Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of publishing, but it has a surprisingly diverse literary scene. From historic presses to small community publishers, authors here can find strong support. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a poet, or someone looking to share a family memoir, there’s a publishing option that fits your vision.
At the top of our list is Professional Ghostwriter, a service that works with authors across the U.S. before moving into publishing. After that, we’ll look at nine Idaho-based companies that make up the backbone of the state’s publishing landscape.
| Position | Brand Name | Rating |
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriter | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Caxton Printers Ltd. | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | Limberlost Press | ★★★★☆ |
| 4 | Idaho Writers Guild Press | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | The Cabin Boise (Press) | ★★★★☆ |
| 6 | Blue Scarab Press | ★★★★☆ |
| 7 | Ridenbaugh Press | ★★★☆☆ |
| 8 | Black Canyon Press | ★★★☆☆ |
| 9 | Snake River Press | ★★★☆☆ |
| 10 | Pacific Press Publishing Association | ★★★☆☆ |
1. Professional Ghostwriter
Location: Dallas, TX, (serving in Idaho also)
Professional Ghostwriter is a national service that helps authors bring their ideas to life, whether it’s a business book, memoir, novel, or nonfiction project. Their process starts with in-depth consultations to understand your vision, then develops into drafting, revising, and polishing until you have a complete manuscript. They also offer editing, publishing advice, and confidentiality so your name stays on the cover.
Why choose them: If you have the story but not the time or writing experience, Professional Ghostwriter ensures your voice and ideas shine through while delivering a professional-quality book.
2. Caxton Press
Location: Caldwell, Idaho
Caxton Press is one of the oldest publishers in the American West, with a history dating back to the early 1900s. Known for nonfiction, it has published hundreds of titles that explore Western culture, history, and heritage. Many authors who want to highlight regional voices and stories have worked with Caxton to preserve the spirit of the West. Their distribution also extends beyond Idaho, making it easier for authors to reach a broader audience.
Why choose them: If your manuscript connects with Western history, culture, or nonfiction, Caxton’s long legacy and reputation for quality make it a trusted choice.
3. Canon Press
Location: Moscow, Idaho
Canon Press began in 1988 as a ministry and has since grown into a recognized Christian publishing house. They specialize in books on theology, education, history, and Christian living, but they’ve also ventured into cultural commentary and fiction that supports their mission. Authors who want to share faith-centered perspectives will find a clear pathway here.
Why choose them: Canon Press is ideal for writers looking to publish for Christian audiences, with decades of experience reaching churches, schools, and communities.
4. Limberlost Press
Location: Boise, Idaho
Founded in 1976, Limberlost Press is a fine-press publisher that produces limited edition works of poetry, prose, and art. Known for hand-crafted letterpress books and chapbooks, it’s as much about the artistry of the book as the content itself. Each project is carefully designed and produced in small runs, which adds a collectible value.
Why choose them: For poets, essayists, and artists who care about the physical beauty of a book, Limberlost Press offers a one-of-a-kind publishing experience.
5. Lost Horse Press
Location: Sandpoint, Idaho
Lost Horse Press is a nonprofit literary press founded in 1998 that focuses on poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. They are especially known for championing underrepresented voices—women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ authors. Beyond publishing, they host literary events and engage with communities to expand access to diverse writing.
Why choose them: If your work fits into the literary category and you want a publisher committed to diversity and social impact, Lost Horse is a meaningful partner.
6. Hidden Shelf Publishing House
Location: McCall, Idaho
Hidden Shelf Publishing, founded in 2017, is a newer indie press making a name for itself. They publish a range of genres, including historical fiction, children’s books, and contemporary works, and have already had Amazon bestsellers and award-winning titles. The team is passionate about elevating unique voices and supporting authors through the publishing journey.
Why choose them: For emerging writers who want an approachable indie press with modern marketing savvy, Hidden Shelf is a great option.
7. Eagle River Publishing
Location: McCall/Eagle, Idaho
Eagle River Publishing focuses on memoirs, humor, and children’s books. They evolved from Mill Park Publishing and also offer writing workshops, connecting authors with industry professionals and bestselling writers. They publish across formats—print, ebook, and audiobook giving writers multiple ways to share their work.
Why choose them: If you’re a first-time author wanting hands-on support plus opportunities to learn through workshops, Eagle River provides a blend of publishing and mentoring.
8. Sixth Moon Publishing
Location: Shoshone, Idaho (115 E 2nd St)
Sixth Moon Publishing is a small but creative house specializing in science fiction and fantasy. They also offer related services like web design, logo creation, and press releases for authors, making them a versatile choice for new writers who need extra help with branding and outreach. Their main publishing focus is digital and short-form content, perfect for modern readers.
Why choose them: If your writing leans toward sci-fi or fantasy and you want extra support beyond just the book itself, Sixth Moon is a forward-looking partner.
9. Idaho Comics Group
Location: Boise, Idaho
Founded in 2014, Idaho Comics Group is dedicated to publishing comic anthologies that highlight local creators. They’ve even published licensed Tarzan comics alongside regional cartoonist collections. This small press adds an important niche to Idaho’s publishing landscape by fostering sequential art and graphic storytelling.
Why choose them: If you’re a comic book writer or artist in Idaho, this is the publisher that understands your medium and audience.
10. Pacific Press Publishing Association
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Pacific Press is one of the most established publishers in the state, tied to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Originally founded in 1874, it moved to Idaho in the 1980s and produces books, magazines, and educational resources for Christian audiences worldwide. Their reach extends far beyond Idaho, making them one of the biggest players on this list.
Why choose them: Authors writing for religious or educational markets will benefit from Pacific Press’s global reach and longstanding reputation.
FAQs
Q1: What types of books does Professional Ghostwriter specialize in?
Professional Ghostwriter covers a wide range of genres, including memoirs, autobiographies, business books, fiction, and non-fiction. They also help with editing, formatting, and publishing guidance, making them a one-stop solution for authors.
Q2: How does the ghostwriting process work?
The process begins with a detailed consultation where writers share their vision and ideas. From there, the team creates an outline, drafts chapters, and works closely with the author to ensure the final manuscript reflects their voice and goals.
Q3: Is my privacy protected when I hire a Professional Ghostwriter?
Yes. Professional Ghostwriter maintains strict confidentiality agreements to protect your authorship rights. Your name will appear as the author, and your project details are never shared without your permission.
Final Thoughts
Idaho’s publishing scene is more dynamic than many realize. Writers here have access to everything from large religious presses to small artisanal publishers and indie outfits. If your manuscript still needs shaping, Professional Ghostwriter is a strong first stop. But once you’re ready to publish, presses like Caxton, Lost Horse, and Hidden Shelf show how Idaho supports both tradition and innovation in the literary world.
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.