Ulysses Press

Ulysses Press has built its reputation as a forward-thinking independent publisher specializing in trend-driven, highly targeted nonfiction. Founded in Berkeley, California, and now based in Brooklyn, the press distinguishes itself by spotting cultural shifts early and creating books that speak directly to underserved or emerging audiences. Instead of chasing mass-market blockbusters, Ulysses thrives on publishing practical, lifestyle-oriented, and specialized nonfiction that might be overlooked by larger, mainstream publishers. This strategy has positioned the press as a go-to resource for readers seeking relevant, actionable, and timely content.

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A Forward-Thinking Publishing Philosophy

While many traditional publishers prioritize broad categories with mass appeal, Ulysses Press focuses on market-first publishing—a model rooted in identifying rising trends, social movements, or unmet reader needs. The press closely monitors shifts in consumer behavior and cultural interests, then develops books tailored to those niches. This approach has resulted in breakout successes across areas such as health and wellness, pop culture, self-improvement, and alternative spirituality.

For example, Ulysses was an early adopter in publishing on topics like plant-based diets, yoga, and mindfulness, well before they became mainstream. In recent years, the company has tapped into surging interest in K-pop culture, TikTok-driven fitness trends, and astrology, producing titles that perform strongly with millennial and Gen Z readers. According to Publishers Weekly, Ulysses titles frequently chart in Amazon category bestsellers, demonstrating the strength of its trend-based strategy in the digital retail environment.

By tailoring its editorial vision to specific reader communities, Ulysses Press has carved out a unique position in the industry—bridging the gap between commercial accessibility and niche specialization. Its catalog is proof that highly focused nonfiction can succeed both in sales and cultural impact when aligned with the evolving interests of today’s readers.

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Genres and Notable Titles

Ulysses Press has built its brand on a highly focused catalog of nonfiction categories, publishing books that align with current cultural conversations and reader demand. Its editorial scope is broad in subject matter but tightly curated to ensure each title speaks to a defined audience.

• Health and Wellness — Covering alternative medicine, mental health, fitness, and diet trends. Notable titles in this category include The Anxiety Healer’s Guide by Alison Seponara, which has resonated with readers seeking accessible strategies for managing anxiety in daily life.

  
  

• Pop Culture and Entertainment — Guides and unofficial companions tied to fandoms, TV, movies, and gaming. A standout is The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz, which has sold over a million copies and continues to be a fan-favorite years after its release.

  
  

• Self-Improvement and Productivity — Practical books offering tools for personal growth and everyday efficiency. The Little Book of Game Changers by Jessica Cording exemplifies this focus, offering actionable wellness and productivity strategies for modern readers.

  
  

• Unique Cookbooks and Special Diets — From plant-based eating to keto and paleo, Ulysses consistently anticipates culinary trends. These cookbooks often chart in niche categories on Amazon, reflecting the press’s strength in trend-driven food publishing.

  
  

• DIY and Lifestyle Guides — Covering everything from home organization to parenting and personal finance, this category reflects Ulysses’s ability to adapt to lifestyle shifts and practical reader needs.

  
  

Among its most recognizable successes is 101 Things I Learned in Business School by Michael W. Preis, a widely read business primer that continues to sell steadily in both academic and general-interest markets. Together, these titles showcase Ulysses Press’s ability to blend cultural relevance with practical utility, creating a catalog that consistently finds and sustains its audience.

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Publishing Model and Advances

Unlike many small and mid-sized independent publishers that operate on royalty-only agreements, Ulysses Press distinguishes itself by offering advances to the majority of its authors. While exact figures remain confidential, industry reporting suggests that advances at independent presses typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the project’s scope and platform potential (Publishers Marketplace, 2022). By following a traditional royalty-based model, Ulysses ensures that authors not only receive upfront compensation but also participate in long-term earnings through competitive royalty rates on print, digital, and audio editions.

This model reflects the press’s belief in shared investment. Advances are not simply a financial arrangement but a signal of Ulysses’s confidence in a book’s commercial potential. In contrast, many independents avoid advances to minimize risk, placing the burden of sales performance largely on the author. By offering advances, Ulysses positions itself closer to mid-sized traditional publishers while still maintaining the agility of an indie press.

Another defining aspect of the Ulysses model is its partnership-driven acquisitions strategy. The press frequently collaborates with experts, influencers, and industry leaders whose subject-matter expertise or online followings align with the book’s niche. This approach has led to titles with built-in audiences, particularly in categories like health and wellness, self-help, and pop culture. In an era when platform strength is often a decisive factor in acquisitions—nearly 70% of nonfiction deals in 2022 cited author platform as a selling point (Publishers Weekly)—Ulysses’s model helps authors amplify their visibility and maximize market impact.

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Marketing and Distribution Strengths

One of the greatest advantages of publishing with Ulysses Press is its strong marketing and distribution network, which extends well beyond traditional trade channels. Distributed by Simon & Schuster, Ulysses titles benefit from placement in major brick-and-mortar bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, as well as extensive availability across online retailers including Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Target.com. This reach allows Ulysses to compete directly with mid-sized and even larger publishing houses despite its independent status.

What sets the press apart is its ability to excel in nontraditional sales channels. Ulysses has consistently placed books in gift shops, wellness stores, lifestyle boutiques, and specialty retailers, reinforcing its brand identity as a publisher of trend-driven nonfiction. For example, titles in the health, fitness, and mindfulness categories often perform strongly in wellness and yoga outlets, while pop culture tie-ins have found success in fandom conventions and merchandise shops. In an industry where specialty retail accounted for nearly 12% of nonfiction sales in 2022 (NPD BookScan), this diversified strategy ensures Ulysses books are consistently positioned in front of the right audiences.

The press also leans into digital marketing strategies, leveraging influencer partnerships, targeted social media advertising, and collaborations with niche online communities to build buzz around its titles. This trend-driven, audience-first approach ensures that Ulysses books don’t just reach shelves—they reach the exact readers most likely to engage, share, and sustain sales momentum.

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How to Submit to Ulysses Press

Ulysses Press accepts proposals from both agented and unagented authors, reflecting its commitment to discovering fresh voices alongside established ones. The publisher primarily acquires nonfiction projects in areas that match its editorial strengths: health and wellness, pop culture, lifestyle, self-help, business, and trend-focused cookbooks.

Authors interested in submitting should prepare a nonfiction proposal that clearly identifies:

• The target audience and why the book serves their needs

  
  

• Comparable titles in the market and how the book differentiates itself

  
  

• The author’s platform, expertise, or community connections

  
  

• A detailed outline or sample chapters

Given Ulysses’s trend-responsive publishing model, proposals that highlight a timely, niche market with measurable audience demand stand the best chance of being acquired. Authors should submit through the publisher’s official submissions portal or follow the detailed guidelines available on the Ulysses Press website.