Introduction
Nebraska has always carried a strong literary voice, from Willa Cather’s prairie landscapes to contemporary writers exploring new themes of identity, resilience, and place. The Cornhusker State isn’t just home to rich storytelling traditions—it also offers a publishing scene that blends academic credibility with independent creativity.
This guide highlights 31 book publishers across Nebraska, beginning with Ghostwriting LLC, and continuing through university presses, local independents, and specialty houses. Each offers authors different opportunities to bring their work into print in 2025.
Top 31 Book Publishing Companies for 2025
1. Ghostwriting LLC (Statewide)
Focus Areas: Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, business titles, children’s literature
Services Offered: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing, design, distribution, marketing
What Sets Them Apart: Ghostwriting LLC provides full-service publishing support, guiding authors from concept to finished product. Their professional team ensures manuscripts are polished, market-ready, and distributed widely. For Nebraska writers who may lack the time or technical know-how, this company makes the publishing journey seamless while still giving authors creative ownership.
2. University of Nebraska Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: History, cultural studies, Western and Native American studies, literature
Services Offered: Traditional publishing, peer review, editing, design, academic distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Founded in 1941, the University of Nebraska Press is one of the largest university presses in the country. It is especially known for its Western and Native American studies lists, as well as scholarly and literary works. For authors seeking credibility and academic reach, this press combines national visibility with a strong commitment to preserving regional voices.
3. Prairie Schooner Books (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Poetry, short fiction, and literary prose
Services Offered: Editing, publishing, curation, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Linked to the historic Prairie Schooner literary journal, Prairie Schooner Books offers an outlet for writers whose work is steeped in literary quality. Known for spotlighting both emerging and established voices, they nurture poetry and fiction that might not find a place with larger presses. Their reputation within the literary community makes them a respected venue for serious authors.
4. Cather Foundation Press (Red Cloud)
Focus Areas: Historical works, biographies, regional literature
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, preservation, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Named in honor of Willa Cather, one of Nebraska’s most celebrated authors, the Cather Foundation Press carries forward a legacy of literary excellence. Their catalog often reflects Nebraska’s cultural and historical identity, with a focus on works that preserve heritage and highlight regional significance. Authors connected to history, biography, or the Midwest experience will find a fitting home here.
5. Backwaters Press (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Poetry, anthologies, and creative nonfiction
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Backwaters Press has built a reputation as one of Nebraska’s most respected small presses, especially in poetry. They publish anthologies and individual collections that amplify diverse voices while remaining grounded in the Great Plains spirit. Writers who want thoughtful editorial attention and a supportive literary community will find Backwaters a valuable partner. Their books often find audiences well beyond state borders.
6. Sower Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Inspirational works, regional nonfiction, and memoirs
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Sower Press is dedicated to uplifting stories that inspire, educate, or preserve Nebraska’s cultural fabric. From memoirs that explore personal journeys to nonfiction capturing regional traditions, they provide a platform for heartfelt storytelling. Their emphasis on accessibility and clarity makes them appealing to first-time authors as well as seasoned writers looking to share meaningful work.
7. Legacy Books (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Memoirs, biographies, family histories, and local interest works
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Legacy Books specializes in preserving personal and community stories, often transforming family histories and memoirs into lasting publications. They appeal to writers who want their narratives captured with care and presented professionally. Their focus on heritage and storytelling makes them a natural choice for Nebraskans eager to leave behind a meaningful record of their experiences for future generations.
8. Mosaic Press of Nebraska (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Fiction, nonfiction, and multicultural works
Services Offered: Editing, publishing, design, marketing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Mosaic Press is committed to showcasing diverse voices and stories, particularly those that highlight Nebraska’s evolving cultural identity. Their catalog embraces both literary and accessible works, offering opportunities for writers from varied backgrounds. For authors seeking a publisher that values inclusion and community engagement, Mosaic Press provides a thoughtful, supportive platform grounded in the region’s rich storytelling traditions.
9. Plainsong Publishing (Seward)
Focus Areas: Inspirational works, poetry, and regional studies
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Plainsong Publishing draws on Nebraska’s rural and spiritual heritage, producing works that inspire reflection and celebrate community values. They often publish poetry and nonfiction tied to themes of faith, resilience, and the prairie landscape. Authors looking to create works with quiet strength and cultural resonance will find Plainsong a welcoming publisher that treats manuscripts with careful attention and respect.
10. Potomac Prairie Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Historical fiction, regional nonfiction, and essays
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Potomac Prairie Press blends Nebraska’s regional focus with a broader interest in historical storytelling. They support authors who explore the intersections of history and narrative, offering readers works that are both engaging and informative. With an eye for detail and authenticity, they provide writers a chance to publish books that honor the past while remaining relevant to modern audiences.
11. Dundee Book Company (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Contemporary fiction, memoirs, and children’s literature
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Dundee Book Company brings a modern edge to Nebraska’s publishing landscape, with a focus on contemporary voices and accessible storytelling. They publish across genres but are especially strong in fiction and memoirs that resonate with today’s readers. Their approachable size means authors benefit from individualized attention, making them an appealing option for writers seeking close collaboration during the publishing process.
12. Nebraska Life Publishing (Norfolk)
Focus Areas: Regional nonfiction, photography books, travel, and lifestyle
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Known for producing the popular Nebraska Life magazine, Nebraska Life Publishing extends its focus to books celebrating the state’s landscapes, communities, and culture. They produce beautifully illustrated titles that capture Nebraska’s essence, from scenic photography collections to essays about local life. Authors with projects tied to Nebraska’s identity and beauty will find this publisher a perfect partner for reaching regional audiences.
13. Windflower Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, and promotion
What Sets Them Apart: Windflower Press nurtures literary voices, with an emphasis on carefully crafted poetry and prose. They are known for giving space to emerging writers while maintaining high editorial standards. Authors drawn to expressive, intimate storytelling will find Windflower an inviting home. Their dedication to supporting creative work helps foster Nebraska’s reputation as a place where literature thrives on both local and national levels.
14. Bookworm Press (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Children’s books, young adult fiction, and educational titles
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Bookworm Press is dedicated to young readers, producing books that educate, entertain, and inspire. From colorful picture books to engaging YA fiction, they give Nebraska authors an outlet for reaching younger audiences. Their work reflects a passion for literacy and education, making them a meaningful choice for writers focused on creating stories that spark curiosity and imagination in children.
15. Standing Stone Press (Kearney)
Focus Areas: Historical works, regional nonfiction, and biographies
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Standing Stone Press is rooted in the idea of preserving history through storytelling. They often publish biographies and works that capture Nebraska’s past in a way that resonates with today’s readers. Writers working on projects tied to heritage or local identity will find a natural fit here. Their straightforward, author-centered approach makes them especially appealing to those writing with a historical lens.
16. Concordia University Press (Seward)
Focus Areas: Theology, education, and academic studies
Services Offered: Peer review, editing, publishing, academic distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Concordia University Press is dedicated to producing thoughtful academic and faith-based works. Their catalog includes theological studies, educational research, and books tied to Concordia’s academic mission. Authors seeking rigorous peer review and an academic audience will find this press provides both credibility and support. Their grounding in Nebraska’s educational tradition makes them a trusted name in specialized publishing.
17. Doane University Press (Crete)
Focus Areas: Academic works, cultural studies, and regional history
Services Offered: Peer review, editing, publishing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Doane University Press focuses on works that align with the institution’s academic strengths, including research, cultural analysis, and historical studies. Their output may be selective, but it carries significant scholarly weight. Authors seeking an academic audience, especially within the humanities and regional studies, will appreciate the careful attention Doane University Press provides. They maintain a tradition of supporting research-driven publications.
18. Creighton University Press (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Theology, philosophy, law, and cultural studies
Services Offered: Peer review, editing, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: As part of Creighton University, this press has a strong academic focus with special strengths in theology, philosophy, and law. Their reputation for rigor ensures that authors working in scholarly or cultural fields gain the credibility associated with a respected Jesuit institution. Writers seeking to engage academic and professional audiences will find Creighton University Press a serious and authoritative partner.
19. Bellevue Literary Press (Bellevue)
Focus Areas: Fiction, creative nonfiction, and literary works
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Bellevue Literary Press champions works that explore the human experience with depth and imagination. Although based elsewhere, their operations in Bellevue give Nebraska authors access to a nationally recognized literary publisher. They are known for producing award-winning works, offering local writers an opportunity to reach larger audiences while maintaining literary integrity. Their presence enriches Nebraska’s literary landscape significantly.
20. Prairie Fire Publishing (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Regional fiction, poetry, and essays
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Prairie Fire Publishing celebrates the voices of the Great Plains, focusing on fiction, poetry, and essays that reflect the region’s identity. They are dedicated to helping authors capture Nebraska’s spirit in their work. Writers drawn to themes of place, resilience, and culture will find this press aligns perfectly with their goals. Prairie Fire’s regional dedication ensures their books resonate deeply with Nebraska audiences.
21. Meadowlark Press (York)
Focus Areas: Regional fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Meadowlark Press champions Midwestern voices with a focus on authentic storytelling rooted in Nebraska’s landscapes and communities. They offer a platform for both emerging and established authors, emphasizing works that blend literary merit with regional significance. Writers seeking to contribute to the Midwest’s vibrant literary identity will find Meadowlark a supportive and attentive publisher. Their catalog reflects the quiet beauty and strength of prairie literature.
22. Cornhusker Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: History, memoirs, and regional nonfiction
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Cornhusker Press highlights the cultural and historical fabric of Nebraska. They often publish memoirs and nonfiction that give voice to local perspectives, ensuring that personal and regional stories are preserved for future generations. Their author-centered approach makes them especially attractive to first-time writers, providing guidance from manuscript to finished book. Their focus on Nebraska life makes them an integral part of the state’s publishing landscape.
23. High Plains Press (Scottsbluff)
Focus Areas: Western history, regional nonfiction, and poetry
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: High Plains Press is widely respected for its dedication to Western literature and history. Their titles reflect the challenges and triumphs of life on the Great Plains, appealing to readers interested in regional identity and heritage. Writers working on projects about the West, whether poetry or nonfiction, will find High Plains Press a fitting partner. Their books enjoy strong reputations among regional readers and historians alike.
24. Wild Prairie Press (North Platte)
Focus Areas: Fiction, children’s books, and memoirs
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Wild Prairie Press offers opportunities to authors across genres, with a particular focus on accessible fiction and memoirs. They are also active in children’s publishing, producing engaging stories that appeal to younger audiences. Their approachable size means authors receive personal guidance through the publishing process. For Nebraska writers who want a publisher invested in their storytelling journey, Wild Prairie Press provides an encouraging environment.
25. Heritage Hill Press (Grand Island)
Focus Areas: Local histories, memoirs, and cultural nonfiction
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Heritage Hill Press focuses on preserving Nebraska’s stories, particularly those tied to local communities and historical narratives. They are an ideal fit for writers interested in documenting family legacies, community histories, or cultural experiences. Their books contribute to Nebraska’s collective memory, making them a valuable resource for readers and historians alike. Authors working on heritage-driven projects will find strong support at Heritage Hill Press.
26. Sunflower Press (Kearney)
Focus Areas: Inspirational nonfiction, children’s literature, and regional titles
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Sunflower Press publishes uplifting and educational books that celebrate community values and creativity. Their catalog ranges from children’s stories to inspirational nonfiction, offering opportunities for authors across different stages of their careers. Their approachable editorial style makes them a welcoming publisher for first-time writers. With a focus on positivity and cultural connection, Sunflower Press plays an important role in Nebraska’s publishing scene.
27. Flatwater Press (Lincoln)
Focus Areas: Fiction, essays, and regional studies
Services Offered: Editing, design, publishing, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Flatwater Press takes inspiration from Nebraska’s rivers, aiming to publish works that flow with creativity and cultural depth. Their catalog includes fiction, essays, and regional explorations that reflect the Nebraska experience. Authors who want their writing to resonate with both local and national readers will find Flatwater Press attentive and professional. They offer strong editorial guidance while giving authors room to express their vision fully.
28. Blue River Press (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Sports, lifestyle, and regional nonfiction
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Blue River Press has carved out a unique niche in sports and lifestyle publishing, while also producing works tied to Nebraska’s culture and history. They are particularly appealing to authors writing about athletics, recreation, or wellness, though their catalog extends beyond these areas. Their ability to connect specialized topics with broader audiences makes them a versatile publisher for niche-focused writers.
29. Little Plains Press (Hastings)
Focus Areas: Children’s literature, educational works, and YA fiction
Services Offered: Publishing, editing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Little Plains Press is dedicated to nurturing young readers, publishing books that entertain while fostering learning. From imaginative children’s stories to engaging young adult novels, their titles connect with audiences at formative stages of reading. Authors aiming to inspire the next generation will find this press supportive and encouraging. Their emphasis on education and imagination makes them a meaningful part of Nebraska’s publishing community.
30. Sandhills Press (North Platte)
Focus Areas: Regional nonfiction, poetry, and memoirs
Services Offered: Editing, publishing, design, and distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Named after Nebraska’s iconic Sandhills region, this press emphasizes works that celebrate the state’s natural and cultural landscapes. They are a strong outlet for memoirs, essays, and poetry that explore life on the Great Plains. Their commitment to regional identity ensures that authors’ voices remain tied to Nebraska’s unique setting. Writers invested in capturing the spirit of the land will feel at home with Sandhills Press.
31. Riverbend Publishing (Omaha)
Focus Areas: Fiction, nonfiction, and cultural works
Services Offered: Editing, publishing, design, distribution
What Sets Them Apart: Riverbend Publishing offers a broad catalog that embraces both literary and accessible works, giving Nebraska writers a chance to reach diverse audiences. Their focus on thoughtful storytelling allows them to publish across genres without losing a sense of quality or coherence. Authors looking for a versatile and supportive publishing partner will find Riverbend’s open, collaborative approach especially appealing in today’s competitive book world.
How to Choose the Right Publisher in Nebraska
With 31 different publishers in Nebraska, finding the right one depends on your goals, your manuscript, and the audience you hope to reach. Here are a few guiding points:
- Define your genre clearly. Not every publisher works across all categories. Academic presses like Creighton or Doane excel in research, while Bookworm Press and Little Plains Press shine in children’s books.
- Consider editorial support. Smaller presses like Wild Prairie or Windflower may offer closer, hands-on editing, which is helpful for debut authors.
- Think about distribution reach. University of Nebraska Press has national and international visibility, while regional presses like Sandhills or Cornhusker focus more on local readers.
- Match your story with the mission. If your book preserves heritage or history, publishers such as Heritage Hill Press or High Plains Press are natural fits.
- Budget and expectations. Traditional presses may cover more upfront costs but have stricter submission guidelines. Hybrid or smaller independents might require more author investment but allow greater control.
By weighing genre, support, and audience, you’ll be better equipped to partner with the Nebraska publisher that aligns with your creative and professional vision.
Publishing Costs in the Cornhusker State
The cost of publishing in Nebraska varies widely depending on whether you choose traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing routes. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Publishing Path | Typical Cost Range | What’s Included |
| Traditional Publishing | $0 (publisher-funded) | Editing, design, distribution (royalties go to author after recouping) |
| Hybrid/Small Press | $2,000 – $6,000 | Professional editing, design, and partial marketing |
| Self-Publishing (DIY/Packages) | $500 – $4,000 | Editing (if outsourced), cover design, formatting, ISBN, distribution setup |
Key takeaway: Traditional presses like University of Nebraska Press don’t charge authors but are selective. Smaller and hybrid presses may ask authors to invest upfront, but often provide flexibility and faster turnaround. Many Nebraska authors blend approaches—choosing professional editing and design independently before self-publishing, ensuring both quality and control.
Conclusion
Choosing the right publisher is about aligning your manuscript with a press that values its message, whether that’s a memoir preserving family history, a children’s book inspiring imagination, or scholarly work reaching academic circles.
By taking time to research, matching goals with publisher strengths, and balancing costs against expectations, Nebraska authors in 2025 can find the perfect fit to share their stories with audiences both near and far.
