12 Best Book Publishing Companies in New Mexico (in 2024)

New Mexico is brimming with vibrant culture and rich history, and the book publishing tradition here is quite exceptional.

With a wide variety of publishing companies, from large established presses to small independent imprints, you’ll be able to find someone who will help you get your work published. The Land of Enchantment has something to offer for every literary fan. In this article, you will find the top publishing houses in NM, USA, along with links to their websites and submission guidelines. As we embark on this journey, you may also be intrigued by my comprehensive resource of publishing houses.

Here are the best book publishing companies in New Mexico:

1. University of New Mexico Press

The University of New Mexico Press is a nonprofit academic publisher affiliated with the UNM Press in Albuquerque, NM, USA. Established in 1929, this university press is among the most venerable and reputable in the nation, and it is committed to publishing books that advance learning, research, and education in areas such as the humanities, social sciences, as well as Native American and Hispanic studies. The UNM Press publishes an average of 50 new titles per year, with a backlist of over 2,500 titles in print. Its editorial program includes books in a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, arts and architecture, literature, Native American and Indigenous studies, regional studies, and many others. The Press is renowned for its publications on the culture of the American Southwest and the greater region of Latin America. Submission guideline.

2. Sunstone Press

Sunstone Press is an independent book publisher located in Santa Fe, NM, USA. Founded in 1974, with a mission to publish and promote understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage and diverse peoples of the American Southwest and other regions. The Sunstone Press catalog includes a variety of books of different genres, like fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, biographies, news, and regional guidebooks. They have a particular focus on publishing titles that explore the news, arts, cultural life, and other aspects of New Mexico and the greater Southwest region of the United States. Submission guideline.

3. Twin Palms Publishers

Twin Palms Publishers is a fine art book publisher based in Santa Fe, NM, USA. The press was founded in 1987 and has a mission to produce and distribute high-quality books that showcase the work of contemporary photographers and artists. Twin Palms Publishers specializes in producing limited edition, high-end art books that feature the work of well-known and emerging photographers and artists. The press is committed to showcasing works that are visually compelling, intellectually stimulating, and socially relevant and has published books on a wide range of themes, including fashion, landscape, portraiture, and documentary photography. Submission guideline.

4. The Museum of New Mexico Press

The Museum of New Mexico Press is a book publishing division of the Museum of NM, a state-run institution that oversees four museums and a historic site in Santa Fe, NM, USA. The press was established in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality books on the arts, tradition, and culture of NM and the Southwest. The Museum of New Mexico Press has published a wide range of books, including exhibition catalogs, scholarly works, photography collections, and children’s textbooks, they can be found in bookstores around Santa Fe. Many of the press’s publications are based on the museum’s extensive collection of art and artifacts and focus on the lessons and culture of New Mexico’s indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, and Anglo settlers. Submission guideline.

5. West End Press

West End Press is an independent, nonprofit book publisher based in Albuquerque, NM, USA. The press was founded in 1974 and has a mission to promote social and political change and celebrate the cultural diversity of the American Southwest through its publications. West End Press publishes a range of books, including poems, fiction, nonfiction, and works in translation, zoning in on works that explore issues of social justice and promote diverse voices and perspectives. The press is committed to publishing works that challenge the dominant narratives and power structures in society, and to providing a platform for writers from marginalized communities. Submission guideline.

6. Radius Books

Radius Books is a book publisher that operates independently and as a non-profit organization, and is located in Santa Fe, NM in the United States. The press was founded in 2007 to produce visually stunning and intellectually engaging books on contemporary arts and photography. Radius Books works closely with artists, photographers, and writers to produce books that reflect their vision and creativity. The press is committed to producing high-quality publications that are visually and intellectually stimulating, and that engage with important social, cultural, and environmental issues of our time. Submission guideline.

7. Clear Light Publishers

Clear Light Publishers was an independent book publisher based in Santa Fe, NM, USA. The press was founded in 1979 by the writer, editor, and publisher, David Riley, with the mission of producing books that promote understanding and appreciation of Native American culture, spirituality, and tradition. Over the years, Clear Light Publishers expanded its focus to include a wide range of topics related to spirituality, environmentalism, and cultural studies. The press was known for its visually stunning and intellectually stimulating publications, which often featured photographs, artwork, and other visual elements. Submission guideline.

8. Pajarito Press

Pajarito Press is an independent book publisher located in Los Alamos, NM, USA. The press was founded in 2006 and has a mission to promote literary and artistic works that reflect the unique character and culture of the Southwest region of the United States. Pajarito Press publishes a range of books, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. The press is particularly known for its publications of works that explore the tradition and culture of New Mexico and the Southwest, including books on Native American history, Hispanic culture, and the story of the atomic age in Los Alamos. Submission guideline.

9. Cinco Puntos Press

Cinco Puntos Press is an independent book publisher located in El Paso, Texas, USA. The press was founded in 1985 and has a mission to promote works that celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism of the United States and beyond. The Press is now an imprint of Lee & Low Books, a children’s book publisher that focuses on publishing books that feature diverse characters and voices. Cinco Puntos Press publishes a range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books. The press is particularly known for its publications of works that explore themes of cultural identity, social justice, and human rights. Many of its books are written in English, Spanish, or both, and reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of authors from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Submission guideline.

10. Hurleymedia Inc.

Hurleymedia Inc. is a media and publishing house based in Santa Fe, NM, USA. The company was founded by journalist and author, Tom H. Miller, to produce high-quality books, films, and other media that explore the intersection of culture and the environment. Hurleymedia is known for its visually stunning and intellectually stimulating publications, many of which focus on the American Southwest and the cultural and natural history of the region. The company works with a range of authors, filmmakers, and other creatives, and is committed to producing works that reflect the diversity and complexity of human experience. Submission guideline.

11. The Blue Giraffe Press

The Blue Giraffe Press is an independent publisher based in Santa Fe, NM. They publish children’s books and young adult literature, fiction, and nonfiction works, with a focus on books that promote social awareness and positive values and are committed to fostering a love of reading in young people. While the Blue Giraffe Press in Santa Fe is a relatively small and niche publisher, they have received positive reviews for their books and are recognized as a valuable contributor to the literary landscape of New Mexico and beyond. Submission guideline.

12. Synergetic Press

Synergetic Press is an independent publisher based in Santa Fe, NM. Founded in 1984, the press is dedicated to publishing books that explore the intersections of science, spirituality, and consciousness. Synergetic Press publishes a range of books, including nonfiction, poetry, and fiction, with a focus on topics such as ecology, sustainability, shamanism, and psychedelic studies. They are committed to promoting a holistic worldview that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things and the need for a more sustainable and compassionate society. Submission guideline.

Final Thoughts

New Mexico’s book publishing industry is a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting regional voices and diversity in literature. From established publishers like the University of New Mexico Press and Sunstone Press to independent establishments like Cinco Puntos Press, Azro Press Synergetic Press, and Hartman Publishing that offer home health aides, there is no shortage of talent or quality in this industry. In closing, I hope this article has helped highlight some of the best book publishing companies in New Mexico and that it inspires readers to explore the wealth of literary talent that can be found in this remarkable state. Visit the company’s online web pages for any service you need. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on the best publishing houses in Arizona.