Introduction
South Dakota may not always be the first state people think of when it comes to book publishing, but it has a surprisingly vibrant and growing literary scene. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and strong sense of community, the state provides fertile ground for publishers who value authentic voices and unique stories.
For authors seeking a supportive publishing environment, South Dakota offers a variety of presses that combine professionalism with a personal touch.
This guide highlights twenty-five of the top book publishing companies in the state, giving writers a starting point for finding the right home for their work.
25 Leading Book Publishers in South Dakota
1. Ghostwriting LLC (Sioux Falls)
Founded: 2010
Overview: Ghostwriting LLC partners with authors who want to transform their ideas into professional-quality books. Their approach is highly collaborative, guiding writers through each step of the process with care and expertise. Known for its reliability and creative edge, the company is trusted by both new and seasoned authors seeking strong publishing support.
Key Services: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, publishing consultation, distribution assistance.
2. South Dakota State University Press (Brookings)
Founded: 1994
Overview: Operating as part of the state’s largest university, this press emphasizes research-driven and culturally significant works. It has built a catalog of regional history, academic studies, and creative writing. Writers benefit from the credibility and reach of a university-backed publisher, while readers gain access to well-researched, impactful books.
Key Services: Academic publishing, history, creative writing, regional nonfiction.
3. Pine Hill Press (Freeman)
Founded: 1992
Overview: Pine Hill Press is dedicated to helping first-time authors bring their books to life. With a focus on memoirs, local histories, and family projects, the company offers a personal and approachable publishing process. Their team emphasizes design and layout quality, ensuring books look professional while maintaining the author’s voice.
Key Services: Memoirs, local history, custom publishing, design services.
4. Thunder Butte Press (Rapid City)
Founded: 2008
Overview: Inspired by South Dakota’s rugged landscapes, Thunder Butte Press specializes in fiction, poetry, and regional storytelling. It seeks out manuscripts that capture the cultural identity of the Great Plains and Black Hills. Authors working with Thunder Butte Press find an editorial team that values both creativity and authenticity.
Key Services: Fiction, poetry, cultural narratives, regional nonfiction.
5. Prairie Hills Publishing (Spearfish)
Founded: 2006
Overview: Prairie Hills Publishing supports writers who focus on community-driven stories, educational materials, and memoirs. The company works closely with authors to ensure every project is handled with professionalism and attention to detail. Its mission is to keep local voices alive through books that inspire and inform.
Key Services: Memoirs, educational books, local stories, nonfiction.
6. Bear Butte Press (Sturgis)
Founded: 2011
Overview: Named after the iconic South Dakota landmark, Bear Butte Press is known for its commitment to preserving Native American stories, history, and cultural works. The press also publishes fiction and poetry that highlight the region’s diverse voices. Writers benefit from an inclusive, respectful publishing approach.
Key Services: Native American literature, poetry, fiction, cultural nonfiction.
7. Dakota Territory Press (Yankton)
Founded: 2005
Overview: Dakota Territory Press focuses on South Dakota’s past and present, with titles covering history, biography, and heritage works. Its books are often used in educational settings, making it a resource for both readers and students. Authors receive strong editorial support, particularly those writing in the historical nonfiction genre.
Key Services: History, biography, heritage publishing, educational titles.
8. Great Plains Press (Vermillion)
Founded: 1998
Overview: Great Plains Press publishes works that celebrate life on the prairies, from fiction and poetry to regional nonfiction. It is particularly dedicated to highlighting rural experiences and voices often overlooked by larger publishers. Writers here gain the chance to tell stories grounded in authenticity and regional pride.
Key Services: Fiction, poetry, rural memoirs, regional nonfiction.
9. Coteau Books (Aberdeen)
Founded: 2013
Overview: Coteau Books publishes contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction with a focus on Midwestern and prairie life. Its catalog balances literary works with accessible storytelling, making it a good fit for both serious and casual readers. Authors benefit from a collaborative editorial process that values originality and voice.
Key Services: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, regional literature.
10. Badlands Publishing (Rapid City)
Founded: 2009
Overview: Badlands Publishing embraces the dramatic landscapes of western South Dakota, producing titles in history, outdoor adventure, and creative nonfiction. It is especially supportive of writers who capture the spirit of the Black Hills and the Badlands. Authors find a publisher committed to design quality and thoughtful distribution.
Key Services: History, outdoor writing, creative nonfiction, regional books.
11. Little Missouri Press (Belle Fourche)
Founded: 2012
Overview: Little Missouri Press focuses on children’s books, family-friendly stories, and regional tales. The company’s mission is to foster a love of reading among young audiences while celebrating South Dakota’s culture and environment. Its catalog includes beautifully illustrated works that engage children and inspire curiosity. Authors benefit from a supportive publishing process that values creativity and storytelling.
Key Services: Children’s books, family stories, regional literature, illustrated titles.
12. Prairie Fire Press (Mitchell)
Founded: 2007
Overview: Prairie Fire Press takes pride in publishing works that highlight rural life and South Dakota traditions. Its titles include memoirs, fiction, and community histories, all reflecting the spirit of small-town America. Writers who work with Prairie Fire Press find an experienced team dedicated to preserving authentic voices and local legacies.
Key Services: Memoirs, fiction, community histories, cultural nonfiction.
13. Heartland Books (Watertown)
Founded: 1996
Overview: Heartland Books publishes a wide range of titles, including nonfiction, biographies, and educational resources. Its work emphasizes the people and stories of the Midwest, creating books that resonate with both local and national audiences. Authors are guided through the editorial process with professionalism, ensuring their works reach readers effectively.
Key Services: Biographies, nonfiction, educational titles, regional history.
14. Wind River Press (Brookings)
Founded: 2010
Overview: Wind River Press specializes in fiction, poetry, and cultural works that explore life in South Dakota and beyond. Known for its creative flexibility, the press welcomes bold voices and diverse genres. Authors benefit from an editorial approach that encourages originality while ensuring quality presentation. Wind River Press is particularly committed to uplifting emerging writers.
Key Services: Fiction, poetry, cultural books, emerging authors.
15. Western Sky Publishing (Rapid City)
Founded: 2004
Overview: Western Sky Publishing focuses on outdoor adventure, Western literature, and regional nonfiction. Its books capture the essence of the Black Hills, cowboy culture, and South Dakota’s open spaces. Writers working with Western Sky gain access to a publisher with a strong appreciation for history, storytelling, and the beauty of the region.
Key Services: Outdoor adventure, Western literature, nonfiction, regional works.
16. Black Hills Press (Custer)
Founded: 2001
Overview: Black Hills Press is deeply rooted in the history and culture of South Dakota’s most iconic region. The press publishes titles on history, travel, and nature while also supporting works of creative nonfiction. Its catalog appeals to both residents and tourists, making it a strong choice for writers focusing on regional identity.
Key Services: History, travel, creative nonfiction, regional titles.
17. Dakota Dreams Publishing (Pierre)
Founded: 2013
Overview: Dakota Dreams Publishing provides authors with opportunities to publish memoirs, inspirational works, and local histories. Its editorial team takes a hands-on approach, guiding writers through editing, design, and marketing. The press is particularly popular with first-time authors who want a supportive partner to bring their ideas to life.
Key Services: Memoirs, inspirational works, local histories, design services.
18. Northern Plains Press (Aberdeen)
Founded: 1998
Overview: Northern Plains Press has built a strong reputation for publishing works that explore the culture and heritage of the northern Midwest. The press produces nonfiction, historical works, and literary collections. Writers find a professional team dedicated to maintaining high editorial standards while keeping regional voices at the forefront.
Key Services: Nonfiction, history, cultural heritage, literary works.
19. Red River Valley Press (Sioux Falls)
Founded: 2014
Overview: Red River Valley Press publishes both contemporary fiction and nonfiction, with a special interest in Midwest life and culture. The press encourages stories that connect communities and highlight shared experiences. Authors working with Red River Valley Press benefit from a publisher that balances creativity with professional publishing practices.
Key Services: Fiction, nonfiction, regional literature, cultural stories.
20. Frontier Heritage Press (Spearfish)
Founded: 2009
Overview: Frontier Heritage Press specializes in history, biography, and works that celebrate the pioneering spirit of South Dakota. Its books are well-regarded by local historians and readers interested in frontier life. Authors benefit from a publisher that respects historical accuracy while presenting stories in an engaging, accessible way.
Key Services: History, biography, cultural heritage, nonfiction.
21. Prairie Creek Publishing (Madison)
Founded: 2011
Overview: Prairie Creek Publishing works with writers to publish memoirs, poetry, and regional nonfiction. The press is known for encouraging personal storytelling and projects that capture the essence of prairie life. Authors find a supportive environment where creativity is encouraged and professional publishing resources are readily available.
Key Services: Memoirs, poetry, nonfiction, regional works.
22. Meadowlark Press (Mitchell)
Founded: 2003
Overview: Meadowlark Press publishes children’s books, educational titles, and family histories. Its goal is to preserve stories that matter to families and communities while also creating works that inspire younger readers. Authors benefit from the press’s approachable style and dedication to quality design and illustration.
Key Services: Children’s books, educational works, family histories, illustrated titles.
23. South Prairie Press (Brookings)
Founded: 2006
Overview: South Prairie Press focuses on fiction, essays, and cultural nonfiction. The press is dedicated to supporting authors who write about Midwestern life and values. Its editorial team works closely with writers to refine manuscripts while keeping the author’s vision intact. South Prairie Press is a strong choice for authors seeking a regional publisher with literary standards.
Key Services: Fiction, essays, cultural nonfiction, regional literature.
24. Big Sioux River Publishing (Sioux Falls)
Founded: 2008
Overview: Big Sioux River Publishing highlights works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that reflect the voices of South Dakota’s communities. The press has a reputation for producing high-quality books with professional design and marketing support. Authors benefit from a close-knit editorial team and access to regional distribution networks.
Key Services: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, regional works.
25. Rolling Plains Press (Rapid City)
Founded: 2015
Overview: Rolling Plains Press is one of South Dakota’s newer publishers, focusing on contemporary fiction, memoirs, and cultural books. It is known for its modern approach to publishing, blending traditional processes with innovative marketing strategies. Writers enjoy working with a team that values both creativity and professionalism.
Key Services: Fiction, memoirs, cultural nonfiction, modern publishing services.
Tips for First-Time Authors in South Dakota
Publishing your first book can feel overwhelming, but knowing how to approach the process makes the journey much smoother. South Dakota has a diverse range of publishing houses, from regional presses to those specializing in history, poetry, or children’s literature. If you’re just starting out, here are a few practical tips:
- Research publishers carefully: Look for presses that align with your genre and vision. Submitting to the right publisher improves your chances of acceptance.
- Polish your manuscript: A clean, well-edited draft shows professionalism and makes a stronger impression on editors.
- Understand submission guidelines: Each press has its own requirements—format, length, and additional materials. Following them closely demonstrates respect and attention to detail.
- Consider regional appeal: Many South Dakota publishers value stories rooted in local culture, history, or landscapes. Highlight these connections if relevant.
- Be patient: Publishing is rarely fast. Editors may take months to review submissions, but persistence pays off.
- Build connections: Attending local writing events or joining regional author groups can help you gain valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Taking these steps can help first-time authors navigate the publishing world with confidence and increase the likelihood of seeing their book in print.
Conclusion
South Dakota’s publishing landscape is rich with opportunities for writers who want to share their stories, whether rooted in local history, rural life, or creative expression.
From long-established presses to newer, innovative companies, the state offers resources for authors at every stage of their journey.
Whether you’re working on a memoir, novel, poetry collection, or children’s book, there’s a publisher here ready to support your vision. With persistence, preparation, and the right partnership, your words can find a lasting place on the shelves.
