Montana’s literary landscape is a vibrant mix of tradition, artistry, and regional pride. From the scenic valleys of Missoula to the historic capital of Helena, the state’s publishers continue to produce exceptional books that celebrate nature, culture, adventure, and Western heritage. Whether you’re a first-time author, a poet, or a nonfiction researcher, Montana offers a diverse range of publishing opportunities — from independent presses to hybrid and academic publishers.

To help you navigate this world, here’s a curated list of the Top Book Publishing Companies in Montana (2025), arranged by niche and style.

1. Vox Ghostwriting

Vox Ghostwriting offers full-service publishing support — from idea generation and ghostwriting to editing, design, marketing, and publishing. Its professional team helps authors bring their stories to life, whether they want traditional printing or global digital distribution. With an emphasis on storytelling quality and commercial appeal, Vox Ghostwriting stands out as a leader for both new and experienced writers.

• Focus Areas: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing, marketing.
• Ideal Authors: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and storytellers.
• Strength: End-to-end publishing under one roof.
• Location: Nationwide services (featured in Montana list for versatility).

2. Mountain Press Publishing Company – Missoula

Founded in 1948, Mountain Press Publishing Company has been one of Montana’s most respected nonfiction publishers for decades. It focuses on topics such as geology, natural history, and Western U.S. exploration, offering educational yet engaging books. Its strong reputation makes it a go-to choice for researchers and nonfiction authors.

• Focus Areas: Geology, environmental science, history, natural studies.
• Ideal Authors: Academics, researchers, and nonfiction storytellers.
• Strength: Over 75 years of publishing excellence.
• Location: Missoula, Montana.

3. Farcountry Press – Helena

Farcountry Press is renowned for its photography books, travel guides, and children’s literature. Based in the heart of Montana’s capital, the press produces visually captivating books that celebrate the state’s beauty and outdoor spirit. Its design-forward approach makes every publication both informative and visually stunning.

• Focus Areas: Photography, travel, children’s books, regional nonfiction.
• Ideal Authors: Visual storytellers and photographers.
• Strength: High-quality design and production.
• Location: Helena, Montana.

4. Drumlummon Institute Press – Helena

Drumlummon Institute Press is a literary gem that amplifies the voices of Montana writers through poetry, short fiction, and essays. The press focuses on cultural and creative works that reflect the heart of the American West. It’s particularly known for nurturing emerging authors and offering them a platform to share authentic regional stories.

• Focus Areas: Poetry, essays, fiction, and cultural works.
• Ideal Authors: Poets and creative writers.
• Strength: Champion of literary and cultural storytelling.
• Location: Helena, Montana.

5. Montana State University Press – Bozeman

Montana State University Press is the state’s premier academic publisher, dedicated to research, regional studies, and nonfiction. The press supports scholarly work across fields such as environmental science, anthropology, and Montana history. Its publications contribute to both academic and public understanding of the region.

• Focus Areas: Academic and regional nonfiction.
• Ideal Authors: Scholars and researchers.
• Strength: Academic credibility and university affiliation.
• Location: Bozeman, Montana.

6. Riverbend Publishing – Helena

Riverbend Publishing specializes in outdoor adventure, Western history, and travel memoirs. It publishes engaging narratives that capture the landscapes and spirit of Montana. Whether you’re writing about fly fishing, hiking, or the state’s pioneers, Riverbend offers a platform for vibrant, place-based storytelling.

• Focus Areas: Travel, adventure, nature writing, and Western history.
• Ideal Authors: Outdoor enthusiasts and historians.
• Strength: Authentic representation of Montana’s outdoors.
• Location: Helena, Montana.

7. Kessinger Publishing – Whitefish

Kessinger Publishing is a unique company known for reprinting rare and out-of-print books, giving old knowledge new life. Its extensive catalog covers thousands of historical, academic, and esoteric works. This press bridges the past and present by preserving valuable literature for modern readers.

• Focus Areas: Reprints, rare works, academic preservation.
• Ideal Authors: Collectors and historical researchers.
• Strength: One of the largest print-on-demand publishers in the U.S.
• Location: Whitefish, Montana.

8. Umbrella Publishing, LLC – Flathead Valley

Umbrella Publishing helps self-published authors bring their dreams to reality with professional editing, layout, and cover design. It provides personalized services, ensuring that every book meets industry standards while maintaining the author’s creative vision.

• Focus Areas: Self-publishing and author services.
• Ideal Authors: First-time authors seeking creative control.
• Strength: Tailored, author-centric publishing support.
• Location: Flathead Valley, Montana.

9. Sweetgrass Books – Helena

A sister company to Farcountry Press, Sweetgrass Books offers hybrid publishing options for authors who want more involvement in their book’s production. Combining professional guidance with author participation, it provides editing, design, and marketing assistance under one roof.

• Focus Areas: Hybrid publishing, nonfiction, and children’s books.
• Ideal Authors: Independent authors seeking quality production.
• Strength: Reliable hybrid model backed by Farcountry’s experience.
• Location: Helena, Montana.

10. Hardscratch Press – Missoula

Hardscratch Press is a boutique publisher focused on memoirs, poetry, and regional nonfiction. It highlights intimate and personal storytelling that often reflects the rugged beauty of Montana’s landscapes. Each publication is handled with attention to artistic and emotional detail.

• Focus Areas: Memoirs, poetry, creative nonfiction.
• Ideal Authors: Poets and memoirists.
• Strength: Small press with strong literary focus.
• Location: Missoula, Montana.

11. Clark City Press – Livingston

Clark City Press publishes fine art books, literary fiction, and poetry. Known for its exceptional design and print quality, the press collaborates with talented authors and artists to create collectible editions. It’s ideal for writers seeking a polished, high-end publishing experience.

• Focus Areas: Art books, poetry, fiction.
• Ideal Authors: Visual artists and literary writers.
• Strength: Elegant book design and refined aesthetic.
• Location: Livingston, Montana.

12. Great Wide Open Publishing – Helena

Great Wide Open Publishing produces creative nonfiction, outdoor adventures, and Western history titles. It celebrates exploration and curiosity, often publishing authors whose works reflect Montana’s bold landscapes and pioneering spirit.

• Focus Areas: Adventure, creative nonfiction, Western culture.
• Ideal Authors: Explorers and historians.
• Strength: Energetic approach to modern Western literature.
• Location: Helena, Montana.

13. Silver Bow Publishing – Butte

Silver Bow Publishing supports a wide range of authors across fiction, children’s literature, and poetry. Known for its approachable submission process, it encourages new voices and provides editorial guidance throughout the publishing journey.

• Focus Areas: Fiction, children’s books, poetry.
• Ideal Authors: New and versatile writers.
• Strength: Author-friendly, inclusive approach.
• Location: Butte, Montana.

14. Bitterroot House Publishing – Hamilton

Located in the picturesque Bitterroot Valley, Bitterroot House Publishing focuses on nature writing, poetry, and regional storytelling. The press combines literary quality with heartfelt narratives that celebrate local identity and environment.

• Focus Areas: Nature writing, poetry, regional fiction.
• Ideal Authors: Writers inspired by Montana’s landscapes.
• Strength: Deep connection to nature and community.
• Location: Hamilton, Montana.

15. Big Sky Press – Billings

Big Sky Press brings Montana’s stories to young readers through children’s and young adult books. The company publishes wholesome, imaginative titles that reflect community values and outdoor adventure.

• Focus Areas: Children’s and YA fiction, local history.
• Ideal Authors: Educators and children’s writers.
• Strength: Engages young readers with local culture.
• Location: Billings, Montana.

16. Bangtail Press – Bozeman

Bangtail Press is a Western-literature publisher based in Bozeman that emphasises fiction and narrative nonfiction with a strong sense of place. It is known for works that explore the American West, wilderness, and human stories in rugged landscapes.

• Focus Areas: Fiction, memoir, and Western adventure narratives.
• Ideal Authors: Novelists or nonfiction writers inspired by the West.
• Strength: A strong regional identity and storytelling heritage.
• Location: Bozeman, Montana.

17. Elk River Books Publishing – Livingston

While better known as a bookstore, Elk River Books also has a boutique publishing arm that supports select manuscripts tied to Montana themes. The dual role as retailer & publisher gives authors meaningful local visibility and community engagement.

• Focus Areas: Nonfiction and fiction tied to Montana, Western heritage, environment.
• Ideal Authors: Writers whose work evokes place, nature, or local culture.
• Strength: Author events, visibility in the local literary scene, curated publishing.
• Location: Livingston, Montana.

18. Scott Publishing – Montana (various/region-based)

Scott Publishing is a smaller regional publisher listed among Montana’s independent presses, offering options for local and emerging writers to publish memoirs, children’s books, or community-focused nonfiction.

• Focus Areas: Memoirs, children’s books, local/regional storytelling.
• Ideal Authors: First-time authors or community writers with local ties.
• Strength: Approachable for newcomers and flexible in genre.
• Location: Montana (various/region-based).

19. Riverfeet Press – Montana (independent literary press)

Riverfeet Press is a niche literary press that focuses on poetry, environmental prose, and short fiction, often with a Montana connection. It is ideal for writers aiming to publish more literary or artistic work rather than mainstream commercial books.

• Focus Areas: Poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction with nature/environment focus.
• Ideal Authors: Literary writers, poets, nature-writers seeking a boutique publisher.
• Strength: Commitment to craft and smaller-scale publishing that values quality over mass.
• Location: Montana (independent).

20. Gold Creek Press – Montana (small independent)

Gold Creek Press is another independent Montana publisher that leans into fiction with strong regional or family-saga themes, offering opportunities for authors whose stories are rooted in small-town or Western life.

• Focus Areas: Regional fiction, family sagas, small-town or Western-themed novels.
• Ideal Authors: Novelists focusing on region-based plots or characters.
• Strength: Niche focus allows for deeper attention to story and setting.
• Location: Montana (independent).

Conclusion

Montana’s book publishing scene in 2025 reflects the state’s rugged beauty, intellectual energy, and storytelling heart. From Vox Ghostwriting’s all-in-one publishing model to heritage presses like Mountain Press and Riverbend, authors have countless ways to bring their words to life. Whether you’re writing a research book, a memoir, or a poetic reflection of the wild west, Montana offers the perfect home for your literary voice.

Disclaimer: Vox Illustration presents publisher and industry information for general awareness. We are not connected to or affiliated with any of the publishers mentioned, and we do not guarantee anything regarding submissions, acceptance, or publication outcomes. Our services focus on professional illustration, design, and branding solutions to help authors and businesses enhance their visual storytelling.