Introduction
Oregon has long been a place where creative spirits thrive, and its publishing scene reflects that same energy. From Portland’s bustling book culture to the quiet corners of Eugene and Bend, the state offers authors something rare.
Portland, often called one of the most literary-friendly cities in the U.S., stands at the heart of this movement, home to indie presses, university publishers, and innovative startups.
Whether your manuscript leans toward literary fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or experimental storytelling, Oregon’s publishers know how to nurture it. Here are 33 publishing partners ready to bring your next great story to life in 2025.
Meet Oregon’s 33 Publishing Partners in 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC (Portland)
- Founded: 2010
- Overview: Ghostwriting LLC helps authors turn ideas into books, offering step-by-step support from draft to final publication. The company works closely with writers to ensure their stories are engaging and market-ready. It has a reputation for blending creativity with professionalism, making it a trusted partner for both first-time and seasoned authors.
- Key Services: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, publishing consultation, distribution support.
2. Oregon State University Press (Corvallis)
- Founded: 1961
- Overview: This respected university press focuses on capturing the cultural, environmental, and historical richness of the Pacific Northwest. It publishes works that highlight Oregon’s unique identity while contributing to national academic conversations. Authors benefit from credibility, institutional backing, and meaningful community engagement.
- Key Services: Academic publishing, history titles, environmental studies, regional nonfiction.
3. Hawthorne Books (Portland)
- Founded: 2001
- Overview: Hawthorne Books is celebrated for taking risks on literary voices that challenge the mainstream. Known for carefully curated lists, the press gives space to memoirs and narrative nonfiction that push boundaries. Authors working with Hawthorne find not only professional editing and design but also thoughtful marketing to reach wide audiences.
- Key Services: Literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction.
4. Forest Avenue Press (Portland)
- Founded: 2012
- Overview: Forest Avenue Press is a community-driven publisher with a focus on storytelling that connects. It has carved a space in Oregon’s publishing world by supporting debut authors and amplifying underrepresented voices. Writers value its collaborative publishing model and attention to long-term author growth.
- Key Services: Literary fiction, memoirs, short story collections.
5. Ooligan Press (Portland State University)
- Founded: 2001
- Overview: A student-run press, Ooligan blends academia with professional publishing experience. Each book reflects the passion of its student editors while maintaining high-quality standards. The press specializes in projects with strong regional significance and social impact, giving authors a chance to reach both academic and general readers.
- Key Services: Regional fiction, nonfiction, socially engaged writing.
6. Tin House Books (Portland)
- Founded: 2005
- Overview: Tin House Books is one of Oregon’s most renowned indie publishers, recognized nationwide for its sharp literary vision. Known for cultivating distinctive voices, it has a reputation for bold fiction, poetry, and essay collections. Authors benefit from the press’s established distribution networks and connections within the literary community, ensuring visibility for their work on a national scale.
- Key Services: Literary fiction, poetry, essays, editorial excellence, national distribution.
7. Deep Vellum West (Portland)
- Founded: 2019
- Overview: Expanding the reach of its Dallas-based parent company, Deep Vellum West thrives on literary experimentation and international influence. It specializes in translated works and contemporary fiction that challenges conventional storytelling. Authors gain an opportunity to connect with readers globally, supported by a press that values artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
- Key Services: Translations, contemporary fiction, experimental literature.
8. Beyond Words Publishing (Hillsboro)
- Founded: 1983
- Overview: Beyond Words Publishing is known for uplifting and visually stunning titles that inspire readers. Their catalog includes spirituality, wellness, and personal growth books, often with high production value. Authors partnering with this press benefit from a legacy of success and wide national distribution, including partnerships with major houses for greater reach.
- Key Services: Spirituality, wellness, self-help, inspirational nonfiction, national distribution.
9. Inkwater Press (Portland)
- Founded: 1999
- Overview: Inkwater Press offers a hybrid publishing model that blends creative freedom with professional support. Authors can bring a wide range of projects—fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry—to market while maintaining control over their vision. Its personalized approach makes it attractive to writers seeking flexibility with professional-quality results.
- Key Services: Hybrid publishing, editing, design, marketing support, distribution.
10. Bear Deluxe Press (Portland)
- Founded: 1994
- Overview: Bear Deluxe Press is tied to ecological and cultural storytelling, reflecting Oregon’s environmental values. It publishes works that examine the intersection of nature, art, and community. Authors drawn to environmental themes and progressive ideas will find this press a fitting platform for impactful, mission-driven storytelling.
- Key Services: Environmental literature, creative nonfiction, cultural essays.
11. Perfect Day Publishing (Portland)
- Founded: 2010
- Overview: Perfect Day Publishing specializes in short-form, experimental works that amplify underrepresented voices. Known for its commitment to Portland’s independent culture, the press helps authors break boundaries while remaining rooted in authenticity. Writers benefit from a press that takes creative risks and nurtures projects with genuine artistic value.
- Key Services: Short fiction, experimental works, poetry, cultural commentary.
12. Indigo Ink Press (Eugene)
- Founded: 2003
- Overview: Indigo Ink Press has built a reputation for championing literary works with strong emotional resonance. The press publishes both fiction and nonfiction, often highlighting voices that bring fresh perspectives. Authors enjoy close editorial collaboration and a supportive environment that emphasizes storytelling depth over commercial trends.
- Key Services: Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, literary editing support.
13. Ravenna Press (Astoria)
- Founded: 1999
- Overview: Ravenna Press is an indie publisher with a focus on poetry, short fiction, and hybrid forms. Based on the Oregon coast, it thrives on creative experimentation and literary innovation. Authors who work with Ravenna find opportunities to publish work that might not fit mainstream presses but deserves recognition.
- Key Services: Poetry, short fiction, hybrid/experimental works.
14. Timber Press (Portland)
- Founded: 1978
- Overview: Timber Press is one of the leading publishers of gardening and horticultural books in the U.S. Its titles are trusted resources for plant lovers and experts alike. Authors working with Timber gain credibility in the gardening and environmental space, supported by a publisher with broad distribution.
- Key Services: Gardening, horticulture, environmental nonfiction, illustrated books.
15. Red Hen Press (Portland Branch)
- Founded: 1994 (branch established later)
- Overview: While based in California, Red Hen operates a Portland branch, strengthening Oregon’s literary connections. It publishes a wide array of contemporary voices in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Authors benefit from both a national reputation and strong regional presence, blending local support with national reach.
- Key Services: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, national distribution.
16. Airlie Press (Willamette Valley)
- Founded: 2007
- Overview: Airlie Press is a nonprofit poetry collective where poets publish each other’s work. Its cooperative model makes it unique, offering a deeply collaborative publishing experience. Authors value the collective approach, gaining not only publication but also a supportive community that champions poetry.
- Key Services: Poetry, collective publishing, author collaboration.
17. Small Doggies Press (Portland)
- Founded: 2011
- Overview: Small Doggies Press reflects Portland’s indie spirit, publishing innovative works across genres. The press is particularly interested in edgy, thought-provoking writing. Authors find a home here if they are seeking a press unafraid of unconventional voices and creative risks.
- Key Services: Fiction, poetry, memoir, experimental works.
18. Publication Studio Portland (Portland)
- Founded: 2009
- Overview: Publication Studio takes a unique approach to publishing by hand-making books and producing them on demand. It emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, with titles ranging from fiction to art books. Authors enjoy creative freedom and a chance to connect directly with readers.
- Key Services: On-demand publishing, art books, fiction, nonfiction.
19. Future Tense Books (Portland)
- Founded: 1990
- Overview: Future Tense Books has built a loyal following for its dedication to edgy and experimental writing. The press often publishes debut authors who later achieve wider recognition. Writers who want their voices amplified outside the mainstream find a supportive platform here.
- Key Services: Fiction, memoir, experimental nonfiction, debut authors.
20. Scarlet Tanager Books (Portland)
- Founded: 1999
- Overview: Scarlet Tanager Books publishes works that highlight diversity and multicultural perspectives. Its catalog includes poetry, short fiction, and anthologies that broaden the literary conversation. Authors benefit from a mission-driven press with a clear focus on inclusivity and representation.
- Key Services: Poetry, short fiction, multicultural literature.
21. Phōsphor Press (Portland)
- Founded: 2015
- Overview: Phōsphor Press is dedicated to bringing light to overlooked voices and innovative writing. It specializes in poetry and literary works that push creative limits. Authors gain an attentive partner focused on amplifying unique storytelling while keeping artistic integrity central.
- Key Services: Poetry, literary fiction, experimental prose.
22. Trapdoor Books (Bend)
- Founded: 2010
- Overview: Trapdoor Books emphasizes regional fiction and works that capture the essence of Oregon’s landscapes and communities. It provides strong editorial guidance and attention to authors seeking to connect with local audiences. Writers benefit from a supportive team that values both story and place.
- Key Services: Regional fiction, memoir, short story collections.
23. Blue Skirt Productions (Portland)
- Founded: 2012
- Overview: Blue Skirt Productions combines publishing with performance and multimedia projects. Its work crosses traditional boundaries, offering authors space to experiment. Writers benefit from creative collaboration and a press open to unconventional literary projects.
- Key Services: Poetry, prose, multimedia projects, experimental publishing.
24. Tavern Books (Portland)
- Founded: 2009
- Overview: Tavern Books is dedicated to preserving and reissuing important poetry collections while also supporting contemporary poets. It champions poetry as an enduring art form. Authors working with Tavern join a press respected for its commitment to literary heritage.
- Key Services: Poetry reprints, contemporary poetry, literary preservation.
25. Grey Dog Press (Eugene)
- Founded: 2014
- Overview: Grey Dog Press supports independent voices across fiction and nonfiction. Based in Eugene, it has a growing reputation for its willingness to take on diverse projects. Authors gain flexible publishing models and close collaboration with the editorial team.
- Key Services: Fiction, nonfiction, hybrid publishing.
26. Overcup Press (Portland)
- Founded: 2010
- Overview: Overcup Press specializes in beautifully designed nonfiction books, often with an art or cultural angle. Known for its high-quality production values, it publishes titles that stand out visually and thematically. Authors appreciate the press’s dedication to blending design with storytelling.
- Key Services: Illustrated nonfiction, art and culture books, design-focused publishing.
27. Sandhill Press (Ashland)
- Founded: 2005
- Overview: Sandhill Press focuses on regional nonfiction and creative works that reflect Oregon’s cultural richness. Authors find opportunities to publish projects rooted in place and community. The press provides strong local distribution and support for emerging voices.
- Key Services: Regional nonfiction, memoir, cultural storytelling.
28. Swift River Press (Salem)
- Founded: 2011
- Overview: Swift River Press is an independent press with a focus on socially conscious nonfiction and fiction. It encourages dialogue through storytelling and often publishes works that address contemporary issues. Authors benefit from the press’s dedication to meaningful, socially relevant literature.
- Key Services: Fiction, nonfiction, socially engaged writing.
29. Mountain Writers Press (Bend)
- Founded: 2008
- Overview: Mountain Writers Press highlights Oregon’s literary community by publishing works tied to the state’s landscapes and people. It often collaborates with local writing groups to bring unique voices into print. Authors enjoy a press with deep community ties.
- Key Services: Regional fiction, nonfiction, poetry, local anthologies.
30. Lantern Publishing West (Portland Branch)
- Founded: 2020
- Overview: Lantern Publishing West brings a progressive and ethical publishing model to Oregon, emphasizing works that inspire change. Its focus includes social justice, environmental topics, and wellness. Authors benefit from a publisher committed to positive cultural impact and wide distribution.
- Key Services: Social justice, wellness, environmental nonfiction.
31. Goldfish Press (Portland)
- Founded: 2001
- Overview: Goldfish Press publishes literary fiction and poetry, with an emphasis on works that encourage reflection. It supports authors with detailed editorial guidance and small press intimacy. Writers value the opportunity to publish in a thoughtful and focused environment.
- Key Services: Literary fiction, poetry, essays.
32. Dragon Gate Press (Eugene)
- Founded: 1980
- Overview: Dragon Gate Press has a long-standing history of publishing innovative fiction and poetry. Though small, it has maintained a reputation for fostering creativity and unique literary voices. Authors benefit from the press’s legacy and careful editorial attention.
- Key Services: Fiction, poetry, literary works.
33. Blackberry Books (Portland)
- Founded: 1975
- Overview: Blackberry Books is one of Oregon’s oldest independent presses, focusing on literature that endures over time. Its catalog includes fiction, poetry, and reprints of significant works. Authors working with Blackberry join a press deeply respected for its contributions to Oregon’s literary heritage.
- Key Services: Fiction, poetry, reprints, literary classics.
How to Choose the Right Oregon Publisher
Selecting the right publisher is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an author. Oregon’s publishing scene is broad, with options ranging from traditional university presses to independent houses and hybrid publishers.
To make the best choice, it’s essential to match your manuscript with a publisher that shares your vision and has the right resources to support it.
- Start by looking closely at each publisher’s focus areas. Some specialize in literary fiction or poetry, while others lean toward memoirs, academic works, or regional storytelling. Submitting your manuscript to a press that aligns with your genre not only improves your chances of acceptance but also ensures your book will be marketed to the right audience.
- Equally important is understanding a publisher’s services and support. Traditional publishers usually cover editing, design, and distribution, while hybrid or small presses may expect you to share some costs. Ask about marketing strategies, distribution reach, and whether the publisher has strong connections with bookstores, libraries, or online retailers.
- You should also consider the publisher’s reputation and track record. Look at past authors they’ve worked with and how those books performed. Many Oregon publishers emphasize community and author collaboration, which can be invaluable for networking and future opportunities.
- Finally, think about the level of creative control you want. Indie and hybrid publishers often allow more input on design, pricing, and distribution, while traditional presses may prioritize editorial guidance and broader market placement.
By weighing these factors—focus, services, reputation, and creative control—you’ll be able to select a publisher that not only fits your book but also supports your long-term goals as an author.
Conclusion
Oregon stands out as a state where literature thrives, fueled by a unique blend of creativity, independence, and professional publishing expertise.
From Portland’s dynamic indie scene to respected university presses, authors have access to diverse pathways that match their needs. Whether you’re writing your first novel or expanding an established career, the right Oregon publisher can transform your manuscript into a book that resonates.
With thoughtful choices, authors here find not only publishing opportunities but also a true community that celebrates their voice.
