Montana may be famous for its mountains, wide-open plains, and literary traditions, but it’s also home to a surprisingly rich publishing scene. Writers across the state have access to independent publishers, university presses, and author services that help transform manuscripts into published books. Whether you’re working on a Western novel, a memoir, or a scholarly history, Montana offers publishing opportunities worth exploring.
List of the Top 14 Book Publishing Companies in Montana for 2025.
| S.No | Company Name | Location (City/Address) | Ratings (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriter | Online / Serves Montana Authors Statewide | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 2 | Montana State University Press | Bozeman, MT – Montana State University Campus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7) |
| 3 | Riverbend Publishing | Helena, MT – 725 Front St, Helena, MT 59601 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6) |
| 4 | Bangtail Press | Bozeman, MT – 610 Professional Dr, Bozeman, MT 59718 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6) |
| 5 | Farcountry Press | Helena, MT – 2126 Ford St, Helena, MT 59601 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5) |
| 6 | Mountain Press Publishing Company | Missoula, MT – 1301 S. 3rd St W, Missoula, MT 59801 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5) |
| 7 | Sweetgrass Books | Helena, MT – Division of Farcountry Press | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4) |
| 8 | Drumlummon Institute Press | Helena, MT – 517 N Rodney St, Helena, MT 59601 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3) |
| 9 | Elk River Books Publishing | Livingston, MT – 120 N Main St, Livingston, MT 59047 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3) |
| 10 | Red Lodge Books & Tea (Publishing Division) | Red Lodge, MT – 11 S Broadway Ave, Red Lodge, MT 59068 | ⭐⭐⭐½ (4.2) |
| 11 | Hardscratch Press | Missoula, MT | ⭐⭐⭐½ (4.2) |
| 12 | Clark City Press | Livingston, MT | ⭐⭐⭐½ (4.1) |
| 13 | Great Wide Open Publishing | Helena, MT | ⭐⭐⭐½ (4.1) |
| 14 | Silver Bow Publishing | Butte, MT | ⭐⭐⭐½ (4.0) |
To help you choose the right partner, here’s a list of the top 14 book publishing companies in Montana for 2025.
1. Professional Ghostwriter (Best Choice for Authors in 2025)
When it comes to full-service publishing support, Professional Ghostwriter leads the way in Montana. Unlike traditional publishers that only accept finished manuscripts, Professional Ghostwriter helps authors at every stage of the process from writing and editing to formatting, cover design, publishing, and book marketing.
They specialize in ghostwriting memoirs, business books, and novels for authors who have the story but need expert help turning it into a publishable manuscript. With marketing strategies included, this company ensures your book has the best chance of standing out in today’s competitive market.
Why Choose Professional Ghostwriter?
- Complete ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services
- Personalized support for first-time and experienced writers
- High-quality design and formatting
- Marketing guidance to boost visibility
Best For: Authors who want a one-stop solution to write, publish, and promote their books.
2. Montana State University Press
Montana State University Press is a respected academic press that focuses on scholarly works, regional history, and cultural studies. If your work leans toward nonfiction, research, or regional analysis, this is one of the top publishing companies in Montana to consider.
Why Choose Montana State University Press?
- Strong academic credibility
- Ideal for nonfiction, cultural, and historical works
- Great distribution in educational circles
Best For: Scholars and nonfiction authors.
3. Riverbend Publishing
Based in Helena, Riverbend Publishing specializes in books about the American West, including outdoor adventure, travel, and regional history. They have built a solid reputation for high-quality nonfiction titles that highlight Montana’s culture and natural beauty.
Why Choose Riverbend Publishing?
- Strong focus on Western history and culture
- Wide distribution in regional bookstores and museums
- Perfect for outdoor and travel-related works
Best For: Authors writing about Montana’s history, travel, or landscapes.
4. Bangtail Press
Located in Bozeman, Bangtail Press is well-known for Western literature and fiction. Their titles capture Montana’s rugged identity and often earn recognition in literary circles.
Why Choose Bangtail Press?
- Award-winning regional and literary titles
- Great fit for fiction and narrative nonfiction
- Focused on Western culture and lifestyle
Best For: Novelists and storytellers inspired by the West.
5. Farcountry Press
Farcountry Press in Helena publishes photography, art books, children’s literature, and travel guides. They are known for visually stunning publications that often highlight Montana’s scenic beauty.
Why Choose Farcountry Press?
- Expertise in design-heavy books like photography and children’s titles
- Strong distribution across Montana and beyond
- High-quality printing and production
Best For: Authors of photography books, art, or children’s stories.
6. Mountain Press Publishing Company
Based in Missoula, Mountain Press Publishing Company has been publishing since 1946. They specialize in natural history, geology, and science-related works, making them a top choice for educational publishing in Montana.
Why Choose Mountain Press?
- Decades of experience in publishing educational books
- Focus on science and nature topics
- Widely used in schools and universities
Best For: Nonfiction authors in science and natural history.
7. Sweetgrass Books
Sweetgrass Books is the custom publishing division of Farcountry Press. They offer self-publishing services while maintaining professional standards of editing, design, and distribution.
Why Choose Sweetgrass Books?
- Professional self-publishing services
- Strong design and production support
- Access to Farcountry’s distribution channels
Best For: Authors who want to self-publish with professional backing.
8. Drumlummon Institute Press
Drumlummon Institute Press highlights Montana’s arts and literary voices. They focus on poetry, essays, and short fiction with a strong cultural perspective.
Why Choose Drumlummon Institute Press?
- Dedicated to Montana’s creative writers
- Great for poetry and experimental writing
- Strong cultural and artistic focus
Best For: Poets and literary authors.
9. Elk River Books Publishing
Based in Livingston, Elk River Books is both a bookstore and a boutique publisher. They select unique manuscripts in fiction and nonfiction, especially works tied to Montana or the American West.
Why Choose Elk River Books?
- Personalized, small-scale publishing
- Focus on regional and literary works
- Close collaboration with authors
Best For: Writers of literary and regional works.
10. Red Lodge Books & Tea (Publishing Division)
While primarily a bookstore, Red Lodge Books & Tea occasionally partners with local authors to publish regional works. Their publishing arm is small but community-focused.
Why Choose Red Lodge Books?
- Community-driven publishing opportunities
- Great entry point for local authors
- Personalized support
Best For: First-time authors from Montana communities.
11. Hardscratch Press
Hardscratch Press, located in Missoula, publishes regional nonfiction, memoirs, and poetry. They prioritize quality and authentic Montana storytelling.
Why Choose Hardscratch Press?
- Selective, high-quality regional works
- Strong editorial collaboration
- Focus on Montana themes
Best For: Memoirists and regional nonfiction writers.
12. Clark City Press
Clark City Press, based in Livingston, publishes poetry, art books, and fiction. They often collaborate with Montana artists to create visually compelling titles.
Why Choose Clark City Press?
- Known for art-focused publishing
- Strong in poetry and visual works
- High-quality book design
Best For: Poets and authors with art-focused projects.
13. Great Wide Open Publishing
Great Wide Open Publishing focuses on outdoor adventure, creative nonfiction, and Western history. They are a newer Montana publisher with a growing reputation.
Why Choose Great Wide Open Publishing?
- Specializes in outdoor and adventure writing
- Open to new authors with strong storytelling skills
- Perfect for Western lifestyle books
Best For: Adventure writers and Western historians.
14. Silver Bow Publishing
Silver Bow Publishing works with authors in regional fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. Their small size allows for close collaboration and personalized support.
Why Choose Silver Bow Publishing?
- Publishes across multiple genres
- Personalized author attention
- Welcoming to new writers
Best For: Regional and children’s book authors.
FAQs
- What is the best book publishing company in Montana for first-time authors?
Professional Ghostwriter is the best option because they provide complete services from writing to marketing, which is very helpful for beginners. - Do Montana publishers accept all genres?
No, many Montana publishers specialize in history, culture, or Western-themed books. Authors should research publishers that fit their genre. - Can I self-publish my book in Montana?
Yes, you can use Amazon KDP or local Montana printers. Many authors combine both to balance global reach and local distribution.
Wrap-Up
Montana’s publishing industry may be smaller than major hubs, but it offers diverse opportunities. Academic presses like Montana State University Press and Mountain Press serve nonfiction and scholarly writers, while independents like Riverbend Publishing, Bangtail Press, and Farcountry Press celebrate the West’s culture and history.
For authors who want a complete publishing solution, Professional Ghostwriter remains the top choice in Montana for 2025. They guide writers from the first draft to a published, market-ready book while providing marketing strategies for long-term success.
No matter what genre you write, these top 14 book publishing companies in Montana ensure that every author can find the right path to share their story with the 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.