The story behind
your story.
We are a full-service book publishing and ghostwriting agency built on one belief: every person carries a story worth telling. Our job is to make sure the world reads it.
"We believe publishing a book should feel like a privilege, not an obstacle — and we've spent fifteen years making that true."
Born from a gap
no one was filling.
In 2010, our founder James Hartwell was a literary editor at a prestigious Manhattan publishing house. He watched manuscript after brilliant manuscript get rejected — not for lack of quality, but for lack of marketability. Traditional publishing had become a lottery.
He left to build something different. A company that combined editorial rigor with modern self-publishing infrastructure — where authors kept their rights, their voice, and their royalties. A place where the story, not the platform, came first.
Fifteen years and 2,500 published authors later, that vision hasn't changed. What has changed is our scale, our team, and our ability to take any author — first-time or seasoned — from a blank page to a book that earns its place on readers' shelves, with the editorial care of a traditional house.
Fifteen years of
publishing milestones.
Founded in Manhattan
James Hartwell opens National Book Publishing with a team of three editors, one designer, and a belief that every story deserves to be read. First author: a retired Navy commander publishing his memoir.
First Amazon Bestseller
Client Diana Reeves hits #1 in Business & Entrepreneurship on Amazon. Her ghostwritten book, The Reluctant CEO, is still in print. NBP's reputation for ghostwriting reaches new heights.
500th Author Published
A milestone. The team expands to 20 writers, editors, and designers. NBP launches its full-service book marketing division — the first of its kind for an independent publishing house.
Audiobook Division Launched
Partnering with professional voice artists and a state-of-the-art recording studio in Brooklyn, NBP brings its first audiobook titles to Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Top-Rated Publishing Agency
National Book Publishing earns a top-rated standing across independent review platforms — 1,000+ verified five-star reviews from authors across 38 states, with a 4.9/5 aggregate rating.
2,000 Authors Milestone
The NBP family crosses 2,000 published authors. The team — now 40 strong across writing, editing, design, and marketing — doubles down on its commitment to editorial excellence.
Today — Still Growing
With 2,500+ published authors, 500+ category rankings achieved, and a reputation built one manuscript at a time, National Book Publishing continues its mission — turning first-time authors into published, celebrated writers.
Six values that guide
every manuscript.
Editorial Excellence
We hold every manuscript to the standard of traditional publishing. No shortcuts, no templates — only craft.
Author Confidentiality
Every project begins with a signed NDA. Your identity, your ideas, and your manuscript are completely private.
Your Rights, Always
You own 100% of your copyright and royalties. We are your partner, not your publisher in the traditional gatekeeping sense.
Dedicated Collaboration
Every author is assigned a dedicated project manager. One point of contact, zero confusion, complete transparency throughout.
On-Time Delivery
Deadlines are sacred. Our project management system tracks every milestone so your book arrives on schedule, without excuses.
Authentic Voice
We don't write books that sound like us. We write books that sound like you — capturing your voice, your rhythm, your story.
The people who will
publish your book.
Forty-five writers, editors, designers, and marketers — each one obsessed with craft, precision, and your story.
James Hartwell
Former Manhattan literary editor. Fifteen years building the bridge between authors and readers.
Sarah Alcott
20 years in developmental editing. Previously at Penguin Random House and HarperCollins.
Marcus Reed
Award-winning book cover designer. Over 800 covers created. Client books covered by major national media outlets.
Clara Wen
Former Amazon KDP specialist. Manages every distribution relationship from Kindle to IngramSpark.
Plus 40+ writers, editors, designers, marketers, and publishing specialists.
Work With Our TeamWhere Our Authors' Work Gets Published
Media coverage earned independently by our authors. National Book Publishing is not affiliated with or endorsed by these publications.
Common questions
answered honestly.
How long has National Book Publishing been in business?
We were founded in 2010 and have since helped 2,500+ authors bring their books to market. Our team of ghostwriters, editors, designers, and publishing strategists has grown steadily — and our client retention rate reflects the trust authors place in us.
Do you only work with first-time authors?
Not at all. Our clients range from first-time authors with a single book idea to seasoned writers who have published multiple titles and want a more professional production partner. We tailor our process to your experience level and goals.
Where is National Book Publishing based?
We are headquartered in New York, NY, USA, with a remote team of specialists across the country. Most client collaboration happens virtually — via Zoom, phone, and shared documents — so we work with authors anywhere in the United States.
How do I know my project is in good hands?
Every project is overseen by a dedicated publishing strategist who coordinates your team and keeps you informed at every milestone. We also back our work with a satisfaction guarantee on every phase: if a deliverable doesn't meet expectations, we revise at no additional charge.
Start your publishing journey.
We'd love to hear about your book. Fill out the form and a publishing consultant will reach out within 24 hours.
- Response within 24 hours
- No commitment or obligation
- 100% confidential — NDA available
Your story deserves
to be told.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our publishing strategists. No pressure, no pitch — just an honest conversation about your book.
Or call us directly: +1 (347) 352-5675
