The Story
Behind the Name
Discover our rich history, from humble beginnings to a digital publishing leader. Learn about our commitment to authors, our team, and the values that drive us.
An Ode to Franklin Beaumont
Est. 1963
The Storied Legacy of Franklin Publishers
Long before Franklin Publishers became the forward-thinking literary powerhouse it is today, it began as a humble printing press on the outskirts of Brooklyn, New York, in the year 1963—a time when the world was on the cusp of cultural transformation and the printed word still reigned supreme. Founded by Joseph Franklin, a second-generation pressman with ink-stained hands and fire in his soul, the company was born from a singular conviction: that stories, well told and well presented, could reshape the world.
1960s–1980s
The Printing Press That Served the Dreamers
In its earliest days, Franklin Press & Bindery, as it was originally known, served independent authors, academic institutions, and civil rights organizations, providing affordable and high-quality print services during a period when access to publishing was tightly gated. Franklin Press became a silent engine behind hundreds of self-published pamphlets, activist publications, local anthologies, and scholarly manuscripts. With deep respect for the craft, Joseph Franklin insisted on meticulous typesetting, hand-stitched bindings, and a level of editorial care rare for a printer. While the company was not a “publisher” in the modern sense, its fingerprints were on some of the most poignant and politically charged works of the late 20th century—especially during the civil rights movement, Vietnam-era protest literature, and early feminist writings. Copies of some of these early prints still sit archived in libraries across the country today, many of which are now digitized on sites like OpenLibrary.
1990s
The Quiet Shift Toward Publishing
By the 1990s, under the leadership of Joseph’s daughter, Marianne Franklin, the company made a slow but deliberate pivot. Seeing the market shift and noticing how many voices still remained unheard in traditional publishing, Franklin Publishers began selectively acquiring manuscripts—especially those from underrepresented voices, regional authors, and first-time writers with a story to tell but no path to market. This period marked the birth of Franklin as a “boutique traditional publisher”, operating with the soul of a literary artisan and the practicality of a small press. Franklin’s team kept its roster small and focused on a handful of deeply personal projects, including memoirs, historical fiction, and educational texts, many of which gained quiet cult status in their communities. While the company published only a few titles per year, each book was treated as a labor of love, shaped with care and launched with intention.
Notable releases during this era included:
- From the Factory Floor to the Frontlines (1993) – an oral history of labor rights in New Jersey.
- Children of Dust and Salt (1997) – a debut novel that earned praise in local literary circles for its poetic portrayal of post-war immigration.
2000s–2010s
Dormancy and Reimagining
After Marianne’s retirement in the early 2000s, Franklin Publishers entered a semi-dormant phase, continuing to operate but without active acquisitions. The industry had changed rapidly—digitization, the rise of Amazon, and the self-publishing boom—leaving many mid-tier traditional publishers struggling to find footing. But Franklin’s legacy endured. Its name, already on the spine of hundreds of rare or local titles, remained respected in small press circles and literary archives. Franklin was never forgotten—only waiting.
2020s
A Revival and Renaissance
In 2023, Franklin Publishers experienced a bold revival, reimagined for the 21st century while rooted firmly in its rich past. With a new headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and under the stewardship of a new generation of literary advocates and publishing professionals, Franklin Publishers has once again become a trusted name—this time as a traditional publisher that combines the rigor of traditional editing and design with the agility of modern marketing and distribution.
Now, Franklin Publishers works with authors across the globe, guiding them from manuscript to masterpiece. With over 2,200 retail and library partnerships, a growing team of literary agents, editors, designers, and publicists, and a renewed focus on voice-driven storytelling, the company continues to honor its founding mission: to uplift those stories that might otherwise never be heard.
Franklin’s legacy now spans:
- Six decades of service to authors and communities.
- Hundreds of published and printed titles, some of which are still archived and referenced today.
- A bridge between the analog era of literature and the digital renaissance of independent publishing.
A Name That Endures
The name “Franklin” evokes the same ideals today that it did in 1963: freedom of thought, independent spirit, and an unwavering respect for the power of the written word. What started as a printing press now lives on as a beacon for authors looking not just to publish, but to make history.
Our Compass
Values that Guide Our Journey
AUTHOR-CENTRIC
APPROACH
COLLABORATIVE
SPIRIT
PASSION FOR
QUALITY
EMPOWERING
GROWTH
Genres We Excel In:
poetry
Fiction
Collaboration
Non-Fiction
Expertise
The Storytellers Behind the Scenes
Meet Our Team
Edward Black
Sr. Literary Agent
EDDY GILL
Sr. Literary Agent
Robert Riddle
Sr. Literary Agent
Levi Taito
Sr. Literary Agent
Nathan Sanchez
Sr. Literary Agent
Lizzy Tabone
Onboarding Officer
ELENA SANCHEZ
Onboarding Officer
SOPHIE BROWN
Project Manager
Richard Court
Chief Editor
Robby Reyez
Media Consultant
MARK NELSON
Design Head
Tyler Roberts
Lead Designer
Don't just take our word for it.
Request a Free
Manuscript Review
Get a Free Manuscript Review from a dedicated literary expert for a personalized review of your manuscript and publishing advice to boost book sales.
FAQ's
No. The review is a complimentary assessment designed to help us evaluate your manuscript’s readiness for publication. It’s entirely non- binding and intended to guide the next steps—whether that means development, revision, or moving forward toward publication.
Following the review, your manuscript will fall into one of two categories:
Selected for Publication – manuscripts that meet our editorial standards and advance directly into the publishing process. In either case, a Franklin literary agent will discuss your results and outline the best path forward.
Short-listed for Further Development – promising work that may need refinement before publication.
Franklin operates as a modern traditional publisher, blending the craftsmanship of legacy publishing with today’s creative agility. We guide authors through every step of the process with professional editorial, design, and marketing teams.
Timelines vary depending on manuscript readiness, genre, and scope of work. Once a manuscript is accepted and prepared for publication, production and release typically occur within a managed timeframe set by your literary agent.
Each author is paired with a dedicated literary agent and publishing coordinator who oversee editing, design, and production. Our goal is to keep communication clear and the process transparent from manuscript to market.
Yes. Franklin’s in-house marketing and publicity teams promote titles through retail and library partnerships, media features, digital campaigns, and author events. Your agent will guide you through available marketing opportunities based on your book’s genre and audience.
Franklin supports multilingual publishing and global distribution. Translation and regional editions can be explored with your literary agent during the production phase.
Absolutely. Our author relations and marketing teams provide continued visibility through media outreach, seasonal catalogs, and event participation opportunities. We remain committed to our authors long after publication.
You can submit directly through our online submission portal. All completed manuscripts are eligible for review. Once received, our editorial team will evaluate your work and your assigned literary agent will contact you regarding next steps.
Take the leap.
