Introduction
Mississippi has always been a cradle of American storytelling. From William Faulkner and Eudora Welty to a new generation of voices, the state’s literary tradition remains deeply rooted in culture, history, and community.
What makes Mississippi unique is its combination of university-backed presses, independent publishers, and small imprints that continue to shape the Southern literary landscape. For authors, these publishers offer more than just printing—they provide guidance, editing, and distribution that can take a manuscript from draft to bookshelf.
Here are 26 of the best publishing companies in Mississippi for 2025.
26 Best Book Publishing Companies in Mississippi
1. Ghostwriting LLC
Location: Jackson | Established: 2010
Ghostwriting LLC provides full-service publishing and writing solutions for authors across all genres. Their team specializes in ghostwriting, editing, book design, and publishing strategy. With a global client base and strong distribution, they are trusted by debut and experienced authors alike. Their approach focuses on helping writers develop polished, market-ready manuscripts while offering complete publishing support.
Notable Points:
- Professional ghostwriting and editing
- End-to-end publishing services
- Global distribution network
- Trusted across multiple genres
2. University Press of Mississippi
Location: Jackson | Established: 1970
The University Press of Mississippi is a consortium of state universities, publishing scholarly and general-interest works. They are recognized for their contributions to Southern culture, African American studies, and film studies. Authors looking for serious, research-driven projects will find a strong partner here, as the press blends academic rigor with wide distribution.
Notable Points:
- State university consortium
- Strong focus on Southern studies
- National reputation in academic publishing
- Wide-ranging distribution
3. Nautilus Publishing
Location: Oxford | Established: 1992
Nautilus Publishing works with a wide range of authors, from memoirists to novelists and historians. Known for their professional editorial process and high production quality, they produce books that find strong regional and national audiences. Nautilus also helps authors with marketing strategies, ensuring that each title receives visibility beyond Mississippi.
Notable Points:
- Memoir, fiction, and history focus
- Strong editorial process
- National market reach
- Marketing support for authors
4. Yoknapatawpha Press
Location: Oxford | Established: 1975
Named after William Faulkner’s famous fictional county, Yoknapatawpha Press continues Mississippi’s literary legacy. This small press publishes fiction, history, and regional works, often celebrating Southern culture. Their catalog reflects a passion for stories rooted in Mississippi, making them a great choice for writers exploring Southern themes.
Notable Points:
- Inspired by William Faulkner
- Fiction and Southern culture focus
- Regional history publications
- Long-standing literary presence
5. Dogwood Press
Location: Brandon | Established: 2000
Dogwood Press is an independent publisher specializing in Southern fiction and nonfiction. Their books often feature regional voices, capturing the unique atmosphere of the South. Dogwood takes pride in nurturing long-term relationships with authors and is known for close editorial collaboration.
Notable Points:
- Focus on Southern fiction and nonfiction
- Personalized editorial guidance
- Strong regional readership
- Supportive of local authors
6. Sartoris Literary Group
Location: Columbus | Established: 2008
Sartoris Literary Group publishes works across multiple genres, including history, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. They take a hands-on approach to author development, offering marketing guidance along with publishing. Sartoris helps writers achieve both literary merit and commercial success.
Notable Points:
- Wide range of genres
- Author-focused development
- Marketing assistance provided
- Regional and national distribution
7. Lemuria Books Publishing
Location: Jackson | Established: 1975
An extension of the beloved Lemuria Books bookstore, Lemuria Books Publishing focuses on amplifying regional authors. Their imprint emphasizes storytelling tied to Mississippi’s identity, from local history to contemporary fiction. Their deep bookstore connections provide authors with immediate visibility among readers.
Notable Points:
- Connected to iconic bookstore
- Regional history and fiction
- Built-in bookstore audience
- Strong support for Mississippi authors
8. Mississippi Heritage Publishing
Location: Jackson | Established: 1987
Mississippi Heritage Publishing preserves and promotes works tied to the state’s cultural and historical roots. They produce titles covering local history, genealogy, and heritage topics. Authors who write about Mississippi’s past will find a supportive home here.
Notable Points:
- Focus on heritage and genealogy
- History-driven catalog
- Celebrates Mississippi culture
- Strong regional distribution
9. Cotton Row Press
Location: Oxford | Established: 2001
Cotton Row Press is a small independent publisher dedicated to literary fiction and poetry. They prioritize artistic storytelling and are especially supportive of emerging voices. Their catalog often reflects Southern identity while remaining appealing to a wider literary audience.
Notable Points:
- Poetry and fiction focus
- Strong support for new authors
- Artistic and literary emphasis
- Southern identity in storytelling
10. Black Magnolia Books
Location: Gulfport | Established: 2014
Black Magnolia Books is a modern independent press that publishes contemporary fiction and nonfiction. They highlight diverse voices and stories that reflect today’s South. With a growing reputation, they are attracting writers from across the region who want professional publishing support.
Notable Points:
- Contemporary fiction and nonfiction
- Emphasis on diverse voices
- Fresh Southern perspectives
- Growing regional influence
11. Redbud Press
Location: Brandon | Established: 2015
Redbud Press specializes in romance and inspirational fiction. They focus on uplifting, family-centered stories that resonate with readers looking for heartwarming narratives. Their catalog includes both established romance authors and emerging voices. Redbud has become a supportive home for writers of clean, emotionally driven fiction.
Notable Points:
- Romance and inspirational fiction
- Uplifting, family-friendly stories
- Support for new and established writers
- Loyal readership base
12. Magnolia Gazette Press
Location: McComb | Established: 1998
Magnolia Gazette Press publishes nonfiction and local history tied to Mississippi communities. Their titles often highlight small towns, cultural traditions, and biographies of notable figures. They serve as an important press for authors seeking to preserve regional heritage.
Notable Points:
- Focus on local history
- Cultural and community-based works
- Strong ties to Mississippi heritage
- Regional readership
13. Turning Point Press
Location: Jackson | Established: 2009
Turning Point Press offers publishing services across fiction, memoir, and self-help. They aim to help authors create books that inspire change, both personal and social. Their mission-driven catalog highlights works that empower readers while supporting authors through editing and design.
Notable Points:
- Fiction, memoir, and self-help
- Mission-driven publishing
- Editorial and design support
- Focus on inspirational works
14. River City Publishing
Location: Jackson | Established: 1990
River City Publishing has a strong reputation for Southern fiction and nonfiction. While they publish across multiple genres, their heart lies in stories that reflect the cultural and social identity of the South. Their books often receive regional recognition and critical acclaim.
Notable Points:
- Southern fiction and nonfiction
- Regional storytelling focus
- Broad literary catalog
- Respected in the South
15. NewSouth Books
Location: Regional (Mississippi reach) | Established: 2000
NewSouth Books, though based in Alabama, has a significant influence in Mississippi. They publish works tied to Southern history, politics, and literature, with many Mississippi authors on their list. Their catalog combines rigorous nonfiction with powerful storytelling.
Notable Points:
- Southern history and politics
- Regional impact in Mississippi
- Fiction and nonfiction catalog
- Focus on cultural dialogue
16. Choctaw Heritage Press
Location: Philadelphia, MS | Established: 2011
Choctaw Heritage Press publishes works that celebrate Native American heritage and culture, with a particular emphasis on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Their catalog includes educational resources, cultural histories, and storytelling traditions.
Notable Points:
- Native American heritage focus
- Educational and cultural works
- Community-based mission
- Strong cultural preservation role
17. Delta Literary Press
Location: Greenville | Established: 2005
Delta Literary Press focuses on contemporary fiction and regional nonfiction rooted in the Mississippi Delta. Their mission is to amplify voices that capture the unique challenges and triumphs of Delta life. Authors seeking a publisher with deep regional commitment will find a good match here.
Notable Points:
- Fiction and nonfiction focus
- Strong Delta identity
- Community-centered catalog
- Promotes authentic Southern voices
18. Gulf Coast Publishing
Location: Biloxi | Established: 2012
Gulf Coast Publishing produces fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. With its coastal identity, the press often publishes stories tied to Gulf culture and heritage. Their approachable style makes them supportive of first-time authors as well as established voices.
Notable Points:
- Coastal culture and heritage
- Fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books
- Supportive of new authors
- Regional audience base
19. Lantern Publishing
Location: Oxford | Established: 2010
Lantern Publishing is a boutique press that focuses on poetry and short fiction. They work with emerging authors to bring fresh literary voices into the spotlight. Their small, carefully curated list ensures personal attention for each project.
Notable Points:
- Poetry and short fiction
- Boutique, selective press
- Emphasis on emerging voices
- Close author collaboration
20. Mississippi Writers Guild Press
Location: Statewide | Established: 2014
Run by the Mississippi Writers Guild, this press publishes anthologies, poetry, and fiction by members of the guild. Their mission is to promote collaboration among Mississippi writers and give them a platform for publication.
Notable Points:
- Operated by Writers Guild
- Poetry, fiction, and anthologies
- Strong community focus
- Promotes collaboration among authors
21. Iron Magnolia Press
Location: Oxford | Established: 2017
Iron Magnolia Press publishes bold and experimental works in fiction and nonfiction. They seek authors willing to push creative boundaries and embrace fresh perspectives. Their catalog is small but innovative, giving new life to Southern publishing.
Notable Points:
- Experimental fiction and nonfiction
- Innovative publishing vision
- Small, selective catalog
- Fresh Southern perspectives
22. Southern Odyssey Press
Location: Hattiesburg | Established: 2004
Southern Odyssey Press publishes travel, memoir, and regional nonfiction. Their books often highlight journeys, whether personal or geographic, rooted in Southern culture. They are known for clean design and thoughtful editorial guidance.
Notable Points:
- Travel and memoir focus
- Regional nonfiction emphasis
- Southern storytelling tradition
- Thoughtful editorial process
23. Blue Cypress Books
Location: Regional (with Mississippi ties) | Established: 2007
Though based in New Orleans, Blue Cypress Books has extended its publishing arm into Mississippi. They specialize in regional literature and Southern voices, producing fiction, poetry, and essays. Their regional reach supports Mississippi writers seeking visibility.
Notable Points:
- Southern fiction and poetry
- Regional literary reach
- Mississippi author partnerships
- Independent bookstore connection
24. Tupelo Press
Location: North Adams, MA (regional ties to Mississippi) | Established: 1999
Tupelo Press has significant Mississippi connections through its authors and literary influence. Known nationally for poetry and experimental prose, they support diverse and emerging voices. Mississippi poets, in particular, have found success here.
Notable Points:
- Nationally recognized poetry press
- Experimental prose focus
- Supports diverse authors
- Strong Mississippi literary ties
25. Yellow Dog Press
Location: Hernando | Established: 2013
Yellow Dog Press is a small publisher specializing in poetry chapbooks and literary collections. They emphasize artistic quality and often work with emerging poets from Mississippi and the surrounding South. Their intimate scale ensures close author collaboration.
Notable Points:
- Poetry chapbook focus
- Emerging Southern poets
- Artistic publishing vision
- Collaborative editing process
26. Rising Magnolia Press
Location: Oxford | Established: 2018
Rising Magnolia Press is a newer imprint dedicated to contemporary fiction and memoir. They focus on giving first-time authors a chance to publish professionally. Their small but growing catalog reflects Mississippi’s evolving literary voice.
Notable Points:
- Contemporary fiction and memoir
- Supportive of debut authors
- Growing regional presence
- Fresh approach to Southern publishing
Tips for First-Time Authors Publishing in Mississippi
Publishing your first book can feel like a daunting process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the industry. Mississippi offers a mix of independent presses, university-backed publishers, and niche companies that make it easier for authors to find the right fit. To help you prepare, here are some practical tips:
- Do Your Research: Take time to understand what each publisher specializes in. Whether it’s academic works, regional history, or fiction, knowing their niche will increase your chances of acceptance.
- Polish Your Manuscript: Editing is critical. Even the best ideas can get overlooked if the manuscript is riddled with errors. Consider hiring a professional editor before submitting.
- Understand Submission Guidelines: Every publisher has different requirements. Some accept proposals, others want full manuscripts. Always follow their guidelines carefully.
- Consider Long-Term Goals: Think about whether you want local distribution, academic publishing credibility, or broader national reach. The right publisher should align with your vision.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Publishing takes time. Rejections are common, but persistence often leads to success.
Mississippi’s publishing community is approachable and author-friendly, making it an excellent place for new voices to emerge.
Conclusion
Mississippi may not have the same publishing spotlight as larger states, but it is home to a vibrant community of presses that value quality, creativity, and regional voices. Whether you are writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or academic work, there’s a publisher here that can help bring your vision to life.
By taking time to match your manuscript with the right press and preparing thoroughly, you can find the support you need to succeed. Mississippi remains a welcoming hub for authors ready to take the next step.
