Top 25 Book Publishing Companies in West Virginia 2025

West Virginia, a state deeply rooted in Appalachian culture and tradition, has always fostered a strong literary spirit. Its publishing industry reflects both the preservation of heritage and the exploration of contemporary voices. From established university presses and independent houses to emerging imprints and author-service companies, West Virginia provides a diverse platform for writers to publish their work. In 2025, the publishing landscape in the Mountain State continues to evolve, balancing traditional academic publishing with digital-first ventures, community-focused presses, and niche service providers.

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting is a well-recognized name in author services that bridges creative writing with publishing support. Rather than acting as a purely traditional press, the company collaborates with writers who need structured guidance in shaping their manuscripts into polished works.

• Focus: Ghostwriting, professional editing, book development, and manuscript preparation.

• Services: Writing assistance, copyediting, book design, and publishing consultation.

• Best for: Authors seeking collaborative support to turn raw ideas into ready-to-publish manuscripts.

2. West Virginia University Press

As the state’s flagship scholarly publisher, West Virginia University Press holds a national reputation for excellence. It is known for academic titles, regional histories, and a growing catalog of literary works.

• Focus: Scholarly nonfiction, Appalachian studies, history, environment, and selective fiction.

• Services: Peer-reviewed publishing, editorial review, production, and distribution.

• Best for: Academics, regional authors, and writers addressing Appalachian themes.

3. Mountain State Press

Mountain State Press has long specialized in elevating Appalachian voices, providing a platform for stories rooted in local history, culture, and identity.

• Focus: Regional literature, memoirs, and poetry.

• Services: Editing, book design, and community-based promotions.

• Best for: Writers of Appalachian themes or those seeking regional literary recognition.

4. Populore Publishing Company

Based in Morgantown, Populore emphasizes storytelling that connects with communities. It publishes both fiction and nonfiction, often centered on local narratives.

• Focus: Community nonfiction, regional fiction, and memoirs.

• Services: Editorial development, formatting, and regional distribution.

• Best for: Authors with strong ties to West Virginia’s culture and people.

5. West Virginia Book Company

The West Virginia Book Company doubles as both a publisher and distributor, curating titles tied to state history, folklore, and nature.

• Focus: State guides, history, folklore, and natural studies.

• Services: Publishing, local distribution, and marketing to regional audiences.

• Best for: Authors producing state-centered nonfiction or educational works.

6. Headline Books, Inc.

Headline Books publishes a wide variety of trade paperbacks and regional interest works. It is also known for organizing events that connect local authors with readers.

• Focus: General trade nonfiction, local histories, and fiction.

• Services: Editorial, design, and promotional events.

• Best for: Authors seeking broader visibility in the Appalachian region.

7. Blue Acorn Press

Blue Acorn Press carves a niche in historical and eyewitness accounts, particularly those tied to military service and memoir.

• Focus: History, biographies, and memoirs.

• Services: Small-batch publishing, editing, and niche marketing.

• Best for: Writers documenting lived experiences or personal histories.

8. Changeling Press

Changeling Press specializes in digital-first publishing, particularly in the speculative and romance genres.

• Focus: Romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal.

• Services: Ebook production, formatting, and online distribution.

• Best for: Authors focused on genre fiction and digital publishing.

9. Elite Publishing Company

Elite Publishing is a flexible small press that works across multiple genres, catering to both fiction and nonfiction authors.

• Focus: General trade publishing across multiple genres.

• Services: Editing, printing, and marketing support.

• Best for: Authors seeking a broad-based publishing partner.

10. 35th Star Publishing

Named after West Virginia’s admission as the 35th state, this press focuses on works tied to state identity and history.

• Focus: Community nonfiction and regional literature.

• Services: Local production and limited distribution.

• Best for: Writers of history and community-based works.

11. PT William Publishing Co. LLC

PT William Publishing is a service-oriented press offering support to a variety of authors.

• Focus: Mixed trade projects and guides.

• Services: Editing, book design, and print coordination.

• Best for: Authors looking for personalized small-press solutions.

12. FiT Publishing

FiT Publishing, affiliated with West Virginia University’s College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, specializes in sports-related works.

• Focus: Sports sciences, coaching, and athletic training.

• Services: Academic publishing, peer review, and distribution.

• Best for: Scholars and professionals in the sports sciences field.

13. Jeffrey A. Mangus — Author/Ghostwriter

Jeffrey A. Mangus operates as a professional ghostwriter, assisting authors with manuscripts that need expert development.

• Focus: Ghostwriting, memoirs, and nonfiction development.

• Services: Manuscript creation, editing, and publishing support.

• Best for: Authors seeking one-on-one writing assistance.

14. Diamond Media Press

Diamond Media Press produces a range of trade titles, often serving authors with diverse interests and niche projects.

• Focus: Trade nonfiction and creative projects.

• Services: Editorial services and design.

• Best for: Writers seeking flexible publishing options.

15. Memoirs of MOO

This boutique imprint highlights personal stories and unique memoirs, offering a targeted publishing outlet for life narratives.

• Focus: Memoirs and autobiographies.

• Services: Manuscript editing, design, and boutique marketing.

• Best for: Authors with deeply personal storytelling projects.

16. The Dream Catcher

The Dream Catcher is known for poetry, short stories, and local anthologies that amplify creative voices.

• Focus: Poetry and short fiction.

• Services: Editorial support and limited print publishing.

• Best for: Poets and emerging short story authors.

17. Four Seasons Books

Charleston’s Four Seasons Books functions primarily as a bookstore but also collaborates in publishing select regional projects.

• Focus: Local histories, essays, and regional literature.

• Services: Cooperative publishing, events, and community distribution.

• Best for: Authors looking for bookstore support and regional readership.

18. Clarksburg Publishing Co.

Clarksburg Publishing Company emphasizes community-based works and offers a platform for local authors.

• Focus: Local nonfiction, memoirs, and historical titles.

• Services: Editing, production, and local distribution.

• Best for: Writers with strong community ties.

19. Taylor Books

Taylor Books serves as a cultural hub in Charleston, offering retail, events, and occasional publishing collaborations.

• Focus: Regional literature and author showcases.

• Services: Cooperative publishing, book events, and sales.

• Best for: Authors wanting visibility through bookstore platforms.

20. Book Writing INC

Book Writing INC provides comprehensive author services, from ghostwriting to publishing guidance.

• Focus: Author support and full-service book creation.

• Services: Writing, editing, design, and distribution consulting.

• Best for: Authors seeking turnkey publishing assistance.

21. Woodland Press

Woodland Press is dedicated to works about nature, environment, and Appalachian outdoor heritage.

• Focus: Environmental nonfiction and outdoor culture.

• Services: Editing, design, and targeted distribution.

• Best for: Nature writers and environmental authors.

22. Quarrier Press

Quarrier Press offers a flexible catalog spanning multiple genres, often tied to West Virginia’s culture.

• Focus: Mixed-genre publishing.

• Services: Small press production and editing.

• Best for: Authors seeking varied publishing opportunities.

23. Argo Books

Argo Books is a straightforward small press that supports authors in navigating publishing and print processes.

• Focus: General trade titles.

• Services: Editing, book layout, and distribution.

• Best for: First-time authors.

24. Marshall Publications

Marshall University maintains a small but important publishing presence, producing works tied to institutional research and alumni contributions.

• Focus: University-related titles and research.

• Services: Academic editing and production.

• Best for: Scholars and alumni authors.

25. Seneca Books (Independent)

Seneca Books is a smaller, independent imprint tied to community authorship and regional interest works.

• Focus: Community nonfiction and fiction.

• Services: Editing, design, and local promotion.

• Best for: Authors exploring regional publishing opportunities.

Estimated Publishing Costs in West Virginia (2025)

Publishing Option / Service Type	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Traditional Publishing (e.g., WVU Press, Mountain State Press)	$0 – $500 (author side)	Authors usually do not pay upfront; publisher covers costs but royalties are lower (5–15%).
Small / Independent Presses (e.g., Populore, Blue Acorn, Woodland Press)	$500 – $3,000	May include editing, design, and small print runs; some expect shared costs from the author.
Hybrid Publishing Packages	$2,500 – $8,000	Combination of traditional editorial oversight with author contributions to production/marketing.
Ghostwriting Services (e.g., Barnett Ghostwriting, Jeffrey A. Mangus)	$10,000 – $50,000+	Depends on book length, complexity, and collaboration level.
Editing (standalone)	$500 – $3,500	Ranges from copyediting to developmental editing.
Book Cover Design	$300 – $1,200	Professional design for print and digital editions.
Interior Layout & Formatting	$250 – $1,000	For paperback, hardcover, and ebook editions.
Self-Publishing Packages (with author-services companies)	$1,500 – $7,500	Includes editing, design, formatting, and publishing guidance.
Marketing & Promotion	$1,000 – $10,000+	Book launches, online ads, events, and PR campaigns.

Conclusion

The book publishing ecosystem in West Virginia continues to thrive in 2025, balancing tradition with innovation. Established institutions like West Virginia University Press and Marshall Publications carry the academic legacy forward, while small presses such as Mountain State Press, Woodland Press, and Populore amplify Appalachian voices. Author-service providers like Barnett Ghostwriting and Book Writing INC bridge the gap for those seeking professional collaboration and hands-on support.

For authors, the choice of publisher depends on the goals of their project: whether it’s pursuing academic recognition, reaching regional readers, or navigating hybrid publishing models. What unites these 25 companies is their shared commitment to storytelling and the promotion of West Virginia’s literary identity.