Franklin Publishers traces its roots back to 1963, when Joseph Franklin opened a modest printing press on the outskirts of Brooklyn. Raised in a family of pressmen, Joseph grew up among ink, paper, and the quiet discipline of craftsmanship. He believed deeply that well-made books were not just objects, but instruments of change capable of shaping minds and preserving truth. From the outset, the Franklin name became associated with freedom of thought, independence, and a reverence for the written word. These founding principles were not slogans, but daily practices, and they continue to inform every decision we make today.
1960s–1980s – Serving the Dreamers
Operating under its original name, Franklin Press & Bindery provided affordable, high-quality printing to independent authors, academics, educators, and community organizers. At a time when mainstream publishing remained tightly controlled, the press quietly enabled voices that might otherwise have been excluded. Its catalog included self-published pamphlets, civil-rights essays, local poetry collections, grassroots newsletters, and academic monographs. Joseph Franklin’s insistence on precision typesetting, durable materials, and thoughtful presentation gave these works permanence. Though often uncredited, Franklin Press became a steady force behind some of the most socially resonant and politically courageous writing of the late twentieth century. Open Library
1990s – A Shift Toward Publishing
When Joseph’s daughter, Marianne Franklin, assumed leadership, the company began a deliberate evolution. Moving beyond printing alone, she started acquiring manuscripts from first-time authors and writers whose perspectives were rarely prioritized. Franklin became a boutique publisher, intentionally small in scale but ambitious in purpose. The focus turned toward memoirs, historical fiction, and educational works that bridged scholarship and lived experience. Each title received close editorial collaboration and thoughtful release strategies. Notable publications from this period include From the Factory Floor to the Frontlines (1993), a defining oral history of New Jersey labour rights, and Children of Dust and Salt (1997), a debut novel praised for its lyrical exploration of post-war migration and identity.
2000s–2010s – Dormancy and Reflection
Following Marianne’s retirement, the press entered a quieter chapter. As digital platforms transformed publishing, Franklin reduced new acquisitions and shifted into a period of reflection. Though largely dormant, its existing catalogue continued to circulate. Titles resurfaced in academic citations, community libraries, and archival collections, quietly sustaining the Franklin name. This era became one of preservation rather than production, allowing the press’s legacy to mature while the industry itself recalibrated.
2020s – Revival and Renewal
In 2023, a new generation of literary advocates revitalized Franklin Publishers, now headquartered in Dallas. Guided by the same belief that stories matter when they are told with care, the press returned to selective publishing, rigorous editing, and intentional design. Today, Franklin serves authors worldwide and maintains relationships with more than 2,200 retail and library partners. While modern distribution and marketing tools support our reach, our core mission remains unchanged. We exist to elevate voices that deserve to be heard and to produce books that endure beyond trends
Franklin Publishers is an independent, traditional publisher dedicated to curating books that deepen understanding and spark meaningful conversation. We believe stories connect people across cultures, generations, and lived experience. Our mission is to identify writers with distinctive voices and to support their work with care, integrity, and respect from manuscript to reader.
Literary Integrity
Every manuscript we accept is treated as a serious craft. We prioritize clarity of voice, originality of thought, and emotional or intellectual depth. Our editorial process is thorough and collaborative, ensuring each book meets high literary and production standards while remaining true to the author’s intent.
Curatorial Responsibility
Franklin publishes a limited number of titles each year by design. This selectivity allows us to devote full attention to every project and to each author’s long-term success. Every book we release reflects our confidence in its purpose and relevance.
Inclusive Voices
From our earliest days, Franklin has sought stories that expand the literary landscape. We continue to champion underrepresented perspectives and to publish authors from diverse cultural, social, and professional backgrounds. Inclusion is not an initiative, but a foundation.
Behind every Franklin title stands a unified team of editors, designers, publicists, and
literary agents working in close alignment with the author’s vision.
Our senior literary agents, Luca Romero, Andy Cruz, Edward Black, Eddy Gill, Robert Riddle, Levi Taito, Robby Reyez, Michelle Estor and Nathan Sanchez, bring seasoned industry expertise and strategic insight to every project.
Nicole Helin and Bianca Rossi lead new authors through onboarding and early development with clarity and care, ensuring each manuscript begins its journey on solid ground. Our editorial department is directed by Richard Court, whose leadership, alongside experienced project managers and design professionals, upholds the highest standards of craft and presentation.
Together, our team represents decades of publishing experience and a shared commitment to producing books of lasting significance.
Sr. Literary Agent
Sr. Literary Agent
Sr. Literary Agent
Sr. Literary Agent
Sr. Literary Agent
Onboarding Officer
Onboarding Officer
Project Manager
Chief Editor
Media Consultant
Design Head
Lead Designer
Franklin Publishers welcomes submissions of completed manuscripts from agents and, on occasion, directly from authors. Each submission is reviewed thoughtfully and with respect for the work involved. We aim to respond clearly and professionally. Detailed submission guidelines are available on our Submissions page, and inquiries may also be directed to a member of our editorial team.
We invite readers, booksellers, librarians, and literary partners to engage with our catalogue, attend events, and connect with our authors. Franklin Publishers is committed to cultivating a literary community that honors its history while actively shaping the future of independent publishing.
