Introduction
Indianapolis may be known for its sports, racing, and thriving cultural scene, but in recent years it has also emerged as a quiet yet growing hub for book publishing. For authors looking to bring their stories to life, the city offers a rich mix of traditional publishers, small presses, and independent outfits that are passionate about strengthening unique voices.
Whether you’re writing your first novel, exploring nonfiction, or developing educational content, the right publishing partner can make all the difference.
This guide brings together 26 of the best Indianapolis book publishers to consider in 2025. Each publisher has its own strengths.
26 Best Book Publishing Companies in Indianapolis 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC
Ghostwriting LLC is a trusted name for authors who want professional support from idea to publication. They offer ghostwriting, editing, cover design, and marketing to ensure your book reaches its audience.
Best Features:
- Full-service ghostwriting and publishing solutions
- Works across genres: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and business
- Strong marketing and distribution support
2. Hawthorne Publishing
Hawthorne Publishing specializes in regional works that highlight Indiana’s history, culture, and communities. Their catalog reflects a dedication to preserving Midwestern voices through biographies, memoirs, and creative nonfiction.
Best Features:
- Focus on Indiana heritage and regional history
- Strong reputation for local biographies and memoirs
- Helps preserve cultural storytelling
3. Indiana University Press
Indiana University Press is a respected academic and trade publisher with national recognition. While headquartered in Bloomington, its influence extends across the state, including Indianapolis authors.
Best Features:
- Specializes in academic and scholarly works
- Publishes history, cultural studies, and the humanities
- Professional editing and high design standards
4. Cardinal Publishing Group
Cardinal Publishing Group is known for distributing and publishing both fiction and nonfiction titles. They provide national reach while supporting Midwest authors.
Best Features:
- Wide distribution network across the U.S.
- Handles diverse genres: children’s, lifestyle, and nonfiction
- Focuses on marketing and author visibility
5. Dog Ear Publishing
Dog Ear Publishing offers hybrid publishing services tailored for self-published authors. They provide professional quality without the limits of traditional publishing.
Best Features:
- Author retains creative control and rights
- Full publishing packages: editing, design, and marketing
- Transparent, author-friendly process
6. IBJ Book Publishing
A division of Indianapolis Business Journal, IBJ Book Publishing specializes in nonfiction, particularly business and professional titles.
Best Features:
- Strong emphasis on business and entrepreneurship books
- Professional editorial and design teams
- Local credibility with corporate authors
7. Blue River Press
Blue River Press publishes sports, health, and regional interest books. They’ve carved out a niche in publishing content that connects with lifestyle readers.
Best Features:
- Expertise in sports and outdoor topics
- Focus on health, fitness, and wellness titles
- Local publisher with national distribution
8. IngramSpark (Indianapolis Hub)
IngramSpark provides self-publishing and print-on-demand services, with facilities serving Indianapolis authors directly. They’re ideal for writers seeking broad distribution.
Best Features:
- Global distribution to bookstores and online retailers
- Print-on-demand reduces upfront costs
- Flexible formats: print and digital publishing
9. Archway Publishing (Indianapolis Branch)
Supported by Simon & Schuster, Archway Publishing helps self-published authors with professional-quality books while retaining control.
Best Features:
- Backed by a major publishing brand
- Offers custom packages for new authors
- Wide marketing and distribution support
10. Author Solutions
Headquartered in Indiana, Author Solutions is one of the largest self-publishing service providers worldwide. They’ve helped thousands of authors publish books.
Best Features:
- Full-service self-publishing company
- Offers global distribution and marketing tools
- Backed by years of industry experience
11. Cardinal House Publishing
Cardinal House Publishing focuses on niche fiction and memoirs. They work closely with authors to bring personal stories to light.
Best Features:
- Personalized support for memoirs and fiction
- Works with emerging local writers
- Strong editorial guidance for quality results
12. Wordpool Press
Wordpool Press is a small but growing publisher that supports indie authors across multiple genres. They value storytelling that resonates with unique voices.
Best Features:
- Open to diverse genres and experimental writing
- Small press with hands-on editorial support
- Encourages fresh and new voices
13. IndyPublish
IndyPublish has supported self-published authors since the early 2000s, providing cost-effective printing and publishing services.
Best Features:
- Affordable publishing packages for new authors
- Print and eBook formats available
- Great for authors wanting creative independence
14. The Writer’s Workshop Press
This press combines workshops with publishing opportunities, offering a unique model for writers who want both education and a finished book.
Best Features:
- Provides author workshops and coaching
- Supports emerging writers with guidance
- Small press publishing opportunities
15. Open Books Press
Open Books Press is committed to publishing works that inspire and educate. They publish fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
Best Features:
- Wide range of genres, including children’s titles
- Focus on positive and meaningful themes
- Supportive editorial process for authors
16. Press 53 Midwest (Indianapolis Division)
Press 53 Midwest highlights poetry, short stories, and literary fiction from Midwestern voices, including Indianapolis writers.
Best Features:
- Specializes in poetry and literary fiction
- Encourages regional voices and new writers
- Strong reputation in small press publishing
17. BookLocker (Indianapolis Services)
BookLocker offers self-publishing with straightforward pricing and a focus on author rights. Their services are accessible to Indianapolis authors.
Best Features:
- Simple, transparent publishing process
- Affordable packages for self-publishing
- Emphasis on author ownership and royalties
18. iUniverse
Part of Author Solutions, iUniverse supports indie authors with a wide range of publishing packages. They’re well-suited for writers seeking flexibility.
Best Features:
- Customizable publishing services
- Distribution to online retailers and bookstores
- Good option for first-time authors
19. Trafford Publishing
Trafford Publishing has decades of experience in self-publishing, supporting authors across genres with editing, design, and marketing options.
Best Features:
- Experienced self-publishing company
- Offers editing and cover design services
- Global distribution options available
20. WestBow Press
Affiliated with Thomas Nelson & Zondervan, WestBow Press specializes in Christian and inspirational publishing.
Best Features:
- Backed by major Christian publishing brands
- Ideal for faith-based and inspirational authors
- Professional editorial and design services
21. LifeRich Publishing
A division of Reader’s Digest, LifeRich Publishing helps new authors reach wider audiences with faith and lifestyle content.
Best Features:
- Backed by Reader’s Digest brand recognition
- Focuses on inspirational and personal growth books
- Provides self-publishing and marketing support
22. BookVenture Publishing (Indianapolis Branch)
BookVenture Publishing supports authors with tailored packages that include publishing, marketing, and publicity.
Best Features:
- Offers affordable self-publishing packages
- Strong marketing and promotional services
- Wide genre flexibility for authors
23. Tate Publishing (Services in Indianapolis)
Although headquartered elsewhere, Tate Publishing has supported Indianapolis authors with hybrid publishing options.
Best Features:
- Hybrid model: traditional and self-publishing combined
- Focus on author collaboration
- Provides editing, design, and distribution
24. Balboa Press
Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, publishes self-help and personal growth books. They are a popular choice for authors in Indianapolis.
Best Features:
- Specializes in inspirational and self-help content
- Backed by Hay House credibility
- Offers marketing and global distribution
25. Xlibris
Xlibris offers self-publishing services for authors who want creative control with professional support. Their packages are flexible and author-focused.
Best Features:
- Longstanding self-publishing company
- Multiple packages to fit author budgets
- Global reach with distribution partners
26. AuthorHouse
Founded in Bloomington, AuthorHouse is one of the pioneers in self-publishing and continues to serve Indianapolis authors.
Best Features:
- Established name in self-publishing
- Wide range of publishing packages
- Helps authors publish both print and digital formats
Why Choosing the Right Publisher Matters
Publishing a book is more than printing pages—it’s about finding a partner who understands your story and helps bring it to readers in the most impactful way. With so many publishing options in Indianapolis, making the right choice can shape your success as an author. Here’s why it matters:
- Editorial Quality: A good publisher ensures your manuscript is polished with professional editing, proofreading, and structural support. This step elevates your work and avoids the pitfalls of amateur errors.
- Design & Presentation: From cover design to interior layout, presentation can make or break a book’s appeal. Reputable publishers provide experienced designers who know how to attract readers.
- Distribution Reach: Whether you want your book in local stores or on global platforms like Amazon, publishers with strong distribution networks expand your audience far beyond your city.
- Marketing Support: Visibility is critical in today’s crowded market. The right publisher offers marketing tools, publicity strategies, and sometimes even author branding guidance.
- Rights & Royalties: Publishers differ in how they handle ownership. Traditional presses may take more control, while hybrid or self-publishing outfits allow authors to retain rights and earn higher royalties.
- Personal Fit: Beyond services, choosing a publisher who believes in your vision creates a smoother, more rewarding experience.
Ultimately, your choice of publisher determines not only how your book looks but also how many people will discover it. A thoughtful decision now sets the foundation for long-term success.
Conclusion
Indianapolis is proving itself to be more than just a city of sports and culture—it’s becoming a place where authors can find real opportunities to publish their work. From traditional presses that celebrate Indiana’s heritage to modern self-publishing services that give writers full creative control, the city offers something for every type of author.
The 26 publishers highlighted here represent the variety and strength of Indianapolis’s publishing scene in 2025. With so many capable options in Indianapolis, 2025 may just be the perfect year to take the leap and share your words with the world.
