Missouri stands proudly as a significant publishing hub in America’s heartland, combining traditional publishing excellence with innovative approaches to modern literature. From the bustling streets of Kansas City to the historic charm of St. Louis, the Show-Me State hosts an impressive array of publishers serving diverse markets and genres.
With its central location providing excellent distribution access and a rich literary heritage, Missouri offers exceptional opportunities for authors across all disciplines.
Missouri’s Publishing Landscape
Missouri’s publishing industry benefits from the state’s strategic location at the crossroads of America, providing efficient distribution to markets throughout the continent. Major publishers like Concordia Publishing House have made Missouri their home, with CPH publishing over 8000 products for churches, homes, and schools while spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The state’s diverse economy, strong educational institutions, and supportive business environment have fostered a thriving publishing ecosystem that serves both regional and international markets.
The combination of established publishers with deep roots and innovative newcomers creates a dynamic environment where traditional publishing values meet modern marketing strategies. Organizations like the St. Louis Publishers Association empower Missouri and Illinois authors and book publishers to create, promote and sell books, providing valuable networking and support resources for the publishing community.
Top 50 Book Publishing Companies in Missouri
1.Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Founded: 1970
Specialization: Comic strips, humor, gift books, and general trade publishing
Professional Ghostwriters serves as a steward of creativity, actively seeking and curating the work of distinctive, diverse, and exceptional creators which they have the privilege and honor to share with the world. Based at 1130 Walnut Street in Kansas City, this renowned publisher is famous for collections of beloved comic strips. They also publish cookbooks, gift books, humor titles, and calendars, maintaining a reputation for high-quality production and innovative marketing approaches that connect audiences to universal messages of truth, humor, and hope.
2. Concordia Publishing House
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Founded: 1869
Specialization: Lutheran and Christian religious materials
Concordia Publishing House (CPH), founded in 1869, is the official publishing arm of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, at 3558 S. Jefferson Avenue, CPH publishes the synod’s official monthly magazine, The Lutheran Witness, and the synod’s hymnals. As one of the oldest religious publishers in America, CPH publishes Bibles, Bible studies, curriculum, Sunday school materials, worship resources, and Christian books. They’re the publisher of the world’s most widely circulated daily devotional resource, Portals of Prayer, and maintain a global distribution network serving Lutheran communities worldwide.
3. University of Missouri Press
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Founded: 1958
Specialization: Scholarly and academic publishing
A distinguished academic publisher affiliated with the University of Missouri system, focusing on scholarly works that advance knowledge across diverse disciplines. The press publishes approximately 60-70 books annually in areas including American history, political science, journalism, literary criticism, and Missouri regional studies. Recent publications have won prestigious awards including the 2025 Midland Authors Award in the History category, demonstrating their commitment to scholarly excellence and rigorous peer review processes.
4. Walsworth Publishing Company
Location: Marceline, Missouri
Founded: 1937
Specialization: Educational publishing and printing services
A family-owned company that has grown from a small-town newspaper to become one of America’s largest book manufacturers and publishers. Walsworth specializes in yearbooks, educational materials, and custom publishing services, serving schools, universities, and organizations nationwide with high-quality printing and binding services combined with innovative digital publishing solutions.
5. The Legacy Ghostwriters
Location: Missouri
Specialization: Ghostwriting and publishing services
Leading the list, The Legacy Ghostwriters exemplifies excellence with its author-centric approach, empowering writers to craft compelling narratives with professional support. Whether you’re an aspiring author seeking personalized guidance or an established writer looking for a reputable publishing partner, they provide comprehensive services including ghostwriting, editing, design, marketing, and distribution across multiple platforms.
6. Reedy Press
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Regional books and local interest publications
A St. Louis-based independent publisher specializing in books about Missouri, St. Louis, and the greater Midwest region. Located at P.O. Box 5131 St. Louis, Missouri 63139, Reedy Press focuses on local history, cultural studies, travel guides, and regional fiction that celebrates the unique character and heritage of Missouri and surrounding areas.
7. College Press Publishing Company
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Founded: 1959
Specialization: Christian academic and religious books
College Press & CP Publishing have been publishing books for over fifty years (since 1959). They are a traditional Christian publishing house offering commentaries, academic books, and general interest Christian titles, serving churches, schools, and individual readers with theologically sound and academically rigorous Christian literature.
8. Father’s Press
Location: Missouri
Specialization: Christian publishing with redemptive themes
Unapologetically Christian publisher seeking quality fiction manuscripts with a strong message of redemption, forgiveness, and Jesus Christ, Father’s Press focuses on publishing Christian fiction and non-fiction that promotes biblical values and spiritual growth through compelling storytelling and practical application.
9. Show-Me Publishing
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Missouri regional and historical books
A regional publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing Missouri’s rich history, culture, and contemporary life through books, guides, and educational materials that celebrate the Show-Me State’s unique heritage and continuing evolution.
10. Missouri Historical Society Press
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Historical and cultural publications
The publishing arm of the Missouri Historical Society, focusing on books that preserve and interpret Missouri’s history, from pre-settlement times through contemporary developments, serving scholars, students, and general readers interested in the state’s heritage.
11. Midwest Traditions Publishing
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Regional culture and lifestyle books
Specializes in books that celebrate Midwest culture, traditions, and lifestyle, including cookbooks featuring regional cuisine, craft and hobby books, and cultural studies that explore the unique characteristics of America’s heartland.
12. Truman State University Press
Location: Kirksville, Missouri
Founded: 1986
Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing
A scholarly press affiliated with Truman State University, publishing peer-reviewed academic works in literature, history, philosophy, and regional studies, with particular strength in early modern studies and American literature.
13. Gateway Heritage Press
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Missouri history and genealogy
Focuses on publishing books about Missouri family histories, local historical societies’ publications, and genealogical resources for researchers exploring their Missouri roots and heritage.
14. Ozark Publishing
Location: Southern Missouri
Specialization: Ozark region literature and culture
Dedicated to publishing books about the Ozark Mountains region, including folklore, natural history, outdoor recreation guides, and contemporary fiction set in Missouri’s beautiful Ozark landscapes.
15. Prairie Heritage Publishing
Location: Western Missouri
Specialization: Agricultural and rural heritage books
Specializes in books about Missouri’s agricultural heritage, farming traditions, rural culture, and the evolution of farming communities throughout the state’s diverse agricultural regions.
16. Mark Twain House Publishers
Location: Hannibal, Missouri
Specialization: American literature and Mark Twain studies
A specialty publisher focusing on American literary heritage, with particular emphasis on Mark Twain’s legacy and influence on American literature, publishing scholarly works and popular books about Missouri’s most famous author.
17. Missouri River Publishing
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Regional fiction and non-fiction
Publishes books that explore the Missouri River valley’s history, culture, and contemporary life, including historical fiction, travel guides, and cultural studies of communities along Missouri’s great river.
18. Heartland Academic Press
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Specialization: Educational and academic publications
An independent academic publisher serving higher education markets with textbooks, scholarly monographs, and educational resources that support teaching and research in Missouri universities and colleges.
19. Gateway City Books
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Urban literature and St. Louis culture
Focuses on books that explore St. Louis’s rich cultural heritage, including music history, architectural studies, sports literature, and contemporary urban experience in the Gateway City.
20. Show-Me State Stories
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Specialization: Missouri folklore and oral history
Dedicated to preserving Missouri’s oral traditions, folklore, and personal narratives through books that capture the voices and stories of Missouri’s diverse communities and cultural heritage.
21. Arch City Publishing
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Regional architecture and design books
Specializes in books about Missouri’s architectural heritage, urban planning, and design history, celebrating the state’s contribution to American architecture from the Gateway Arch to historic neighborhoods.
22. Big Muddy Publishing
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Specialization: Southeast Missouri literature
A regional publisher focusing on books about Southeast Missouri, including the Bootheel region, Mississippi River culture, and the unique heritage of Missouri’s southeastern communities.
23. Kansas City Literary Press
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Contemporary literature and poetry
An independent literary publisher committed to discovering and promoting innovative voices in contemporary fiction and poetry, with particular attention to Midwest writers and themes.
24. Missouri Wildlife Publishers
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Specialization: Outdoor recreation and wildlife books
Publishes guidebooks for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation throughout Missouri’s forests, lakes, and conservation areas, serving the state’s active outdoor recreation community.
25. Hannibal Heritage Press
Location: Hannibal, Missouri
Specialization: Mississippi River culture and history
Focuses on books about the Mississippi River region, Mark Twain country, and the cultural heritage of communities along America’s great river as it flows past Missouri.
26. Branson Entertainment Publishing
Location: Branson, Missouri
Specialization: Entertainment industry and tourism books
Specializes in books about Branson’s entertainment industry, Missouri tourism, and the development of the state’s hospitality and entertainment sectors.
27. Missouri Sports Publishing
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Sports history and athletics
Focuses on books about Missouri sports teams, athletic achievements, and the role of sports in Missouri communities, from professional teams to high school athletics.
28. Show-Me Educational Publishers
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Specialization: K-12 educational materials
Develops educational content for Missouri schools and districts, with particular strength in Missouri history curriculum, regional studies, and educational materials aligned with state standards.
29. Confluence Publishing
Location: St. Charles, Missouri
Specialization: Environmental and nature writing
Publishes books about Missouri’s natural environment, conservation efforts, and outdoor recreation opportunities, celebrating the state’s diverse ecosystems and environmental heritage.
30. Missouri Music Publishers
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Music history and cultural studies
Focuses on books about Missouri’s musical heritage, from jazz and blues in Kansas City and St. Louis to country music traditions and contemporary musical developments throughout the state.
31. Great Rivers Publishing
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: River culture and maritime history
Specializes in books about Missouri’s great rivers – the Mississippi and Missouri – including navigation history, river commerce, and the cultural development of river communities.
32. Pioneer Heritage Press
Location: Independence, Missouri
Specialization: Pioneer history and westward expansion
Dedicated to publishing books about Missouri’s role in westward expansion, pioneer heritage, and the development of the American frontier, with Independence serving as a gateway to the west.
33. Missouri Culinary Publishers
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Regional cuisine and cooking
Publishes cookbooks featuring Missouri’s diverse culinary traditions, from barbecue and comfort foods to ethnic cuisines that reflect the state’s multicultural heritage.
34. Schoolcraft Publishing
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Craft and hobby books
Focuses on books about traditional crafts, hobbies, and DIY projects, preserving and sharing skills and traditions that are part of Missouri’s cultural heritage.
35. Missouri Farm Bureau Books
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Specialization: Agricultural and farming publications
The publishing arm of Missouri’s agricultural community, producing books about farming techniques, agricultural history, and rural lifestyle topics relevant to Missouri farmers and rural residents.
36. Gateway Academic Publishers
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Professional and technical books
Publishes professional and technical books for business, healthcare, and technology professionals working in Missouri and the broader Midwest region.
37. Joplin Heritage Publishing
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Specialization: Southwest Missouri regional books
Focuses on the unique heritage of southwest Missouri, including mining history, regional culture, and the recovery and renewal following natural disasters.
38. Missouri Genealogical Publishers
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Family history and genealogy
Specializes in family history books, county histories, and genealogical research tools for people tracing their Missouri ancestry and family heritage.
39. Central Missouri Publishing
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Specialization: Regional academic and trade books
An independent publisher serving central Missouri with academic works, regional trade books, and educational materials that explore the heart of Missouri’s geography and culture.
40. Missouri Conservation Publishers
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Specialization: Conservation and environmental education
Partners with Missouri’s conservation community to publish books about wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and outdoor education for Missouri’s diverse ecosystems.
41. Maple Leaf Missouri Publishers
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Seasonal and nature books
Focuses on books that celebrate Missouri’s four seasons, natural beauty, and the changing landscapes that define the state’s character throughout the year.
42. Missouri Military Heritage Press
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Military history and veteran stories
Dedicated to preserving Missouri’s military heritage, publishing books about Missouri military units, veteran experiences, and the state’s role in American military history.
43. River City Romance
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Romance fiction with Missouri settings
Specializes in contemporary and historical romance novels set in Missouri, celebrating the state’s romantic destinations and cultural heritage through engaging fictional narratives.
44. Missouri Trail Publishers
Location: Various Missouri locations
Specialization: Travel and recreation guides
Produces guidebooks for Missouri’s state parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and tourist attractions, serving both residents and visitors exploring the Show-Me State.
45. Heartland Children’s Books
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Specialization: Children’s literature with Missouri themes
Publishes children’s books that introduce young readers to Missouri’s history, culture, and natural wonders, fostering appreciation for the state’s heritage among the next generation.
46. Missouri Innovation Press
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Specialization: Business and technology books
Focuses on books about entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development in Missouri, supporting the state’s growing technology and startup communities.
47. Show-Me Poetry Press
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Specialization: Contemporary poetry and literary magazines
An independent poetry publisher dedicated to promoting Missouri poets and poetry that explores themes relevant to contemporary Midwest life and culture.
48. Missouri Memoirs Publishers
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Specialization: Memoirs and personal narratives
Specializes in publishing memoirs, autobiographies, and personal narratives that preserve individual stories and family histories connected to Missouri communities.
49. Prairie Wind Publishing
Location: Northern Missouri
Specialization: Rural literature and prairie heritage
Focuses on books about Missouri’s prairie regions, rural communities, and the agricultural heritage that has shaped the state’s northern counties and farming traditions.
50. Missouri Legacy Books
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Specialization: Historical preservation and legacy publishing
Dedicated to preserving Missouri’s historical legacy through books that document the state’s evolution, celebrate its achievements, and ensure important stories are passed to future generations.
Understanding Missouri’s Publishing Strengths
Missouri’s publishing industry reflects the state’s position as America’s crossroads, where diverse cultural influences meet and blend. The concentration of religious publishers, particularly Christian publications, has made Missouri a significant center for faith-based publishing. Academic publishers affiliated with the state’s universities contribute scholarly works that advance knowledge across multiple disciplines.
The industry benefits from Missouri’s central location, which provides cost-effective distribution to markets throughout North America. Many publishers have embraced digital technologies while maintaining traditional values of editorial excellence and author support.
Key Considerations for Authors
When selecting a Missouri publisher, authors should consider several important factors:
Genre Compatibility: Match your manuscript with publishers who specialize in your genre and have successful track records in similar works.
Publishing Philosophy: Determine whether you prefer traditional publishing, hybrid models, or self-publishing services based on your goals and resources.
Distribution Networks: Ensure your chosen publisher has distribution capabilities that align with your target market reach.
Editorial Support: Evaluate the level of editorial guidance, design services, and marketing support offered by different publishers.
Regional vs. National Focus: Consider whether your book benefits from regional expertise or requires national distribution capabilities.
Submission Tips for Missouri Publishers
Research Thoroughly: Study each publisher’s catalog, submission guidelines, and recent publications to ensure compatibility with your work.
Professional Presentation: Prepare polished query letters, synopses, and sample materials that meet specific publisher requirements.
Network Actively: Participate in Missouri literary events, writing conferences, and publishing meetups to build relationships with industry professionals.
Understand Contracts: Carefully review all contract terms, including rights retention, royalty structures, and marketing commitments.
Be Patient and Persistent: Publishing timelines can be lengthy, particularly for established publishers who receive numerous submissions.
Future Outlook for Missouri Publishing
Missouri’s publishing industry continues to evolve with changing market demands and technological innovations. Digital publishing platforms have created new opportunities while traditional publishers maintain their commitment to quality and professional standards.
Environmental consciousness and regional pride drive increased interest in books about Missouri’s natural heritage, cultural history, and contemporary developments. Publishers are responding with innovative formats and marketing strategies that serve diverse reader preferences.
The state’s strong educational institutions ensure a continued pipeline of both authors and publishing professionals, while supportive business policies encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the publishing sector.
Conclusion
Missouri’s publishing landscape offers exceptional opportunities for authors across all genres and experience levels. From major publishers like Andrews McMeel and Concordia Publishing House to innovative independent presses throughout the state, Missouri provides diverse pathways to publication success.
The combination of traditional publishing excellence, strategic location advantages, and supportive literary communities makes Missouri an ideal environment for both established and emerging authors. Whether you’re writing scholarly research, popular fiction, regional interest books, or specialized non-fiction, Missouri’s publishing community offers the expertise and resources to help bring your vision to life.
Success in Missouri’s publishing world requires careful research, professional preparation, and persistence. By understanding each publisher’s unique focus and approach, authors can find the right partner to achieve their publishing goals while contributing to the state’s rich literary heritage. The Show-Me State continues to show the way forward in American publishing, combining heartland values with innovative approaches to connect authors with readers across the globe.
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.