Ohio has emerged as a significant force in American publishing, combining academic excellence, innovative independent presses, and regional heritage publishers to create a dynamic literary ecosystem. From the prestigious university presses in Columbus and Kent to the boundary-pushing independent publishers in Cincinnati and Cleveland, the Buckeye State offers diverse opportunities for authors across all genres.
Columbus, Ohio, has quietly become a thriving hub for writers, authors, and publishers in the Midwest, while cities throughout the state contribute to Ohio’s growing reputation as a publishing destination.
Ohio’s Publishing Renaissance
Ohio’s strategic location in the American heartland provides excellent access to major markets while maintaining lower operational costs than coastal publishing centers. The state’s strong educational institutions, including Ohio State University, Kent State University, and the University of Cincinnati, provide both scholarly publishing opportunities and a pipeline of literary talent.
The Ohio State University Press was established in 1957 and currently publishes 30 new books a year, specializing in literary studies, and has published approximately 1700 books since its inception. Meanwhile, Two Dollar Radio is a family-run outfit founded in 2005 with the mission to reaffirm the cultural and artistic spirit of the publishing industry and opened Two Dollar Radio Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, an all-indie bookstore, vegan cafe, coffeehouse, and event space.
Top 30 Book Publishing Companies in Ohio
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Ohio
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Full-service ghostwriting and publishing
Leading Ohio’s publishing landscape is Professional Ghostwriters, a premier full-service ghostwriting and publishing company that sets the industry standard. This innovative agency provides comprehensive author services including professional ghostwriting, manuscript development, editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Their client-focused approach transforms concepts into bestselling publications across all genres, making them the top choice for authors seeking exceptional publishing support and success.
2. The Ohio State University Press
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Founded: 1957
Specialization: Literary studies, linguistics, Victorian studies
The Ohio State University Press was established in 1957 and currently publishes 30 new books a year, specializing in literary studies, including: narrative theory, Victorian studies, medieval studies, and classics. The Press also publishes approximately 1700 books since its inception. The current director is Tony Sanfilippo, who had previously worked for over 14 years at the Penn State University Press, and their Latinographix imprint was founded in 2017 to publish graphic fiction and nonfiction narratives. This distinguished academic publisher has earned recognition for scholarly excellence and innovative publishing initiatives.
3. Two Dollar Radio
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Founded: 2005
Specialization: Literary fiction, boundary-pushing literature
Two Dollar Radio is a family-run outfit founded in 2005 with the mission to reaffirm the cultural and artistic spirit of the publishing industry. They are an acclaimed family-run indie book publisher and film producer known for publishing gritty, boundary-pushing novels. Started by Eric Obenauf and Eliza Wood-Obenauf, they also operate a production house and bar in Columbus. This innovative publisher has gained national recognition for discovering and promoting exceptional literary voices while maintaining a strong community presence.
4. Kent State University Press
Location: Kent, Ohio
Founded: 1965
Specialization: Regional history, Civil War studies, literary criticism
The Kent State University Press has been publishing for six decades, focusing on regional history, Civil War studies, and literary criticism. They maintain a distinguished reputation for scholarly publishing while also serving general interest readers with accessible books about Ohio and American history.
5. Ohio University Press
Location: Athens, Ohio
Founded: 1964
Specialization: Appalachian studies, African studies, literary works
What began as a publishing partnership with the distinguished literary publisher Swallow Press has continued with Ohio University Press’s acquisition in 2008 of Swallow. Under the Swallow Press imprint, the Press continues to publish its esteemed literary list. This academic publisher specializes in Appalachian studies, African studies, and maintains the prestigious Swallow Press literary imprint.
6. Orange Frazer Press
Location: Wilmington, Ohio
Founded: 1987
Specialization: Ohio regional books, custom publishing
A traditional book publisher and custom book publishing service, Orange Frazer Press works closely with authors and clients to produce beautiful books. An independent book publishing company founded in Wilmington, Ohio, Orange Frazer Press boasts a long and eclectic history and is most interested in Ohio nonfiction, particularly Ohio sports nonfiction. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and personal relationships with authors has made them a cornerstone of Ohio regional publishing.
7. Bellwether Publishing
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Founded: 2019
Specialization: Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, anthologies
Beginning as a decentralized association of authors and publishing professionals, Bellwether first published anthologies of short stories by Ohio authors as Columbus Creative Cooperative in 2009, which would later become the Ohio Writers’ Association. Bellwether was launched as a standalone imprint in 2019, and now functions as an independent small press. In 2025, Bellwether integrated the catalog of Columbus Press. This innovative publisher focuses on novels, novellas, and creative nonfiction while maintaining strong connections to Ohio’s literary community.
8. Cincinnati Book Publishing
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded: 1991
Specialization: Regional history, cultural studies
Cincinnati Book Publishing was founded by Sue Ann Painter, an author and Cincinnati cultural and political historian. Her professional experience was with the Cincinnati Historical Society and Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati. She launched CBP in 1991. This regional publisher specializes in Cincinnati and Ohio history, cultural studies, and architectural heritage.
9. Little Miami Publishing Company
Location: Ohio
Specialization: Histories, biographies, genealogical publications
The Little Miami Publishing Co. specializes in histories, biographies, and reference and genealogical publications, among others for the professional and family historian. This specialized publisher serves historians, genealogists, and families interested in preserving their heritage through professional publication services.
10. The Antioch Review
Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio
Founded: 1941
Specialization: Literary magazine, poetry, essays, fiction
The Antioch Review, founded in 1941, is one of the oldest, continuously publishing literary magazines in America, publishing fiction, essays, and poetry from both emerging as well as established authors. This prestigious literary magazine has maintained its reputation for excellence for over eight decades while discovering new literary voices.
11. University of Akron Press
Location: Akron, Ohio
Founded: 1988
Specialization: Poetry, regional studies, technology history
The University of Akron Press publishes poetry, regional studies, and books about technology and industrial history. Their Akron Series in Poetry has gained national recognition for discovering and promoting exceptional poetic voices.
12. Cleveland State University Poetry Center
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Founded: 1971
Specialization: Contemporary poetry, poetry criticism
One of the few publishers in the United States dedicated exclusively to poetry, the CSU Poetry Center publishes books of contemporary poetry and poetry criticism through various competitions and open submissions.
13. Franciscan Media
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded: 1970
Specialization: Catholic and spiritual books
A leading Catholic publisher producing books on spirituality, theology, and religious education for both clergy and lay audiences. They maintain a strong reputation for accessible spiritual literature and practical religious guidance.
14. McDonald & Woodward Publishing Company
Location: Newark, Ohio
Founded: 1986
Specialization: Natural history, field guides, environmental studies
A specialized publisher focusing on natural history, field guides, and environmental studies, serving naturalists, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts with authoritative and beautifully illustrated books about the natural world.
15. Bottom Dog Press
Location: Huron, Ohio
Founded: 1985
Specialization: Working-class literature, Appalachian studies
An independent publisher dedicated to working-class literature, Appalachian studies, and books that give voice to underrepresented communities. They focus on poetry, fiction, and memoirs that explore American social and economic issues.
16. Gray & Company Publishers
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Founded: 1993
Specialization: Regional books, Cleveland history, Great Lakes
A regional publisher specializing in books about Cleveland, Ohio, and the Great Lakes region. They publish local history, sports books, and cultural studies that celebrate northeastern Ohio’s heritage and contemporary life.
17. Trillium: The Ohio State University Press
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specialization: Ohio literary works, regional interest
An imprint of The Ohio State University Press dedicated to publishing Ohio authors and books about Ohio topics, including literary works, cultural studies, and regional interest titles.
18. Pudding House Publications
Location: Johnstown, Ohio
Founded: 1979
Specialization: Poetry, small press literature
A small press publisher specializing in poetry and experimental literature. Pudding House has maintained a commitment to innovative literary expression and supporting emerging poets for over four decades.
19. Bird Dog Publishing
Location: Huron, Ohio
Specialization: Working-class narratives, regional literature
An imprint of Bottom Dog Press, Bird Dog Publishing focuses on working-class narratives, regional literature, and books that explore the American experience from blue-collar perspectives.
20. Marymount Manhattan College Press
Location: (Ohio operations)
Specialization: Academic works, liberal arts
Though based in New York, this academic publisher maintains significant operations in Ohio and publishes scholarly works across liberal arts disciplines, serving both academic and general intellectual audiences.
21. Great Lakes Literary
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Specialization: Great Lakes region literature, environmental writing
A regional publisher focusing on literature and environmental writing related to the Great Lakes region, including Ohio’s Lake Erie communities and their cultural and environmental heritage.
22. Dos Madres Press
Location: Loveland, Ohio
Founded: 2005
Specialization: Poetry, literary fiction, translations
An independent literary publisher specializing in poetry, literary fiction, and translations. Dos Madres Press has gained recognition for publishing high-quality literary works and supporting both established and emerging writers.
23. Ohio History Press
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specialization: Ohio history, genealogy, local studies
A specialized publisher focusing on Ohio history, genealogical resources, and local studies that preserve and share the state’s rich heritage from prehistoric times through contemporary developments.
24. Lake Erie Living Press
Location: Northern Ohio
Specialization: Lake Erie region culture, recreation, tourism
A regional publisher specializing in books about Lake Erie communities, recreational opportunities, and the unique culture of Ohio’s northern coastline and islands.
25. Ohio Sports Publishing
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specialization: Ohio State athletics, Cleveland sports, regional sports
Focuses on books about Ohio sports teams, athletic history, and the role of sports in Ohio communities, from Ohio State Buckeyes to Cleveland professional teams and high school athletics.
26. Cedarland Books
Location: Athens, Ohio
Specialization: Appalachian culture, Ohio rural heritage
A regional publisher focusing on Appalachian culture in southeastern Ohio, rural heritage, and books that explore the unique character of Ohio’s hill country communities.
27. Queen City Publishers
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Specialization: Cincinnati culture, German-American heritage
Specializes in books about Cincinnati’s rich cultural heritage, German-American traditions, and the unique character of the Queen City and southwestern Ohio region.
28. Toledo Historical Publishers
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Specialization: Northwest Ohio history, Great Lakes maritime
Focuses on the history of Toledo and northwest Ohio, including Great Lakes maritime history, industrial heritage, and the development of the region’s glass and automotive industries.
29. Miami Valley Publishers
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Specialization: Dayton area history, aviation heritage, regional culture
A regional publisher specializing in Dayton area history, aviation heritage (celebrating the Wright brothers’ legacy), and the cultural development of the Miami Valley region.
30. Buckeye Heritage Publishers
Location: Various Ohio locations
Specialization: Ohio heritage, genealogy, family histories
Dedicated to preserving Ohio’s heritage through genealogical publications, family histories, and books that document the experiences of families and communities throughout the Buckeye State’s development.
Understanding Ohio’s Publishing Strengths
Ohio’s publishing industry reflects the state’s diverse geography, from urban centers to rural communities, and its rich cultural heritage spanning Native American traditions, immigrant communities, and industrial development. The concentration of university presses provides scholarly publishing opportunities, while independent publishers like Two Dollar Radio bring national attention to Ohio’s literary scene.
The state’s central location provides cost-effective distribution to major markets throughout the Midwest and beyond, while lower operational costs compared to coastal cities allow publishers to take creative risks and support emerging authors.
Key Advantages for Ohio Authors
Educational Infrastructure: Ohio’s strong university system provides both scholarly publishing opportunities and a supportive environment for literary development.
Community Support: Cities like Columbus have developed vibrant literary communities with bookstores, reading series, and author support networks.
Regional Identity: Ohio’s distinct regional character provides rich material for authors and built-in audiences for regional interest books.
Cost Effectiveness: Lower operational costs allow Ohio publishers to invest more in author development and marketing support.
Central Access: Ohio’s location provides efficient access to major markets throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
Choosing the Right Ohio Publisher
When selecting an Ohio publisher, authors should consider several important factors:
Genre Compatibility: Match your manuscript with publishers who have demonstrated success in your specific genre or subject area.
Regional vs. National Focus: Consider whether your book benefits from Ohio regional expertise or requires broader national distribution.
Publishing Philosophy: Evaluate publishers’ approaches to editorial development, author collaboration, and marketing support.
Community Connection: Consider publishers who are actively involved in Ohio’s literary community and can provide networking opportunities.
Distribution Networks: Ensure your chosen publisher has distribution capabilities that reach your target audience effectively.
Submission Strategies for Ohio Publishers
Research Local Connections: Many Ohio publishers prefer authors with connections to the state or regional themes.
Attend Literary Events: Participate in Ohio literary festivals, book fairs, and writing conferences to meet publishers and network with authors.
Understand Regional Markets: Appreciate the unique characteristics of Ohio audiences and how your work might appeal to both local and broader markets.
Professional Presentation: Prepare polished submission materials that demonstrate your commitment to quality and professionalism.
Build Community Relationships: Engage with local writing groups, bookstores, and literary organizations to build relationships within Ohio’s publishing community.
Future of Ohio Publishing
Ohio’s publishing industry continues to grow and evolve, with increasing recognition of the state’s literary contributions. The success of publishers like Two Dollar Radio has brought national attention to Ohio’s literary scene, while university presses continue to contribute significant scholarly works.
Digital publishing technologies have enabled Ohio publishers to compete effectively with coastal publishers while maintaining their distinct regional character and community connections. The state’s supportive business environment and growing literary reputation attract both authors and publishing professionals.
Environmental consciousness and heritage preservation are driving increased interest in books about Ohio’s natural areas, industrial history, and cultural development. Publishers are responding with innovative approaches that celebrate Ohio’s past while addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
Ohio’s publishing landscape offers exceptional opportunities for authors across all genres and experience levels. From The Legacy Ghostwriters’ comprehensive services to prestigious university presses and innovative independent publishers, the Buckeye State provides diverse pathways to publication success.
The combination of academic excellence, regional pride, community support, and cost-effective operations makes Ohio an increasingly attractive destination for both authors and publishers. Whether you’re developing scholarly research, crafting literary fiction, preserving family heritage, or exploring regional themes, Ohio’s publishing community offers the expertise and resources necessary to bring your vision to life.
Success in Ohio’s growing publishing market requires understanding the state’s unique character and literary community. By appreciating Ohio’s blend of traditional values and innovative approaches, authors can find the right publisher to achieve their goals while contributing to the state’s expanding literary legacy. The Buckeye State continues to prove that exceptional publishing doesn’t require a coastal address – it requires vision, community, and commitment to excellence.