Introduction
Montana is a land where storytelling feels as vast as the sky above the plains. The rugged mountains, open prairies, and deep cultural history have inspired generations of writers, and publishers here have risen to meet those voices with pride.
What makes Montana’s publishing scene special is its balance: university presses advancing scholarship, independent houses uplifting western narratives, and boutique publishers giving room to bold, creative voices. Together, they form a literary landscape as diverse as the state itself. At the front of this list is Ghostwriting LLC, a partner that goes beyond publishing to support authors at every stage.
Montana’s Publishing Identity
Montana’s publishing scene reflects the character of the state itself—independent, resilient, and deeply tied to place. Writers here often draw inspiration from:
- The rugged beauty of the Rockies
- The wide-open expanse of the plains
- Indigenous traditions and frontier histories
These influences shape the catalogs of Montana’s presses, whether through nature writing, western fiction, or memoirs rooted in local life.
What makes Montana unique is its balance of scholarship and grassroots storytelling:
- Academic strength: University presses like the University of Montana Press and Montana State University Press amplify scholarly work while celebrating regional culture.
- Independent voices: Smaller and boutique presses provide outlets for personal stories, poetry, and experimental writing that may not fit traditional models.
Looking ahead to 2025, Montana’s publishing identity feels especially dynamic:
- Indie houses are embracing hybrid publishing, giving first-time authors more opportunities.
- Established presses continue to earn recognition with award-winning titles.
- A growing emphasis on regional pride ensures Montana’s literary voice remains strong and distinctive.
For authors, this means a wealth of opportunities to be heard. In Montana, publishing is not just about producing books—it’s about contributing to the state’s enduring narrative, where the written word holds as much weight as the mountains and rivers themselves.
29 Leading Book Publishers in Montana in 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC – Billings, MT | Full-Service Publishing & Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting LLC is a premier publishing partner for authors seeking guidance from idea to finished book. Based in Billings, it offers comprehensive support with a reputation for professionalism and discretion.
- Services: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing, formatting, distribution
- Genres: Fiction and nonfiction across many categories
- Reputation: Trusted for personalized author support and polished, market-ready books
2. Montana Press Publishing – Helena, MT | Regional Nonfiction & History
Montana Press Publishing shines in preserving local stories and historical voices. Based in Helena, it’s known for nonfiction titles that connect deeply with Montana’s past.
- Services: Manuscript development, editing, publishing
- Genres: Regional nonfiction, history, memoirs
- Reputation: Respected for cultural preservation and widely recognized in schools and libraries
3. Riverbend Publishing – Helena, MT | Travel, History & Outdoor Writing
Riverbend Publishing reflects Montana’s adventurous character through books that celebrate place and heritage. Their catalog appeals to readers exploring culture and landscape.
- Services: Editing, design, distribution
- Genres: Travel, outdoor writing, regional history
- Reputation: Known for connecting readers with Montana’s landscapes and traditions
4. Bangtail Press – Bozeman, MT | Fiction, Westerns & Outdoor Adventure
Bangtail Press embraces the storytelling spirit of the West. Based in Bozeman, they are a natural fit for writers tackling themes of wilderness and frontier life.
- Services: Publishing, editing, distribution
- Genres: Fiction, westerns, outdoor adventure
- Reputation: Celebrated for authentic western narratives and vibrant contemporary voices
5. Mountain Press Publishing Company – Missoula, MT | Natural History & Science
Mountain Press Publishing Company bridges science and storytelling. Based in Missoula, it has become nationally recognized for accessible works about the natural world.
- Services: Editorial support, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Geology, natural history, science writing
- Reputation: Valued for combining academic rigor with engaging readability
6. University of Montana Press – Missoula, MT | Scholarly & Regional Studies
University of Montana Press elevates academic and regional scholarship. Their publications highlight the university’s contributions while making research accessible.
- Services: Peer review, editing, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Scholarly works, cultural and regional studies
- Reputation: Trusted academic platform with strong local and national recognition
7. Montana State University Press – Bozeman, MT | Research & Academic Titles
Montana State University Press reflects Bozeman’s reputation as a hub for research and innovation. Their books often contribute to important academic conversations.
- Services: Peer review, editorial guidance, publishing
- Genres: Science, arts, social studies, research-driven works
- Reputation: Known for credibility and expanding Montana’s academic voice nationally
8. Carroll College Press – Helena, MT | Educational & Local Studies
Carroll College Press combines education and local identity in its catalog. Their works serve both classroom learning and community engagement.
- Services: Editorial guidance, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Educational texts, theology, local studies
- Reputation: Appreciated for small-scale, collaborative publishing with local impact
9. Rocky Mountain College Press – Billings, MT | Academic & Theological Works
Rocky Mountain College Press supports projects that combine scholarship with thoughtful reflection. Their catalog addresses both academic and spiritual inquiry.
- Services: Editing, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Academic titles, theological works
- Reputation: Trusted for its mission-driven approach and supportive editorial process
10. Farcountry Press – Helena, MT | Photography & Children’s Books
Farcountry Press celebrates Montana’s beauty through stunning photography and children’s stories. Their books are well-known for design quality and regional themes.
- Services: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Photography, children’s books, regional works
- Reputation: Loved for high production value and treasured keepsake-quality books
11. Sweetgrass Books – Helena, MT | Hybrid & Self-Publishing Support
Sweetgrass Books bridges the gap between traditional and self-publishing. Based in Helena, they give authors flexibility and professional-quality production.
- Services: Hybrid publishing, editing, design, distribution
- Genres: Multi-genre, with strong regional focus
- Reputation: Valued for approachable staff and author-first publishing models
12. Great Falls Publishing House – Great Falls, MT | Fiction & Memoir
Great Falls Publishing House uplifts local voices with a special focus on personal storytelling. Authors find a supportive platform for creative projects.
- Services: Editing, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Fiction, memoir, local-interest titles
- Reputation: Appreciated for spotlighting community stories and regional authors
13. Bitterroot Books – Hamilton, MT | Nature Writing & Poetry
Bitterroot Books thrives on Montana’s connection to the natural world. Their catalog often blends creative prose with poetic reflection.
- Services: Editing, publishing, marketing support
- Genres: Nature writing, poetry, literary nonfiction
- Reputation: Known for nurturing voices deeply tied to Montana’s landscapes
14. High Plains Press – Miles City, MT | Western Fiction & Ranching Histories
High Plains Press celebrates the cowboy spirit and ranching heritage of eastern Montana. Their catalog captures authentic rural stories.
- Services: Manuscript development, editing, publishing
- Genres: Western fiction, ranching histories, local nonfiction
- Reputation: Trusted by readers for authentic depictions of ranch life and western culture
15. Glacier Publishing – Kalispell, MT | Regional Guides & Adventure Writing
Glacier Publishing reflects Montana’s adventurous spirit with guides and outdoor narratives. Their books connect readers with wild spaces.
- Services: Publishing, editing, design
- Genres: Adventure writing, regional travel guides, history
- Reputation: Celebrated for practical yet beautifully written works
16. Big Sky Press – Billings, MT | Children’s Stories & Local History
Big Sky Press creates books that appeal to families and community readers. Their works often feature colorful illustrations and historical themes.
- Services: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Children’s literature, local history, memoirs
- Reputation: Known for books that both educate and entertain young readers
17. Northern Rockies Press – Havre, MT | Fiction & Historical Nonfiction
Northern Rockies Press uplifts diverse voices, with a strong focus on history and storytelling traditions from northern Montana.
- Services: Editing, publishing, regional distribution
- Genres: Fiction, historical nonfiction, regional literature
- Reputation: Respected for publishing works that keep Montana’s northern heritage alive
18. Wild Horse Publishing – Great Falls, MT | Poetry & Short Story Collections
Wild Horse Publishing is a home for literary voices with a love of form. Their catalog champions poetry and short fiction.
- Services: Editorial guidance, publishing, marketing
- Genres: Poetry, short story collections, literary fiction
- Reputation: Recognized for supporting emerging writers and experimental forms
19. Beargrass Press – Missoula, MT | Contemporary Fiction & Memoirs
Beargrass Press reflects Missoula’s creative culture, focusing on contemporary voices and intimate storytelling.
- Services: Editing, publishing, marketing
- Genres: Contemporary fiction, memoirs, creative nonfiction
- Reputation: Known for modern, relatable stories with strong emotional resonance
20. Prairie Wind Press – Lewistown, MT | Cultural Histories & Biographies
Prairie Wind Press highlights Montana’s cultural histories and biographies, ensuring local stories are preserved.
- Services: Editing, publishing, archival-quality printing
- Genres: Biographies, cultural histories, regional nonfiction
- Reputation: Trusted for preserving authentic cultural narratives with care
21. Sagebrush Publishing – Billings, MT | Western Fiction & Cowboy Poetry
Sagebrush Publishing keeps Montana’s cowboy culture alive through books that celebrate western traditions and artistry.
- Services: Publishing, editing, design
- Genres: Western fiction, cowboy poetry, folklore
- Reputation: Celebrated for keeping western literary traditions vibrant
22. Horizon Press – Bozeman, MT | Inspirational & Lifestyle Titles
Horizon Press focuses on uplifting works that emphasize personal growth and lifestyle. Based in Bozeman, they embrace practical and spiritual themes.
- Services: Editing, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Inspirational, lifestyle, wellness, spirituality
- Reputation: Valued for approachable, motivating titles that appeal broadly
23. Red Lodge Press – Red Lodge, MT | Art & Photography Books
Red Lodge Press highlights Montana’s artistic side with beautifully produced visual books. They collaborate closely with artists and photographers.
- Services: Design, editing, publishing, high-quality printing
- Genres: Art books, photography collections, visual storytelling
- Reputation: Known for craftsmanship and stunning visual presentations
24. Yellowstone Press – Livingston, MT | Nature & Outdoor Adventure
Yellowstone Press focuses on works that explore the wonders of Yellowstone and the surrounding landscapes. Their catalog attracts nature enthusiasts.
- Services: Editing, design, publishing
- Genres: Nature writing, outdoor adventure, regional travel
- Reputation: Respected for celebrating Yellowstone’s cultural and environmental significance
25. Mission Valley Press – Polson, MT | Indigenous Voices & Cultural Works
Mission Valley Press prioritizes Indigenous authors and works that highlight cultural heritage. Based in Polson, it is mission-driven and community-focused.
- Services: Editorial support, publishing, distribution
- Genres: Indigenous literature, cultural works, regional nonfiction
- Reputation: Trusted advocate for authentic representation and cultural preservation
26. Montana Writers Press – Billings, MT | Multi-Genre Independent Authors
Montana Writers Press offers an outlet for independent authors across genres, with an emphasis on creative freedom.
- Services: Editing, publishing, hybrid models, distribution
- Genres: Multi-genre, including fiction, memoir, nonfiction
- Reputation: Known for flexibility and empowering independent voices
27. Whitefish Press – Whitefish, MT | Local History & Environmental Writing
Whitefish Press connects history with environmental awareness, often drawing from the surrounding region.
- Services: Publishing, editing, design
- Genres: Local history, environmental writing, regional nonfiction
- Reputation: Appreciated for spotlighting Whitefish’s cultural and ecological identity
28. Gallatin Valley Press – Bozeman, MT | Literary Fiction & Anthologies
Gallatin Valley Press emphasizes literary craft, often working with anthologies and experimental projects.
- Services: Editing, publishing, collaboration with writers’ groups
- Genres: Literary fiction, anthologies, poetry
- Reputation: Known for nurturing collective projects and creative experimentation
29. Pioneer Ridge Press – Helena, MT | Folklore & Montana Heritage
Pioneer Ridge Press preserves Montana’s folk traditions and cultural heritage through books that capture oral histories and storytelling traditions.
- Services: Editing, publishing, archival-quality printing
- Genres: Folklore, heritage, cultural histories
- Reputation: Respected for keeping Montana’s traditional stories alive for new generations
Check For These Montana Book Festivals & Author Events
Montana’s publishing world doesn’t stop at the presses — it thrives in festivals, workshops, and community gatherings that connect writers and readers. These events are where authors meet publishers, network with peers, and celebrate the state’s vibrant literary identity.
- Montana Book Festival (Missoula): The state’s flagship event, featuring panels, readings, and publisher showcases. It’s a great chance for authors to pitch ideas, discover trends, and connect with industry professionals.
- Missoula Festival of the Book: Focused on regional storytelling, this festival highlights local voices and Montana’s deep cultural traditions. Independent presses often attend to scout new authors.
- Local Writing Workshops and Retreats: From university-led residencies to small-town creative gatherings, workshops across Montana allow writers to hone their craft and meet potential collaborators.
- Community Readings and Indie Bookstore Events: Small, intimate readings hosted by local bookshops in Bozeman, Helena, and Billings provide opportunities for authors to test their work and engage directly with audiences.
These events are more than networking opportunities — they are celebrations of Montana’s literary heritage and future. For aspiring authors, showing up and participating can open doors that emails and queries cannot. By being present at these festivals and gatherings, you place yourself in the heart of Montana’s publishing community, where meaningful connections begin.
Conclusion
Montana’s publishing landscape is as diverse and dynamic as the state itself. From the academic rigor of university presses to the hands-on support of boutique publishers, the opportunities for writers in 2025 are wide-ranging and full of promise.
Whether you’re writing a novel inspired by the wide-open plains, a memoir rooted in local history, or a scholarly study with national impact, there’s a press in Montana that can champion your work.
