25 Best Book Publishing Companies in Missouri (Submissions)

Welcome to an adventurous stroll through the literary landscape of Missouri.

Today, we’ll be exploring the best book publishing companies in the Show-Me State that are currently accepting submissions. Missouri’s literary legacy and the thriving community of writers make it an ideal destination for aspiring authors in search of publishers who will bring their words to life. From university presses to independent book publishing companies, Missouri offers a wide range of options for authors of all genres. As an added resource, you may also find my directory of 3,000+ publishers insightful.

Here are the best book publishing companies in Missouri:

1. University of Missouri Press

Established in 1958, the University of Missouri Press represents an integral scholarly arm of its parent institution, the University of Missouri, within the United States. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most influential academic publishing houses across the Midwest whose mission is advancing the fields of humanities and sciences. Its publications span an array of scholarly domains, covering everything from history to literature, cultural and regional studies, and including titles like “Primo Levi and the Politics of Survival” by Fredric D. Homer or “Fighting for a Free Missouri” by Sydney J. Norton. The Press also ventures into less traditional academic realms, delving into sports and military history, along with contributions to the field of environmental studies, to name just a few of its diverse offerings. Submission guidelines.

2. The Missouri Review

Missouri Review Books is an imprint of The Missouri Review, a literary magazine based at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. The Missouri Review was founded in 1978 and has since established itself as a leading literary publication in the United States. It was launched to expand the magazine’s mission of promoting literary culture and publishes a range of literary works, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The book publishers seek and publish emerging and established authors from all over the globe, with a focus on issuing high-quality books that reflect the best of contemporary literature. In addition to publishing books, Missouri Review Books also sponsors literary events and readings and works to promote literary culture in Missouri and beyond. Submission guidelines.

3. Moon City Press

Moon City Press is an independent literary press based in Springfield, Missouri. Emerging on the publishing scene in 2007, this press has grown to be a leading luminary in the Midwest’s literary landscape. Today, it is recognized for its stellar contributions in the spheres of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, standing as a beacon of literary expression in the region. Moon City Press publishes books by both established and emerging novelists, focusing on showcasing the work of talented authors from the Midwest. The press also has a strong commitment to publishing diverse voices and promoting underrepresented authors. Submission guidelines.

4. BkMk Press

BkMk Press is a literary press based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The press was founded in 1971 and has since become a leading publisher of poetry and creative nonfiction. The book publishers are dedicated to publishing books from both well-known and up-and-coming authors, highlighting authors from the Midwest region of the United States. They are also deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices and supporting underrepresented authors. Submission guidelines.

5. Mozark Press

Mozark Press is a Missouri-based independent publishing company that specializes in producing high-quality inspirational works on Ozark’s history, culture, and literature. The press was founded in 2018 with the mission of preserving and promoting the unique and diverse heritage of the Ozarks region. Mozark Press publishes a wide variety of works, including nonfiction, anthologies, poetry, and children’s books. The press has a strong commitment to working with local authors, illustrators, and photographers, and many of its books feature the work of Ozarks-based artists. Submission guidelines.

6. Walrus Publishing

Hailing from the vibrant heart of Saint Louis, MO, USA, Walrus Publishing represents a dynamic force in the independent publishing world. This venture, launched in 2009, has rapidly carved out a niche for itself on the strength of its commitment to delivering exceptional books that cut across a multitude of genres. The book publishers are a collective and part of the three imprints of the Amphorae Publishing Group. One of the unique features of book publishers is their commitment to helping authors succeed. The company’s staff works closely with authors to help them develop their manuscripts, edit their work, and design their books. Walrus Publishing also offers marketing and promotion services to help authors get their books in front of people. Submission guidelines.

7. Pen & Publish

Pen & Publish is an independent publishing company in Saint Louis, MO, USA, and was founded in 2006. The company specializes in publishing books in different categories, including poetry, memoirs, tales, magazines, and children’s books. One of the unique features of Pen & Publish is its focus on community building. The company works closely with authors to help them navigate the publishing process, and it also provides a variety of educational resources to help narrators improve their craft. In addition, Pen & Publish sponsors literary events and workshops to help connect authors with their audience and each other. Submission guidelines.

8. River Styx

River Styx is a literary magazine and small press based in Saint Louis, Missouri. The magazine was founded in 1975 and publishes poetry, essays, and artwork from both emerging and established poets and artists. Besides its literary magazine, River Styx also operates a small press that publishes books of poetry, fables, and nonfiction. The press has published works by several acclaimed authors, including Naomi Shihab Nye, Terrance Hayes, and Ted Kooser. Submission guidelines.

9. Acclaim Press

Acclaim Press is an independent publishing company based in Missouri, United States. Spearheaded by Kevin and Emily Comer in 2001, this publishing company has made its mark by crafting top-tier books on regional history and culture, military and sports history, along with an array of general interest topics. Over the years, the company’s catalog has been adorned with an impressive array of award-winning titles. Some of the notable titles published by the book publishers include “Growing Up with the River: Nine Generations on Missouri” by Dan & Connie Burkhardt, “The Louisville & Nashville Railroad in South Central Kentucky” by Lynwood Montell, and “Trout of Missouri” by Craig & Paul Pisciotta. The company is committed to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Missouri and the Midwest, and its books are a testament to its dedication to this mission. Submission guidelines.

10. College Press

College Press, also known as College Press Publishing Company, is a Christian publishing company based in Joplin, Missouri. It was founded in 1924 by J.W. Shepherd and has since grown into one of the largest publishers of religious materials in the United States. The company produces a wide range of religious publications, including books, Bible study materials, Sunday School curriculum, and more. It has a strong focus on evangelical Christianity and publishes materials for churches, pastors, and laypeople. The small publishing company also offers printing and distribution services for other Christian publishers and ministries. Submission guidelines.

11. The Foundry Publishing

The Foundry Publishing is a Christian publishing house based in Kansas City, Missouri. It was founded in 2017 and is a subsidiary of the Nazarene Publishing House. The Foundry Publishing produces books, curricula, and other resources for Christian education and spiritual growth, with a focus on the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The company aims to provide resources that help individuals deepen their faith and knowledge of God, while also supporting church leaders and pastors in their ministry work. The Foundry Publishing is committed to creating high-quality, biblically based content that is accessible to a broad range of book lovers. Submission guidelines.

12. Blank Slate Press

Blank Slate Press is an independent publishing company based in St. Louis, Missouri. The press was founded in 2010 by editor and publisher, Jason Makansi. Blank Slate Press specializes in publishing literary fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs. The press focuses on works that are well-written and thought-provoking, and that explore a variety of social and cultural issues. Submission guidelines.

13. Southeast Missouri State University Press

Southeast Missouri State University Press is a university press in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The press was established in 2001 and is a division of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University. Southeast Missouri State University Press publishes a variety of books, including poetry, nonfiction, and academic titles. The press is known for its focus on regional and local history, culture, and literature, with a particular emphasis on works related to the Midwest and the Mississippi River Valley. Submission guidelines.

14. Pebble Publishing

Pebble Publishing is a small independent press based in Kansas City, Missouri. The press was founded in 1998 and specializes in books that inspire, educate, and entertain their audience. Pebble Publishing’s books cover a variety of topics, including history, adventure, nature, romance, speculative fiction, comics, children’s literature, and self-help. The press aims to issue high-quality books that are both engaging and informative. Pebble Publishing also offers publishing services for authors who are looking to self-publish their work and they have well-detailed and easy-to-follow submission standards. Submission guidelines.

15. Liguori Publications

Liguori Publications is a Catholic publishing company based in Missouri. The company was founded in 1913 by the Redemptorist Priests, who were dedicated to spreading the Gospel through the written word. Today, Liguori Publications is part of the Redemptorist Ministries and continues to publish books, pamphlets, and other materials that promote the Catholic faith. The book publishers are committed to creating materials that are both informative and engaging, and that speak to the needs of contemporary Catholics. The company’s offerings include a wide variety of spiritual and devotional books, as well as works of theology, pastoral care, and religious education. Besides its prints, Liguori also produces digital content, including e-books and audiobooks, and has a strong online presence. Submission guidelines.

16. Pleiades Press

Pleiades Press is a nonprofit publisher based in Warrensburg, Missouri, affiliated with the creative writing program at the University of Central Missouri. The press was founded in 1981 to publish innovative and engaging works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction by both emerging and established writers. Since its founding, Pleiades Press has published numerous award-winning books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, including the Lena-Miles Wever Todd Prize for Poetry, the Robert C. Jones Prize for Short Prose, and the Balcones Fiction Prize, among others. The press is committed to publishing diverse and underrepresented voices and seeks to create a space for experimentation and innovation in literature. Submission guidelines.

17. Rivendell Books

Rivendell Books is a publishing company in Missouri. They publish a variety of groups, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They also provide editing and design services to help authors polish their work and make it ready for publication. The company is dedicated to promoting new and established authors and providing book lovers with engaging and thought-provoking works. With a focus on quality and creativity, Rivendell Books is committed to manufacturing books that captivate and inspire their audience. They explore the collaboration of the conscious and the unconscious using Active Imagination and the Transcendent Function. Submission guidelines.

18. Frontenac Press LLC

Anchored in the vibrant city of Saint Louis, MO, United States, Frontenac Press LLC stands as a dynamic force in the publishing industry. They meticulously craft an array of top-tier books, from enchanting children’s tales to compelling adult literature, ensuring a literary offering for every age group. The core of Frontenac Press’s mission is to cultivate a deep-seated passion for reading and lifelong learning within individuals across all age groups. But their ambition doesn’t end there; they also aim to knit together a sense of community and shared connection through the narratives they so carefully curate and present to their readership. Submission guidelines.

19. Chalice Press

Chalice Press is a publisher of progressive Christian literature. Founded in 1978 and based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Chalice Press aims to provide books that encourage their audience to think critically, grow in their faith, and take action in their communities. The press publishes works of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, with topics ranging from theology and biblical studies to social justice and spiritual formation. Chalice Press is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its books often explore issues related to gender, race, and sexuality. Submission guidelines.

20. Reedy Press

Reedy Press is a publishing company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. It was founded in 2005 with a mission to create high-quality books that showcase the unique character of cities and regions. Reedy Press has published a variety of topics, including travel guides, fashion magazines, history books, and cookbooks, that explore the culture and heritage of different places. The company has a team of experienced book publishers, editors, designers, and authors who work collaboratively with local experts to create books that are both informative and engaging. Reedy Press commits to supporting local communities and works closely with independent bookstores, museums, and other cultural institutions to promote their works. The company has won several awards for its publishing work, including recognition from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, the Midwest Book Awards, and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Submission guidelines.

21. Cornerpost Press

Cornerpost Press is a Missouri-based independent publishing company that specializes in creating high-quality literature, including novels, short story collections, memoirs, and poetry. Founded in 2008, Cornerpost Press aims to provide a platform for emerging and established authors alike, giving voice to underrepresented perspectives and promoting diverse storytelling. Besides publishing print and digital books, Cornerpost Press also hosts events and workshops, fostering a community of writers and book lovers who share a passion for literature. With a commitment to literary excellence and social justice, Cornerpost Press is dedicated to advancing the literary arts and promoting a more inclusive and fair world. Submission guidelines.

22. Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House is a publishing company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, in the US. It is a nonprofit publishing house that’s associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The company got its start in 1869, making it one of the oldest and largest publishers of religious materials in the world with over 10,000 products in its catalog. Concordia Publishing House publishes a wide variety of materials, including Bibles, hymnals, educational materials, music, and books on theology, biblical studies, and religious education. Its mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and serve the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod through publishing. Submission guidelines.

23. Angela Marie Publishing

Angela Marie Publishing is a small independent publishing house based in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. The company was founded by Angela Marie, who is passionate about helping authors bring their stories to fruition. The publishing house specializes in a variety of categories, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The book publishers are committed to issuing high-quality books and helping their authors through every step of the publishing process, from editing and cover design to marketing and distribution. Angela Marie Publishing is dedicated to helping new and established authors achieve their dreams of becoming published writers. Submission guidelines.

24. Pray Publishing

Pray Publishing is a Christian publishing company based in St. Louis, MO. It offers a wide range of books, e-books, and audio resources that inspire and encourage readers to deepen their faith and relationship with God. The company was founded by author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, and is dedicated to publishing quality Christian content that reflects a deep understanding of biblical truth and spiritual growth. Pray Publishing aims to provide readers with practical tools and insights to help them navigate life’s challenges and connect with God on a deeper level. Submission guidelines.

25. Truman State University Press

Truman State University Press is a university press affiliated with Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, USA. The press was founded in 1986 and has since become a well-known publisher of academic books in the Midwest. They published books in a variety of academic fields, including history (especially focusing on sixteenth-century European history), literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. The press also had a strong commitment to issuing books on regional topics, with a particular emphasis on the Midwest region of the United States. Unfortunately, their books went out of print and now the website is maintained only for historical and reference purposes. Submission guidelines.

Conclusion

Each of these publishing companies has its unique specialties and preferences, so be sure to do your research before submitting your manuscript. Some publishers may specialize in a certain genre or type of writing, while others may be open to a wider range of submissions. There are a lot of book publishing companies to submit or mail your project to. From The University of Missouri Press, Father’s Press to Pray Publishing. It does not matter where you are, be it Kansas City or Richmond Heights, book publishers are waiting to receive your manuscripts. Don’t miss this opportunity to contact, ask questions, and talk to professionals who can help you on different subjects. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the best book publishing companies in North Dakota.