Top 47 Book Publishing Companies in Missouri

Missouri’s publishing scene blends big-press infrastructure, academic presses, long-standing printers, and scrappy literary & regional independents. From St. Louis and Kansas City to Columbia, Springfield, Marceline, and the university towns in between, authors can find every model: traditional, university, hybrid, small-press, and full-service ghostwriting/publishing houses

1) Ghostwriter Inside

What they do
Full-service / ghostwriting / hybrid publishing: manuscript development, editorial coaching, design, and marketing — ideal for authors who want a white-glove, guided publication path.

Why do authors choose them?
High-touch project management, packages that combine ghostwriting + publicity, and an author-first approach that’s friendly to first-time memoirists and business writers.

Best for
Memoirs, business books, thought-leadership titles, and authors who want help from idea to bestseller plan.

2) Concordia Publishing House — St. Louis, MO

What they do
A major denominational press and long-running publisher of religious books, hymnals, curricula, and church resources; deep backlist and distribution channels.

Why authors work with them
If your book aligns with Lutheran/Christian education, worship resources, or faith markets, Concordia offers scale, institutional partnerships, and church-market reach.

Quick facts
Headquarters: St. Louis. Founded in the 19th century, strong institutional support and a specialty in religious education and devotional materials

3) University of Missouri Press — Columbia, MO

What they do
Academic and regional titles: peer-reviewed scholarship, regional history, and books that serve classrooms and libraries.

Why authors choose UMP
Scholarly credibility, strong distribution to libraries and academic markets, and expertise in editing academic manuscripts and regional scholarship.

Best for
Scholars, historians, cultural studies authors, and writers whose work needs academic vetting and library placements.

4) The Missouri Review / Missouri Review Books — Columbia, MO

What they do
A leading literary magazine and small-press imprint that publishes fiction, essays, and poetry; excellent for literary authors seeking curated editorial care.

Why authors submit
Prestige, exposure (magazine to book pipeline), and a reputation for discovering strong literary voices.

Best for
Short fiction, essay collections, poetry, and literary debut collections.

5) Andrews McMeel Publishing — Kansas City, MO

What they do
Nationally known publisher of humor, gift books, comics collections, and broad-market trade titles; strong design and retail presence. Headquarters in Kansas City.

Why authors choose AMP
Major distribution, experience with mass-market categories (calendars, humor, children’s, and gift books), and strong publicity/marketing teams.

Best for
Gift books, humor, comics/strips collections, lifestyle, and novelty titles.

6) Walsworth Publishing Company — Marceline, MO

What they do
Large family-owned printing and publishing company specializing in yearbooks, books, catalogs, and specialty printing with national reach — huge physical production muscle.

Why do authors/publishers use them?
Top-tier book printing and binding, integrated production services, and capacity for short-run and large-run projects.

Best for
Authors or organizations needing premium printing, commemorative books, or yearbook/annual production.

7) Reedy Press — St. Louis, MO

What they do
Independent regional press producing cultural, historical, and regional interest books (high-quality trade titles for local audiences).

Why authors choose Reedy
Strong regional sales channels in Missouri, capability for visually rich local books, and co-publishing with cultural institutions.

Best for
Local history, travel & regional lifestyle books, and museum/cultural institution titles.

8) BkMk Press — Kansas City, MO

What they do
Independent literary press (formerly affiliated with UMKC) publishing poetry, short fiction, and literary prose; small-but-serious catalogue with awards and contests.

Why authors submit
Respectable literary reputation, careful editorial work, annual prizes, and modest print runs that reach reviewers and literary readers.

Best for
Poets, short-fiction writers, and literary essayists.

9) Moon City Press — Springfield / Missouri State University

What they do
Literary press tied to Missouri State University; publishes prize winners, poetry, short fiction, and regionally relevant works.

Why authors work with them
Academic infrastructure, literary prizes, and hands-on editorial mentorship for emerging writers.

Best for
Emerging poets, short-story collections, and Ozarks-focused cultural work.

10) Acclaim Press — Morley / Sikeston, MO

What they do
Independent press focused on community histories, specialty trade books, memoirs, and commissioned regional projects.

Why authors choose Acclaim
They’re experienced at turning local history and community narratives into collectible, well-produced books with strong regional outlets.

Best for
Local historians, veterans’ memoirs, community projects, and commemorative titles.

11) PenUltimate Press — St. Louis, MO

What they do
Nonprofit literary press that publishes socially engaged nonfiction, poetry, and select literary titles; mission-driven editorial slate.

Why submit
Mission alignment, focused editorial attention, and a platform for underrepresented voices in the region.

Best for
Literary nonfiction, culturally focused books, and experimental poetry.

12) Southeast Missouri State University Press — Cape Girardeau, MO

What they do
University press that publishes poetry, novels, literary nonfiction, and prizes (Cowles Poetry Book Prize, etc.); integrates press work with campus programs.

Why authors choose SEMO Press
University legitimacy, contest/publication routes, and targeted regional/literary distribution.

Best for
Award-winning poetry collections, regional scholarship, and first novels via competitions.

13) Cavendish Square / Educational Imprints (listed in Missouri directories)

What they do
Established publisher of illustrated nonfiction and K–12 nonfiction content with library and educational distribution (often appearing on Missouri supplier lists).

Why authors/educators use them
They have experience packaging curriculum-friendly nonfiction and library reference titles.

Best for
Authors of children’s nonfiction, classroom resources, and school library collections.

14) River Styx (press & magazine) — St. Louis, MO

What they do
Long-running literary magazine and small press that supports poetry, essays, and experimental work rooted in the St. Louis literary community.

Why writers like them
A strong local/traditional platform and history of nurturing poets and experimental prose.

Best for
Poetry chapbooks, literary cross-genre work, and local literary events.

15) BookHouse Group / Local Kansas City Imprints

What they do
Small publishing and marketing operations in Kansas City that help authors with print-on-demand, distribution, and book marketing.

Why authors partner
Good hybrid options, local sales support, and experience in positioning trade titles for Midwestern markets.

Best for
Local authors who want hybrid support and regional retail placement.

16) Independence Press & Regional Hybrids (Missouri)

What they do
A cluster of Missouri-based hybrid and indie houses offering editorial services, design, distribution assistance, and author education.

Why they matter
They provide a middle ground between self-publishing and large houses — more control for authors, professional packaging, and decent distribution.

Best for
Authors looking for a collaborative, non-vanity hybrid route.

17) Book Writing / Ghostwriting Firms (Missouri-based teams)

What they do
Numerous Missouri ghostwriting & book-production agencies offer turn-key services (research, writing, design, and launch support).

Why do authors use them?
For time-pressed executives or storytellers who prefer to outsource writing while retaining creative control and royalties.

Best for
Business books, expert nonfiction, and high-quality memoirs.

18) Specialty & Niche Printers (small presses and private presses)

What they do
Missouri hosts several boutique presses that print art books, photography monographs, limited edition runs, and collectors’ volumes.

Why creators choose them
Attention to craft, small runs with archival standards, and artisan finishes that appeal to collectors.

Best for
Photobooks, art monographs, fine press editions, and limited runs.

19) Local University & College Presses (various campuses)

What they do
Beyond U. of Missouri and SEMO: colleges across the state occasionally publish works by faculty and regional authors via campus imprints or series.

Why does it help authors?
Academic credibility, niche distribution, and editorial oversight that suit scholarly or regionally significant books.

Best for
Scholarly trade books, local history, and volumes tied to campus research or conferences.

20) Regional Aggregators & Co-Publishing Houses (Missouri)

What they do
These firms (co-publishers, museum partners, and agency-publishers) pair content creators with manufacturing & distribution networks to scale specialty books.

Why authors use them
Access to museum gift stores, historical society channels, and co-publishing expertise for exhibition catalogs and local interest titles.

Best for
Museum books, exhibition catalogs, and institutionally commissioned works.

21) 39 West Press

What they do
An independent trade press based in Kansas City that publishes nonfiction and cultural titles focused on social, political, and economic issues—books that invite debate and civic engagement.
Why do authors choose them?
Forthright editorial vision for argument-driven nonfiction, hands-on editing, and regional distribution partnerships that get books into civic and university channels.
Best for
Authors with public-policy, cultural criticism, or idea-driven nonfiction who want a publisher comfortable with topical, engaged writing.

22) Amphorae Publishing Group

What they do
St. Louis-based house with multiple imprints covering historical fiction, mystery/thrillers, romance, science fiction, and humor—an imprint model that lets them publish across genres.
Why do authors choose them?
Imprint variety means targeted editorial teams and genre-appropriate marketing; good fit for midlist trade authors seeking focused positioning.
Best for
Genre novelists who want an indie press that understands sub-genre audiences and niche retail strategies.

23) BeachHouse Books

What they do
Chesterfield-based boutique publisher that releases contemporary literary fiction and select nonfiction; boutique production values and active outreach to regional booksellers.
Why do authors choose them?
Small-press editorial attention, tasteful design, and personalized marketing help literary authors build regional momentum and review visibility.
Best for
Contemporary fiction writers, essayists, and memoirists seeking a boutique house with hands-on editorial care.

24) Cave Hollow Press

What they do
Warrensburg-based small press with a mission to find and promote strong Midwestern voices—publishes fiction, narrative nonfiction, and themed anthologies.
Why do authors choose them?
Local sensibility, community-focused promotion, and festival/bookstore partnerships in the Midwest make Cave Hollow a good springboard for regional authors.
Best for
Midwestern novelists, short-story writers, and anthologists who want a publisher invested in regional readership.

25) Chalice Press

What they do
Mission-driven Christian publisher historically focused on faith formation, social justice, and ministry resources; rooted in denominational networks.
Why do authors choose them?
Strong church and nonprofit channels, editorial expertise in faith-driven topics, and distribution to congregational buyers.
Best for
Authors writing religious education, faith-based social justice books, and parish resource materials.

26) College Press & CP Publishing

What they do
Longstanding Christian publishing house (Joplin and national reach) publishing commentaries, devotionals, and faith-based nonfiction with experienced editorial staff.
Why do authors choose them?
Established reputation within conservative Christian markets and broad distribution to churches and religious bookstores.
Best for
Pastors, Bible-study authors, and writers of devotional literature are seeking institutional placement.

27) Eshcol Publishing

What they do
Smaller Christian imprint that seeks fiction and nonfiction with redemptive themes and overtly faith-centered narratives.
Why do authors choose them?
A focused program that matches manuscripts to faith-readership expectations and church-based retail outlets.
Best for
Authors of inspirational fiction and faith-forward memoirs who want a publisher aligned with evangelical markets.

28) Father’s Press

What they do
Full-service publisher that recruits and develops emerging writers, publishing a mix of genre fiction and practical nonfiction for general audiences.
Why do authors choose them?
Hands-on author development, midlist-friendly advances, and partnership-style marketing for new authors building their platform.
Best for
First-time novelists, memoirists, and practical nonfiction writers who want coaching during publication.

29) Helicon Nine Editions

What they do
Kansas City literary press focused on innovative poetry and short fiction with attention to craft, design, and national distribution via literary networks.
Why do authors choose them?
Commitment to literature and aesthetics, thoughtful editorial feedback, and participation in the literary prize circuit.
Best for
Poets and experimental prose writers seeking a press with literary credibility and national reviewer reach.

30) Impact Christian Publishing

What they do
Kirkwood-based publisher and distributor of Christian books focused on healing, deliverance, and spiritual formation topics.
Why do authors choose them?
Niche specialization in spiritual healing topics, good distribution within certain ministry networks, and experience in packaging devotional resources.
Best for
Authors writing Christian healing, deliverance, or charismatic movement-related nonfiction.

31) Inverted A Press

What they do
A small literary press located near Licking, MO, that looks for bold storytelling—fiction, short-form, and cross-genre work that challenges assumptions.
Why do authors choose them?
Editorial bravery, curated lists, and opportunities for experimental writers to reach engaged small-press audiences.
Best for
Writers of literary fiction, hybrid forms, and provocative short collections.

32) Liguori Publications

What they do
Religious press known for pastoral, devotional, and catechetical materials serving Catholic readers and parochial markets.
Why do authors choose them?
Trusted within Catholic education and parish contexts, with a long history of parish distribution and editorial expertise in sacramental materials.
Best for
Authors of Catholic education materials, sacramental guides, and pastoral resources.

33) Miraclaire Publishing

What they do
Kansas City-based independent press that focuses on a growing list of commercial and inspirational titles across fiction and nonfiction categories.
Why do authors choose them?
Ambitious editorial program, hybrid distribution strategies, and willingness to work across formats (paperback, e-book, audio).
Best for
Authors seeking an energetic indie house that will collaborate on marketing and multi-format releases.

34) Missouri Botanical Garden Press

What they do
The research division of the Missouri Botanical Garden publishes floras, botanical scholarship, field guides, and garden-focused trade books.
Why do authors choose them?
Scientific credibility, access to expert reviewers, and museum/garden channels that reach botanists, horticulturists, and gardeners.
Best for
Authors of plant sciences, natural history, field guides, and horticulture-focused books.

35) Mozark Press

What they do
Small central-Missouri press producing paperback trade books—fiction, anthologies, inspirational works, and regional-interest titles.
Why do authors choose them?
Flexible acquisition for modestly commercial works, local bookstore placements, and community-driven publicity.
Best for
Regional novelists, inspirational writers, and authors of local interest nonfiction.

36) Nazarene Publishing House (NPH)

What they do
A major denominational publisher historically associated with the Church of the Nazarene, offering textbooks, devotionals, and ministry resources.
Why do authors choose them?
Scale in Methodist/Wesleyan markets, strong church distribution networks, and experience producing curriculum and reference works.
Best for
Authors targeting Nazarene and Wesleyan denominational audiences, curriculum writers, and ministry leaders.

37) Outland Entertainment

What they do
Kansas City specialty publisher concentrating on speculative fiction, comics, graphic novels, and game-related IP with an eye toward multimedia potential.
Why do authors choose them?
Expertise in visual storytelling, experience with comics distribution channels, and cross-media development opportunities.
Best for
Graphic novelists, speculative-fiction authors, and creators seeking multimedia expansion.

38) Pebble Publishing

What they do
Rocheport-based boutique publisher specializing in travel guides, regional outdoor guides, and Missouri heritage titles.
Why do authors choose them?
Local travel expertise, niche marketing to regional tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, and partnerships with visitor centers.
Best for
Authors of regional travel, hiking guides, and local heritage books.

39) Rivendell Books

What they do
Richmond Heights niche press publishes nonfiction about psychology, Jungian studies, and depth-psychology-oriented works.
Why do authors choose them?
Specialist editorial knowledge in the Jungian and depth-psychology fields and a narrow but dedicated readership.
Best for
Scholars and practitioners writing on Jungian psychology, imagination, and therapeutic methods.

40) Rocking Horse Publishing

What they do
St. Louis trade publisher that releases anthologies and general fiction with occasional nonfiction titles—practical editorial help for midlist writers.
Why do authors choose them?
Willingness to publish diverse genres, editorial support for anthology projects, and regional marketing reach.
Best for
Anthology editors, midlist fiction writers, and collaborative project

41) Blank Slate Press

What they do
An imprint noted in Missouri lists for publishing historical and contemporary fiction, mystery, and certain nonfiction—helps authors find genre-appropriate homes.
Why do authors choose them?
Imprint-level marketing, genre focus, and editorial teams that understand market expectations for plot-driven fiction.
Best for
Crime, mystery, and historical fiction authors aiming for genre readership.

42) Walrus Publishing (imprint)

What they do
One of the imprints listed under multi-imprint groups in St. Louis/Kansas City scenes, publishing science fiction, romance, and regional humor titles.
Why do authors choose them?
Genre-tailored approaches, active social media marketing, and targeted book club / online-community outreach.
Best for
Genre writers in sci-fi, romance, or humor looking for a small imprint with focused promotion.

43) The Legacy Ghostwriters

What they do
Ghostwriting & full-service publishing outfit helping authors craft memoirs, business books, and thought-leadership titles with writing and publishing packages.
Why do authors choose them?
Turn-key services from concept to publication, suited to busy professionals who need a partner for writing + launch.
Best for
Executives, entrepreneurs, and memoirists who want professional ghostwriting and publishing support.

44) Truman State University Press

What they do
An academic press associated with Truman State that publishes scholarly monographs, regional scholarship, and peer-reviewed works in select fields.
Why do authors choose them?
Academic credibility, library distribution lines, and faculty-focused editorial expertise.
Best for
Scholarly authors, regional historians, and researchers seeking university-press validation.

45) Pen & Publish

What they do
Kansas City small press and editorial services firm offering trade publishing for local authors alongside editing and production services.
Why do authors choose them?
Flexible publishing packages, local retail tie-ins, and editorial workshops for authors building craft and platform.
Best for
Local authors who want a hybrid option with editorial coaching and community events.

46) Publishing Concepts, LLC

What they do
A Kansas City–area company offering publishing services, marketing help, and distribution consulting—often working with hybrid authors and small presses.
Why do authors choose them?
Consultative approach to rights, distribution strategy, and marketing plans, useful for authors who want to self-publish smartly.
Best for
Experienced indie authors and small presses need a distribution and marketing strategy.

47) Cloud Ghostwriters

What they do
A Missouri-based ghostwriting and book-production firm that provides writing, editing, design, and launch services to professionals and creatives.
Why do authors choose them?
Scalable ghostwriting teams, project management, and options for hybrid publishing or white-label work for organizations.
Best for
Thought leaders, professionals, and organizations want full-service writing and a fast route to publication.

 Top 47 Book Publishing Companies in Missouri

Why Missouri Is a Strong Publishing Hub for Authors

Missouri has become a standout publishing hub thanks to its rare mix of academic presses, established trade houses, strong regional publishers, and world-class printing companies that give authors both credibility and production power. Add in a thriving literary scene, hybrid publishing options, and accessible submission paths, and writers get more flexibility, support, and visibility than in many larger states. Whether you’re crafting scholarly work, commercial fiction, or a local-history gem, Missouri offers a publishing ecosystem that’s diverse, approachable, and genuinely invested in author success.

Conclusion

Missouri’s publishing landscape gives authors an impressive mix of literary prestige, regional storytelling power, academic credibility, and commercial opportunities. Whether you want a fully guided publishing partnership, a traditional university press, a regional house that loves local stories, or a hybrid model that puts you in control, the state offers strong options for every genre and career stage. With the right match, Missouri can give your book both a home and a launchpad.

FAQs

1. Which is the best publishing company in Missouri for new authors?

Ghostwriter Inside is often the best fit for beginners because it offers guided, full-service support from idea to publication.

2. Do Missouri publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts?

Many indie and university presses do, but larger houses may require an agent. Always check each publisher’s submission page.

3. Can I publish a niche or regional book in Missouri?

Yes, presses like Reedy Press, Acclaim Press, and Mozark Press specialize in regional, historical, and community-focused books.

4. Are hybrid publishing options available in Missouri?

Yes, multiple hybrid firms and editorial-service presses operate statewide, offering editing, design, and distribution support.

5. Is ghostwriting available through Missouri-based companies?

Absolutely. Several firms, including Ghostwriter Inside and Legacy Ghostwriters, provide full ghostwriting and production packages.