Introduction
Louisiana has long been a cradle of creativity, with its rich mix of cultures, traditions, and voices shaping art and literature alike.
From the soulful streets of New Orleans to the bayous of Acadiana, the state’s storytelling tradition runs deep. In 2025, Louisiana’s publishing industry continues to thrive, offering authors platforms that celebrate diversity, heritage, and innovation.
Whether you’re crafting a novel, poetry collection, or nonfiction rooted in cultural history, there’s a publisher here ready to bring your story to life. This guide introduces 26 of Louisiana’s top publishers, each with a unique role in the state’s literary landscape.
Top 26 Book Publishers in Louisiana for 2025
1. Emerald Ghostwriting
Overview – Emerald Ghostwriting is more than just a service; it’s a partner for writers who want to see their ideas turned into powerful books. They specialize in ghostwriting across genres, working closely with clients to bring authentic stories to life. From manuscript development to editing and publishing support, they guide authors at every stage.
Highlights for Authors – Full-service support, personalized guidance, and a focus on delivering polished, market-ready manuscripts.
2. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press
Overview – This university press is devoted to works that celebrate the culture, history, and identity of Louisiana. It publishes scholarly texts and cultural titles that preserve the state’s heritage while promoting academic excellence. Authors gain credibility while connecting with audiences who value regional studies.
Highlights for Authors – Regional focus on Louisiana’s traditions, strong academic standards, and a platform that helps writers reach both local and scholarly readers worldwide.
3. Pelican Publishing Company
Overview – Based in New Orleans, Pelican Publishing has been shaping Louisiana’s literary identity for decades. Their catalog covers cookbooks, children’s books, biographies, and regional history. With a wide distribution network, Pelican ensures books reach national and international audiences. Authors benefit from their longstanding reputation and experience.
Highlights for Authors – Wide-ranging genres, trusted name in Southern publishing, and professional distribution that helps books gain visibility beyond Louisiana.
4. LSU Press (Louisiana State University Press)
Overview – LSU Press is one of the South’s most respected academic publishers. It produces works in history, literature, poetry, and cultural studies, with many titles winning prestigious awards. Their books often reach universities, libraries, and scholars across the globe. Writers who value credibility and serious scholarship turn to LSU Press.
Highlights for Authors – Academic prestige, focus on Southern and cultural studies, and global recognition through award-winning publications.
5. Fleur-de-Lis Press
Overview – Fleur-de-Lis Press celebrates Louisiana’s spirit through poetry, essays, and nonfiction that highlight regional heritage. They are committed to keeping cultural traditions alive while showcasing fresh interpretations of Cajun and Creole life. With a balance of literary artistry and cultural pride, this press makes a mark on the state’s publishing scene.
Highlights for Authors – Focus on Louisiana’s heritage, strong platform for poets and essayists, and encouragement for authors exploring cultural storytelling.
6. Bayou Books Publishing
Overview – Bayou Books Publishing is an independent press dedicated to heartfelt storytelling. They publish contemporary fiction, memoirs, and children’s literature, ensuring diverse voices are heard. Their editorial team values originality and cultural authenticity, making them a great choice for writers who want their stories to resonate. Personalized support helps authors refine their manuscripts while reaching their intended audience.
Highlights for Authors – Strong support for memoir and fiction writers, openness to new voices, and hands-on editorial guidance.
7. Portico Publishing Louisiana
Overview – Portico Publishing focuses on nonfiction and cultural works that highlight Louisiana’s unique identity. Their books often capture lifestyle, local history, and travel, making them popular among both locals and visitors. With a strong emphasis on professional presentation, they ensure every title reflects quality and credibility. Authors find in them a supportive partner to showcase Louisiana’s story to the world.
Highlights for Authors – Nonfiction focus, regional storytelling, and high-quality production for professional presentation.
8. French Quarter Press
Overview – Inspired by the lively atmosphere of New Orleans, French Quarter Press publishes novels, poetry, and anthologies that celebrate creativity. Their catalog captures the soul of the city while offering opportunities for both established and new writers. They are known for embracing diverse genres and artistic experimentation, making them appealing for authors seeking fresh expression.
Highlights for Authors – Multiple genres welcomed, opportunities for new writers, and focus on cultural and creative authenticity.
9. Acadian House Publishing
Overview – Acadian House Publishing focuses primarily on nonfiction, with a strong emphasis on Louisiana heritage, religion, and culture. Their books preserve important traditions while bringing meaningful stories to a wider audience. For authors interested in historical works, cultural studies, or faith-based titles, Acadian House offers a trusted platform with professional editorial guidance.
Highlights for Authors – Reliable publisher for cultural and religious works, strong nonfiction focus, and respected reputation in Louisiana publishing.
10. Gumbo House Publishing
Overview – Gumbo House Publishing mirrors its namesake dish by blending different voices and styles into one vibrant catalog. They publish fiction, memoirs, anthologies, and poetry, with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Their goal is to showcase Louisiana’s unique mix of traditions while giving both new and established authors space to thrive
Highlights for Authors – Publishes across genres, celebrates cultural diversity, and supports storytelling rooted in Louisiana’s identity.
11. Dogfish Publishing
Overview: Dogfish Publishing has carved out a space in Louisiana’s indie publishing community by supporting diverse authors and experimental voices. They offer editorial feedback, layout services, and distribution support tailored to unique projects. Known for uplifting marginalized writers, they’ve become a valuable platform for stories outside the mainstream.
Highlights for Authors: Writers choose Dogfish Publishing for their dedication to inclusivity, personalized author relationships, and opportunities to publish unconventional, creative works.
12. Oakwood Press
Overview: Oakwood Press takes pride in crafting polished literary works with strong storytelling appeal. Specializing in fiction and creative nonfiction, they guide authors from concept to completion. Their in-house design team creates striking covers and layouts that help books stand out in competitive markets. Oakwood also offers marketing resources that push titles beyond regional borders.
Highlights for Authors: Authors select Oakwood Press for their design expertise, attention to storytelling craft, and marketing assistance that extends book reach.
13. Magnolia City Books
Overview: Based in the heart of Louisiana, Magnolia City Books has become a go-to for local authors aiming to share their stories widely. They focus on general fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs, offering publishing packages that include editing, formatting, and promotional help. Magnolia City’s strong community presence adds credibility to new voices.
Highlights for Authors: Authors trust Magnolia City Books for their full-service approach, strong ties to local literary networks, and supportive publishing process.
14. Southern Roots Publishing
Overview: Southern Roots Publishing embodies Louisiana’s spirit by celebrating heritage-driven stories and regional authors. Their catalog often includes historical works, biographies, and novels rooted in Southern culture. They combine traditional publishing services with a focus on reaching regional bookstores, making authors’ works accessible in local communities.
Highlights for Authors: Writers appreciate Southern Roots Publishing for its cultural focus, regional distribution network, and dedication to preserving Louisiana’s storytelling traditions.
15. Pelican State Publishing
Overview: Pelican State Publishing is known for its professionalism and commitment to both emerging and established authors. They provide developmental editing, professional book design, and marketing consultation to ensure polished and competitive titles. The company publishes across genres, making it a versatile option for many writers.
Highlights for Authors: Authors choose Pelican State Publishing for their genre diversity, high production standards, and hands-on editorial collaboration.
16. Cypress Tree Press
Overview: Cypress Tree Press combines creative publishing with personalized author care. They focus on poetry, memoirs, and literary fiction, often spotlighting new writers. Their editorial team emphasizes close collaboration, helping authors refine manuscripts into powerful finished works. Their flexible publishing packages allow authors more control over their journey.
Highlights for Authors: Writers work with Cypress Tree Press for their collaborative editing, author-focused approach, and commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
17. Bayou Bridge Publishing
Overview: Bayou Bridge Publishing highlights Louisiana’s vibrant culture through books that celebrate local history, food, and folklore. They also branch into broader nonfiction and fiction projects. Their distribution network ensures that books reach independent stores and online markets alike. Their catalog reflects both regional pride and universal storytelling appeal.
Highlights for Authors: Authors value Bayou Bridge Publishing for its balance of regional focus, accessible distribution, and support for culturally rich works.
18. Crescent Moon Press
Overview: Crescent Moon Press specializes in fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction, genres that have a strong readership both regionally and nationally. They provide extensive editing, professional cover design, and social media promotion tailored to genre audiences. Their reputation for strong storytelling makes them a favorite among genre writers.
Highlights for Authors: Authors pick Crescent Moon Press for their genre-specific expertise, marketing strategies, and dedication to building author platforms.
19. Red River Press
Overview: Red River Press is known for their focus on historical fiction and nonfiction. They aim to bring Louisiana’s history and culture to life through carefully curated projects. Their publishing process includes developmental feedback, copyediting, and high-quality book design. They also prioritize long-term marketing to keep books visible.
Highlights for Authors: Writers choose Red River Press for their historical expertise, high production standards, and passion for sharing Louisiana’s legacy.
20. Baton Rouge Publishing House
Overview: Baton Rouge Publishing House has built a reputation for producing polished literary and nonfiction works. They combine personalized author support with professional publishing services, ensuring manuscripts are thoroughly developed before release. With a strong presence in Louisiana’s literary events, they connect authors to readers effectively.
Highlights for Authors: Authors select Baton Rouge Publishing House for their professionalism, supportive community, and visibility at local literary events.
21. Gulf Coast Literary
Overview: Gulf Coast Literary focuses on literary fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Their editorial process emphasizes strengthening an author’s voice while shaping a manuscript into a polished work. They’ve built a reputation for bringing sophisticated, meaningful literature to life. Their distribution ensures that works reach both regional and online audiences.
Highlights for Authors: Writers appreciate Gulf Coast Literary for their editorial expertise, support for literary voices, and focus on meaningful storytelling.
22. Acadiana Publishing Group
Overview: Acadiana Publishing Group is rooted in celebrating Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole heritage. They publish history, cookbooks, memoirs, and cultural anthologies. Their editorial and marketing services highlight the cultural richness of each project, appealing to both local readers and wider audiences interested in regional culture.
Highlights for Authors: Authors choose Acadiana Publishing Group for their cultural expertise, unique catalog focus, and strong regional identity.
23. Live Oak Publishing
Overview: Live Oak Publishing works across a range of genres, from children’s books to nonfiction. Their team provides full publishing services, including editing, cover design, and marketing campaigns tailored to each project. Known for reliability and professionalism, they’ve built trust with both new and experienced authors.
Highlights for Authors: Writers choose Live Oak Publishing for their versatility, strong author support, and effective marketing strategies.
24. Delta Star Press
Overview: Delta Star Press shines a spotlight on independent authors by offering custom publishing services. They focus on memoirs, personal essays, and fiction projects that highlight individuality. Their packages allow authors flexibility while still receiving professional editing and design support. They aim to help self-publishing authors succeed.
Highlights for Authors: Authors value Delta Star Press for their flexibility, personalized publishing packages, and commitment to indie voices.
25. Riverbend Publishing
Overview: Riverbend Publishing offers traditional and hybrid publishing solutions across multiple genres. They combine experienced editorial support with broad distribution channels that help authors access both local and national markets. Their dedication to quality makes them a trusted partner for serious authors.
Highlights for Authors: Writers select Riverbend Publishing for their hybrid options, strong editorial standards, and wide distribution network.
26. Fleur-de-Lis Press
Overview: Fleur-de-Lis Press stands out for its elegant approach to publishing and design. They focus on literary fiction, memoirs, and poetry, producing books that are as visually striking as they are meaningful. Their services include developmental editing, cover art, and marketing tailored to book clubs and readers.
Highlights for Authors: Authors work with Fleur-de-Lis Press for their attention to aesthetics, quality editing, and focus on building readership communities.
The Financial Side of Publishing in Louisiana
Publishing a book in Louisiana can vary greatly depending on whether you choose a traditional publisher, a hybrid press, or go the self-publishing route. Traditional publishers typically cover most of the costs, but they may offer smaller royalties and expect authors to invest time in marketing. For writers pursuing hybrid or independent presses, expenses can range from $1,500 to $7,000 depending on the level of editing, design, and distribution required.
Editing is often the most significant investment, with professional services costing between $500 and $2,000. A high-quality cover design may cost around $300 to $800, while formatting and layout services usually fall between $200 and $600. Marketing is another factor—authors often set aside at least $500 to $2,000 for promotional campaigns.
The good news is that many Louisiana-based publishers provide packages that bundle these services, making the process easier for new writers. With the state’s vibrant literary culture, investing in professional publishing can pay off by helping your book reach local and national audiences.
Conclusion
Louisiana offers a thriving literary scene, with publishers that range from culturally focused presses to modern hybrids embracing all genres. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or memoirs, the state’s publishers provide ample opportunities for your voice to be heard. From Emerald Ghostwriting’s global expertise to local gems like Pelican Publishing Company and Crescent Moon Press, writers have a wide variety of trusted partners to choose from.
Ultimately, finding the right publisher comes down to your goals—whether you value wide distribution, regional storytelling, or personalized editorial support. Louisiana’s publishing landscape is rich, diverse, and welcoming, making it an excellent place for authors to launch their work in 2025 and beyond.
