19 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, with a note on each one’s current submission status, since several are closed or reading only through contests. 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 2,000+ publishers insightful.

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 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. It takes proposals by email and does not publish poetry, fiction, or memoir. Submission guidelines.

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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. The magazine reads submissions year-round. 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. For now it limits book submissions to its contests: the Moon City Poetry Award opens in January and closes in May, and the Short Fiction Award closes October 1. 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. BkMk is not accepting open submissions at the moment and will post an announcement when it reopens. Submission guidelines.

5. Mozark Press

Mozark Press is a small publishing company in central Missouri that produces quality paperbacks: short story collections, inspirational works, anthologies, and general fiction and nonfiction, alongside children’s books. It welcomes new and established authors, asks for polished manuscripts, and lets authors keep their copyright without a long-term contract. 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

Walrus Publishing is a Saint Louis imprint of Amphorae Publishing Group, which formed in 2014 when Walrus merged with Blank Slate Press and later added Goldminds Publishing and Reputation Books. 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. Amphorae’s submissions for 2027 and 2028 are now closed. Submission guidelines.

7. Pen & Publish

Pen & Publish started in 2005 as a small press publishing work by or for schools and nonprofits. It now runs traditional imprints (Open Books Press for nonfiction and fiction, Transformation Media Books for body, mind, and spirit, and Brick Mantel Books for literary fiction and poetry) alongside paid author services: layout and cover design at $60 an hour, with most books taking 15 to 25 hours, and editing billed separately. Pen & Publish author services.

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. River Styx is closed to submissions at the moment. Submission guidelines.

9. Acclaim Press

Acclaim Press is an independent publishing company based in Missouri, United States. With nearly 30 years in the business and more than 400 titles, 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. Its Publish My Book page invites new titles for editorial review. Submission guidelines.

10. College Press

College Press, also known as College Press Publishing Company, is a Christian publishing company based in Joplin, Missouri. It is an evangelical publishing house associated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. 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. Send a proposal or query first; College Press replies in two to three months and asks for the full manuscript only if the idea fits. Submission guidelines.

11. The Foundry Publishing

The Foundry Publishing is a Christian publishing house based in Kansas City, Missouri. It publishes church resources such as Advent and Lent devotionals and pastor guides. 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. Pebble Publishing

Pebble Publishing is a small Missouri press that publishes outdoor guidebooks to day trips and weekend getaways around the state, for readers who hike, bike, float, paddle, or pedal. It lists no submission route for outside authors. Pebble Publishing guidebooks.

13. 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.

14. Frontenac Press LLC

Frontenac Press LLC, based in the Saint Louis area, sells inspirational books along with gift items and premium photographic cards and posters. It lists no submission route, so contact it directly before sending anything.

15. 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. Chalice Press is not accepting submissions at this time. Submission guidelines.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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. Angela Marie services.

19. Pray Publishing

Pray Publishing, based in St. Louis, runs the P.R.A.Y. Program, a Bible-based religious emblems program for Protestant and independent Christian churches that guides children, youth, and families through faith study. It publishes program materials rather than outside manuscripts.

Names you may be looking for

Blank Slate Press

Blank Slate Press merged with Walrus Publishing in 2014 to form Amphorae Publishing Group, whose submissions are covered under Walrus above.

Southeast Missouri State University Press

The press’s own website no longer loads, so check with the university before you send work.

Pleiades Press

The book press’s website no longer loads; the related Pleiades literary magazine at the University of Central Missouri runs its own submission periods.

Rivendell Books

This small Richmond Heights publisher’s website no longer loads, so check its current status before you send work.

Cornerpost Press

This West Plains press’s website no longer loads securely, so check its current status before you send work.

Truman State University Press

Truman State University Press has wound down its publishing program; its Early Modern Studies series moved to Penn State University Press.

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. For a manuscript today, start with the University of Missouri Press, Acclaim Press, College Press, Mozark Press, and the religious houses with published guidelines; watch BkMk, River Styx, Chalice, and Amphorae for reopening dates, and treat Pen & Publish’s services as a paid option. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the best book publishing companies in North Dakota.