Are you an author based in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, or Iowa?
Have you written a book and want to get it published?
Below you’ll find 19 top book publishers in the Midwest.
1. Heuer Publishing
From 1928, this prominent publisher has been striving to find the best and brightest voices in literature. This unique publishing house prints plays, scripts, and musicals for the theater community. Successful playwrights, newcomers, amateurs and writers are welcomed eagerly by this company based in Cedar Rapids, Ohio. Heuer Publishing lets interested people purchase scripts or plays for performing and thus gives upcoming artists a platform to shine on. To find new talents and authors, they have created a Board of Directors, which includes professionals and educators from the arts and humanities. If you are interested in submitting a play or manuscript, fill their online form.
2. University of Iowa Press
As it is the only university press in the state of Iowa, it has a huge responsibility towards promoting literature, education, and history. Founded in 1969 in Iowa City, the University of Iowa Press has built its stellar reputation due to their thought-provoking books, ideas, and formidable writers. Scholars, researchers, educators, thinkers, students, and professionals have published some of their most nuanced works with this press. The Iowa Short Fiction Award, John Simmons Short Fiction Award, and the Iowa Poetry Prize are channels through which they print fiction and poetry. Genres they love to read include food studies, non-fiction, Midwest history, culture, writing, humanities, theatre, and North American poetry studies. However, it currently does not accept works for the following series: American Land and Life, Singular Lives: The Iowa Series in North American Autobiography, and Writers in Their Own Time. Send inquiries or queries to an editor overseeing your topic.
3. Blue River Press
The publisher based in Indianapolis, Indiana, was launched in 2004. Over the past 17 years, they have committed themselves to publishing only the most interesting books and writers. The small yet dedicated press has ensured it finds material that compels you to think and provokes discussion. Sports, health, food, travel, fiction, education, games, and fitness are some of their preferred categories. Blue River Press is always looking for their next writer or author. If you have a knack for writing non-fiction in a comprehensive yet intriguing way, then this is the publisher for you. If you want to submit a book proposal to this publisher, take a look at the guidelines here before sending an email.
4. Tanglewood Books
Peggy Tierney established Tanglewood Books in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2003 to pursue her passion of seeking new, interesting books and writers. The former book editor knew that children, middle graders and young adults need challenging, imaginative books at their age. Her experience and beliefs pushed her to start this company that has been one of the best publishers of young-adult fiction in the country. The quirky and emotional books from witty writers have propelled this independent publisher to the top of the ladder. At present they are making a conscious effort to publish diverse authors from all backgrounds. This makes for layered stories with relevant experiences. Authors and writers of middle-grade fiction, young adult fiction, and non-narrative fiction like biography can send their manuscripts for review. Tanglewood Books will accept works with fantasy elements, but it is not keen on high fantasy. Find the submission guidelines and contact details on this page.
5. Purdue University Press
As the press of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, it has more than kept up the legacy. Purdue University Press was founded in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1960 as Purdue University Studies. The name and the office location in the university may have changed but the persistence and dedication remain the same. Authors, writers, professionals, and scholars come from all over the country to collaborate with this publisher. Currently, they publish an exclusive number of books, about 25 annually. Their insistence on quality over quantity has raised the bar very high for prospective authors. Located on campus, it is also a convenient publishing avenue for faculty and students. Previously published topics include science, health, veterinary studies, engineering, technology, history, public policy, education, business, agriculture, and Midwest natural history. Please follow the instructions before sending a proposal.
6. Ave Maria Press
Reverend Edward Sorin was the founder of University of Notre Dame who also established Ave Maria Magazine in South Bend, Indiana, in 1865 to celebrate the Christian faith. Through it, he wished to elaborate the intricacies of the Catholic institutions, customs, and traditions. It became the most renowned English-language Catholic magazine in the country at one point. Today, it is known as Ave Maria Press and has chosen writers, authors, and other members of the Catholic Church to spread the message. The publisher only accepts works for Catholics and its institutions such as high school Catholic textbooks and ministry resources. It also publishes spirituality books that cover topics like Advent, parenting, grief, healing, marriage, and theology. Read the submission guidelines before sending a manuscript.
7. Kregel Publications
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kregel Publications is one of the three divisions of Kregel, Inc, which was established by long-time missionaries Harold and Esther Kregel. The publisher began operations in 1949 to address the need for more texts on spirituality and materials for educators, pastors, and other members of the Christian community. They have more than 1,000 books covering topics such as Christian living, biblical studies, fictions, Church history, theology, children’s story books, and classics. Kregel Publications will not consider unsolicited manuscripts. Read their submission policy to ensure that your work is qualified for a review.
8. Cave Hollow Press
This small and independent press in Warrensburg, Missouri, was primarily formed to support local authors. Its resounding success has shown that authors in the Midwest need a channel for their ideas and stories. They have not diverged from their path and continue to focus on local, regional literature. Stories about the Midwest, its culture, its history, its glorious past and present have been extensively covered by Cave Hollow Press. The publisher currently does not accept submissions. Still, they advise writers to check the website each month for possible changes and to contact them for any queries.
9. University of Michigan Press
The University of Michigan Press is one of the three divisions of Michigan Publishing that prioritizes printing acclaimed books in different fields. Situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the esteemed publisher has an Executive Committee to ensure the quality and veracity of titles for consideration. Cultural studies, gender studies, literary criticism, political science, new media, and poetics are some of the topics they have worked on. Moreover, the publisher has many book series focused on specific subjects like cultural materialism and international economics. Review the submission guidelines and author’s guide before you send your manuscript to one of their editors.
10. Andrews McMeel Publishing
Jim Andrews and John McMeel co-founded Andrews McMeel Universal in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1970. The goal of the company was to create a way for artists, creators, writers, thinkers, and entertainers to share their stories. Through this media company, the Andrews McMeel Publishing division was created. Decades have gone by and their dedication to print the funniest, wittiest, quirkiest books in the market has been unwavering. For example, their list of published authors include beloved web comic artists such as Catana Comics, Sarah Andersen, and Matt Nelson. Thus, they have a strong interest in printing sharp comics, funny novels, and impassioned poems. You will definitely find the country’s bestselling books in their title list. Writers of poems, comics, humor, cooking, food, pop culture, and teen books can send their manuscripts for consideration. Find the submission guidelines here.
11. University of Nebraska Press
The University of Nebraska Press in Lincoln, Nebraska, was launched in 1941 and prints approximately 150 books in a year. They have 5 imprints: Nebraska, Bison Books,The Jewish Publication Society, Potomac Books, and The Backwaters Press. All of these imprints focus on various genres and categories. Between them they have managed to capture all the readers and audiences in the region. They are looking for works in subjects such as Jewish history, world affairs, the Bible, history, media studies, women’s studies, gender studies, food, military history, and Nebraska. Writers and authors will have to query the specific acquiring editor from this list. Read the submission guidelines and find the contact details on this page.
12. Sleeping Bear Press
The small and traditional publishing house was founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1998. It has maintained its integrity and interest in publishing children’s literature. Whether fiction or non-fiction, touching stories about issues that affect children and families are a topic close to their heart. They love exploring the nuances of the mother-child relationship and embracing its warmth. The publisher has had bestsellers consistently in their ranks. Sleeping Bear Press only accepts electronic submissions for now. The subject of your email should read ‘New Submission’, the title of your work, fiction/non-fiction and subject. The body of the email will serve as your cover letter and must include a personal bio and a synopsis of your manuscript. Check the full guidelines here before you direct your email to this address.
13. Scribe Publishing Company
Having been in the publishing industry since 2003, Jennifer Baum established Scribe Publishing Company in 2011. The award-winning independent publisher based in Royal Oak, Michigan, is perfect for reputable and passionate writers living in the US. Their titles have national distribution and they are working on three imprints. Scribe Publishing Company accepts both solicited manuscripts and direct submissions from budding writers. They are always looking for refreshing young adult fiction, especially works that tackle urban fantasy and magical realism in a new light. Narrative non-fiction, idiosyncratic memoirs, and offbeat humor are just some of the non-fiction topics they’re interested in. Learn how you can submit your manuscript here.
14. Love-Love Publishing
Situated in Madison, Wisconsin, Love-Love Publishing selects books with strong characters, engaging story lines, and gripping plots. While their name may suggest that they only publish romance titles, they also accept other genres such as sci-fi, adventure, mystery, poetry, children’s books and non-fiction topics like health, gardening, and relationships. You can use their online submission form to send a manuscript.
15. University of Wisconsin Press
The esteemed University of Wisconsin Press was formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1936. From that time, it has printed over 3,000 titles and continues to work tirelessly towards the excellence of publishing. The books, journals and materials are selected after careful consideration. It is one of the few presses in the country to publish academic journals. In particular, the non-profit publisher manages 11 peer-reviewed academic journals in various subjects such as anthropology and land economics. The books in print include fiction, biography, Jewish studies, history, fishing, food, photography, film studies, travel, environmental studies, literary criticism, and poetry. You can submit a proposal or query after reading the instructions here.
16. Research Press
Robert W. Parkinson established Research Press in Champaign, Illinois, 1968. The goal of the company was to print and publish effective, helpful resources on education and mental health. Medical practitioners, scholars, and psychologists have contributed to writing comprehensive materials and books for them. As they developed, they started to print prevention and intervention programs for the youth. They want to publish books in categories such as diversity, motivation, social skills, bullying prevention, behavior management, special education, and grief counseling. You can send your manuscripts after reading the guidelines.
17. North Dakota State University Press
In 1950, the North Dakota State University Press was established in Fargo, North Dakota. The primary aim of this press is to encourage interdisciplinary research in the region and disseminate such information through books. They have played a vital role in shaping and preserving textual work on the region and the state. Reference books, textbooks, biographies, and even poems and fiction are published as long as they’re about or related to the region. You can peruse their catalog to get an idea of what they will accept. The submission guidelines and option to send manuscripts are found here for prospective authors and writers.
18. Holy Cow! Press
Jim Perlman created the quirkily named Holy Cow! Press in Duluth, Minnesota 1977. He wanted to find the most talented, unique authors and create regional and national interest in their stories. In particular, Holy Cow! Press regularly prints the works of Native American writers and has had many titles receive award nominations from organizations in Minnesota. Short stories, memoirs, poetry, children’s books, plays, biographies, young adult books, and novels are the genres they like and accept. You can find the submission guidelines available here.
19. Fortress Press
A publisher with a niche, Fortress Press is situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had its beginnings in the 1960s. They print compelling texts on religion and its ties to society and the many facets of human life. Religious scholarship is a genre they prefer and have mastered beautifully. Educational materials and comprehensive books on world religions, Christian history, ethics, and spirituality are printed for church leaders, theologians, and educators, among others. Fortress Press wants authors and writers who encourage readers to delve deeper into theology and the Christian faith. You can find the submission guidelines and contact details on this page.
Are there any other book publishers in the Midwest that should be on this list? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.