Iowa is often celebrated for its rolling fields and small-town values, but it also has a vibrant literary scene. Known for its prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the state nurtures a community that values literature, history, and education. Its publishers reflect that spirit, ranging from academic university presses to independent houses specializing in regional history, poetry, or children’s books. In 2025, Iowa continues to offer authors diverse opportunities for publishing, whether through traditional presses, university imprints, or hybrid service companies.

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting has become a recognized name in author services, especially for writers who want structured support from idea development to final publication. Rather than functioning solely as a traditional press, the company provides ghostwriting, editorial coaching, and design services. It serves both debut and established writers who prefer guided publishing paths.

• Specialties: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, full publishing packages

• Typical projects: Memoir, inspirational books, professional/business titles

• Suitable for: Authors seeking professional assistance to create and publish market-ready books

2. University of Iowa Press

Founded in 1969, the University of Iowa Press is the only scholarly publisher in the state. It balances academic publications with trade books that highlight the region’s cultural and literary heritage. Its titles are widely respected in academic circles and among readers of serious nonfiction.

• Specialties: Scholarly monographs, cultural studies, creative nonfiction

• Typical projects: Regional history, literary criticism, poetry collections

• Suitable for: Academics and writers interested in Midwestern culture and scholarship

3. Iowa State University Press

As a publisher affiliated with Iowa State University, this press is known for strong programs in agriculture, science, and education. Its catalog blends textbooks, research monographs, and accessible works for broader audiences, making it a vital resource for both classrooms and libraries.

• Specialties: Agricultural sciences, engineering, education

• Typical projects: Textbooks, scientific studies, regional nonfiction

• Suitable for: Academics, researchers, and students in STEM and agricultural fields

4. Ice Cube Press (North Liberty)

Ice Cube Press publishes literature rooted in the Midwest, giving voice to regional authors and themes. Founded in the early 1990s, it embraces environmental awareness, rural culture, and creative expression. Its catalog includes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

• Specialties: Regional fiction, environmental writing, poetry

• Typical projects: Novels, essay collections, eco-literature

• Suitable for: Writers highlighting Midwestern landscapes, identity, and sustainability

5. Penfield Books (Iowa City)

Penfield Books emphasizes cultural heritage and educational works, particularly those focusing on ethnic traditions. Its mission is to celebrate diversity through literature, making it a niche yet impactful publisher.

• Specialties: Cultural history, ethnic heritage, educational nonfiction

• Typical projects: History books, cultural guides, children’s educational titles

• Suitable for: Authors with heritage, cultural, or historical manuscripts

6. Prairie Lights Books Publishing (Iowa City)

Connected with the iconic independent bookstore Prairie Lights, this imprint helps regional writers bring new works into the public sphere. It often highlights poetry, fiction, and essays tied to the Midwestern experience.

• Specialties: Fiction, poetry, essays

• Typical projects: Small-run literary works, poetry chapbooks

• Suitable for: Emerging and established authors with strong literary voices

7. North Liberty Press

North Liberty Press focuses on small-scale publishing for independent authors and local interest books. It bridges community engagement with professional quality printing.

• Specialties: Local interest, community anthologies, general nonfiction

• Typical projects: Regional guides, memoirs, short story collections

• Suitable for: Writers wanting local connections and modest print runs

8. Beckett Publishing (Des Moines)

Based in Des Moines, Beckett Publishing blends independent publishing with editorial services. Its catalog often includes contemporary fiction and accessible nonfiction.

• Specialties: Commercial fiction, self-help, memoir

• Typical projects: Popular fiction, life stories, inspirational guides

• Suitable for: Writers aiming for mainstream audiences

9. The Iowa Poetry Prize / Iowa Poetry Series

This program operates as part of the University of Iowa’s literary tradition. It functions as both a contest and a publishing pathway, showcasing talented poets through annual publications.

• Specialties: Poetry collections

• Typical projects: Prize-winning chapbooks and full-length poetry

• Suitable for: Poets seeking recognition and professional publication

10. Waveland Press (Long Grove)

Though now national in scope, Waveland maintains strong Midwestern roots. It specializes in academic works, particularly textbooks in social sciences.

• Specialties: Academic publishing, social sciences, anthropology

• Typical projects: University course texts, research studies

• Suitable for: Professors and scholars seeking textbook publishers

11. Finishing Line Press (Georgetown, Iowa branch)

Finishing Line Press is known nationally for poetry and chapbooks, with Iowa connections through its publishing operations. It supports emerging voices while also producing works from established poets.

• Specialties: Poetry, chapbooks, short fiction

• Typical projects: Limited-edition poetry collections

• Suitable for: Poets looking for high-quality small press publishing

12. Meredith Publishing (Des Moines)

Meredith Corporation is best known for magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, but it also produces books tied to its lifestyle brands. Its publishing arm reaches a wide national audience.

• Specialties: Lifestyle, cooking, home design, wellness

• Typical projects: Recipe books, lifestyle guides, branded nonfiction

• Suitable for: Authors with projects linked to lifestyle markets

13. Augustana College Press (Sioux City region)

Though primarily linked with academic programs, this press contributes to regional scholarship and cultural works.

• Specialties: Regional scholarship, history, educational publishing

• Typical projects: Monographs, historical texts

• Suitable for: Scholars and researchers with focused projects

14. Lorian Press (Des Moines)

An independent press dedicated to contemporary fiction and memoir. It emphasizes narrative strength and accessibility.

• Specialties: Fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction

• Typical projects: Novels, autobiographies, short fiction

• Suitable for: Authors exploring personal stories and fresh voices

15. Kendall Hunt Publishing (Dubuque)

Kendall Hunt is a major educational publisher in Iowa with a national reputation. It works extensively with custom textbooks, curriculum materials, and higher education resources.

• Specialties: Education, K-12, higher education

• Typical projects: Textbooks, course materials, professional training books

• Suitable for: Educators and academic authors

16. Tall Corn Books (Ames)

This small press takes pride in showcasing Iowa’s agricultural and cultural narratives. Its titles highlight rural communities and farm life.

• Specialties: Agriculture, rural memoirs, regional fiction

• Typical projects: Nonfiction about farming culture, novels with rural themes

• Suitable for: Authors with Midwestern or agricultural focus

17. Davenport House Press

Focused on regional nonfiction, Davenport House Press publishes historical works tied to Iowa towns and communities.

• Specialties: Local history, biographies, community heritage

• Typical projects: Historical retrospectives, civic histories

• Suitable for: Local historians and genealogists

18. Clear Creek Press (Cedar Rapids)

Clear Creek Press emphasizes literary works and environmental subjects. Its catalog includes poetry, fiction, and eco-conscious nonfiction.

• Specialties: Poetry, eco-literature, literary fiction

• Typical projects: Small print runs of literary books

• Suitable for: Writers with strong ecological or literary focus

19. Boone River Press

A community-minded publisher supporting memoirs and regional nonfiction. It often partners with local authors for modest but professional projects.

• Specialties: Memoir, local interest, general nonfiction

• Typical projects: Autobiographies, community anthologies

• Suitable for: First-time authors and local writers

20. Cedar Falls Literary Press

This press focuses on poetry, short stories, and essays with a Midwestern lens. It often collaborates with university faculty and alumni.

• Specialties: Literary essays, fiction, poetry

• Typical projects: Short story collections, chapbooks

• Suitable for: Literary authors seeking regional publishers

21. Story City Publishing

As its name suggests, Story City Publishing values storytelling in multiple genres. It often publishes regional fiction and creative nonfiction.

• Specialties: Regional stories, children’s fiction, creative nonfiction

• Typical projects: Novels, memoirs, illustrated children’s books

• Suitable for: Family-oriented and local interest writers

22. Dubuque Heritage Press

A press dedicated to publishing works that highlight Dubuque and the Mississippi River region.

• Specialties: Regional history, photography, cultural heritage

• Typical projects: Coffee-table books, regional nonfiction

• Suitable for: Historians, photographers, and heritage authors

23. Spirit Lake Press

Spirit Lake Press publishes fiction, memoir, and local guides inspired by northern Iowa landscapes.

• Specialties: Fiction, travel, memoir

• Typical projects: Novels, travelogues, life stories

• Suitable for: Writers inspired by place and personal journeys

24. Des Moines Writers’ Press

This cooperative publishing group assists authors in bringing small-scale books to life, particularly for poetry and essays.

• Specialties: Poetry, essays, short fiction

• Typical projects: Limited-edition chapbooks, anthologies

• Suitable for: Writers seeking collaborative publishing options

25. Mason City Press

Publishing with a community focus, Mason City Press supports both local history and creative writing projects.

• Specialties: Local history, fiction, memoir

• Typical projects: Civic histories, community anthologies

• Suitable for: Local writers and historians

26. Coralville Books

Coralville Books emphasizes accessible fiction and nonfiction, often working with authors from Iowa City’s creative community.

• Specialties: Fiction, memoir, literary nonfiction

• Typical projects: Novels, essay collections

• Suitable for: Emerging literary authors

27. Siouxland Publishing

Siouxland Publishing supports books reflecting Sioux City and western Iowa culture, focusing on both fiction and nonfiction.

• Specialties: Regional history, fiction, memoir

• Typical projects: Town histories, contemporary novels

• Suitable for: Writers connected to western Iowa heritage

28. Hawkeye Publishing (Waterloo)

Hawkeye Publishing rounds out the list with a commitment to local authors and community-based projects. Its catalog blends nonfiction and creative works.

• Specialties: Local nonfiction, creative writing, memoir

• Typical projects: Anthologies, life stories, community works

• Suitable for: Writers looking for small-press, regional focus

Estimated Publishing Costs in Iowa (2025)

Service Type	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Developmental Editing	$1,500 – $4,500	Price varies by manuscript length and complexity. Literary and academic presses may include peer review.
Copyediting & Proofreading	$800 – $2,500	Essential for polished manuscripts; university presses have in-house editors.
Book Design & Typesetting	$1,000 – $3,000	Includes interior layout and professional formatting. Poetry and illustrated books may cost more.
Cover Design	$500 – $1,500	Custom covers with professional artwork often fall at the higher end.
Hybrid Publishing Packages	$4,000 – $12,000	Offered by companies like Barnett Ghostwriting; includes editing, design, and distribution.
Printing Costs (per copy)	$3 – $8 (paperback)	Varies by trim size, page count, and print method (POD vs. offset).
Marketing & Promotion	$1,500 – $6,000	Includes social media promotion, press releases, book launch campaigns.
Full Self-Publishing Path (all services)	$7,000 – $20,000	Typical range for authors using hybrid or independent services.

Conclusion

Iowa’s publishing landscape in 2025 reflects both tradition and innovation. From the large academic presses like University of Iowa Press and Kendall Hunt to community-driven imprints such as Story City Publishing and Dubuque Heritage Press, authors have opportunities to see their work in print while contributing to the cultural fabric of the state. Barnett Ghostwriting provides a modern, service-oriented option, while regional presses keep Iowa’s unique voice alive. Whether you’re a poet, historian, or novelist, Iowa’s publishers offer a wide spectrum of possibilities to bring your manuscript into the world.