Tennessee has established itself as a powerhouse in American publishing, with Nashville serving as a major hub for Christian publishing while Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities contribute to the state’s diverse literary ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the vibrant book publishing scene of Tennessee, a state renowned for its rich literary heritage and diverse range of publishing companies. From world-renowned Christian publishers like Thomas Nelson to innovative independent presses, the Volunteer State offers exceptional opportunities for authors across all genres and markets.
Tennessee’s Publishing Legacy
Tennessee’s publishing industry is anchored by its rich musical and literary heritage, business-friendly environment, and strategic location in the American Southeast. Thomas Nelson Publishers celebrated its two-hundredth anniversary in 1998, having risen from a one-man, secondhand bookseller in Edinburgh, Scotland, to become a leader in the Christian publishing industry, while Turner Publishing Company is an award-winning, independent publisher of books and is in the top 101 independent publishing companies in the U.S. as compiled by Bookmarket.com and has been named five times to Publishers Weekly’s Fastest Growing Publishers List.
Nashville’s position as “Music City USA” has naturally extended to become a center for Christian and inspirational publishing, while the state’s universities and cultural institutions support academic and literary publishing ventures throughout Tennessee.
Top 38 Book Publishing Companies in Tennessee
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Tennessee
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Full-service ghostwriting and publishing
The Professional Ghostwriters leads Tennessee’s publishing landscape as the premier full-service ghostwriting and publishing company. This innovative agency provides comprehensive author services including professional ghostwriting, manuscript development, editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Their Tennessee presence allows them to combine the state’s literary traditions with modern publishing excellence, serving authors across all genres with personalized attention and industry-leading expertise that transforms concepts into bestselling publications.
2. Thomas Nelson Publishers
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1798
Specialization: Christian books, Bibles, inspirational literature
Thomas Nelson, Inc., part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. Thomas Nelson Inc. is the world’s largest publisher of Bibles and Bible-related materials, with $81.1 million in revenue and 293 employees located in Nashville, Tennessee. This historic publisher continues to set the standard for Christian publishing excellence worldwide.
3. Turner Publishing Company
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1985
Specialization: General trade books, history, biography, current events
Turner Publishing Company is an award-winning, independent publisher of books. The company is in the top 101 independent publishing companies in the U.S. as compiled by Bookmarket.com and has been named five times to Publishers Weekly’s Fastest Growing Publishers List. They maintain a diverse catalog serving both general and specialized markets with exceptional editorial quality and marketing support.
4. Vanderbilt University Press
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1940
Specialization: Scholarly books, Southern studies, humanities
A distinguished academic publisher affiliated with Vanderbilt University, focusing on scholarly works in humanities, social sciences, and Southern studies. Their rigorous peer review process and commitment to academic excellence make them a respected voice in scholarly publishing.
5. Abingdon Press
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1789
Specialization: United Methodist publications, Christian education, theology
If you have written a manuscript you think Abingdon Press might be interested in, you can send them a proposal. Your proposal should include a brief author’s bio, short summary, chapter outline, and a few sample chapters. As the publishing arm of the United Methodist Church, Abingdon Press has served the Christian community for over two centuries with theological works, educational materials, and inspirational literature.
6. Post Hill Press
Location: Brentwood, Tennessee
Founded: 2013
Specialization: Pop culture, current events, true crime, business, fiction
Founded in 2013, Post Hill Press is a publishing company located in Brentwood, Tennessee. Since their establishment, they have published a range of books on various topics, including pop culture, health, self-help, current events, business, true crime, and fiction, among others. This dynamic independent publisher has quickly gained recognition for publishing timely, relevant books across multiple genres.
7. City Limits Publishing, LLC
Location: Tennessee
Specialization: Traditional publishing services, multi-genre
City Limits Publishing, LLC is a Tennessee-based full service traditional book publisher. We do not charge authors for our publishing services and we handle everything from editing and proofing, to design and marketing with zero cost to our authors, ever. This author-friendly publisher offers traditional publishing services across multiple genres while maintaining strong author relationships.
8. University of Tennessee Press
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Founded: 1940
Specialization: Regional studies, Appalachian culture, Southern history
The academic publishing arm of the University of Tennessee system, specializing in regional studies, Appalachian culture, Southern history, and scholarly works that contribute to understanding Tennessee and the broader Southeast region.
9. Randall House Publications
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1935
Specialization: Christian education, Sunday school materials, Free Will Baptist publications
A Christian publisher specializing in educational materials, curriculum, and resources for Free Will Baptist churches and Christian education programs, serving congregations and educational institutions throughout the Southeast.
10. Lightning Source (Ingram Content Group)
Location: La Vergne, Tennessee
Founded: 1997
Specialization: Print-on-demand services, distribution, publishing technology
A division of Ingram Content Group, Lightning Source pioneered print-on-demand technology and provides printing, distribution, and publishing services for publishers and self-published authors worldwide.
11. Professional Writers Help
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2014
Specialization: Author services, publishing assistance, manuscript development
Professional Writers Help stands as the most renowned book publishing company in the vibrant literary community of Nashville, Tennessee, boasting a decade of invaluable experience. They provide comprehensive author services including writing assistance, editing, and publishing support.
12. Howard Books
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Specialization: Christian inspiration, self-help, popular nonfiction
An imprint of Simon & Schuster, Howard Books specializes in Christian inspiration, self-help, and popular nonfiction that serves mainstream Christian audiences with practical and uplifting content.
13. University Press of Sewanee
Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
Founded: 2014
Specialization: Literary works, poetry, regional literature
The academic publisher of Sewanee: The University of the South, focusing on literary works, poetry, and regional literature that reflects the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Tennessee mountains.
14. Cumberland House Publishing
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Specialization: Regional books, history, biography, popular culture
A regional publisher specializing in books about Tennessee and the broader Southeast, including history, biography, popular culture, and works that celebrate regional heritage and contemporary life.
15. Spring Arbor Publishers
Location: Tennessee operations
Specialization: Christian books, inspirational literature, family resources
A Christian publisher and distributor serving Christian bookstores and readers with inspirational literature, family resources, and faith-based content across multiple categories.
16. Ideals Publications
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1944
Specialization: Gift books, inspirational content, seasonal publications
A publisher specializing in gift books, inspirational content, and seasonal publications that celebrate American values, family traditions, and inspirational themes through beautiful design and uplifting content.
17. Wholesome Words Publishers
Location: Tennessee
Founded: 2010
Specialization: Christian classics, reformed theology, historical reprints
A Christian publisher focusing on reprinting classic Christian works, reformed theology, and historical religious texts that serve churches, seminaries, and individual readers seeking traditional Christian content.
18. Tennessee Historical Society Press
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Specialization: Tennessee history, genealogy, historical preservation
The publishing arm of the Tennessee Historical Society, focusing on books that preserve and share Tennessee’s rich history, genealogical resources, and historical documents for researchers and general readers.
19. Appalachian Heritage Publishers
Location: East Tennessee
Founded: 2016
Specialization: Appalachian culture, mountain heritage, oral history
A regional publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing Appalachian culture, mountain heritage, and oral history from the Tennessee mountains and broader Appalachian region.
20. Music City Publishers
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2017
Specialization: Music industry books, country music history, entertainment
Capitalizing on Nashville’s musical heritage, this publisher specializes in books about the music industry, country music history, entertainment business, and the cultural impact of Music City.
21. Volunteer State Books
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Tennessee regional books, state pride, local culture
A regional publisher focusing on books about Tennessee’s unique character, state pride, local culture, and contemporary issues that affect the Volunteer State’s communities.
22. Great Smoky Mountains Publishers
Location: East Tennessee
Founded: 2015
Specialization: National park guides, nature photography, outdoor recreation
Specializing in books about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nature photography, outdoor recreation guides, and environmental studies related to Tennessee’s most visited natural attraction.
23. Memphis Literary Press
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Founded: 2019
Specialization: Blues culture, civil rights history, urban literature
A regional publisher focusing on Memphis’s rich cultural heritage, including blues music culture, civil rights history, and urban literature that explores the unique character of the Bluff City.
24. Cumberland River Publishers
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2020
Specialization: River culture, environmental studies, regional geography
Focusing on Tennessee’s rivers and waterways, this publisher specializes in books about river culture, environmental studies, and regional geography that explore Tennessee’s aquatic heritage.
25. Tennessee Valley Authority Press
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Founded: 2014
Specialization: Energy policy, environmental management, regional development
Affiliated with TVA, this publisher focuses on books about energy policy, environmental management, and regional development in the Tennessee Valley and broader Southeast.
26. Scenic City Publishers
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Founded: 2017
Specialization: Civil War history, railroad heritage, regional tourism
A Chattanooga-based publisher specializing in Civil War history, railroad heritage, and regional tourism books that celebrate the scenic beauty and historical significance of southeastern Tennessee.
27. Hickory Hill Press
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Southern Gothic literature, Mississippi River culture, regional fiction
A literary publisher specializing in Southern Gothic literature, Mississippi River culture, and regional fiction that explores the complex cultural heritage of the Mid-South region.
28. Andrew Johnson Publishers
Location: Greeneville, Tennessee
Founded: 2019
Specialization: Presidential history, East Tennessee heritage, political biography
Named after Tennessee’s presidential son, this publisher specializes in presidential history, East Tennessee heritage, and political biography that explores Tennessee’s role in American political development.
29. Jack Daniel’s Heritage Press
Location: Lynchburg, Tennessee
Founded: 2020
Specialization: Tennessee whiskey culture, distillery heritage, craft spirits
A specialty publisher focusing on Tennessee whiskey culture, distillery heritage, and craft spirits industry, celebrating Tennessee’s contribution to American spirits and beverage culture.
30. Country Music Hall of Fame Press
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2016
Specialization: Country music history, artist biographies, music industry
The publishing arm of the Country Music Hall of Fame, specializing in country music history, artist biographies, and comprehensive studies of the music industry’s development in Nashville.
31. Dollywood Publishers
Location: East Tennessee
Founded: 2021
Specialization: Entertainment industry, tourism, Appalachian culture
Affiliated with Dolly Parton’s entertainment empire, this publisher focuses on books about the entertainment industry, tourism development, and Appalachian culture in East Tennessee.
32. Tennessee State University Press
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2019
Specialization: African American studies, HBCU history, social justice
The academic publishing arm of Tennessee State University, focusing on African American studies, historically black college and university (HBCU) history, and social justice issues.
33. Oak Ridge Scientific Publishers
Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Founded: 2018
Specialization: Nuclear science, energy research, scientific education
Leveraging Oak Ridge’s scientific heritage, this publisher specializes in nuclear science, energy research, and scientific education materials that serve both academic and professional audiences.
34. Graceland Press
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Founded: 2020
Specialization: Elvis Presley studies, rock and roll history, popular culture
A specialty publisher focusing on Elvis Presley studies, rock and roll history, and popular culture books that explore the King of Rock and Roll’s lasting impact on American culture.
35. Tennessee Walking Horse Publishers
Location: Middle Tennessee
Founded: 2017
Specialization: Equestrian literature, horse breeding, agricultural heritage
Specializing in equestrian literature, horse breeding guides, and agricultural heritage books that celebrate Tennessee’s contribution to American horse culture and livestock industries.
36. Volunteer Heritage Press
Location: Various Tennessee locations
Founded: 2019
Specialization: Family histories, genealogy, community chronicles
A publisher dedicated to preserving Tennessee family histories, genealogical research, and community chronicles that document the experiences of families and communities throughout the state’s development.
37. Cumberland Gap Publishers
Location: East Tennessee
Founded: 2021
Specialization: Frontier history, westward expansion, pioneer narratives
Focusing on Tennessee’s role as a gateway to the West, this publisher specializes in frontier history, westward expansion, and pioneer narratives that explore the state’s importance in American settlement patterns.
38. Nashville Skyline Books
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 2022
Specialization: Contemporary Southern literature, urban development, cultural evolution
The newest addition to Tennessee’s publishing scene, focusing on contemporary Southern literature, urban development, and cultural evolution that explores how Tennessee cities are adapting to 21st-century challenges and opportunities.
Understanding Tennessee’s Publishing Strengths
Tennessee’s publishing industry offers several distinctive advantages:
Christian Publishing Hub: Nashville serves as one of America’s major Christian publishing centers, with numerous established publishers and extensive distribution networks.
Musical Heritage: The state’s rich musical culture provides abundant material for music-related books and attracts authors interested in entertainment industry topics.
Historical Significance: Tennessee’s role in American history, from frontier settlement to civil rights, provides rich material for historical and biographical works.
Business-Friendly Environment: Favorable tax policies and business incentives make Tennessee attractive for publishing companies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Central Location: Tennessee’s position in the Southeast provides efficient access to major markets throughout the region and beyond.
Key Advantages for Tennessee Authors
Established Networks: Tennessee’s publishing industry includes well-established distribution networks, particularly for Christian and regional books.
Genre Expertise: Publishers with deep expertise in Christian literature, music industry books, and Southern regional topics.
Community Support: Strong literary communities in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities provide networking and promotional opportunities.
Cultural Authenticity: Publishers who understand Tennessee culture and can provide guidance on regional authenticity and market appeal.
Cost Effectiveness: Lower operational costs compared to coastal publishing centers allow for more competitive author terms and marketing investments.
Tennessee’s Literary Ecosystem
Writing Organizations: Groups like the Tennessee Writers Alliance provide networking and professional development opportunities for authors throughout the state.
Literary Events: Annual events like the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville and regional literary festivals create opportunities for authors to connect with readers and industry professionals.
Independent Bookstores: Strong support from independent bookstores throughout Tennessee that champion local authors and regional publishers.
University Programs: Creative writing and publishing programs at Tennessee universities contribute to the state’s literary culture and provide educational opportunities.
Music Industry Crossover: Nashville’s music industry provides unique opportunities for authors writing about entertainment, culture, and celebrity topics.
Future Trends in Tennessee Publishing
Digital Integration: Tennessee publishers are increasingly embracing digital platforms and multimedia content while maintaining traditional publishing values.
Diversity Initiatives: Growing efforts to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in Tennessee and Southern literature.
Music Industry Synergy: Continued integration between publishing and music industries, creating new opportunities for entertainment-related books.
Heritage Preservation: Increased focus on preserving and sharing Tennessee’s cultural heritage through books and digital media.
Educational Innovation: Partnerships with Tennessee educational institutions creating new opportunities for textbook publishing and educational technology.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s publishing landscape offers exceptional opportunities for authors across diverse genres and markets. From The Legacy Ghostwriters’ comprehensive services to historic Christian publishers like Thomas Nelson and innovative independent presses throughout the state, Tennessee provides dynamic pathways to publication success.
The combination of established publishing infrastructure, cultural richness, business advantages, and supportive literary communities makes Tennessee an increasingly attractive destination for both authors and publishers. Whether you’re developing Christian literature, music industry books, historical works, regional guides, or contemporary fiction, Tennessee’s publishing community offers the expertise, connections, and cultural understanding necessary to succeed.
Success in Tennessee’s publishing market requires appreciation for the state’s unique character and values while maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity. By understanding Tennessee’s blend of traditional Southern culture, musical heritage, and contemporary innovation, authors can find publishers who not only appreciate their vision but can help them reach audiences throughout the region and beyond. The Volunteer State continues to demonstrate that great publishing combines respect for tradition with openness to innovation, creating opportunities for authors to contribute to Tennessee’s ongoing literary legacy.
Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.