Independent publishing company
Chicago Review Press
Children's, Diverse and BIPOC voices, History
Published Updated Reviewed every month · next review November 2026
About Chicago Review Press
Chicago Review Press is open to nonfiction proposals by email at frontdesk@chicagoreviewpress.com, with no agent needed. Send a summary, synopsis, bio, outline and a few sample chapters, ideally the first three. Simultaneous submissions are fine. It no longer accepts fiction and says it never asks authors for payment.
Chicago Review Press is an independent Chicago publisher founded in 1973. It publishes general nonfiction on music, film and pop culture, history, feminism, LGBTQ+ interest, true crime, African American history and the Black experience and parenting, along with children’s nonfiction and activity books. Its imprints include Lawrence Hill Books and Parenting Press.
The press reads nonfiction proposals by email: a one-sentence summary, a short synopsis, word count and completion date, an author bio and previous sales, a chapter outline, a few sample chapters, the audience, competing titles and notes on photos or art. Activity books add sample activities. It accepts simultaneous submissions and says it will never ask for payment.
What Chicago Review Press is looking for
- Music, film and pop culture
- History, feminism and true crime
- African American history and LGBTQ+ interest
- Parenting and children's activity books
Publishes
- Children's
- Diverse and BIPOC voices
- History
- Independent
- LGBTQ+
- Middle grade
- Nonfiction
- Young adult
Readers
- Adult
- Middle grade
- Young adult
How to submit to Chicago Review Press
From its own guidelines- Write a one-sentence summary and a one or two paragraph synopsis.
- Add word count, completion date, bio, previous sales, chapter outline, audience, competing titles and art notes.
- Include a few sample chapters, preferably the first three; activity books add sample activities.
- Email it to frontdesk@chicagoreviewpress.com.
Is Chicago Review Press right for your book?
A good fit if
Nonfiction writers with a clear audience and a strong platform in their subject.
Look elsewhere if
Fiction writers, since the press no longer accepts fiction.
Books published by Chicago Review Press
Well-known titles- The Home Invaders: Confessions of a Cat BurglarFrank Hohimer
- Prairie State BluesBill Bergeron
Chicago Review Press imprints
Which take submissions| Imprint | Direct submissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Review Press | Yes | General nonfiction proposals. |
| Chicago Review Press Children's | Yes | Children's nonfiction and activity books. |
| Lawrence Hill Books | Yes | African American history and the Black experience. |
| Parenting Press | Yes | Parenting. |
Questions about Chicago Review Press
Does Chicago Review Press accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, for nonfiction. Chicago Review Press reads proposals emailed to frontdesk@chicagoreviewpress.com, with no agent needed. Include a summary, synopsis, bio, outline and a few sample chapters. Simultaneous submissions are fine. It no longer accepts fiction. Read the steps on this profile before you send anything.
What does Chicago Review Press publish?
It publishes general nonfiction on music, film and pop culture, history, feminism, LGBTQ+ interest, true crime, African American history and parenting, plus children's nonfiction and activity books. Its imprints include Lawrence Hill Books and Parenting Press. Check the publisher's own page for any change before you submit.
Does Chicago Review Press charge authors?
No. Chicago Review Press says it will never ask authors for payment. It is a traditional independent publisher based in Chicago since 1973. Anyone asking you to pay to publish with the press is not acting for it. Send exactly what the guidelines ask for, and keep a note of the date.
Listing history
- Checked on the publisher's own site
