Colorado’s publishing industry continues to thrive in 2025, offering authors a wide array of opportunities to share their work. From university presses and academic houses to independent literary presses and hybrid models, the state fosters a diverse landscape for writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, and specialized genres.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is well-regarded for its author-focused services, turning concepts and life stories into complete books. It specializes in confidential collaborations that maintain the author’s voice and vision.
- Primary focus: Memoirs, business books, and narrative non-fiction.
- Services offered: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, marketing support and publishing services.
- Ideal for: Authors who want professional support in creating or refining their books.
- What Makes It Unique: A strong commitment to confidentiality and author collaboration.
2. University Press of Colorado
University Press of Colorado operates as an academic consortium publisher, producing peer-reviewed works that advance scholarship across humanities and social sciences.
- Primary focus: Academic monographs, regional history, and cultural studies.
- Services offered: Peer review, editorial development, and scholarly distribution.
- Ideal for: Academics, researchers, and cultural historians.
- What Makes It Unique: Backed by multiple Colorado universities for credibility and reach.
3. Big Earth Publishing
Big Earth Publishing is known for accessible books on the outdoors, travel, and the environment, often focusing on Colorado and the surrounding region.
- Primary focus: Outdoor adventure, travel, and environmental titles.
- Services offered: Editorial guidance, high-quality design, and broad distribution.
- Ideal for: Authors writing about nature, exploration, or sustainable living.
- What Makes It Unique: A clear focus on outdoor life and regional travel.
4. Rocky Mountain Books Collective
Rocky Mountain Books Collective provides a platform for local and regional authors, highlighting stories that capture Colorado’s heritage and communities.
- Primary focus: Regional fiction, memoir, and Colorado history.
- Services offered: Editorial support, publishing, and regional marketing.
- Ideal for: Writers with stories rooted in Colorado culture or landscapes.
- What Makes It Unique: Strong emphasis on local authors and community connection.
5. High Plains Literary Press
High Plains Literary Press produces a carefully curated selection of poetry and literary fiction, championing artistic and experimental works.
- Primary focus: Poetry and literary fiction.
- Services offered: Developmental editing, copyediting, and boutique publication.
- Ideal for: Authors seeking a craft-driven and artistic publishing house.
- What Makes It Unique: Focus on poetry and experimental narratives with small, impactful runs.
6. Centennial Indie Press
Centennial Indie Press blends elements of traditional publishing and self-publishing, providing authors with creative control while ensuring professional quality.
- Primary focus: Commercial fiction, memoir, and crossover genres.
- Services offered: Editing, design, and flexible distribution packages.
- Ideal for: Writers who want professional production with author freedom.
- What Makes It Unique: A hybrid approach that balances guidance and autonomy.
7. Colorado Mountain Publishing
Colorado Mountain Publishing produces visually engaging books that celebrate the Rockies and outdoor adventure, often in the form of guides and coffee-table editions.
- Primary focus: Travel guides, photography, and outdoor narratives.
- Services offered: Large-format printing, design, and distribution.
- Ideal for: Photographers, travel writers, and adventurers.
- What Makes It Unique: Emphasis on high-quality visuals and regional travel themes.
8. Front Range Fiction Press
Front Range Fiction Press is a genre-focused independent press specializing in thrillers, mysteries, and fast-paced fiction.
- Primary focus: Mysteries, thrillers, and commercial fiction.
- Services offered: Developmental editing, marketing, and digital publishing.
- Ideal for: Authors writing accessible and popular genre works.
- What Makes It Unique: Strong focus on commercial genres with wide audience appeal.
9. Aspen Literary Works
Aspen Literary Works is devoted to nonfiction narratives and essays, particularly those with cultural or nature-based themes.
- Primary focus: Creative nonfiction and essays.
- Services offered: Developmental editing, publishing, and curated anthologies.
- Ideal for: Essayists, journalists, and nonfiction writers.
- What Makes It Unique: Mentorship-style relationships with authors.
10. Boulder Academic Press
Boulder Academic Press serves the academic community by publishing specialized texts, monographs, and teaching materials.
- Primary focus: Scholarly works and textbooks.
- Services offered: Editorial review, academic distribution, and library partnerships.
- Ideal for: Scholars and educators.
- What Makes It Unique: Flexibility in working with niche subjects and smaller fields.
11. Mesa Verde Media
Mesa Verde Media prioritizes regional and cultural nonfiction, publishing works on Indigenous history, archaeology, and the Southwest.
- Primary focus: Archaeology, Indigenous studies, and cultural nonfiction.
- Services offered: Editorial partnerships and community-driven publishing.
- Ideal for: Authors writing about cultural heritage and history.
- What Makes It Unique: Emphasis on collaboration with local experts and communities.
12. Summit Ridge Press
Summit Ridge Press is a boutique publisher producing small lists of carefully selected literary and commercial fiction.
- Primary focus: Literary and commercial fiction.
- Services offered: Traditional publishing with strong author royalties.
- Ideal for: Authors seeking a boutique publisher with personalized support.
- What Makes It Unique: Blends small-scale curation with fair contract terms.
13. Clear Creek Children’s Books
Clear Creek specializes in books for young readers, emphasizing Colorado themes and outdoor settings.
- Primary focus: Picture books and middle-grade fiction.
- Services offered: Illustration partnerships, curriculum-aligned editions.
- Ideal for: Children’s authors and illustrators.
- What Makes It Unique: Strong presence in local schools and educational markets.
14. Prairie Wind Press
Prairie Wind Press supports poets through chapbooks, collections, and experimental formats, nurturing new voices.
- Primary focus: Poetry and chapbooks.
- Services offered: Publication, readings, and community workshops.
- Ideal for: Emerging poets.
- What Makes It Unique: A deep focus on poetry communities in Colorado.
15. Clear Skies Publishing
Clear Skies Publishing produces memoirs and nonfiction that connect with regional audiences while supporting author marketing.
- Primary focus: Memoir, self-help, and regional nonfiction.
- Services offered: Editing, design, and regional distribution.
- Ideal for: Authors writing personal or practical nonfiction.
- What Makes It Unique: Balanced approach to editing and marketing.
16. Durango Storyworks
Durango Storyworks emphasizes storytelling rooted in local culture and outdoor life, often through memoir and history.
- Primary focus: Memoir and regional history.
- Services offered: Editorial support and event partnerships.
- Ideal for: Authors writing Colorado-based life stories.
- What Makes It Unique: Deep ties to local bookstores and cultural events.
17. Mountain Lantern Press
Mountain Lantern Press is design-forward, producing literary works with an emphasis on the physical beauty of books.
- Primary focus: Literary fiction, anthologies, and design-heavy titles.
- Services offered: Editorial guidance, artisanal production.
- Ideal for: Authors valuing aesthetics and collectible editions.
- What Makes It Unique: High-end book design and presentation.
18. Platte River Publishing
Platte River Publishing focuses on practical nonfiction like lifestyle, cooking, and gardening titles.
- Primary focus: Practical how-to and lifestyle books.
- Services offered: Editorial support, design, and broad distribution.
- Ideal for: Authors producing evergreen nonfiction content.
- What Makes It Unique: Practicality and clarity for everyday readers.
19. Echo Canyon Books
Echo Canyon Books embraces risk-taking fiction and cross-genre experimentation, supporting unconventional authors.
- Primary focus: Experimental and mixed-genre fiction.
- Services offered: Collaborative editing and publishing.
- Ideal for: Writers with unconventional or boundary-pushing narratives.
- What Makes It Unique: Willingness to publish bold, experimental voices.
20. Red Rock Academic Publishing
Red Rock specializes in interdisciplinary research, applied studies, and professional scholarship.
- Primary focus: Applied research and academic studies.
- Services offered: Peer review, editing, and academic distribution.
- Ideal for: Researchers and academics.
- What Makes It Unique: Tailored publishing for research-based manuscripts.
21. North Fork Novels
North Fork Novels publishes historically grounded fiction, particularly works with Western or Rocky Mountain settings.
- Primary focus: Historical fiction.
- Services offered: Editorial support and fact-checking assistance.
- Ideal for: Novelists exploring Western or American history.
- What Makes It Unique: Focus on accuracy and narrative depth.
22. Silver Peak Press
Silver Peak Press caters to professionals and entrepreneurs, publishing leadership and business-related books.
- Primary focus: Business and leadership nonfiction.
- Services offered: Editing, platform-building guidance, and marketing.
- Ideal for: Business authors and consultants.
- What Makes It Unique: Integration of publishing with professional branding.
23. Canyon Light Books
Canyon Light Books is a community press focused on anthologies and collaborative works by local writers.
- Primary focus: Anthologies and local essays.
- Services offered: Publishing, workshops, and community events.
- Ideal for: Writers seeking collaborative publication opportunities.
- What Makes It Unique: Open-door submission process and community engagement.
24. Timberline Translations & Editions
Timberline specializes in translations and bilingual works, often bringing international literature to U.S. audiences.
- Primary focus: Translated literature and bilingual books.
- Services offered: Translation, editing, and bilingual publishing.
- Ideal for: Translators and international authors.
- What Makes It Unique: Emphasis on cross-cultural exchange.
25. Blue River Business Books
Blue River Business Books publishes guides tailored for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
- Primary focus: Business guides and entrepreneurship.
- Services offered: Editorial development and case-study-based publishing.
- Ideal for: Business writers and consultants.
- What Makes It Unique: Practical, data-driven publishing model.
26. Windwalker Poetry House
Windwalker Poetry House is devoted entirely to poetry, supporting both emerging and established poets.
- Primary focus: Full-length poetry collections.
- Services offered: Publishing, contests, and readings.
- Ideal for: Poets of all stages.
- What Makes It Unique: Active presence in poetry communities and residencies.
27. Osprey Creative Editions
Osprey Creative Editions focuses on highly visual nonfiction, art, and photography-based projects.
- Primary focus: Illustrated nonfiction and art books.
- Services offered: Design, large-format printing, and distribution.
- Ideal for: Artists, photographers, and visual storytellers.
- What Makes It Unique: Premium design and presentation.
28. Valley Forge Press
Valley Forge Press combines memoir and cultural criticism, producing works that bridge personal stories with wider commentary.
- Primary focus: Memoir and cultural essays.
- Services offered: Editing, design, and publishing.
- Ideal for: Essayists and reflective nonfiction writers.
- What Makes It Unique: Blends memoir with critical insight.
29. Golden Trail Publishing
Golden Trail Publishing specializes in outdoor adventure stories, hiking guides, and travelogues.
- Primary focus: Outdoor adventure and travel.
- Services offered: Guidebook production and outdoor-focused marketing.
- Ideal for: Adventure writers and nature enthusiasts.
- What Makes It Unique: Tightly aligned with outdoor communities.
30. Aurora House Books
Aurora House Books publishes women’s fiction, romance, and family-centered narratives with commercial appeal.
- Primary focus: Romance and women’s fiction.
- Services offered: Editorial development and market-driven promotion.
- Ideal for: Authors writing commercial or relationship-driven fiction.
- What Makes It Unique: Niche specialization in romance and family life.
31. Horizon West Press
Horizon West Press is a nonfiction publisher emphasizing Western culture, history, and regional storytelling.
- Primary focus: Western history and regional nonfiction.
- Services offered: Editing, design, and publishing.
- Ideal for: Historians and nonfiction authors.
- What Makes It Unique: Dedication to Western heritage.
32. Alpine Star Publishing
Alpine Star Publishing publishes inspirational and motivational books, often centered on personal growth and wellness.
- Primary focus: Self-help and inspiration.
- Services offered: Developmental editing, design, and targeted marketing.
- Ideal for: Motivational writers and wellness authors.
- What Makes It Unique: Strong emphasis on personal empowerment themes.
Conclusion
Colorado’s publishing industry in 2025 is diverse, innovative, and supportive of a wide range of voices. From scholarly university presses to poetry-focused houses and hybrid models, authors in every genre can find a home for their work. Whether your manuscript is a memoir, a collection of poems, or a research-heavy academic study, one of these 32 Colorado publishing companies can help you bring your vision to life.
FAQs About Publishing in Colorado
Q1: How do I choose the right publishing company in Colorado?
By identifying your genre, goals, and level of support needed—academic presses fit scholars, while indie presses fit creative writers.
Q2: Can I approach these publishers without an agent?
Yes, many independent and regional presses in Colorado accept direct submissions.
Q3: What genres are most popular with Colorado publishers?
Regional history, outdoor adventure, poetry, literary fiction, and nonfiction tied to nature and culture.
Q4: Do Colorado publishers also produce digital and audiobooks?
Several do, especially hybrid and mid-sized presses that focus on commercial genres.
Q5: How can I market my book to increase sales?
By promoting on social media, engaging local bookstores, and using professional book marketing services.
