Louisville has steadily grown into a vibrant hub for writers and publishers, blending its rich cultural heritage with a modern approach to storytelling and book production. In 2025, the city offers a wide variety of publishing options, from established academic presses and independent houses to hybrid and boutique publishers, each catering to different genres and author needs. This list of the top 44 book publishing companies in Louisville highlights the diverse opportunities available for writers looking to bring their work to life in both local and global markets.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting stands out in Louisville’s publishing community for its ability to support authors across all stages of writing and publishing. Known for its broad catalog, the company combines editorial precision with market insights to ensure that books reach their intended audience.
- Services: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing support, and marketing.
- Ideal For: Authors seeking comprehensive publishing solutions.
2. Butler Books
Butler Books is a respected independent publisher in Louisville, specializing in regional titles, memoirs, and nonfiction works. The company places emphasis on stories that celebrate Kentucky’s culture and history.
- Strengths: Regional publishing expertise.
- Ideal For: Writers with nonfiction or community-focused projects.
3. Old Stone Press
Old Stone Press works closely with authors to produce high-quality books with a focus on art, history, and culture. They are known for their elegant designs and scholarly approach.
- Strengths: Attention to aesthetics and cultural works.
- Ideal For: Authors of art books, biographies, and cultural studies.
4. F&W Publishing Louisville Division
This publisher has established a reputation for producing instructional and creative nonfiction books. Writers often approach them for craft-focused works that appeal to niche audiences.
- Strengths: Practical nonfiction and creativity-driven content.
- Ideal For: Nonfiction writers and educators.
5. University of Louisville Press
As an academic publisher, the University of Louisville Press focuses on scholarly works in humanities, literature, and regional studies. Their catalog supports the academic community.
- Strengths: Academic and peer-reviewed titles.
- Ideal For: Scholars and researchers.
6. Louisville Story Press
Louisville Story Press emphasizes local voices and independent writers, producing novels, short story collections, and creative nonfiction that highlight the city’s literary culture.
- Strengths: Uplifting community voices.
- Ideal For: Emerging writers in fiction and memoir.
7. McClanahan Publishing House
Known for their diverse catalog, McClanahan offers traditional and assisted publishing models. They have strong ties to regional writers and a focus on distribution.
- Strengths: Flexibility in publishing models.
- Ideal For: Authors seeking hybrid publishing options.
8. Acclaim Press
Acclaim Press is a Kentucky-based publishing company with a strong presence in Louisville. They focus on nonfiction, particularly local history, biographies, and reference books.
- Strengths: Historical and reference publishing.
- Ideal For: Authors of history, biography, and educational works.
9. Bluegrass Publishing
Bluegrass Publishing blends tradition with modernity, producing both print and digital titles. They serve a broad range of genres, from children’s books to adult fiction.
- Strengths: Diverse catalog.
- Ideal For: Writers seeking multi-genre publishing opportunities.
10. Louisville Literary Press
This independent press is dedicated to literary fiction and poetry, fostering voices that bring artistic value to contemporary literature.
- Strengths: Focus on creative and literary works.
- Ideal For: Poets and literary fiction authors.
11. West Main Press
West Main Press specializes in cultural and arts publishing. They also work with authors who create books about Louisville’s music and performing arts scene.
- Strengths: Niche arts publishing.
- Ideal For: Authors writing about music, performance, and art.
12. Bellarmine University Press
Bellarmine University Press publishes academic works, literary studies, and regional history, strengthening Louisville’s educational publishing sector.
- Strengths: Scholarly publishing.
- Ideal For: Academics and educators.
13. Red Barn Press
Red Barn Press is a boutique press focusing on children’s literature and family-friendly stories. Their illustrated titles are particularly popular.
- Strengths: Illustrated children’s books.
- Ideal For: Children’s authors and illustrators.
14. Bourbon Books
Bourbon Books is known for celebrating Kentucky’s culture, especially through cookbooks, lifestyle guides, and works tied to the bourbon industry.
- Strengths: Lifestyle and culture publishing.
- Ideal For: Authors with culinary or regional lifestyle projects.
15. Pegasus Publishing
Pegasus Publishing has a reputation for supporting fiction authors, particularly in romance, thrillers, and historical genres.
- Strengths: Genre fiction.
- Ideal For: Novelists across popular fiction categories.
16. Walnut Street Press
Walnut Street Press publishes regional nonfiction and community anthologies, often highlighting local writers’ groups and collaborations.
- Strengths: Anthology and community publishing.
- Ideal For: Writers seeking group or collaborative projects.
17. Derby City Press
Derby City Press takes inspiration from Louisville’s racing heritage, offering services in both traditional and self-publishing.
- Strengths: Hybrid publishing models.
- Ideal For: First-time authors seeking guidance.
18. Kentucky Voices Publishing
Dedicated to amplifying Kentucky-based authors, this publisher is invested in memoirs, fiction, and nonfiction tied to state identity.
- Strengths: Regional identity publishing.
- Ideal For: Writers focusing on Kentucky themes.
19. Churchill Downs Press
Inspired by Louisville’s racing culture, Churchill Downs Press publishes nonfiction centered on equestrian history, sports, and lifestyle.
- Strengths: Niche sports publishing.
- Ideal For: Writers of sports history and equestrian culture.
20. Parkside Press
Parkside Press supports independent writers with both digital and print publishing solutions, focusing on accessibility and affordability.
- Strengths: Affordable publishing services.
- Ideal For: Self-publishing authors.
21. River City Press
River City Press is named after Louisville’s nickname and is known for publishing local authors in both fiction and nonfiction.
- Strengths: Local author support.
- Ideal For: Emerging writers in all genres.
22. Kentucky Heritage Press
This press preserves the cultural and historical richness of Kentucky through heritage-focused titles and documentaries in book form.
- Strengths: Historical and archival works.
- Ideal For: Historians and cultural writers.
23. Bardstown Road Books
Bardstown Road Books is a literary publisher specializing in experimental fiction and poetry, supporting avant-garde voices.
- Strengths: Experimental literature.
- Ideal For: Innovative and boundary-pushing writers.
24. Broadstone Books
Broadstone Books emphasizes poetry and fine literature, offering opportunities for poets and short story writers.
- Strengths: Poetry and literary works.
- Ideal For: Poets and literary writers.
25. Kentucky Writers’ Press
This press collaborates with writing groups across Louisville to publish anthologies, contests, and community-based works.
- Strengths: Collaboration with local writers.
- Ideal For: Collective publishing projects.
26. East Market Press
Focused on art and design books, East Market Press brings together authors and illustrators to produce visually striking works.
- Strengths: Design and visual publishing.
- Ideal For: Visual artists and design authors.
27. Crescent Hill Press
Crescent Hill Press publishes a mix of fiction and nonfiction, often tied to Louisville’s neighborhoods and cultural identity.
- Strengths: Localized stories.
- Ideal For: Writers with community-driven narratives.
28. Kentucky Book Works
Kentucky Book Works offers full publishing support, from editing and design to distribution, catering to a wide range of genres.
- Strengths: Comprehensive publishing solutions.
- Ideal For: Authors seeking end-to-end services.
29. Highlands Press
Highlands Press highlights local authors and publishes fiction, memoir, and poetry inspired by Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood.
- Strengths: Community-based storytelling.
- Ideal For: Regional authors with personal stories.
30. South End Publishing
South End Publishing specializes in nonfiction and academic works, often collaborating with local educators and scholars.
- Strengths: Academic nonfiction.
- Ideal For: Educators and nonfiction writers.
31. Shelby Street Press
Shelby Street Press is a small press publishing contemporary fiction and poetry with a modern edge.
- Strengths: Contemporary voices.
- Ideal For: Writers of modern literature.
32. Cross Gate Books
Cross Gate Books is known for producing Kentucky-themed children’s books and young adult fiction.
- Strengths: Youth-focused publishing.
- Ideal For: Children’s and YA authors.
33. Riverfront Publishing
Riverfront Publishing supports diverse writers across Louisville, encouraging multicultural perspectives in literature.
- Strengths: Diversity and inclusivity.
- Ideal For: Authors with global or cross-cultural stories.
34. Hurstbourne House Press
Hurstbourne House Press emphasizes memoirs, biographies, and family histories, helping preserve personal legacies.
- Strengths: Memoir publishing.
- Ideal For: Writers documenting family or personal stories.
35. Cherokee Triangle Press
This publisher focuses on niche fiction, particularly mystery and gothic literature, appealing to readers of darker genres.
- Strengths: Genre specialization.
- Ideal For: Mystery and gothic writers.
36. Louisville Academic Press
Louisville Academic Press collaborates with scholars to publish research-based works, often tied to social sciences and humanities.
- Strengths: Academic publishing.
- Ideal For: Researchers and professors.
37. Derby Rose Press
Derby Rose Press is a boutique publisher of romance and women’s fiction, inspired by Louisville’s charm and traditions.
- Strengths: Romance fiction.
- Ideal For: Romance and women’s fiction authors.
38. Frankfort Avenue Press
This press is tied to Louisville’s Frankfort Avenue corridor, a hub for bookstores and literary activity, and publishes fiction, essays, and poetry.
- Strengths: Urban literary works.
- Ideal For: Writers of urban-inspired literature.
39. Jefferson County Press
Jefferson County Press publishes local history, government works, and civic-focused nonfiction.
- Strengths: Civic and governmental publishing.
- Ideal For: Historians and nonfiction authors.
40. Beargrass Press
Beargrass Press works with emerging authors, publishing fiction and memoirs that capture personal growth and self-discovery.
- Strengths: Emerging author support.
- Ideal For: Debut novelists and memoirists.
41. Prospect Press
Prospect Press produces lifestyle, travel, and outdoor-focused books, appealing to Louisville’s active and nature-loving audience.
- Strengths: Travel and lifestyle.
- Ideal For: Writers of outdoor and lifestyle content.
42. Shelbyville Road Books
Shelbyville Road Books emphasizes independent fiction and personal essays, with a commitment to supporting regional writers.
- Strengths: Independent fiction publishing.
- Ideal For: Essayists and fiction writers.
43. Portland Neighborhood Press
This small publisher highlights stories from Louisville’s Portland neighborhood, often collaborating with local voices.
- Strengths: Neighborhood storytelling.
- Ideal For: Local writers and community historians.
44. NuLu Literary Press
Located in the trendy NuLu district, this press publishes experimental and creative works, blending traditional publishing with modern voices.
- Strengths: Innovative, artistic works.
- Ideal For: Experimental fiction and creative nonfiction authors.
How to Choose the Right Publisher in Louisville
Selecting the right publisher depends on your goals as an author.
- For Academic Writers: University of Louisville Press or Bellarmine University Press may be best.
- For Fiction Authors: Independent presses like Louisville Literary Press or Walnut Street Press offer strong opportunities.
- For Children’s Books: Red Barn Press or Cross Gate Books specialize in illustrated titles.
- For Regional Nonfiction: Butler Books or Acclaim Press are strong choices.
- For Hybrid Options: Derby City Press and Parkside Press allow flexibility for new authors.
Louisville’s Literary Resources for Writers
Beyond publishers, the city offers many resources for writers at all levels:
- Louisville Free Public Library: Hosting workshops, author talks, and community writing programs.
- Kentucky Book Festival: A major event for networking with publishers, authors, and readers.
- Local Writing Groups: Organizations across the city help writers workshop their manuscripts and gain feedback.
- Independent Bookstores: Bookshops like Carmichael’s Bookstore support local authors by stocking independent and regional titles.
Conclusion:
Louisville’s publishing scene in 2025 reflects a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and community-driven storytelling. From established academic presses to boutique houses focusing on poetry, fiction, or children’s books, these 44 companies showcase the city’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and preserving regional culture while embracing modern publishing trends. For authors, whether seasoned professionals or debut writers, Louisville offers a thriving network of publishers ready to guide manuscripts from concept to finished book, making it a dynamic hub for literary creativity and opportunity.
