this isn’t a problem—it’s often a creative choice—it helps you distinguish between independently produced works and corporate publications.

Red Flags: Vanity Publishers and Misleading Labels

How Vanity Presses Can Confuse the Publisher Label

When researching how to find the publisher of a book, be wary of vanity publishers. These companies charge authors to publish their books but often list themselves as the official publisher, even though they offer little to no editorial or marketing support. They may mimic the look of traditional publishers but don’t offer the same credibility or services.

Common signs of a vanity press:

• The publisher name sounds prestigious but doesn’t have a known reputation.
• The book’s Amazon page shows unusually high prices.
• Customer reviews complain about formatting or editorial quality.
• The publisher offers “publishing packages” instead of selective submissions.

If you find a publisher and aren’t sure whether it’s legit, check sites like Writer Beware or Alliance of Independent Authors’ Watchdog Desk. These resources track questionable publishing companies and can save you from making costly mistakes.

Protecting Yourself as an Author

As a beginner author in the U.S., always do due diligence before signing a publishing contract. Ask for samples of other books they’ve published, check distribution networks, and verify their editorial process. A real publisher invests in your success without charging upfront.

And if you’re a reader who finds a book with low-quality production or editing, trace the publisher to see if it’s a known vanity press. It’s not always easy, but understanding these nuances makes you more informed.

How to Verify Publisher Credibility

Tips to Validate the Publisher’s Reputation

Once you’ve learned how to find the publisher of a book, the next logical step is checking if they’re trustworthy. Whether you’re trying to submit your manuscript or evaluate a book’s quality, verifying a publisher’s credibility is essential.

Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Search for the Publisher Online: Do they have a professional-looking website? Are they listed in directories like Poets & Writers or Publisher’s Marketplace?
2. Look for Author Testimonials: Check Reddit, Quora, or writing forums. What are other authors saying?
3. Examine Their Book List: Are their books well-reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads? Do they span multiple genres or specialize in one?
4. Distribution Channels: Are their titles available in major bookstores or just online marketplaces?
5. Contact and Transparency: Do they list clear contact information and submission guidelines?

Credible publishers are transparent, selective, and supportive. They won’t promise best-seller status, nor will they charge outrageous fees for publication.

Resources for Verifying Publishers

Here are some trusted tools and directories authors in the USA can use:

• Publisher’s Marketplace – Lists deals and active publishers.
• Writer Beware – Highlights predatory publishing practices.
• Preditors & Editors – An archived but useful database of reputable and disreputable publishers.
• Alliance of Independent Authors – Lists approved self-publishing services.

Don’t skip this step. Many aspiring authors fall prey to scams or unhelpful services that delay or damage their writing careers.

Conclusion: Mastering the Process of Finding a Book’s Publisher

Finding out how to find the publisher of a book doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re flipping through a physical copy or browsing online listings, there are clear markers—from the copyright page and ISBN to online databases and publishing platforms. Understanding this process is incredibly valuable for authors looking to get published, readers exploring their favorite titles, and professionals navigating the ever-evolving publishing world in the USA.

Knowing where a book came from—who made it, distributed it, and put their brand behind it—gives you insight into its production quality, market approach, and editorial standards. And if you’re an author looking to publish, the tools and tips in this guide will empower you to investigate and choose your publishing path wisely.

The more you explore publishing details, the more you’ll begin to see patterns. And soon, you won’t just be asking who published a book—you’ll be using that information to shape your writing career or reading choices.

FAQs

1. How do I find out who published a book I bought on Amazon?

Check the “Product Details” section of the listing. If it says “Independently published,” the book was likely self-published through Amazon KDP.

2. What if there is no publisher listed in the book?

Look up the ISBN on sites like ISBNsearch.org or Bowker. If the author used their own imprint, it may be listed there.

3. Can a self-published book have a publisher name?

Yes! Self-published authors can create their own imprint names and use their own ISBNs, giving the appearance of a formal publishing label.

4. Is it okay to contact the publisher of a book?

Absolutely. If you’re a reader with questions or an author looking to pitch a manuscript, publishers typically have contact info on their websites.

5. Are all books on Amazon published by Amazon?

No. Amazon sells books from many sources—traditional publishers, small presses, and self-published authors using KDP.