12 Best Book Publishing Companies in Mississippi (in 2024)

Are you ready to take your book from manuscript to masterpiece?

Well, have no fear, because below there’s a list of the best book publishing houses in the state of Mississippi. So, kick back, and get ready to discover the perfect publication company to bring your words to life. Whether you have a way with words as a poet, bring stories to life as a novelist, or find joy in creating delicious dishes with your recipe book, we’ve got something for everyone. So, let’s get to it and find the perfect match for your literary dreams.

Here are the best book publishing companies in Mississippi:

1. University Press of Mississippi

The University Press of Mississippi is a scholarly book publisher in Jackson, MS. Established in 1970. The press is dedicated to promoting scholarship and disseminating knowledge in the fields of humanities and social sciences. The University Press of Mississippi publishes a wide range of books of the highest distinction, including monographs, edited volumes, and reference works. Their publications cover a variety of subjects, such as Southern traditions, literary studies, African-American studies, and gender studies. The University Publication House publishes and distributes around 80 titles annually, however, it’s only a small percentage of all submissions they receive. Submission guidelines.

2. Nautilus Publishing Company

Nautilus Publishing Company is an independent book publisher located in Oxford, MS. Established in 2002. The press is dedicated to producing high-quality books that capture the spirit and history of the American South. Nautilus Publishing Company publishes a diverse range of books, including memoirs, historical works, cookbooks, and children’s books. Their publications often feature Mississippi and the South themes, including music, food, and civil rights. Submission guidelines.

3. Yoknapatawpha Press

Yoknapatawpha Press is an independent book publisher based in Oxford, MS. The company is named for William Faulkner’s fictional county and was founded in 1975. The press is a southern regional press established by co-publishers, Lawrence Wells and the late Dean Faulkner Wells, and is dedicated to producing works of literary merit that capture the spirit and essence of the American South. Yoknapatawpha Press publishes a wide range of books, including nonfiction and poetry. Their publications often feature themes related to the South, including history, culture, and social issues. The press is particularly known for creating works that showcase Southern voices and perspectives to the world. Submission guidelines.

4. Dogwood Press

Dogwood Press is an independent book publisher based in Brandon, Mississippi. Formed in 2006, the press is dedicated to producing quality works of fiction that showcase the unique voices of Southern writers. Dogwood Press publishes a variety of genres, including literary stories, mysteries, and thrillers. They are particularly known for issuing works that explore the complexities of life in the American South, including issues related to race, class, and family dynamics. Submission guidelines.

5. Quail Ridge Press

Quail Ridge Press is a book publisher located in Brandon, Mississippi. Founded in 1978, the press is dedicated to producing books that showcase the food, tradition, and history of the American South. The press was formed when the wife of The University Press of Mississippi’s director, Gwen McKee, didn’t want a rejected Christmas cookbook to not see daylight and so published it herself. Quail Ridge Press publishes a variety of books, including cookbooks, travel guides, and memoirs. They are particularly known for their cookbooks, which feature classic Southern recipes and new and innovative dishes that reflect the developing food scene in the South. Submission guidelines.

6. Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters

The Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters (MIAL) is a wonderful non-profit organization that passionately works towards supporting and honoring the arts and literature in Mississippi. The organization was founded in 1978 by a group of Mississippians who recognized the need to recognize and honor the achievements of artists and writers in their state. MIAL has published several books over the years, to promote the work of Mississippi authors and artists. These books encompass a wide range of subjects and styles, embracing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual arts. Many of these books have received critical acclaim and have helped to showcase the talent of Mississippi’s literary community. Submission guidelines.

7. Newman Springs Publishing

Newman Springs Publishing is a self-publishing company that helps authors to publish and distribute their books. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in MS, USA. Newman Springs offers a variety of printing packages that cater to the needs and budgets of individual authors. These packages include services such as editing, book design, printing, and distribution. The company also offers marketing and promotional services to help authors promote their books and reach a wider audience. One of the unique features of Newman Springs is its goal of providing a personalized experience for each author. Submission guidelines.

8. Hidden Heart Books

Hidden Heart Books is an independent publishing company based in Mississippi that specializes in creating exceptional romance novels with an interest in historical, contemporary, and paranormal subgenres. The company was founded in 2015 by a team of experienced writers and editors who are passionate about the romance genre and dedicated to producing high-quality books. What sets Hidden Heart Books apart from other publishers is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. They actively seek stories from authors with diverse backgrounds and experiences, featuring characters from underrepresented groups. This ensures that their books are inclusive, accurate, and representative of a wide range of experiences. Submission guidelines.

9. Sartoris Literary Group

Sartoris Literary Group is a full-service literary agency and book-producing company based in MS, USA. The traditional publisher with a non-traditional approach to publishing was founded in 2010. The company offers a range of printing services, including editing, design, distribution, and marketing, to authors looking to publish their works. Sartoris Literary Group represents a variety of both fiction and nonfiction genres, including literary tales, mystery, romance, business, and memoirs. A recent publication concerns one of the most iconic musicians, Elvis Presley, as it’s a biography of his manager. The company’s mission is to help authors bring their unique voices and stories to a wider audience, and they strive to provide personalized attention and support to each author they work with. Submission guidelines.

10. Morrison Publishing

Morrison Publishing is an independent publishing company based in Madison, MS, USA. The company was founded in 2005 by Mark Morrison, a successful internet marketer and author, and focuses primarily on self-help and personal development books. The book publishers are committed to providing high-quality books that inspire and motivate readers to achieve their goals and improve their lives. The company offers a range of publishing services, including editing, formatting, and cover design, to help authors self-publish their work. Submission guidelines.

11. Turnrow Books

Turnrow Books is an independent bookstore and publication company based in Greenwood, Mississippi, USA. The bookstore was founded in 2006 by Jamie Kornegay and Kelly Green, and the publication arm was launched in 2010. The company publishes a range of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry titles, with a focus on Southern writers and themes. Turnrow Books has published works by several well-known Southern writers, including Richard Ford, Larry Brown, and Barry Hannah. Besides its printing activities, the company sponsors a variety of literary events and hosts author readings and signings at its bookstore. Submission guidelines.

12. Genesis Press

Genesis Press is an African-American-owned publishing company based in Mississippi, United States. Founded in 1993, the company specializes in producing books written by and about African-American culture, tradition, and contemporary life. Genesis Press is one of the largest independent publishers of African-American fiction, romance, and nonfiction books in the country. The company publishes a wide range of titles, including romance, memoir, art, mystery, recipes, suspense, historical fiction, and self-help. Genesis Press is dedicated to promoting diversity and empowering African-American voices in the publication industry. They actively seek and publish new and emerging authors, providing them with opportunities to print and share their stories and reach wider reading audiences. Submission guidelines.

Conclusion

We hope this list helps you find the right company for your book. No matter what genre you’re writing in or what stage of the production process you’re in, we hope this list has helped you find the perfect match for your literary dreams. Remember, Mississippi has a rich culture of storytelling, and these publication companies from Greenwood to Pass Christian are here to help you add your voice to that legacy. So, keep on writing, keep on dreaming, and keep on producing.