North Dakota is often associated with vast prairies, agricultural life, and close-knit communities, but it also has a quietly growing publishing landscape. Writers in the state benefit from a variety of presses—some rooted in universities and regional heritage, others focused on literary voices, and several offering modern author services. Together, these companies make North Dakota a supportive environment for both emerging and established authors.

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting provides comprehensive publishing support with a focus on helping authors bring ideas into fully developed books. They serve both fiction and nonfiction writers, offering a guided path from raw concept to polished manuscript.

• Focus: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, and publishing solutions.

• Services: Concept development, collaborative writing, structural editing, formatting, and design.

• Ideal for: Authors who want expert assistance in producing professional manuscripts.

2. Vox Ghostwriting

Vox Ghostwriting combines editorial expertise with ghostwriting services, working across genres like memoir, business, and narrative nonfiction.

• Focus: Ghostwriting and editorial support.

• Services: Drafting manuscripts, line editing, proofreading, and strategy sessions for publication.

• Strength: Preserving author voice while ensuring professional structure.

3. Dakota Press

Dakota Press highlights North Dakota’s identity through books that preserve regional stories and traditions.

• Focus: Regional nonfiction, history, and memoir.

• Services: Editing, local distribution, and historical documentation.

• Notable for: Strong ties to cultural and historical communities.

4. Red River Publishing

Red River Publishing seeks to publish nonfiction narratives that appeal both locally and nationally.

• Focus: Trade nonfiction and biographies.

• Services: Editorial refinement, trade production, and design.

• Benefit: Packages local stories for wider markets.

5. Plains & Prairie Press

A small literary house, Plains & Prairie Press is committed to poetry and short fiction.

• Focus: Poetry and short-form literature.

• Services: Chapbook publication, editorial mentorship, and readings.

• Best suited for: Emerging poets and short fiction writers.

6. Frost River Books

Frost River Books is known for literary fiction and nonfiction that reflects rural landscapes and prairie culture.

• Focus: Literary fiction and essays.

• Services: Developmental editing, traditional print runs, and events.

• Strength: High-quality, curated literary works.

7. Great Plains House

Great Plains House caters to children’s and young adult literature.

• Focus: Illustrated picture books and YA fiction.

• Services: Illustration management, educational outreach, and trade design.

• Who it helps: Authors writing for school and family audiences.

8. Bismarck Books

Bismarck Books offers a diverse list of memoirs, nonfiction, and cultural studies.

• Focus: Nonfiction and memoir.

• Services: Editorial support, production, and community bookstore placement.

• Why it appeals: Accessible and community-centered publishing.

9. Fargo Fiction House

This publisher focuses on creative and speculative fiction for contemporary audiences.

• Focus: Contemporary and speculative novels.

• Services: Editorial feedback, cover design, and marketing.

• Benefit: Encourages bold and imaginative storytelling.

10. Prairie Dog Press

Prairie Dog Press produces limited runs of poetry and nonfiction.

• Focus: Poetry and creative nonfiction.

• Services: Small print runs, artistic cover design, and readings.

• Strength: Boutique, art-forward publishing.

11. Badlands Publishing

Badlands Publishing specializes in environmental nonfiction and outdoor guides.

• Focus: Environmental writing and guidebooks.

• Services: Field editing, illustration, and trade distribution.

• Audience: Readers interested in nature and conservation.

12. Turtle Mountain Press

Dedicated to cultural heritage, Turtle Mountain Press highlights Indigenous authors and voices.

• Focus: Indigenous literature and community histories.

• Services: Editorial collaboration, oral history support, and cultural outreach.

• Why important: Elevates regional Indigenous perspectives.

13. Lake Agassiz Press

Lake Agassiz Press publishes academic and research-driven works tied to the region.

• Focus: Academic essays and regional studies.

• Services: Peer review, scholarly formatting, and library distribution.

• Best for: Scholars and researchers.

14. Prairie Light Publishing

A balanced press that publishes both fiction and nonfiction for trade audiences.

• Focus: Fiction, memoir, and anthologies.

• Services: Manuscript editing, anthology coordination, and marketing.

• Strength: Strong community-focused projects.

15. Northern Plains Publishing

Northern Plains Publishing centers on cookbooks, crafts, and lifestyle titles.

• Focus: Practical nonfiction with visual elements.

• Services: Recipe testing, photography, and design.

• Why notable: Showcases prairie traditions through lifestyle content.

16. Pembina Publishing

Pembina Publishing supports memoir and short-form nonfiction.

• Focus: Personal narratives and essays.

• Services: Coaching, developmental edits, and debut author mentorship.

• Audience: New writers seeking guidance.

17. Roughrider Press

Roughrider Press maintains a diverse trade list with regional and general nonfiction.

• Focus: Trade nonfiction and fiction.

• Services: Editing, print production, and distribution partnerships.

• Strength: Long-term backlist management.

18. Heritage Prairie Press

Heritage Prairie Press preserves family and community histories through publication.

• Focus: Genealogy and oral history.

• Services: Archival assistance, transcription, and community events.

• Why unique: Helps preserve generational stories.

19. Heartland House

Heartland House produces nonfiction business guides, travelogues, and light fiction.

• Focus: Business and practical nonfiction.

• Services: Editorial support, coaching, and promotional resources.

• Strength: Author education and platform building.

20. Sovereign North Publishing

This publisher emphasizes civic nonfiction and agricultural economics.

• Focus: Rural policy and agriculture.

• Services: Peer review, policy editing, and outreach.

• Audience: Policymakers, practitioners, and academics.

21. High Plains Press

High Plains Press focuses on literary novels and essays.

• Focus: Literary trade books.

• Services: Developmental editing, design, and festival participation.

• Strength: Literary prestige and design quality.

22. Souris Valley Books

Souris Valley Books focuses on community-centered projects.

• Focus: School publications and local memoirs.

• Services: Small-batch printing and local promotion.

• Benefit: Grassroots publishing for community authors.

23. Northern Lights Editions

This press publishes visual nonfiction and art-centered works.

• Focus: Photography and literary nonfiction.

• Services: Photo editing, artist collaboration, and limited editions.

• Strength: Strong appeal to art collectors.

24. Red Willow Books

Red Willow Books supports chapbooks and short-form writing.

• Focus: Poetry and short fiction.

• Services: Mentorship, contests, and distribution.

• Ideal for: Emerging writers starting their publishing careers.

25. Prairie Horizon Publishers

Prairie Horizon Publishers create travel and outdoor adventure books.

• Focus: Travel and adventure nonfiction.

• Services: Field editing, maps, and trade production.

• Benefit: Adventure-focused practical content.

26. Iron Range Publishing

Iron Range Publishing documents regional industrial heritage.

• Focus: Industrial history and biographies.

• Services: Archival work, fact-checking, and community publication.

• Notable for: Chronicling labor and industrial legacies.

27. Windbreak Books

Windbreak Books works with journalists and essayists.

• Focus: Narrative nonfiction and essays.

• Services: Commissioning, editing, and regional tie-ins.

• Best for: Writers expanding journalistic work into books.

28. Prairie Beacon Press

Prairie Beacon Press supports educational publishing.

• Focus: Teacher resources and children’s nonfiction.

• Services: Curriculum alignment, teacher guides, and school distribution.

• Audience: Authors of classroom content.

29. North Star Literary

A boutique press offering literary fiction and memoirs.

• Focus: Fiction and narrative nonfiction.

• Services: Editorial coaching, branding, and book launches.

• Strength: Combines editing with marketing strategies.

30. Prairie Gate Books

Prairie Gate Books publishes inspirational and faith-based works.

• Focus: Devotionals and inspirational nonfiction.

• Services: Editing, design, and church partnerships.

• Benefit: Strong ties with community and faith groups.

31. Sovereign Plains Editions

Sovereign Plains Editions produces art books and collectible editions.

• Focus: Art, design, and limited literary works.

• Services: Artist collaboration and special printing.

• Strength: Premium editions for collectors.

32. Valley Heritage Press

Valley Heritage Press publishes agricultural histories and rural memoirs.

• Focus: Farming traditions and local memoirs.

• Services: Editing, archival photography, and distribution.

• Why important: Preserves agricultural heritage.

33. Prairie Rose Publishing

Prairie Rose Publishing emphasizes romance and women’s fiction with a Midwestern flavor.

• Focus: Romance and women’s fiction.

• Services: Editing, cover design, and promotional support.

• Audience: Readers seeking accessible, character-driven stories.

Tips for Authors Seeking to Publish in North Dakota

To maximize your chances of success, here are practical steps:

• Research Publishers Thoroughly: Tailor your submission to the publisher’s specialty.

• Perfect Your Manuscript: Ensure it is well-edited before submission.

• Develop an Author Brand: Publishers increasingly look for authors with an established audience.

• Leverage Local Events: Book fairs, library talks, and community readings are popular in North Dakota.

• Think Long-Term: Publishing is not just about one book but building a sustainable writing career.

Types of Publishing Services in North Dakota

To better understand the 33 publishers listed, it’s helpful to look at the main categories of publishing services offered across the state:

1. Traditional Publishers
   • Accept manuscripts, edit, design, print, and distribute books.

   • Often cover costs but are selective about what they publish.

   • Example: University presses, regional imprints.

2. Hybrid Publishers
   • Blend elements of traditional and self-publishing.

   • Authors may share costs but benefit from professional editing and marketing.

   • Example: Agencies like Barnett Ghostwriting offering full-spectrum services.

3. Self-Publishing Service Providers
   • Help authors independently publish by offering editing, cover design, and distribution tools.

   • Flexible but author-funded.

4. Specialty/Regional Publishers
   • Focus on specific topics such as Native American literature, agriculture, poetry, or children’s books.

By knowing what kind of publisher fits their goals, authors can strategically select the right partner for their book project.

Conclusion

North Dakota’s publishing environment in 2025 is diverse, reflecting its cultural heritage and creative communities. From literary and academic presses to ghostwriting agencies and hybrid publishers, authors have access to professional pathways that suit their goals. Whether your project is a regional history, a poetry collection, a classroom resource, or a memoir, these 33 publishing companies provide entry points into the world of publishing while ensuring the stories of the Northern Plains continue to be heard.