9 Best Publishing Companies in Indianapolis (Indiana)

Indianapolis is more than just the famed “Crossroads of America” and a center of automotive glory, it’s a thriving hub of culture and literature, a city where words matter and stories find fertile soil to grow.

Ensconced in the heart of the American Midwest, this bustling capital city of Indiana is home to the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, honoring one of its most acclaimed sons and serving as a true inspiration for the city’s vibrant community of readers, writers, and thinkers. Below you’ll find university and historical presses that read proposals, a Catholic publisher, a sports imprint, a national distributor, and a paid self-publishing service, all in Indianapolis or a short drive away. After enjoying this guide, kindly consider browsing my collection of over 2,000+ publishers.

Submission policies change without notice, so confirm on the publisher’s own page before you send anything, and never pay a reading fee. Last verified: October 3, 2026.

Here are the top book publishing companies in Indianapolis, IN:

1. Dog Ear Publishing

Dog Ear Publishing is a notable name in the Indianapolis literary scene. It is a paid self-publishing service rather than one of the traditional publishers: authors choose a publishing package, and Dog Ear handles design, production, and marketing tools while the author pays for the work. Their catalog is as diverse as the authors they support, covering a broad range of genres and subject areas. Notable titles include “The Emergence of One American Nation” by Donald J. Fraser, and “Finding My Way: A Journey Along the Rim of the Grand Canyon” by Lynn Wiese Sneyd. Compare its package prices with other options for self-publishing authors before you sign. Dog Ear author kit.

Working on a book of your own? You can publish it yourself with PublishDrive (affiliate link).

2. Ave Maria Press

Ave Maria Press, though not based in Indianapolis but in nearby Notre Dame, Indiana, has made significant contributions to the literary world, particularly in the realm of Catholic and Christian publishing. Established in 1865 by Father Edward Sorin, the founder of the University of Notre Dame, Ave Maria Press is recognized as a pioneer in Catholic publishing. Known for their devotion to spiritual and religious enrichment, Ave Maria Press offers a diverse array of books that cater to a wide spiritual audience. They’ve published notable works such as “Walking with Mary” by Edward Sri, which takes readers on a spiritual journey through the life of the Virgin Mary. Also noteworthy is “Seven Last Words” by James Martin, a deeply insightful exploration of Jesus’ final words. Ave Maria’s commitment to providing spiritual literature has made it a cornerstone in religious publishing. Submission guidelines.

3. Cardinal Publishers Group

Cardinal Publishers Group, a company located in the heart of Indianapolis, serves as a full-service national book distributor. Since 2000, The company has been providing small and mid-size publishers with sales, warehousing, and fulfillment services, allowing these publishers to focus on what they do best – creating great books. Cardinal carries a diverse array of titles, with an emphasis on non-fiction, covering subjects like travel, health & fitness, sports, and many others. A notable example is “The Complete Guide to Sports Injuries” by Dr. Christopher M. Norris, a comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals and anyone seeking to understand and prevent sports-related injuries. Cardinal works with publishers, not individual manuscripts: independent presses with a marketing plan can mail details of their books and authors for distribution review. Distribution review guidelines.

4. Blue River Press

Blue River Press is a dynamic Indianapolis-based publisher, well-known for its focus on the areas of sports, health, and fitness. Founded in 2004, it operates as an imprint of Cardinal Publishers Group, leveraging Cardinal’s extensive distribution network to reach a wide readership. Over the years, Blue River Press has produced many popular and informative titles. For instance, they published “Tom Coughlin: Power, Principles, and Leadership,” a biographical exploration of the esteemed NFL coach. Their dedicated emphasis on high-quality, insightful non-fiction has allowed them to carve out a significant niche within the publishing landscape online. Contact Blue River Press.

5. Indiana University Press

The Bloomington-based Indiana University Press is just an hour’s drive from Indianapolis. It has been making substantial contributions to scholarly publishing since its establishment in 1950. Known for its focus on academic and cultural publications, it is a vital part of Indiana University and contributes to the university’s mission of widespread research and knowledge. They publish books and journals that cover a broad range of fields, from African studies to philosophy, from music to history. They’ve published esteemed works such as “The Complete Dinosaur” edited by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz Jr., and James O. Farlow, a comprehensive resource on dinosaur science. With a strong dedication to academic rigor and a wide variety of scholarly fields, Indiana University Press stands as a beacon of intellectual exploration. It welcomes proposals in its fields through an online proposal form, and a faculty board approves each book. Submission guidelines.

6. St. Augustine’s Press

St. Augustine’s Press, while based in South Bend, Indiana, is another noteworthy contributor to the state’s literary scene. Established in 1998, the press is known for its distinctive focus on scholarly works that uphold the tradition of Christian and classical thought. Their publications largely revolve around philosophy, literature, political theory, and history, with an emphasis on translating and republishing classics often overlooked by other publishers. A good example of their work is the re-publication of “Leisure: The Basis of Culture” by Josef Pieper, a profound philosophical exploration of the concept of leisure. St. Augustine’s Press continues to offer readers a chance to delve into classic and traditional scholarship, making it a truly unique presence in the publishing world. Instead of a full manuscript, send a title page, table of contents, introduction, a sample chapter, your CV, and a short précis. Submission guidelines.

7. Indiana Historical Society Press

Indiana Historical Society Press, based in downtown Indianapolis, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich history of Indiana. As part of the Indiana Historical Society, the press serves as a conduit for historical narratives, memoirs, and educational resources that highlight the state’s diverse heritage. They publish a variety of books and periodicals, notably “Hoosiers and the American Story,” a text that integrates Indiana history into the broader narrative of American history. Another notable publication is the “Indiana Magazine of History,” a quarterly journal that delves into the intricacies of Indiana’s past. The press also publishes historical fiction for children, youth biographies, and family history guides. Its author guidelines note that the Society owns the copyright in books it finances or publishes, so read them before you submit. Submission guidelines.

8. Books by Sigma

Books by Sigma is the publishing arm of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. It is one of the leading providers of books and reference materials for registered nurses and nursing students. Located in Indianapolis, Sigma and its subsidiaries help enhance the health of people worldwide by advancing nursing scholarship, technology, and leadership by providing education to healthcare professionals. Sigma’s publications mainly focus on promoting nursing excellence, covering a broad spectrum of issues in nursing education, practice, and research. Their highly-respected “Journal of Nursing Scholarship” and “Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing” are influential in the field, delivering cutting-edge research and thought leadership. Contact Sigma.

9. Purdue University Press

Purdue University Press, based in Lafayette, Indiana, is a well-respected academic publisher associated with Purdue University. Since its establishment in 1960, it has been playing an integral role in the university’s mission to disseminate knowledge and information to a wider audience. Purdue University Press publishes books and journals in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health, veterinary sciences, education, and many others. A notable title is “Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer” by Jerry L. Ross, a fascinating exploration of the author’s experiences in space. In alignment with the academic excellence of Purdue University, the press is committed to publishing works of enduring scholarly and cultural value. Proposals go by email to the editor for your subject, and the press replies only when a project looks like a fit. Submission guidelines.

Names you may be looking for

IBJ Book Publishing

The Indianapolis Business Journal’s custom book service no longer has a page of its own, so ask IBJ directly before you plan a project with it.

Pressgang

Butler University’s small narrative press now appears only on social media, with no website or submission page.

Final Thoughts

In the dynamic world of book publishers, Indianapolis and greater Indiana are homes to a rich tapestry of voices. For a manuscript, start with the university and historical presses and Ave Maria Press, which publish their guidelines. Cardinal serves publishers rather than authors, and Dog Ear sells publishing services, so weigh them differently. Their catalogs run from Catholic spirituality and sports to rigorous academic works. In this thriving landscape, Indianapolis stands as a testament to the power of the written word, engaging minds, and inspiring imaginations. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on publishing companies in Phoenix.